Theme for the Year: The Covenant

Lesson Plan for: Jesus’ Baptism

SUMMARY OF WORKSHOPS:
MOVIE: learners will view a movie version of Jesus’ baptism (film “Jesus of Nazareth”) and discuss it in relation to our baptisms. They will also view a baptism ceremony at Brookhaven. They will become familiar with the story of Jesus’ baptism and understand the sacrament of baptism with its promises
COMPUTER: learners will learn and understand that Jesus is the beloved Son of God and become familiar with the story of Jesus’ baptism. They will understand that baptism is a symbol of God’s covenant with us and will make baptism certificates using KidPix.
DRAMA: learners will understand Jesus' baptism by acting it out with props.
ART: read the story of Jesus’ baptism and make origami doves for a mobile to remind them of Jesus’ baptism and their own baptisms.



Scripture: Matthew 3:13-17

Memory Verse: Matthew 3:17:
“And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”

Concept:
Jesus is God’s beloved son. Jesus’ baptism is the prototype for our baptisms. We enter the covenant community through baptism.

Workshops to be used: BibleMax Theater (video); Mouse Pad (computer); Our Acts (drama); Thou Art (art).

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Workshop Name: BibleMax Theater

Objective(s):
In this workshop, the learners will view a movie version of Jesus’ baptism and discuss it in relation to our baptisms. They will also view a baptism ceremony at Brookhaven. They will become familiar with the story of Jesus’ baptism and understand the sacrament of baptism with its promises.

Supplies:
Bibles; video # 1 of the film “Jesus of Nazareth”, cued to the baptism scene; video of baptism of Cara Moyers at Brookhaven, cued to the beginning of the baptism service; popcorn.

Teacher preparation:
Read the Bible passages. Read over the background material included in your teacher packet. See that popcorn is made to be distributed during watching of videos.

Welcome and introductions:
Greet the children and introduce yourself. Remember that you are interacting with a different group of students each week—some may not know you. Wear your nametag and make sure that the children are wearing theirs if there are visitors.

Lesson Plan:
1. Distribute Bibles. Help the children find the story (Matthew 3:13-17). Read it, or have one of the students read it.
2. Briefly discuss the story. Ask:
 Where did the story take place? (at the Jordan River)
 What took place here? (John baptized Jesus; dove descended; voice)
 Why was John baptizing people? Why did Jesus feel it was important to be baptized by John?
 How do you picture the scene in the story? How do you picture the events taking place? (Let them tell you how they imagine the events taking place.)
3. Explain that there are many ways of interpreting the events of this story, and many ways people picture it. There are also many movies that show someone’s interpretation of this event, and that we will watch one. Watch the baptism scene of the movie “Jesus of Nazareth.” (This scene is only about 3 minutes long. Be prepared to rewind slightly and rewatch if the children would like to see it again.)
4. Discuss this portrayal of the story. Let the children tell you their impressions. You may want to ask some questions to elicit responses to the video:
 What was John like? Why do you think there were people coming to the river to see and hear him?
 What was Jesus like? Why did he come to see John?
 What happened in this video when Jesus was baptized? What do you see in the video that is different in the Bible story?
 What would you have thought about the events if you were in the crowd that day?
5. Explain that Jesus’ baptism, with the coming together of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit in this one event, is a model for our baptisms, even though we can’t know for sure how it took place from this story. Read the following from the Cumberland Presbyterian statement of faith, the Confession of Faith:
“Baptism is a sign of God’s love for us and of Christ’s grace extended to us. In baptism God claims persons as God’s own and marks them as peculiarly God’s, heirs of the covenant of grace. . . . It proclaims that God’s grace and love reach out to people before they are able to respond, and it affirms our new identity as members of the body of Christ. It sets people apart from the rest of the world, and claims them as participants in the ministry of Jesus Christ.” (p. 99)
6. Ask them what they remember about baptisms at Brookhaven. How are they similar to Jesus’ baptism as portrayed in the movie? How are they different? Watch the video of the baptism of Cara Moyers. (Ask the questions comparing the baptisms again if they couldn’t remember much about baptisms here.) Talk about how some people are baptized as infants and others are baptized when older. (You may get some “why” questions here. Be sure to convey that the age of the person and the method of baptism are not important, but that the sign of God’s grace and the participation in the covenant community are the important elements.)

