AUGUSTANA’S REDEEMED KIDS
ARK
LISTEN – GOD IS CALLING
Bible Background
The Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist.
Augustana Lutheran church – St. James, Minnesota


Workshops in this set:
Cooking: Make a stained glass heart or dove cut-out sugar cookie
Drama: Act out a Baptism
Games/Mission: Play a game having the students guess words connected with Baptism
Movie: Watch a Video: Animated Stories from the New Testament: John the Baptist
Science: Students will make a cloud and will learn how a projector works
Storytelling: Hear the paraphrased Bible story of the Baptism of Jesus

BIBLE BASE:
Matthew 3:1-17 John 1:19-34
Luke 3:1-22 Mark 1:1-11

MEMORY VERSE:
“And a voice from Heaven said, “This is my Son whom I Love; with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17 NIV

* http://www.elca.org/What-We-Believe/New-or-Returning-to...aptism-of-Jesus.aspx
* http://www.elca.org/What-We-Believe/New-or-Returning-to...m-Lutheran-view.aspx

Sermons from Seattle:
* http://www.sermonsfromseattle.com/series_b_baptism_of_jesus.htm
* http://www.sermonsfromseattle.com/series_a_what_do_we_teach.htm

OUR DAILY BREAD – Cooking Workshop
Grades K-3
Written by Kirsten

Objective: The focus will be on God’s message at the time of Jesus’ baptism, proclaiming that Jesus was His own Son, and God loved Him. The students will also learn that Jesus is God’s gift of love to all people. We, the baptized people of God are deeply loved by God the Father. The students will make a sugar cookie with “a stained glass heart or dove cut-out” of clear red candy in the center.

Supplies:
· Napkins, cookie sheets, parchment paper or aluminum foil, hot pad holders, oven, cooling racks, tubes of purchased sugar cookie dough (or use recipe attached), cookie cutters, mallets, hard red candies, a knife to slice the rolls of dough (or a small bowl of sugar and a glass if using a homemade recipe.)
· A picture of Jesus’ Baptism, a candle and matches, Children’s Bibles, student journals, colored pencils or markers.

Teacher Preparation:
· Read and become familiar with the accounts of Jesus’ baptism in the four gospels.
· Purchase prepared sugar cookie dough in a tube for slicing; or prepare sugar cookie dough that the students can roll into balls and flatten with a glass dipped in sugar.
· Set out red candy, mallets, cookie dough, and cookie cutters on a clean working surface (such as white butcher paper or waxed paper).
· Review the attached “Heart in Hand” cookie recipe. Following the directions carefully is essential.
· Make sure that an assistant is available to help bake the cookies!

Opening: Welcome the students warmly. Invite them to thoroughly wash their hands in the kitchen with soap and warm water.

Say: Good morning everyone! We’re starting off the New Year by learning about the wonderful things that took place on the day of Jesus’ own Baptism. But first we’re going to make sugar cookies. The heart-shaped “stained glass” center is to remind us of God’s love for His Son Jesus and for us too! Let’s get started:

Baking Time:
1. Slice sugar cookie slices off for each student.
(Or pass out a ball of dough to each student—demonstrate how to roll it into a smooth ball; then flatten it with a glass dipped in sugar.)
2. Place each cookie on a foil or parchment paper lined cookie sheet.
3. Label each student’s cookie.
4. Demonstrate how to coarsely crush the red candies with a mallet; assist students as needed.
5. Use a miniature cookie cutter to cut a heart shape in the center of each cookie.
6. Fill the cut out area just up to top of cookie with crushed red candy.
7. Bake at 375 degrees for 7-9 minutes, until cookies just barely begin to brown.
8. Allow the cookies to cool completely before removing them from the foil.

Bible Story: The Baptism of Jesus:
Read aloud the story of Jesus’ Baptism from a Children’s Bible or a Children’s Bible story book. Mark 1:1-11 is a good account for young children.

Say: Jesus’ baptism is written about in all four of the gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The story starts out with the work of Jesus’ cousin, whom we call John the Baptist, or John the Baptizer. John’s job was to tell people that someone great, Jesus the Christ, God’s Son, was coming. Let’s read the story. (1-2 minutes)

Show: a picture or illustration of Jesus’ Baptism.

Ask: Did you hear what God spoke from the clouds high above when Jesus was baptized? It’s the memory verse for this month. Let’s all say it together. (Practice several times.)

And a voice from Heaven said, “This is my Son whom I love; with Him I am pleased.” Luke Matthew 3:17 NIV

Journal Time – Apply the Lesson:
Say: This story did not end with Jesus’ Baptism. At the end of Jesus’ life on earth He said to His followers “Go into the world. Go everywhere and announce the Message of God’s good news to one and all. Whoever believes and is baptized is saved.” Mark 16:15-16a The Message.

Say: The followers of Jesus did just what Jesus told them to do. Two thousand years later, people still believe God’s message of love and are baptized. You and I are the baptized people of God! When we were baptized God’s love was everywhere, all around us, and His love is still with us today.

Read: Water Come Down! The Day You Were Baptized by Walter Wangerin, Jr. -
(4-5 minutes) or substitute another children’s story about baptism.

