Ride the Tide Games
Playing is what this age group does best! While they’re playing, they’re learning. These games are an important part of the teaching process because they help to cement the lessons into the kids’ minds in a fun way. 
Consider having an outdoor playtime if you have a good space for it. It’s nice to break up the day and have a new location to explore. The outdoor location should be enclosed so no one wanders off. If you don’t have a safe area, use tarped hay bales or snow fencing to create one. Ask church families to bring in plastic slides, big wheel riding toys, and other age-appropriate outdoor equipment. Make sure they’re labeled so they can easily be returned after VBS. 
You may also want to consider having wading pools with a small amount of water for outdoor playtime. (Supervise carefully.) Make sure parents are notified ahead of time to bring swim floats, a swimsuit, a towel, and extra clothes for their child. Ask if it’s okay to put sunscreen on their child, and apply it at least 10 minutes before going outside. If possible, place the pools in a shady area.
For game time, use the following suggestions or other games from the game guide. Any of these ideas may be repeated throughout the week as time allows. 
Thematic Game Ideas
Day 1
Chameleon Fun Run
Place various solid-colored objects around the playing area such as toy hoops, small flags, papers, balls, orange cones, etc. Anything solid-colored and safe for play can work. Don’t place objects that are the same color (all the red objects, for instance) next to each other, but scatter them around the playing area.
Share the teaching tie-in first, then call out a color and have the kids run to an object that is the color you called. Play as time allows. 
Teaching Tie-In 
Our animal pal today is a kind of lizard called a chameleon. God made chameleons so they can change colors. We change, too, as we grow up, but we don’t change colors, do we? But you know who never changes? God! He’s always the same. You can count on him. 
One Time
No pre-prep is needed. Before playing, share the teaching tie-in, then have them do the following directions one time each. Adapt to fit your situation.
Run around the perimeter of your space one time.
Do one jumping jack.
Find one person whose name is ___ and give her/him one high five. 
Sing one verse of “Jesus Loves Me” while walking around in a circle.
Run and find one thing that is yellow.
Lie down and stay still for one long second.
Sing “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” one time while doing the motions. God made all those parts of your body!
Hop over to one person and say hi.
Take one giant step forward and one giant step backward.
Jump up and down for one minute.
Teaching Tie-In 
Today we’re hearing about a man named Paul who went to a place called Athens. The people of Athens believed in many gods, but Paul told them there is only one God. Let’s put up one finger and say, “There’s only one God!” Do so. Let’s see if we can do some things one time to remind us there’s only one God. 
Day 2
Octopus Explorations
Before class, gather items to make eight simple stations to explore, such as running through a sprinkler, jumping over pool noodles, dancing through toy hoops on the ground, wading through a baby pool, scooping sand into a pail, squeezing water sponges, bouncing a beach ball, and lying down on a beach towel.

Share the teaching tie-in first, then explain what they can do at each of the eight stations and give them time to explore. At this age, it may be best to allow them to have free exploration time to enjoy each activity at their leisure. 
Teaching Tie-In 
Today’s animal pal is Flip the flapjack octopus. Did you know God made octopuses with eight arms? Let’s count to eight together. Do so. These arms help the octopus get its food, swim, and even fight off other animals. I’m sure glad God made the octopus! Let’s think of the octopus while we explore eight different stations.
Octopus Tag
No pre-prep is needed. Before playing, share the teaching tie-in, then play the game. To play, kids run around the playing area while the leader (who is pretending to be an octopus) tries to tag them. If tagged, they have to give the leader a high five, but can continue playing. Play as time allows.
Teaching Tie-In 
Let’s jump up and down eight times while we count to eight. Do so. Now let’s touch our toes eight times while we count to eight. Do so. Did you know God made the octopus with eight arms? God gave them all those arms to help them catch food, swim, and even get away from their enemies. Let’s try to stay away from our octopus leader while we play Octopus Tag. 
Day 3
Parachute Paradise
Before class, gather a sheet or parachute and one or more play fish or sea creatures. 
Share the teaching tie-in first, then begin. Have everyone grab onto the outer edge of the parachute and lead them in imitating various island noises as they wave the parachute. For example, kids can caw loudly like a macaw, blub like a fish, whoosh like the wind, hiss like a snake, or squeal like a dolphin. They can also practice being the island wind by waving the parachute quickly and then slowly. To finish parachute time, toss one or more play fish or sea creatures into the middle of the parachute and let the kids have fun bouncing it around. 