Closure:
Read Matthew 28:19. Connect the presence of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit at Jesus’ baptism with our baptisms “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

Journal Time:
Help the shepherd pass out the journals. Ask the children to write down how they feel when they watch a child being baptized.

Closing:
Close with a prayer of your own, or use the following:
Gracious God, at Jesus’ baptism we heard you tell the world that he is your beloved child. Help us to live as your beloved children, too. Amen.

Dismissal:
Have the children help you tidy up the workshop space, helping you clean up any popcorn mess. Dismiss them with instructions about where they are to go.

Special note:
Be sure to be sensitive to the fact that some children may not have been baptized yet, or that they don’t remember if they have or not. Make no judgments about this, and don’t allow any discussion of individual circumstances.

References:
Lessons Exchange/Baptism of Jesus/Baptism of Jesus-drama lessons from Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church, Tampa, Florida. http://rotation.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/2756088121/m/6756088121

Lessons Exchange/Baptism of Jesus/Baptism of Jesus lesson set from St. Paul’s Presbyterian, Ingersoll, ON. http://rotation.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/2756088121/m/5756088121

Confession of Faith for Cumberland Presbyterians. August 2001 edition.

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Workshop Name: Mouse Pad

Objective(s):
In this workshop, the learners will learn and understand that Jesus is the beloved Son of God and become familiar with the story of Jesus’ baptism. They will understand that baptism is a symbol of God’s covenant with us and will make baptism certificates.

Supplies:
KidPix3 software (loaded on computers); Children’s Bible in 365 Stories; paper for printers, chart with questions on one side and answers on the other, plus yarn for matching questions and answers; examples of baptism certificates.

Teacher preparation:
Read the Bible passages. Read over the background material included in your teacher packet. Become familiar with the lesson plan and computer program.

Welcome and introductions:
Greet the children and introduce yourself. Remember that you are interacting with a different group of students each week—some may not know you. Wear your nametag and make sure that the children are wearing theirs if there are visitors.

Lesson Plan:
1. Begin in the blue room. Distribute Bibles. Help the children find the story (Matthew 3:13-17; Children’s Bible, page 287). Read it, or have one of the students read it.
2. Discuss with the children the following questions by letting them choose the correct answer and pinning the yarn to it:
 Who should be baptized?
Adults who have professed faith in Jesus Christ, and the children of those believers should be baptized.
 What does it mean to be baptized?
It means the person who is baptized is part of the Christian church and has been adopted into God’s covenant family.
 What is the meaning of the washing with water?
The waters of baptism link us to the goodness of God’s creation and to the grace of God’s covenant with Noah, Abraham, and the Hebrew people through Moses. Baptism with water is the sign and seal of God’s grace and covenant in Christ.
 Why was Jesus baptized by John?
Jesus was without sin, but he was baptized to fulfill the promise that in righteousness, God will act to save humanity in the life of Jesus.
3. Show examples of Baptism Certificates and tell the children that they are going to create a Baptism Certificate. Be sure that children who have not been baptized do not feel left out or inferior.
4. Move to the computer room and have the children choose a computer station. Some may have to work in pairs. Using KidPix3 software, guide the students in designing a baptism certificate. It can be for themselves, for their future baptism if they are not already baptized, for someone else, or for Jesus.
They may put their names, other text, the memory verse, picture graphics, doves, baptismal font, etc. on the certificate.
The certificate should say something like: This certifies that __________ has been baptized and is a member of God’s Covenant Family.
5. Have them print out their certificate. They may take it home with them. If they would like to print two, one can be placed on the bulletin board in the blue room.

Closure:
If time, have the children share their certificates with the class. Remind them that baptism is one of the sacraments of the church in which we affirm that each of us is a child of God and has a special place within the covenant family.

