WELCOME
We’re so excited that you stopped over to see what’s happening in kids ministry! Each week we’ll have all information and links you need to stay up-to-date right here in one convenient place.
We have options for you to work through the lesson with your family or set your kids up to watch one of our virtual lessons.
What we’re studying this month
the August Bible Challenge
BIG PRIZE - Fills in Catechism Page and can recite the beginner version of the Q&A
BIG PRIZE - Can recite this month’s memory verse.
ONE STARBURST - Anyone who turns in SERMON NOTES
ONE STARBURST - Anyone who turns in COLORING PAGE (age 6 and under only)
ONE STARBURST AND ONE SMALL PRIZE - Complete the study questions from the lesson
FAMOUS: A SERIES ON ON DAVID & HIS FAMILY
SERIES OVERVIEW:
Lots of kids dream about becoming famous . . . and why shouldn’t they? It sounds awesome to have fans who celebrate your wins with you! On the flip side, it would be pretty tough to have people always watching, even when you’re not having the best day. In Famous, we are going to talk about a family in the Bible who lived in such a spotlight. Through their stories, kids will learn that no matter our celebrity status, we can make things right, God gives us friends, we can ask for God’s guidance, we can give God what we have. Fame and fans may come and go, but you don’t need to be liked by everyone when you’re loved by God!
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How to Study at Home
Get your Child a snack
Read the Bible Story to your child and/or
Click on the link to the YouTube Playlist for that week and watch the videos.
Review Memory work and Pray with your kids when they are done
If you have time or the desire - choose one of the follow-up activities to help the kids engage with the lesson
Weekly Lesson Plan
Welcome to Famous, everyone! In this series, we are going to follow the Bible's most famous royal family — the family of King David! We'll get the inside scoop on all the family secrets and drama . . . and learn how God famously watched over these royals!
You might think that people who are famous have it easy, but they have their share of discomfort. "Paparazzi" are photographers who follow celebrities around and take pictures of them. All. Day. Long. Can you imagine what it would be like to have the paparazzi follow you around and capture all your embarrassing mistakes?
It's okay to make mistakes when we're trying something new . . . it's how we learn! Making a mistake is normal, but what should we do after we've made a mistake? The thing about being famous is that a lot of people only remember the not-so-flattering things about you. That's what happens when the world knows everything about you! But let's take a look at today's Bible story and watch what happens with God, who really does know everything about everyone!
THE BIG IDEA: When we make mistakes, we can make things right.
THE BIBLE: Nathan Reveals David's Sin: II Samuel 11:26-12:13a; (Ephesians 4:14-16)
SO WHAT? Why does it matter to God and to us?
BIBLE STORY | Nathan Reveals David's Sin
Hello, everyone. Please take your seats. We are holding this press conference today because the king has something he'd like to say to the people. Please hold your questions until the end. Your Majesty?
David: Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your time. I stand before you today to address recent rumors that I played a part in the death of the queen's husband, Uriah the Hittite. This is true. I deeply regret my actions and I would like to sincerely apologize to Uriah's family, and also ask for forgiveness from my wife, my children, and you – the people.
The king will be taking questions now. If you have a question, please raise your hand and come forward.
Reporter #1: Your Majesty, this is the worst scandal this kingdom has ever seen. Why did you do it?
David: I was attracted to my now wife, Bathsheba, from the moment I saw her. But she was already married. I made a choice – the wrong one – to send her husband into battle knowing that he would be killed.
Reporter #2: It's been years since this happened. Why are you coming clean now?
David: My adviser, the prophet Nathan, showed me the error of my ways. He told me the story of a rich man who had a lot of sheep of his own, but when he had a guest over, he stole the only sheep of a poor man to prepare a meal for his guest. That story made me so angry, but Nathan made me see that I was just like the rich man in the story. God has given me everything I could ever need or want, yet I had done this terrible thing. I immediately prayed to God and admitted what I had done.
Reporter #3: Is it true that the queen just gave birth to a baby boy?
David: Yes. We've decided to name him Solomon. I am so thankful for God's forgiveness and for bringing joy back into our lives. We hope that you will join us in celebrating this happy news.
Thank you, everyone. That'll be all.
BIBLE | Ephesians 4:14-16.
Have you ever laughed at someone who made a mistake and then told a friend about it? The problem with telling stories is that everyone has their own version, so the truth gets lost a lot of times.
This Bible passage tells us that one way we grow up and mature as people who love God is, "speaking truth in love." That means that we have to listen for the truth about God and others instead of dwelling on hearsay or creating opportunities for gossip.
But it's not enough for you to do this all by yourself. The Bible also tells us that we are members of one body, and we are all connected to each other, just as we are connected to God.
Each time we honor the truth and forgive others, we help build up and strengthen the whole body where Jesus is the head!
NOW WHAT? What does God want us to do about it?
ACTIVITY | Note to Self
David realized his mistake because of the prophet, Nathan.
Have you ever looked back on something you did before and wished someone had given you some good advice to avoid that mistake or handle it better?
INSTRUCTIONS: Now you’re going to write a note of advice to your future self about what you could do in the event you make a mistake. Bring it home and seal it in an envelope and keep it somewhere you can access it when they need it in the future!
We can't go back to the past and give these notes to ourselves, much like we can't change what's already happened. But we don't need to linger on guilty, embarrassing, or ashamed feelings because we can learn from having lived those moments. When we make mistakes, we can make things right.
PRAYER
Dear God, sometimes it's tempting to use a quick apology as a way to avoid facing our mistakes. But you forgive us and help us through what happens after we do something wrong. Help us to follow through with you and others to make things right even when we don't feel like we know what to do next. You can help us make things right again. Amen.
QUESTION TIME
What did the rich man do wrong in Nathan's story?
Why did Nathan tell David this story?
What did David do as soon as he realized what the story was about?
Read Ephesians 4:15. Can you think of an example when someone might be "speaking the truth in love?"
When is one time you learned something from a mistake you made?
Describe a time when you might feel that saying, "I'm sorry," is not enough.
What kinds of things can you do to make things right?