Pass out student journals and markers or colored pencils. Invite the students to draw a picture of Jesus’ baptism, their own baptism, or the baptism of someone they know.

Snack Time:
· Carefully remove the cooled cookies from the lined cookie sheets.
· Distribute napkins and cookies to the students.
· Light a candle to remind the students of a baptismal candle.

Table Prayer: Dear God, thank you for speaking from the clouds at Jesus’ baptism, telling us that Jesus is your Son; telling us that you love Him very much. Thank you for making us your sons and daughters too, because of the great gift of your Son Jesus. While we enjoy this morning snack together we ask together
“Come Lord Jesus, be our guest. Let these gifts to us be blest. Amen!”

Clean-up and Dismissal:

Resources:
Water Come Down! The Day You Were Baptized by Walter Wangerin, Jr. ISBN 0-8066-3711-0
The cookie recipe idea was adapted from Spatulatta.com: Heart-in-Hand Cookies
http://www.spatulatta.com/week21_valentines_day/heart_in_hand.html
· 1 1/2 sticks of butter - softened
· 1 cup of sugar
· 2 eggs
· 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
· 2 1/2 cups of flour and a little extra
· 1 teaspoon of baking powder
· 1 teaspoon of salt
· 12-15 clear, red hard candies - we used red Lifesavers® out of a variety bag because they come in individual little bags that kept the candy from flying when we hit it with the mallet.
Equipment:
· Measuring cups and spoons
· A butter knife
· A mixer
· A rubber spatula
· A flexible metal spatula - the kind you turn pancakes with
· A Heart-in-Hand cookie cutter set (You can also use a large heart-shaped cookie cutter and a smaller heart-shaped cookie cutter that will fit inside it)
· A rolling pin
· A kitchen mallet
· 2-3 cookie sheets
· Plastic wrap
· Aluminum foil
· A little help from an adult or older sibling
1. Put the butter and sugar in a bowl and "cream" them together. Creaming butter and sugar means to beat them together until they are light lemon- colored and very smooth.
2. Next add the eggs and vanilla then beat again.
3. Now add the 2 1/2 cups of flour, the baking powder and the salt. Mix it all together. As you mix, the cookie dough will start to get stiff. Make sure you scrape all the flour from the sides of the bowl and mix it in well.
4. Using your hands, form one or two balls of cookie dough.
5. Wrap the cookie dough balls in plastic wrap and put them into the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
6. When the cookie dough has chilled, take it out of the refrigerator.
7. Turn the oven to 375 degrees.
8. Prepare a cookie sheet by placing a sheet of aluminum foil on it. This will keep the candy from sticking to the sheet.
9. Sprinkle a little flour on your rolling pin and on the counter or on a large glass cutting board. Using a cutting board will make clean-up easier.
10. Roll the cookie dough out until it is 1/8 of an inch thick.
11. Dip your cookie cutters into flour and gently shake most of it off.
12. Place the hand cookie cutter on the dough and press down firmly. If you are using a large cookie cutter make sure that all the sides are pressed down evenly.
13. Gently lift the cookie cutter and transfer the cookie to the cookie sheet. If the cookie gets stuck on the counter, use the flexible metal spatula to get the cookie up. Slide the tip of the spatula under the cookie dough and gently work your way under the cookie.
14. When the hand-shaped cookie is safely on the sheet, place the heart- shaped cookie cutter in the middle, where the palm of the hand would be. Cut out the heart shape.
15. Use the kitchen mallet to crush the hard candy. Don't crush it too much, you want it to stay in chunks.
16. Place the red candy chunks in the heart-shaped cut-out in the cookie. Fill the hole until the candy is level with the dough surrounding it.
17. Bake at 375 degrees for 7-9 minutes or until the cookies are slightly brown.
18. Take them out of the oven and cool them on the cookie sheet. Be patient! The cookies and their candy centers must be completely cool before you try to lift them off the foil or else the heart will be left behind.
19. When the cookies are cool, lift them gently off the foil or peel the foil away from the candy heart. You will see the light shine through the ruby red heart in the middle of the cookie.

Book of Acts – Drama Workshop
Grades K-2
Lesson prepared by Kathy

Objectives: The children will
· Be familiar with the story of Jesus’ baptism
· Understand the sacrament of baptism, including the promises made by an infant’s parents and others involved
· Understand the use of a Faith Chest

Preparation:
· Read the Bible backgrounds
· Know the purpose of a Faith Chest - http://www.youthandfamilyinstitute.org/resources/faithchest.asp
· Be prepared to dramatize a baptism
· Familiarize yourself with baptism script, be prepared to say some things together if you need to save time.

Supplies:
· Green Beginner’s Bible, Zonderkidz
· Baptismal font (use marble font located in the social hall)
· Dolls
· Water
· Candles (can the children keep them?)
· Shells
· Faith Chest (
· Samples of items to be placed in chest (candle, napkin, certificate, outfit, etc.)