Journal Time:
Help the shepherd pass out the journals. Ask the children to respond to this statement:
Baptism is . . . . .

Closing:
Close with a prayer of your own, or use the following:
Dear God, thank you for sending Jesus to show us the way you would have us treat others and live our lives. Help us to remember what is promised in baptism and to live the way you would have us live. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

Dismissal:
Have the children help you tidy up the workshop space. Dismiss them with instructions about where they are to go.


Special note:
Be sure to be sensitive to the fact that some children may not have been baptized yet, or that they don’t remember if they have or not. Make no judgments about this, and don’t allow any discussion of individual circumstances.

References:
“John the Baptist: Preparing the Way”, lesson set by DeSoto Presbyterian Church, Dallas, TX. http://rotation.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/2756088121/m/5286080441

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Workshop Name: Our Acts

Objective(s):
In this workshop, the learners will understand Jesus' baptism by acting it out with props.

Supplies:
Props: a blue sheet to represent water, togas, brown leather belt for John the Baptist to wear, a white sheet to represent the dove, yellow confetti made from construction paper to represent the great light or the spirit of God, beards; cd player, music-you will need several pieces of music for the children to choose from; yellow construction paper, scissors, a bag or container to put the confetti in, ziploc bags.

Teacher preparation:
Read the Bible passages. Read over the background material included in your teacher packet. Read the background information included following the lesson plan and become familiar with the story. Be able to sit and discuss the story with the children. It is important that you are able to sit and talk with them instead of just reading the background information to them.

Welcome and introductions:
Greet the children and introduce yourself. Remember that you are interacting with a different group of students each week—some may not know you. Wear your nametag and make sure that the children are wearing theirs if there are visitors.

Lesson Plan:
1. Begin the lesson by reading the scripture aloud.
2. Give each child a piece of yellow construction paper and a pair of scissors. Tell the children that the paper they are cutting up will be one of the props that they will use as they recreate the baptism of Jesus. Have them place the cut up paper in the container. As they cut, discuss the scriptures with them. Include in the discussion any background information that you have read. This will help them to understand why John the Baptist was baptizing and why Jesus needed to be baptized. (This information is at the end of the lesson.) Play several pieces of music and have the children pick the one they feel best sets the mood for this story. They will tell the story of Jesus' baptism with music, props, and movement.
3. Have them pick out their props and costumes. Ask if they have any ideas for the story. If they share any ideas, be sure to work them into the movements below.
4. While music is playing:
 Start with water. Have two children hold on to a blue sheet and move it to look like water.
 Next add John the Baptist. Have John walk into the water. The water can continue to move softly behind or in front of John. If you have enough people have John pretend to baptize several of them.
 Add Jesus. Have Jesus walk into the water with John. Have John pretend to look confused. Stop all activity except the music. Have someone read aloud, "I need to be baptized by you, why do you come to me?" Using a different reader or a different voice for Jesus, say: "Let it be so now, it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness."
 Have John baptize Jesus.
 The spirit of God descending like a dove. This can be done in many different ways. One suggestion: put the yellow confetti in the middle of the white sheet before the story begins. When it comes to this part, have two children hold the ends of the sheet and pop the confetti in the air. Have both of them let go of the sides and let the sheet or dove land.
Another suggestion: Have someone put the white sheet on their body and pretend to be the spirit of God and move about the room. Then land or become still on the ground. As the dove is moving, have one or two children throw or blow the confetti to help symbolize God's spirit.
 Stop everything including the music and say, "This is my Son, the
Beloved, with whom I am well pleased."
5. If there is time have the children reenact the story in different roles. Hand the children ziploc bags and have them put some confetti in it to take home. Hopefully this will not only help them to remember the story, but also inspire them to recreate the story at home.

Closure:
Restate the concept that we understand our baptisms through Jesus’ baptism. Remind them that Jesus is God’s beloved son as we are God’s beloved children. Ask them, and discuss: Why do you think Jesus needed to be baptized? Do we need to be baptized? Why?

Journal Time:
Help the shepherd pass out the journals. Ask the children to write about what was their favorite part about today's story, and why it is their favorite.

