2025-04-06 Jealous

Praise and Worship (15 mins)

Parents: The parent and child scheduled for this week will lead us in singing on Sunday. Please take time to practice the songs together at home, helping your child feel confident and joyful as they prepare to lead.

Prayer and Offering (5 mins)

Parents: Please encourage your children to bring an offering to church. You may help your child prepare by setting aside a coin for them to bring on Sunday. This is a great opportunity to teach them about giving to God with a thankful heart and trusting Him to provide.

What is Offering?

Offering is when we give something to God to show our love and thankfulness. In church, we often give money as an offering, but we can also give our time, talents, and kindness to God and others.

Why Do We Make an Offering?

1️⃣ To Thank God – Everything we have comes from God! Giving back is a way to say, “Thank You, God!”
2️⃣ To Trust God – When we give, we show that we trust God to take care of us.
3️⃣ To Help Others – Offerings help the church teach about Jesus, help people in need, and share God’s love.

The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 9:7,
"God loves a cheerful giver!" That means God is happy when we give with a joyful heart!

Prayer for Offering

Dear God, thank You for giving us everything we need. We want to give back to You with joyful hearts. Please use our offering to help others and share Your love. Help us to always trust You. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Review Verse from Last Week

1. "Great is our Lord" 🖐️ (Stretch both arms up high, like reaching to the sky!)
2. "And mighty in power" 💪 (Make strong muscles with both arms!)
3. "His understanding" 🧠 (Point to your head, like thinking!)
4. "Has no limit." 🌍 (Stretch arms wide open, like showing something big!)

Bible Story (10 min): God is Good

Introduction (1 min)

(Hold up two items: a small treat, like a cookie, and a toy syringe or picture of a needle.)

Good morning, friends! I have a question for you. Look at these two things:
– A cookie 🍪
– A shot from the doctor 💉

Which one do you think is GOOD? Raise your hand if you think the cookie is good.
Now raise your hand if you think the shot is good."

(Wait for reactions.)

Most of us think cookies are good because they taste yummy. Shots don’t feel good, but they help us stay healthy. So here’s something to think about: Can something feel bad but still be good?

Today, we’re going to hear a true story about someone who learned that God is always good, even when life is really hard.

Story Telling (5 min) - The Story of Corrie ten Boom

Many years ago, during a very big war called World War II, there was a mean and powerful leader named Adolf Hitler. He was hurting people—especially Jewish people—just because of who they were.

But there was a brave Christian family named the Ten Booms who lived in the country of Holland. The family loved Jesus. Their names were Corrie, her sister Betsie, and their father Mr. Ten Boom.

(Show pictures or act it out with simple props.)

When they saw that Jewish families were in danger, do you know what they did? They built a secret hiding place in their home to protect Jewish people! That was dangerous, but they did it anyway because they believed it was the right thing to do.

(Pause for reaction.)

But one day... someone told the soldiers. The Ten Boom family got caught. The soldiers arrested them and took them to prison.

(Have kids pretend to shiver or wrap arms like they’re cold.)

The prison was dark, cold, stinky, and scary. Corrie was all alone in her little cell. She didn’t know where her sister was. She didn’t know if she’d ever see her family again.

(Pause and lower voice for dramatic effect.)

But one day, when the guards weren’t watching, the prisoners passed little notes through tiny cracks in the wall. Corrie’s sister, Betsie, sent her a note. Do you know what it said?

(Use a folded piece of paper. Pretend to pass it down a row of kids until one opens and reads it.)

It said: “God is good.”

(Repeat it together with kids: "God is good.")

Wait—what? How could Betsie say that when they were hungry and cold and in prison? Was prison good?

No... but Betsie believed something very important: God is always good—even in the hard times.

Wrap-up & Discussion (4 min)

Ask:

Was it easy or hard for Corrie and Betsie in prison?

(Let kids respond.)

Why do you think Betsie still said 'God is good'?