Opening: Welcome the children back. Then SAY: Even though it is a new year on the calendar, we still have the same theme as when we started Sunday School in September. Do you remember what it is? (We hope that by now they know that it is, “Listen, God is Calling”. Remind them if necessary.)SAY: Do you remember your baptism? Probably not…you were a just a baby. Well, in today’s story God is calling Jesus to be baptized. Yes, even Jesus was baptized; although he was a grown man when it happened. Let’s listen as I read about it out of our children’s Bible. But first let’s fold our hands and pray.
Dear God, Thank you for the time that we have with each other to learn about the story of Jesus’ life. Help us to listen as we learn about Jesus’ baptism; help us to always follow you and be obedient to you as Jesus was. Amen.

Read Story from The Beginner’s Bible pp. 303-307
After you have read the story, show the children the picture on page 307 and tell them that this is one of the few stories in the Bible that shows us the 3 persons of God all in the same place at the same time: God the Father (the voice from heaven) God the Holy Spirit (in the form of a dove landing on Jesus) and God the Son (Jesus standing in the river.) Ask them again: What in the story shows us God the Father? (voice from heaven) What in the story shows us God the Son? (Jesus standing in the river) What in the story shows us God the Holy Spirit? ( dove coming to land on Jesus’ shoulder)

Dramatize a Baptism:
Tell the children that when they were baptized they became a child of God. Be sure to tell them that baptism is not simply plain water; it is water used according to God’s command and connected with God’s word. Without the Word of God the water is just plain water. That’s why we have baptisms in church with the congregation present, and the pastor in charge.
But today in Sunday School we are going to act out a baptism. Each of us gets to bring a “baby” to be baptized like our parents did for us, and then each of us gets to be the one to pour the water on the baby, just like the pastor does when it’s a “real” baptism. Before you bring your baby to be baptized, you need to decide on a name. Have them each pick their own name and practice saying, “I present ___________for baptism.” Have them practice saying, “I do” after you prompt them, also. Have them stand around the font.

Baptism Script:

Teacher: God who is rich in mercy and love, gives us new birth into a living hope through Holy Baptism. By water and the Word together, God delivers us from sin and death and raises us to new life in Jesus Christ.

(Have student step forward and say

Student: I present __________________for baptism. (Each student repeats for their child using their special name.)

Teacher: (to all the children) Called by the Holy Spirit, trusting in the love of God, do you wish to have your child baptized into Christ? If so say, ‘I do.’

Student: I do. (Each child repeats. Remember, if you need to save time, have them say the responses together.)

Teacher: Do you promise to help your child grow in the Christian faith and life? If so say, ‘I do.’

Student: I do. (Each child repeats)

Teacher: People of God, do you promise to support and pray for your children and their lives in Christ? If so say, ‘We do.’

Students: (all together) We do.

Teacher: Do you believe in God the Father? If so say, ‘I do.’’’

Student: I do. (Each child repeats. Say together if you need to save time.)

Teacher: Do you believe in God the Son? If so say, ‘I do.’

Student: I do. (Each child repeats)

Teacher: Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit? If so say, ‘I do.’

Student: I do. (Each child repeats)

Have each student take turns stepping up to the font, taking a shell and pouring water 3 times on their doll’s head as they say the words:

_____________, I baptize you in the name of the Father (pour), and of the Son (pour), and of the Holy Spirit (pour). Speak quietly along with them if necessary.

(When all have finished with the water.)

Teacher: Let us pray. We give you thanks, O God, that through water and the Holy Spirit you give your children new birth, cleanse them from sin, and raise them to eternal life. Amen.

(Have each child make the sign of the cross on their child’s forehead while they say it. Do it together if you need to save time. Tell them to what to say.)

Student: __________, child of God, you have been marked with the cross of Christ forever. Amen.

(Give each child a candle, but do not light them. Hopefully they can keep the candle.)

Teacher: Let your light so shine before others that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Let us welcome the newly baptized by repeating after me…We welcome you! (repeat) Let us give thanks and praise to God! (repeat) AMEN.
End of script. Congratulate the children on doing such a good job.

Faith Chest: Show the children the Faith Chest and some of the items that are placed inside. (I think that we will not have a lot of time for this. Use whatever time you have.)

Journal: The children may draw a baptismal font, a candle, or a faith chest in their book.

Closing: Prayer: Thank you, God, for making me one of your children at my baptism. May I always trust in you. Help me to obey your will and to serve you with joy, as did your son, Jesus. AMEN


Resources: The Beginner’s Bible, Zonderkids, 2005, Mission City Press
ISBN 0-310-70962-8
Evangelical Lutheran Worship, ELCA 2006 Augsburg Fortress

Abraham’s Arcade- Games/Missions Workshop
Grades 3-6
Lesson prepared by Rick

OBJECTIVES:
· To explain to the children what it means to be baptized.
· To show the class that baptismal water is only plain water if it is not filled with the Word of God.
· To demonstrate to the students that being baptized requires more of the person being baptized than just having water poured on their head.
· To try and have the students understand what it must have felt like for John to be able to baptize Jesus.

MATERIALS:
· Pitcher of warm water
· Plastic bowls for each student
· 2 paper towels for each student
· Calendar
· Story sheet
· Chalk and chalkboard or poster board and markers
· Bag of Dove chocolate
· Bibles
· Pencils

TEACHER PREPARATION:
· Make sure you have all the supplies you will need for the lesson. If you are missing any materials, contact the Sunday School superintendents.
· Make sure the pitcher has warm water in it. If you do not have access to a warm water faucet, make sure the water can sit out long enough to get to room temperature.
· Read through the Bible story to familiarize yourself with it.
· Read through the lesson and if you have any questions, call me at 375-3944.