Closing:
Close with a prayer of your own, or use the following:
Loving God, thank you for your son, Jesus, who showed us about baptism and who is our ultimate example. Help us to live as your beloved children, too. Amen.

Dismissal:
Have the children help you tidy up the workshop space, putting away props neatly. Dismiss them with instructions about where they are to go.

Special note:
Be sure to be sensitive to the fact that some children may not have been baptized yet, or that they don’t remember if they have or not. Make no judgments about this, and don’t allow any discussion of individual circumstances.

References:
Costecalde, Claude-Bernard, ed. The Illustrated Family Bible. DK Publishing, Inc. New York. 2000.

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Workshop Name: Thou Art

Objective(s):
In this workshop, the learners will read the story of Jesus’ baptism and make origami doves for a mobile to remind them of Jesus’ baptism and their own baptisms.

Supplies:
Origami paper (preferably in two sizes); large-eyed needle, fishing line, wire clothes hangers, instructions for making origami doves (attached); example of dove mobile (in classroom). For youngest group, dowel rods or large ornament hooks, upon which to hang single origami doves.

Teacher preparation:
Read the Bible passages. Read over the background material included in your teacher packet. Practice making the origami doves so you can demonstrate the technique to the children and help them with their doves.

Welcome and introductions:
Greet the children and introduce yourself. Remember that you are interacting with a different group of students each week—some may not know you. Wear your nametag and make sure that the children are wearing theirs if there are visitors.

Lesson Plan:
1. Distribute Bibles. Help the children find the story (Matthew 3:13-17). Read it, or have one of the students read it. Repeat the memory verse.
2. Briefly discuss the story. Ask:
 What two things did God say after Jesus was baptized? Jesus is God’s son. God is pleased with him.
 Why do you think God was pleased with Jesus? Accept all answers, then go back to verse 15: “ . . . for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Explain this answer based on the background material.
 For what other reason did Jesus want to be baptized? Accept all answers, then steer them to the idea that Jesus himself was baptized to be a model for us to be baptized.
 How did God show pleasure with Jesus’ baptism? God sent doves down from heaven.
3. Make the mobiles. Tell the children that the purpose of making the mobiles is for us to be reminded that God sent doves from heaven to show that God and the Holy Spirit were gathered together to be at Jesus’ baptism, and that they and Jesus, too, are present at our baptisms. That’s why we are baptized “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
4. Have the children follow the origami instructions to make five origami doves in at least two different sizes if possible. When they are complete, thread the needles with fishing line and go through the bottom center of the dove and come out of the top. Tie the line on the clothes hanger in different lengths. Refer to the example in the classroom.

Closure:
Explain again that God showed love for and pleasure with Jesus by sending doves from heaven. Ask them to name some special ways that our parents show their love for us. Tell them they can take their mobiles home and hang them in a special place to remind them always of Jesus’ baptism and their own baptisms.

Journal Time:
Help the shepherd pass out the journals. Ask the children answer the following:
How do I show my love to others?

Closing:
Thank you, God, for sending Jesus to us to show us how to live our lives so that you are pleased with us, too. Amen.

Dismissal:
Have the children help you tidy up the workshop space. Dismiss them with instructions about where they are to go.

Special note:
Be sure to be sensitive to the fact that some children may not have been baptized yet, or that they don’t remember if they have or not. Make no judgments about this, and don’t allow any discussion of individual circumstances.

Adjustment for younger children:
The younger children may not be able to make several doves in the time allotted. If they can do only one dove, let them hang it from a dowel rod or from a large ornament hook so they can still hang it somewhere at home.

References:
www.rotation.org/Ideas & Lessons Exchange/Baptism of Jesus/Baptism of Jesus lessons from Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church, Tampa, Florida.
www.rotation.org/Ideas & Lessons Exchange/Baptism of Jesus/Baptism of Jesus lesson set from St. Paul’s Presbyterian, Ingersoll, ON.
Barker, Linda. Origami. Smithmark Publishers, Inc., New York, New York, c. 1993.

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