(Guide them: Because she trusted God’s love and plan.)

Have you ever had something hard happen—like being sick or sad—but later saw something good come out of it?

The Bible says in Romans 8:28 that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.

📖 "The Bible says in Romans 8:28 that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him."

💡 "That means even when life feels hard, we can trust that God is still doing something good. Corrie and Betsie were able to tell others about Jesus, even in prison—and that’s good!"

✝️ "And for everyone who believes in Jesus, God promises to be with us and help us no matter what. Why? Because God is good—all the time!"

"Let’s all say it together: God is good—all the time!"

Memorizing Verse: Psalm 145:9

Alright! Today we are going to learn a Bible verse that tells us something AMAZING about God. This verse comes from the book of Psalms—that’s like a songbook in the Bible.

Let’s learn it together with motions so it’s easy to remember!

(Say each phrase slowly, do the motion, and have the kids repeat after you. Repeat 2–3 times, growing faster and more confident each round.)

“The Lord”
👉 Point both hands up
(Repeat: "The Lord" – everyone point up!)

“is good”
👍 Give a big thumbs-up
(Say: "is good" – thumbs-up!)

 “to all;”
👐 Stretch arms wide, like including everyone
(Say: "to all" – arms wide!)

 “he has compassion”
🤗 Cross arms over your chest like a big hug
(Say: "he has compassion" – give a hug!)

 “on all”
🌍 Point to others around the room
(Say: "on all" – point around!)

 “he has made.”
✋👈 Point to yourself, then sweep your hands out like showing the world
(Say: "he has made" – point and sweep!)

Bible Story (10 min): God is Jealous

Introduction (1 min)

(Hold up a shiny medal, a small trophy, or even a gold star sticker.)

Okay kids, look what I have here! A shiny first place medal! Who here has ever won a prize before? Maybe a race, a spelling contest, or even a game?

(Pause and let a few kids raise their hands and share.)

Awesome! Now imagine this… You ran your very best. You beat everyone else. You clearly won!

(Pretend to hold the prize proudly)

But then… someone else walks up, grabs the medal, and the teacher gives them the prize instead of you.

(Gasp dramatically)

😲 What?! How would you feel?”

(Let the kids respond – "That's not fair!" "I’d be mad!" etc.)

Exactly! That’s not right. The person who won should get the prize. They deserve it.

Well guess what? In our Bible story today, we’ll see how God always deserves first place—because He is the greatest! He’s more important than anything or anyone else. And God won’t let anyone steal the glory that belongs to Him.

Let’s find out what happened when people tried to treat something else like it was just as great as God...

Story Telling (5 min) - God Is First!

(Start with excitement)

Today I want to tell you a true story from the Bible. It’s a little bit funny... but also very important. It’s about a time when someone tried to treat an idol like it was just as great as God. But guess what? God showed them—He is FIRST!

Scene 1: The Ark of God is Taken

(Hold up a picture or a simple box labeled “Ark of God”)

This is the Ark of God. It was a very special box that reminded God’s people of His power and presence. One day, God’s people were in a battle, and their enemies, the Philistines, captured the Ark!

😲 Oh no! That’s not good. They took the Ark and put it inside the temple of their fake god—an idol named Dagon.

Scene 2: Meet Dagon

(Hold up a funny-looking paper idol or drawing labeled “DAGON”)

This is Dagon. He was just a statue—but the Philistines treated him like a god. They put God’s Ark right next to Dagon. Can you imagine that? They thought Dagon was as great as God!

🤔 Do you think that made God happy?

🙅 No way!

Scene 3: First Morning

The next morning, the people came into the temple. Guess what they saw?

(Act surprised and knock over Dagon)

DAGON had fallen flat on his face in front of the Ark of God! It was like he was bowing down to God!

👏 Everyone say: “God is FIRST!”

🎤 So the people stood Dagon back up again.