OPENING: Welcome the students when they arrive. Ask the class if they have ever been to a baptism. Who was being baptized? Ask the children to tell you what they know about baptism. Tell the class that today’s story is about when Jesus was baptized and the person who baptized Him.

OPENING PRAYER: (From the story sheet) Dear God, thank you for new beginnings. Help us to make the most of them—not through our own strength—but through the power of the Holy Spirit that dwells within us. And all God’s children said: AMEN.

READ THE STORY: Pass out Bibles to the students. Read Matthew 3:1-17. If you have children who are comfortable reading, have them take turns reading the story. Otherwise, you may read it to them.

When you are finished reading the story, ask the class the following questions: What did John wear? (Clothes made of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist.) What did John eat? (Locusts and wild honey.) You may have to explain to the class what a locust is. Where did John baptize people? (In the Jordan River.) Why doesn’t John want to baptize Jesus? (He doesn’t feel he is worthy to baptize Jesus.) Talk to the children about how honored John must have felt to baptize Jesus.

Have the students look back at verses 7 & 8. What is John saying in these verses? (He is saying that it takes more than merely coming to be baptized. A person must also repent of their sins and live in a way that would be pleasing to God.)

Read the “NEW BEGINNINGS” story sheet. Be sure to read the scripture verse since this will be referred to later.

ACTIVITY: Ask the class, “Why are we baptized?” Answers will vary. Emphasize the idea that our sins are forgiven when we are baptized and we become members of God’s family. Ask the students, “Who gets baptized?” The children will probably talk about babies being baptized since that is what they have probably seen most often. However, emphasize that baptism is for people of all ages who want to repent of their sins.

Tell the children that they are going to play a game using words that have to do with baptism. Once they have figured out the word, we will talk about the meaning of that word and what is has to do with baptism.

Give each student of plastic bowl and 2 paper towels. Fill each bowl with warm water. Tell the class that someone who is not baptized probably does not know God’s word. You will have a chance to be “baptized” today if you cannot figure out the word during our game.

Divide the students into two groups. Choose from one of the words listed below. Mark the appropriate number of blank lines for the word on the chalkboard. Start with one group and have each child guess a letter until someone guesses incorrectly. Then go to the next group and do the same thing. Write down the incorrect guesses on the chalkboard so the students will know which letters have been guessed. When going back to the first group, start with the next person in line to guess a letter. The group that figures out the word will each receive a piece of Dove chocolate. Tell the class that they are receiving Dove chocolate because when Jesus was praying after He was baptized, the Holy Spirit descended on Him in bodily form like a dove. (Remember the scripture from the story sheet?) The other group must dip their face in the bowl of water. When putting up the next word, start with the group that had to put their faces in the water.

Tell the class that they should only put the front part of their face into the water. You don’t want kids with wet hair going outside on a cold winter day. Also, be sensitive to the students who do not want to put their face in the water. Have them dip their hand in the bowl.

After the children have figured out the word, ask the children what they think the word means or what its importance in baptism is. If they give you a correct answer, give them each an additional piece of candy. Otherwise, go over the meaning with them.
When the game is over, make sure that each student has gotten at least one piece of candy.

Here is the list of words for the game and their meanings. Feel free to add others if you wish.

· CANDLE: A candle will be given to the newly baptized person to represent that their light will shine before others and so others can see their good works as they glorify their Father in heaven.

· CROSS: The pastor will mark the sign of the cross on the baptized person to show they have been sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever.

· FONT: This is the object that the hold the baptismal or holy water. It is usually positioned in front of the pastor.

· FORGIVENESS: To those who believe, baptism brings about the forgiveness of our sins and brings us into God’s family where we shall have eternal life.

· SPONSORS: These are people who will act as mentors for the baptized person. They will help the parents in supporting the baptized person and helping them grow in their faith.

· WATER: This is what is used to baptize the individual. Remind the class that the water alone does not baptize someone. The water is blessed with the Word of God. This along with the faithfulness of the person being baptized is what makes a baptism, not merely putting water on someone’s head.

JOURNAL: Have the students write the memory verse in their journal. Remind them about how John must have felt when he baptized Jesus. It is a wonderful feeling when someone we admire asks US for help. Have the children write “MY HERO” on their page. Have them write about a time when someone they looked up to asked them for help. If they can’t think of anyone, just have them write about someone who they consider to be a hero to them.

CLOSING PRAYER: Dear God, thank you for all the people you have put in our lives for us to look up to. Guide us to be helpful to other people and to not act like we are better than someone else, just as Jesus was with John. And all God’s children said: AMEN.

