Songs, Prayers, and Wise Sayings

In this unit there are five passages that are different than Bible stories. They are poetry and wisdom literature. Children are introduced to the psalms as prayers and songs of God’s people. Psalm 100 expresses thanks to God. Psalm 28 shares feelings of sadness and asks God for help. Psalm 23 expresses love and trust in God. A passage from Proverbs and Ecclesiastes are examples of wisdom literature, providing instruction and things for us to remember. Proverbs 10 helps us see how we can be responsible for our actions, both good and bad. Ecclesiastes 3 provides a reminder that there are rhythms to life, both happy and joyous as well as difficult and challenging.

Stories included in this unit:

• Thank You, God! (Psalm 100)
• Help me, God! (Psalm 28)
• I Love You, God! (Psalm 23)
• Right and Wrong (Proverbs 10)
• A Time for Everything! (Ecclesiastes 3:1–8a)

Growing in God’s Love: A Story Bible Curriculum invites children and their leaders to wonder, play, and connect with one another as they develop a better relationship with God. By exploring the stories in Growing in God’s Love: A Story Bible, children and their leaders learn more about who God is and what their relationship is with God. This curriculum has 35 units filled with 148 stories from the story Bible that dive deep into characters and themes in the Bible. Children and their leader will read the story together from the story Bible, pause to allow the story to resonate, and then engage with the story and wrestle with their place in that story.

Growing in God’s Love: A Story Bible Curriculum is written for ages 5–10 and is intentionally multiage, meaning that children are all grouped together. Grouping children this way brings a relational focus to the sessions and fosters a collaborative spirit. The curriculum also includes an intergenerational component with four suggestions for intergenerational and home ideas for each session within a unit. Those ideas include suggestions for things to do in worship, more education-focused ideas, ways to connect with one another, and mission ideas. This adds another dimension to learning and helps the children connect to the congregation, creating a holistic approach to children’s ministry.