Scene 4: Second Morning

But the next morning... they came in again…

(Dramatically knock Dagon over again—but this time break off its head or arms if using props)

And DAGON had fallen again! But this time, his hands and head broke off! Uh-oh!

Why did that happen?

Because God won’t let anything take His place.

Everyone say again: “God is FIRST!”

Wrap-up & Discussion (4 min)

Boys and girls, God showed everyone that day: He is the one true God. He is JEALOUS—not in a bad way, but in a holy way. He won’t share His glory with idols or anything else. Only He deserves to be first!

So let me ask you: Is God first in your heart? Or do you sometimes let toys, games, or even friends come before Him?

Let’s remember: God is FIRST—always!

Everyone say it with me one more time: “God is FIRST!”

Memorizing Verse: Exodus 34:14

Alright boys and girls! Today’s verse is short—but powerful! It tells us that God is a jealous God, which means He won’t share His place with anyone else. He wants to be first in our hearts!

Let’s learn it with some hand motions to help us remember.

Verse

Exodus 34:14 – “Do not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.” (NIV)

“Do not worship”
Cross both arms in an “X” in front of your chest (like saying “no!”)

“any other god,”
Point around to pretend there are many things/people in a circle.

“for the LORD,”
Point up with both hands.

“whose name is Jealous,”
Touch your chest (like saying “My name is…”) then make a serious face and pretend to guard your heart with both arms.

“is a jealous God.”
Hold one fist tightly to your chest and the other in the air (like strong and protective), then point up again.

Let’s put it all together now:

TheLet’s Lordsay it slowly:

“Do not worship”
“any other god,”
“for the LORD,”
“whose name is goodJealous,”
“is toa all;jealous he has compassion on all he has made.God.”

—Good Psalmjob! 145:9Let’s do it again a little faster!

(HaveRepeat 2-3 times, inviting kids repeatto itget afterlouder, you.faster, Sayor itwhisper athe fewverse timesthe withlast different fun actions.time.)

• Eyes closed!
• Whisper voice!
• Robot voice!

YouNow, didwho it!thinks Nowthey youcan knowtry it with me—without looking?

(Invite volunteers or say it as a group one last time.)

Remember—this verse reminds us that God isdoesn’t goodwant to everyone—notbe justin somesecond people—andor third place. He careswants soto muchbe aboutFIRST—because everyHe’s singlethe personone Hetrue made... that includes YOU!God!

Craft & Game (10 mins)

Craft (5 min) - “ThankGod You,is God!”First” CardsTrophy Craft

Materials Needed:

• Half sheets of coloured card stock or paper
• Markers or crayons
• Stickers (optional)

Let’sAlright takeboys aand momentgirls, to think about some of the GOOD things God has done for us!
He gives us food, families, friends, sunshine, help whennow we’re sad—sogoing manyto things!make something special to remind us that God deserves first place in our lives.

Everyone say: God is FIRST!’

(PassHold outup halfa sheetssample ofpaper coloured card stocktrophy or paper,draw markers,one andon crayons)the board)

YouYou’re caneach going to make your own trophy—like the one you’d win in a race—but this one isn’t for you. It’s for GOD because He deserves the top prize!

✂️ Instructions

1. 🎨 “You’ll get a trophy-shaped paper (or draw orone if using blank sheets).”

2. ✏️ “In the center, write onethe thingword GodGOD hasin donebig letters—or use a sticker if we have one.”

3. 🌟 “Decorate your trophy with gold crayons, glitter, stickers—anything that showsmakes Heit islook good. It can be big—like giving you a family—prize fit for our amazing God.”

4. 🖊️ “On the back, write or small—likeask givingfor youhelp yourto favouritewrite: snack‘God thisdeserves week!first place!’”

 (EncourageWalk them.)around, encourage kids, and help them write if needed)

ItRemember, doesn’this isn’t have to be perfect—it just hasany toart comeproject. fromEvery time you look at your heart.