RESOURCES:
· www.rotation.org (The Ideas & Lesson Exchange-Main Categories)
· www.rotation.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/2756088121/m/729602255
· http://www.sermons4kids.com/new-beginnings.html

Holywood & Vine – Movie Workshop
Grades 3-6
Lesson plan prepared by Diane
Adapted from
River Community Church RiverKidz
http://rotation.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/2756088121/m/992603405
with Quotes from Luther’s Small Catechsim
http://rotation.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/2756088121/m/729602255

Overview : The movie itself is going to focus more on the life of John the Baptist with a small segment on the Baptism of Jesus. It’s important that we understand a little bit about the man John the Baptist to get further perspective into the role he played in the old/new covenant. The video will focus on our own baptism and Martin Luther’s teachings.

Objectives: - children will:
1. To learn who John the Baptist was and his significance in the life of Jesus
2. To learn that Jesus baptism was not a baptism of repentance – Jesus was without sin – but rather more of an anointing by His Father.
3. To contrast the Baptism of Jesus with the baptisms we have in church today.
4. To understand that this is one of the few places in scripture that the Trinity is seen together – We see Jesus, we see the dove (the Holy Spirit) and we hear God speak.
5. To memorize the Bible verse and to understand that it is God’s Word telling us that Jesus was indeed the Messiah – the Promised One – Emmanuel (God with us).
6. To reinforce the way that we as Lutheran’s understand the scriptural teaching on Baptism
Life Application: To see a video of a Baptism at Augustana, to remember what Martin Luther taught about baptism, and to find a tangible way to remember our own baptism every day realizing that our salvation is truly a gift from God.

Supplies:
· Video: Animated Stories from the New Testament: John the Baptist. Dallas: Animated Bible Stories II, Ltd. Partnership, 1990. About 25 minutes long. (Available through a variety of sources, including Nest Video: http://www.nestfamily.com/nmacqueen .) ISBN 1-56489-001-5
· Video of one of our Baptism Services
· TEV Bibles
· TV and VCR
· Popcorn and beverage. Perhaps some hand wipes would be a good idea to keep on hand.
· Small dish of water
· Journals, colors or markers
· Crossword puzzle sheets available if the lesson runs short and Children’s bulletins for the Sunday of the common lectionary

TEACHER PREP:
ÿ Prepare yourself personally with prayer for the Holy Spirit’s guidance to touch the hearts and lives of each and every student. You can use something like this:

[God our Father, you see your children growing up in an unsteady and confusing world. Show them that your ways give more life than the ways of the world, and that following you is better than chasing after selfish goals. Help them to take failure, not as a measure of their worth, but as a chance for a new start. Give them strength to hold their faith in you, and to keep alive their joy in your creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.]

· Read and review the lesson
· Preview the movies so you’re comfortable teaching. Don’t forget about the stop and rewind button on the VCR. It can be your best friend – use it as you feel necessary.
· Please feel free to use your own ideas. This is only a guide – you are the teacher and know the students far better than I do.
· Have the John the Baptist video in the VCR and the church video cued to the Baptismal service.

JOHN THE BAPTIST AND THE BAPTISM OF JESUS

GREET THE STUDENTS AND INTRODUCE YOURSELF.

SAY: Before we begin, let’s say this month’s Bible verse together: Then a voice said from heaven, ‘This is my own dear Son, with whom I am pleased.’” Matthew 3:17 TEV

EXPLAIN THE PURPOSE OF THIS WORKSHOP: Today we will learn about Jesus’ baptism by watching a movie about John the Baptist’s birth and ministry. We are also going to watch a video from a Baptismal service that was held at our church in October.

OPENING PRAYER: Ask if any student would like to lead the group in prayer. Also ask if anyone has any special prayer requests or prayer concerns that they would like to have the group pray about. If no one volunteers to lead, be prepared to do it yourself. Also make sure that any special prayer requests are addressed during this time. Perhaps you could add the prayer concerns that are addressed in the Sunday bulletin or if there are community or national prayer concerns that could be added.

SAY TO THE CHILDREN: “Much of what is in the video about Zechariah and Elizabeth is probably fiction. The Bible really doesn’t tell us much about them but we do know a little more about their son, John. We will read just a small portion of John the Baptist’s story now and then watch the video.”
Have the students take turns reading the scripture: Luke 3: 15-22 helping them when needed.

A BIT OF BACKGROUND BEFORE WE WATCH THE VIDEO:
· “Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord’s commandments and regulations. They had no children because Elizabeth was barren, and now they were both very old.” (Luke 1:6-7) [Take time to make sure everyone understands what ‘righteous’ and ‘barren’ mean, especially the younger children.]
· “This video begins before the story of Jesus’ birth. The Mary that is Elizabeth’s cousin is Mary, the Mother of Jesus.

WHILE YOU’RE WATCHING THE VIDEO, NOTICE:
· “Zechariah was a priest who worked in THE Temple in Jerusalem. He was chosen by lot (that’s like rolling dice) to burn incense in the Temple at the beginning of the video. The Temple is the center of Jewish worship and faith in Jerusalem. “Incense was burned in the Temple twice daily. When the people saw the smoke from the burning incense, they prayed. The smoke drifting heavenward symbolized their prayers ascending to God’s throne.” [Life Application Bible notes, Luke 1:9.]
· “The name ‘John’ means ‘the LORD is gracious.’ The angel tells Zechariah to name his son this. (Luke 1:13) As you watch the video, think about if it is an appropriate name.”

