Story Idea: The Bible is our Road Map!

Bring in a large road map (the simpler, the better- a kids car play mat with roads and a toy car would work really well) and have the kids crowd around, discuss:

- What is it? (Map)

- What do we use it for? (Giving directions to get from one place to another)

- Can you still get lost following a map? (Yes)

- How would you know you were lost? (where you are doesn't match where you should be on the map)

- If you are trying to go somewhere and you get lost, what can you do? (Ask for help)

If the map allows, give the kids an example by placing a car on the mat and asking them to help you work out how to drive the car from where you are to a specific destination (eg. fire station), then take a wrong turn and wait for them to react! Ask how they know you took a wrong turn (you are not where you should be on the map) and ask them how you could get back on track if you were lost (get help!).

Explain that the Bible is like God's road map for our lives - it shows us what God wants us to do... But ven though we try to follow God's plan... we sometimes still get it wrong, and the Bible helps us know when we have made a mistake because our lives don't look how they should! The Bible also tells us that when we have made a mistake, we should ask God and he will forgive us and help us get back on track!

Quiz Questions:

1. Why is the Bible like a map for us?

It helps us know what God wants us to do?

2. How would we know if what we are doing is not what God wants us to do?

By listening to the Bible

3. Do we always do the right thing and get everything right?

No

4. Who does the Bible say we should pray to if we have done the wrong thing?

God/Jesus

5. What can we ask God for when we have made a mistake?

To forgive us and help us to do better next time

6. Will God do that?

Yes

Game Idea: Traffic Signs!

Before the lesson, download and print the traffic signs and cut them out. Create a circular track using marker cones on the floor.

Explain and play the game as follows:

- Have the kids walk around the circle pretending to be cars

- Hold up signs and say the direction:

GO = Walk normally

STOP = Freeze

SLOW = Walk in slow motion

U-TURN = Turn around and walk in the other direction

- Kids should follow the directions, the last child to do so is out

- Allow the kids to play for a while before getting them out so that everyone has a chance to play

Craft Idea: Road Map

- Download and print the road map template, preferably on green paper

- You may choose to have the kids draw in their own houses and destinations, or you can print the house, church, fire station, hospital and shop templates on coloured paper, cut out the shapes and have the kids glue them on the map

- Allow kids to decorate their map using tissue paper balls for trees as well as colouring in buildings

Prayer Idea: Pass the Bible!

- Have children sit in a circle and pass around a Bible

- As they hold the Bible, encourage them to thank God for something about the Bible (eg. teaches us, helps us know God's plan, helps us know that we need God, helps s know we can pray to God etc.)

- Have the leaders pray as well to give an example for the kids