(Prompt with ideas.)

Did God helptrophy, you whencan yousay, were‘God scared?is better than everything else. He is first in my heart!

DidOne Hemore giveminute—finish youup someoneyour todecorations and then we’ll play with?

Did you have something yummy to eat?

(Wrap up)

Would anyone like to share what you made?

(Allow 2-3 quick shares.)

These are beautiful! You just made a cardfun that reminds us how good God is. Keep it somewhere this week to help you remember to thank Him!game!

Game (5 min) - “GoodDon’t orLet NotAnything Good?Take First!”

What You Say:

Now let’it’s playtime ato quickget moving! This game towill help us think about what’s good—and what’s not good.
When I say somethingremember that showsGod God’sis goodnessfirst, I want you to JUMP UP and say,
“GODwe ISshouldn’t GOOD!

let

Ifanything it’stake somethingHis that’s not good, I want you to stay seated and make a sad face.place.

🟢🚦 Examples of “Good” Statements:Setup

• GodPlace gavean meobject at the front of the room labeled “God” (e.g., a family.sign, ✅

• Jesus died for our sins. ✅

• I was kind to my friend. ✅

• God forgives us. ✅

• We had food to eat. ✅

🔴 Examples of “Not Good” Statements:

• I hit my sister. ❌

• I said a mean word. ❌

• I stole a toy. ❌

• I told a lie. ❌

How to Play:

1. Stand kids in a circlecross, or opendecorated space.

2. Call out each scenario one at a time.

3. Wait for kids to react—jump and shout or sit with a sad facebox).

4. AfterHave each,kids ask:
   “Whystand wasin thata goodline orbehind notit good?”
   (Quicklike 1-sentencea answersstarting to reinforce learning.)line.

🎭 Choose one child or leader to be the “idol”—they’ll try to sneak in and stand in front of “God.”

🕹️ How to Play

🎤 “You’re all standing behind ‘God’—because He goes FIRST. But oh no! Someone is trying to sneak in front and steal first place!”

🚷 “When you see the idol trying to move in front, shout together: ‘God is FIRST!’ and gently block them by holding out your arms (no pushing!).”

📢 “Let’s practice yelling it once: ‘God is FIRST!’”

🎭 “Now let’s play! Each round, we’ll pick a different idol or blocker!”

(Play 3–4 rounds depending on time. Vary the idol’s speed or sneakiness for fun!)

Wrap-Up

Great job,job everyone!protecting Wefirst learnedplace! thatWhy did we yell ‘God is goodFIRST!’?

all

Because theonly time,God deserves to be worshipped!

Right! Remember—games and Hetoys wantsare usfun, but they don’t belong in first place. That spot belongs to do what is good too. When we see His goodness or do something good, we can shout—what?God—always.

Let’s

give

GODa ISround GOOD!of applause to God—our FIRST and BEST!

Response Song

Closing Prayer, Announcement, Birthdays & Snack Time (10 mins)

Dear God,
Thank You for showing us today that You are alwaysthe goodgreatest—in everythingand You dodeserve andto be first in everythingour hearts.
Help us not to put anything—like toys, games, or even people—before You.
We want to love You are.more than anything else.
EvenPlease whenhelp thingsus feelremember hard or confusing, we knowthat You are stilla withjealous God, and that’s a good thing—because it means You love us and workingwant what’s best for our good.us.
Thank You for givingalways us food, family, friends, and most of all—for loving us so much that You sent Jesus.

Please help us this week to remember Your goodness, to trust You, and to share Your lovebeing with others.us.
We love You, Lord.

In Jesus’ name we pray, let's all say altogethertogether
Amen.

Snack Prayer

God... knowsis everything..First! Let us thank Him for the snack right now.

We fold our hands.
We bow our heads.
We thank you, God,
For this daily bread.
Amen

Free Time & Children Pickup (15 mins)