PASS OUT WIPES, POPCORN AND DRINKS. START THE VIDEO AT THE BEGINNING.

STOP the video after Zechariah can speak again and says, “I prophecy in the name of God that John will be a prophet of God...and prepare the people for the coming of the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of God.”

Q. What does ‘Christ’ mean? [the Messiah, the Son of God; literally, the anointed - from the Greek language]

Q. What does ‘Messiah’ mean? [the promised and expected deliverer of the Jewish people; literally, anointed - from the Hebrew language]

Q. I wonder how Zechariah knows all this?

Say: “Some time passes, and now we will see John as an adult.” Start the video again.

STOP the video after John the Baptist says, “...and now he’s here, the Christ has come.”

Q. Why do his listeners look so surprised?

Q Why does John say this? Jesus isn’t there with them, is he?


Before we start the video again, let me tell you about some of the characters in the next section:
· Caiaphas: We have met him before (in the Saul and Easter videos). Can anyone tell me anything about him? [Caiaphas was the High Priest for 18 years. He led the group that had Jesus crucified and led the persecution of the Christians afterwards. The Bible does not indicate that he participated in the capture of John the Baptist, but because he cooperated with the Roman government in other instances, he may have been a part of this plot also.]
· Herod: this is the son of the Herod who was king when Jesus was born and killed all the baby boys when the wise men did not return to tell him where to find the new-born king.
· Herodias: she left her husband to marry his brother Herod. She was not a good woman and did not like what John said about her sinful ways (even though it was true).



START THE VIDEO.

STOP the video after Herodias says, “...or I will take matters into my own hands....”

Q. Why didn’t John the Baptist lie? Remember, he told the truth about King Herod, even though he knew the men were spies and up to no good.

Q. I wonder why Herod is reluctant to arrest John the Baptist?

Q. Do you remember what John says a prophet is? [“I am a prophet. I say what the LORD tells me to say.”]


Notice in the next scene how the animator chooses to show the Spirit of God coming down on Jesus like a dove when he is baptized. We don’t know how it really looked, but it may have been like this.
Start the video stopping it after Jesus’ Baptism.

Q. When Jesus arrives in the crowd where John is teaching, John says, “Behold the Lamb of God.” I wonder how he knew? They had never met before and did not speak to each other before John said this.

Q. Why did John not want to baptize Jesus?

Q. Say: The Baptism that John performed was a Baptism of Repentance meaning that people were to be baptized to be cleansed from their sins. Did Jesus need a Baptism of Repentance? Why not? {Jesus was without sin}. Why did Jesus say it was important for John to baptize him? [“In this way we will fulfill all righteousness.”]
Q. I wonder why John said that his work is done? What was his work?


CLOSING QUESTIONS ON JESUS’ BAPTISM
· What was John’s job? [John’s job was to prepare the way for the Lord.]
· How did he do that? [By preaching about God’s love and modeling that in his behavior and calling for the people to repent.]
· What is a prophet?
· Remember, the name ‘John’ means ‘the LORD is gracious.’ The angel tells Zechariah to name his son this. (Luke 1:13) Do you think it is an appropriate name? Why or why not?
· Why was John reluctant to baptize Jesus? [Why were others coming to be baptized? Reread Luke 3:3 if necessary.]
· Why did Jesus want John to baptize him anyway?
· What happened when Jesus was baptized? Who spoke? [God the Father] What came down? [the Holy Spirit] Who did the Spirit come upon? [Jesus, the son]. The people there actually saw Jesus, heard the Father and saw the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove.
· When Jesus was baptized, God the Father announced to the world that Jesus was indeed His Son. There was no longer any question in the minds of those who were present that day that Jesus was not just another prophet but He was the One that God had promised to send. Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God.

WATCH THE AUGUSTANA’S BAPTISM VIDEO
Begin at about 8:10 (more or less) and stop after Pastor Greg announces the Baptismal Hymn (about 17:00).

Questions:
• What do you know about Baptism?
• What happens when you’re baptized? When you’re baptized, you have been chosen by God to become His Child forever. You receive God’s free gift of grace given for all.



What Luther Says
(Taken from Luther’s Small Catechism )
1. What is Baptism?
Baptism is not simply plain water. Instead it is water used according to God’s command and connected with God’s Word.

What then is this Word?
In Matthew 28 our Lord Jesus Christ says: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

Note: The Lutheran Definition of a Sacrament—an outward sign of God’s grace using an earthly element and commanded by Christ.

2. What gifts or benefits does God give in Baptism?
It brings about forgiveness of sins, redeems from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe it, as the Word and promise of God delcare.

What is this Word and promise of God?
In mark 16 our Lord Jesus Christ says:
“He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”

[b[ How can water do such great things?[/b]
Clearly the water does not do it, but the Word of God, which is with, in, and among the water, and faith, which trusts this word of God in the water. For without the Word of God the water is plain water and not a baptism, but with the Word of God it is a baptism, that is, a grace0filled water of life and a “bath of the new birth in the Holy Spirit.”

St Paul writes in Titus:
“He saved us…in virtue of his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, which he poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that we might be ustified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life. The saying is sure.”