Teaching Tie-In 
Today we’re talking about how God is the ruler of everything. He’s in charge of the wind and the sea. He’s in charge of all the animals. He’s the king of everything. Let’s have fun making some noises we might hear on an island that remind us of all the things God has made. 
Bubble Fun
Before class, gather supplies to make a bubble station. You can make your own solution with a ratio of 3 c. water to 1 c. dish soap and 1/2 c. light corn syrup, or you can buy pre-made bubble solution. You will need bubble wands as well. Share the teaching tie-in first, then blow bubbles up toward heaven as suggested in the teaching tie-in. Next, encourage the kids to try various challenges with the bubbles such as blowing the biggest bubble, not getting touched by bubbles blown by a leader, not letting a bubble hit the ground, blowing a bubble through an upright toy hoop, hitting a target with a bubble, etc. This will be fun exploration!
Teaching Tie-In 
We’re going to play with bubbles today! When we first start, let’s blow some bubbles up toward heaven and say, “God is king!” to remind us he’s the ruler over all. Here we go! 
Day 4
Fill the Bucket
Before class, collect two buckets and lots of small plastic cups (one per player). Fill one bucket with water. Share the teaching tie-in first, then play the game. Kids work together to transfer water from one bucket to the second bucket, which is approximately 20 feet away. They can only use their cups to do so. If you have lots of kids, you may want to divide into two teams and use extra buckets.
Teaching Tie-In 
We have been having so much fun on our island this week, haven’t we? And today we learned that God loves us so much he sent his Son, Jesus. We can never count how much God loves us, just like we can’t count how much water is in the ocean. God’s love for us is so big and huge! He’s a great and loving God. Let’s remember that as we play this game with water. We can’t count the drops, but there are lots!
Jumping Jellyfish 
Before class, gather enough toy hoops to have one per child. (Or, you can use pieces of paper instead if necessary.) Also, gather something with which to play music. Set up the toy hoops on the ground in a large circle.
Share the teaching tie-in first, then have the players each stand inside a toy hoop. Begin to play the music, and have the kids jump from hoop to hoop as long as the music is playing. As soon as it stops, players must freeze in place until the music starts again. Play as time allows. 
Teaching Tie-In 
Today’s animal pal is Jam the immortal jellyfish. Immortal means to live forever. Did you know we 
can live forever with God if we trust in his Son Jesus and say that we are sorry for disobeying him (sinning)? Take responses. I hope you trust in God! Let’s remember that as we try to be jumping jellyfish. 
Day 5
Treasure Hunt
Scatter various items throughout the playing area such as plastic or rubber ocean animals, small balls, water toys, sand pails, etc. Also gather a large container the kids can put their “treasures” in, and place it in the middle of the playing area.
Share the teaching tie-in first, then play the game. Players look for hidden treasures in the grass, which they place in the large container. Play as time allows.
Teaching Tie-In 
What’s something you own that you love? Take responses. Things we love can be treasures to us. Well, today we’re talking about someone who is greater than any treasure on earth. Who do you think is the greatest treasure of all? Take answers. Yes, God! In our game today, we’re going to search for treasures hidden in the grass, but remember, there’s no treasure that compares with God!
Listen to the Leader
There’s no pre-prep needed for this game. Share the teaching tie-in first, then play the game. It is like an island-themed Follow the Leader. As you move about, act out various island animals (turtles, sharks, fish, stingrays, birds, monkeys, etc.) or activities (swimming, surfing, snorkeling, relaxing in the sun, etc.), and have the players imitate the action. Play as time allows.
Teaching Tie-In 
Our animal pal today is Trusty the macaw. A macaw is a bird called a parrot. Parrots were considered trusty friends of pirates. It’s nice to have pet friends, but did you know the Bible tells us God can be our forever trusty friend, better than any other friend we can ever have? 
We’re going to play a game to remind us of that. In this game you’ll be copying motions the leader does, because parrots like to copy what others are doing. Here we go!

Deep Sea Crafts
Simple. Simple. Simple. Young children need simple crafts that are fun to touch and explore. More pre-prep needs to take place so the children are left with decorating, attaching stickers, and gluing. This hands-on fun time helps kids really connect with what they’re learning.
As with all other items used with the toddlers and young preschoolers, watch carefully that items are not choking hazards and that all items are nontoxic. Use chunky crayons. Remember to put names on all crafts as children work on them. 
Plan two craft times a day, but be prepared to skip one or both if the children need more rest time. Some of the crafts follow the “big kids” craft time but are simplified for this level. 
Decide who will be in charge of preparing the craft materials (craft leaders, toddler teachers, or someone else). Whatever ideas you choose, have fun and use the crafts to reinforce the big themes of the week.