What does Baptism mean for daily living?
It signifies that daily the old person in us with all our sins and evil desires is to be drowned through sorrow for sin and repentance, and that daily a new person is to come forth and rise up to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.

St. Paul writes in Romans:
“Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized unto his death? Therefore we have been buried with him by Baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of God the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.”


JOURNAL TIME:
• Write this month’s Bible verse in your journal.
• Write what your favorite part of the movie was. This is meant to be a time of reflection and introspection. Writing things down helps clarify lessons and etch them in one’s memory. In addition, they can draw some pictures relating to today’s lessons if they wish.


PRAYER TIME: Use this or one of your own.
Dear God, Thank you for loving each and every one of us. Thank you for coming to us and forgiving us no matter what we do. Help us to show that love to others and to accept others. Help us to reach out to other people in understanding, in love, and in generosity. Amen

Let’s pray the Lord’s Prayer together.
† Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen

Before dismissal have the students help clean up the room. Tell them to particularly remember what they learned in their January lessons as the February workshops will be on the Wilderness experience which took place right after Jesus’ Baptism in scripture. Ask them to make the sign of the cross on their foreheads every morning when they wash their face. As they leave the room, dip your finger in the water and put the sign of the cross on their foreheads in remembrance of their baptism saying: “________(name)________, child of God, you have been sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever.”


TO THE THEME ROOM LEADER & SHEPHERD
Thank you for giving of your time and your talents to share the wonderful gospel of Jesus Christ with our children.

FAITH MATTERS LAB – Science Workshop
Grades K – 3
Lesson prepared by Kirsten


Objective:
· John the Baptist is the inspiration for this lesson. John preached that he was not “the light,” but had come to bear witness to the true light, Jesus, who was coming.
· The students will learn how a projector works, shining light through a drawing on a slide, and projecting the image onto the wall for all to see. (This project is foolproof and the kids really enjoyed it.) Likewise, we, as the baptized people of God, are called to let God’s light and love shine through us to those around us.
· The opening experiment, making a cloud is included for fun, and to emphasize the memory verse, the God’s voice speaking from the sky.

Supplies:
· Children’s Bibles, student journals, pencils.
· Bottle cloud: Black construction paper, hot water, large plastic pop bottle and cap, matches.
· Colored markers – bright bold colors work best
· Clear fronts of a CD case or a similar piece of clear plastic (one per student)
· A flashlight (one for the class or if possible, one flashlight per student)
· A dark room with a flat, white surface (such as a wall or door).
· Optional: cardboard tube lined with white paper, old camera lenses.

Teacher Preparation:
· Read and become familiar with the gospel accounts of Jesus’ baptism.
· If possible, practice the experiments and projection exercise ahead of time.

Opening: Welcome the students warmly. Open with a prayer: “Heavenly Father, be with us as we read again about the day when Jesus was baptized. In Jesus name, AMEN.”

Say: Good morning! We’re starting off this New Year by learning about wonderful things that took place on the day of Jesus’ own Baptism. The Bible tells us that there were clouds in the sky on that day. I thought it would be fun to make our own cloud.

Bottle Cloud: (instructions adapted from Pop Bottle Science by Lynn Brunelle, p. 82 ISBN-13: 978-0-7611-2980-6 for use in a classroom.)

What’s happening? Clouds are made of water vapor, air, and particles of dust. In this experiment the cloud formed in the bottle when particles from the smoky match attached themselves to the water vapor in the air.

Bible Story: Have students take turns reading Matthew 3:1-17.

Say: The story of Jesus’ baptism is recorded in all four of the gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The story starts out with the work of Jesus’ cousin, whom we call John the Baptist, or John the Baptizer. John’s job was to tell people that someone great, Jesus the Christ, God’s Son, was coming. Let’s read the story. (3-4 minutes)

Ask: Did you hear what God spoke from the heavens above when Jesus was baptized? It’s the memory verse for this month. Let’s all say it together. (Practice several times.)

Read aloud John 1:6-9 “There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.”

Say: In these verses we read that John the Baptist was not the light, but was sent to as a witness of the true light, Jesus. In our next experiment we’ll start by drawing pictures of Jesus’ baptism. Then, we’ll have a little fun with light projection.

Magic Lantern:
Make slides: Have the students draw a picture on the clear plastic slides. Encourage the students to draw different parts of the story. Make your own “Magic Lantern” by Matthew Lewis p. 44-45: Home School Enrichment, Jan/Feb 2008

Journal Time – Apply the Lesson:
Ask: What does the flashlight represent in this exercise? (Jesus)
What does the slide and image on the wall represent? (Our lives reflecting God’s light.)

Say: This story did not end with John the Baptist or with Jesus’ Baptism. At the end of Jesus’ life on earth He said to His followers “Go into the world. Go everywhere and announce the Message of God’s good news to one and all. Whoever believes and is baptized is saved.” Mark 16:15-16a The Message.

Say: The followers of Jesus did just what Jesus told them to do. Two thousand years later, people still believe God’s message of love and are baptized. You and I are the baptized people of God! And like John the Baptist, we are called to let God’s light shine through us for others to see.

Pass out student journals and pencils.
Ask the students to copy down the memory verse at the top of the page; then write about what is meaningful to them from the story of Jesus’ baptism or their own baptism.

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for speaking from the clouds at Jesus’ baptism, telling us that Jesus is your Son; telling us that you love Him very much. Thank you for making us your sons and daughters, through the loving gift of your Son Jesus. Please be with us and let your love shine through us to others in the week to come. In Jesus Name, AMEN.

Resources:
Pop Bottle Science by Lynn Brunelle, p. 82 ISBN-13: 978-0-7611-2980-6
Make your own “Magic Lantern” by Matthew Lewis p. 44-45: Home School Enrichment, Jan/Feb 2008

Parable Palace - Storytelling Workshop
Grades 3-6
Lesson Prepared by Marge

MATERIALS NEEDED:
Pencils, journals, Bibles, Hymnals
Name tags for students, shepherd and yourself

TEACHER PREPARATION
· Read all the references listed from the Bible.
· Read background information on “Baptism of Jesus”
· Read “Why was Jesus baptized?” from the ELCA web site
http://www.elca.org/What-We-Believe/New-or-Returning-to...aptism-of-Jesus.aspx
· Read “Baptism? What do we Teach? http://www.elca.org/What-We-Believe/New-or-Returning-to...m-Lutheran-view.aspx
· Read over the story in the lesson, be able to tell most of it
· Prepare your heart with prayer.

OBJECTIVES – Students will:
· Hear the paraphrased Bible story of the Baptism of Jesus
· Know what baptism means. (an experience of faith)
· Know their baptism date and their sponsors names
· Be able to memorize the memory verse

INTRODUCING THE LESSON
Welcome students as they arrive in the room as you take attendance and give out the name tags. Have the students repeat the memory verse. Say . . . today we are going to hear the story about the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. . . . But before we begin . . . let us fold out hands for prayer.

OPENING PRAYER
Dear God in heaven . . . . . Be with us today as we hear the story about the baptism of Jesus. Help us to understand how our baptism is your gift of love and belonging to your family. This gift promises your acceptance, forgiveness, and love. Help us to be good listeners to this story. AMEN

LESSON

Let’s Read this story from the Bible.
Read aloud Matthew 3:1-17

Each one of us has been baptized. This rite is usually done in a church setting by a Pastor. Most of the time it is infants that are baptized but it can be anyone who wishes to become a child of God. And so it was when Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist with water from the Jordan River. Jesus was standing by the edge of the river and John took the water in his hands and three times said, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. As soon as Jesus was baptized and came out of the water, the sky opened and he saw “the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said “This is my Son, whom I love, with him I am pleased.”
These same words were used in your baptism. Let’s look in the hymnal under the part called Holy Baptism, pp 227. We will read part of the service. [Assign parts for the students to read]
Today I’m going to focus on Jesus’ Baptism as a means of understanding our own baptism. Take your journals and in the first blank page write BAPTISM at the top. Now put a capital S under it to the left.


S Son Jesus was the only Son of God. We are adopted children of God by being baptized. We are now closely connected to God, so close that we are called child of God, in who God delights. We are family of God, no matter what our age…8 days, 8 months, 8 years, 18, 28, 38, 48 ----88. This is God’s attitude toward us—delight. God delights in us as a parent delights in a child.
S Spirit The Spirit of God came down upon him. This Spirit was the very presence of God. Because of having the Spirit of God inside him, Jesus had the unusual power to turn water to wine, control the wind and the waves, heal the blind and deaf, cure the sick, to fight the evil power and forces around him. In our baptism, this same spirit lives in our hearts. This spirit gives us the power to meet our daily challenges. This is a spiritual power given to us to face the problems of our lives.
S Suffering Servant In baptism the voice of God identified Jesus as being the Suffering Servant. Your memory verse says “This is my Son with whom I am well pleased.” In Isaiah 42 Jesus is said to be the Suffering Servant who carries the sins of the whole world. This is what Jesus did when he carried the cross and was crucified.




So, what is baptism? It is the act of being made a child of God – It is joining the “Jesus Club” with all its rules and regulations. What happened in Jesus’ baptism? The Spirit of God came upon Jesus. He was declared to be the Son of God in whom God loved and delighted. He was anointed to be the Suffering Servant who carried the sins of the world.

THOUGHT QUESTIONS
· When John the Baptist used the symbol of water to baptize Jesus, what did he say? (I baptize you in the name of the Father, son and Holy Spirit.)
· Why was Jesus baptized?
· Why is it important that we are baptized (to become a child of God)
· Look in they hymnal in the Baptism Service,
o What do the sponsors promise? (bring to church, teach the Lord’s Prayer, the Creed and the Ten Commandments, give a Bible.)


STORYTELLING ACTIVITIES
Write in the journal the date of your baptism and the names of your sponsors. (Teacher to get them from the church office). If time, - read “Water Come Down” by Walt Wangerin, Jr. ISBN: 0806637110

CLOSING PRAYER (all join hands in a circle)
Dear God in heaven, Thank you for the gift of Baptism. Help us to be your children and know that you will always love us. Be with us this week at school and in our homes.
All say the Lord’s Prayer together. Amen

DISMISS