Thematic Craft Ideas
Day 1
Session 1—Tropical Tree
For this craft, follow the directions and picture for the Pre-Primary version of the Day 1 main craft found in the Craft Guide. 
Teaching Tie-In 
Have you ever seen a palm tree? Take responses. Guess who made every single tree in the whole wide world? Yes, God did! God is very great! We’re going to enjoy talking about our great God this week at Mystery Island!
Session 2—Number 1 Fun
Gather the following supplies for each child: Number 1 pattern, pair of scissors, washable stamp pads, and wet wipes.
Ahead of time, photocopy and cut the pattern on the dotted lines, one per child.
During class, the toddlers press their thumb or finger on the washable stamp pad then put their fingerprints all over the number 1 pattern. Use the wet wipes for clean up. 
Teaching Tie-In 
What number do we have here? Take responses. Yes, the number 1. Did you know you are the only one with those exact fingerprints? Nobody is like you! And just like there’s only one you, there’s only one God. There aren’t lots of different gods—there’s only one. You can learn about him in the Bible. 
Day 2
Session 1—Disappearing Jonah
Gather the following supplies for each child: one paper plate, markers, wiggle eye, Jonah pattern, and glue stick. The leader will also need a pair of scissors, tape, and paper fasteners.
Ahead of time, cut the paper plate so it has a wide pie-shaped wedge cut out. The opening will act as the fish’s mouth. Tape the cut-out wedge to the end of the fish to act as its tail. Photocopy and cut out the Jonah pattern. Position Jonah correctly behind the fish and attach with a paper fastener so Jonah looks like he’s being swallowed any time he goes by the fish’s mouth. 
During class, toddlers color the fish body (if using a light colored plate) and glue on the wiggle eye. Then color Jonah. 
Teaching Tie-In 
What kind of animal is this? Take responses. Yes, a fish. And who do you think the man is that’s being swallowed by the fish? Take responses. His name is Jonah. Jonah tried to run away and hide from God, but a big fish came and swallowed him up. Can you hide from God? Take responses. No, you can’t hide. Even if you’re deep in the ocean, in the belly of a big fish, God knows exactly where you are and is 
Check Pinterest.com/AnswersVBS for colorful photos of the toddler crafts!
there with you. Isn’t it great to know God is with you wherever you go?  
Session 2—The Os Have It
Gather the following for each child: The Os Have It Craft pattern, and dot art containers or washable markers.
Ahead of time, photocopy the The Os Have It Craft pattern, one per child.
During class, toddlers apply dot art to the O-shape, or they color on it with washable markers.
Teaching Tie-In 
What letter do these dot art circles remind you of? Take responses. Yes, the letter O. And what big letter is on our paper? Take responses. Yes, the letter O again! The letter O can remind us of the word omni, which means all. God knows all, is all over the place, and has all power.
Day 3
Session 1—Wind Chime
For this craft, follow the directions for the Day 3 main craft, substituting chenille stems for cording and wire, as noted in the Tip Corner. This will alter the main directions slightly. 
Teaching Tie-In 
Who makes the wind blow? Take responses, then have them say, “God does!” with you. Continue on in like manner. Who makes the snow fall? God does! Who knows when a coconut falls off a tree? God does! Who knows when a grain of sand gets moved? God does! Who knows when a crab hides in the sand? God does! He’s the one in charge. He’s the king of everything! 
Session 2—Cool Crown
Gather the following: Cool Crown pattern, one per child, yellow card stock, markers, stick-on jewels or fun foam shapes, and tape or a stapler.
Ahead of time, photocopy the cool crown pattern, cut out, and tape the two pieces together so each child has one long piece of crown.  
During class, kids color and sticker the crown. Once finished decorating, tape or staple the crown together to fit each child’s head.
Teaching Tie-In 
Look at these cool crowns. Who usually wears a crown? Take responses. Right, a king or queen or prince or princess. Let’s think about kings. There are a lot of people who have been kings, but people who are kings only get to rule over some people and some things. And they are only king for awhile, not forever. 
God is a different kind of king. He rules over the sea, the heavens, the earth, the animals, and all people—forever. He’s the king of everything, and he is in charge.
Day 4
Session 1—Lei Cross
For this craft, follow the directions and picture for the Pre-Primary version of the Day 4 main craft.
Teaching Tie-In 
Today, you’re making a cross. Does anybody know anything about what happened on a cross? Take responses. Share about Jesus and why he died on the cross.  
Session 2—Work of Art Heart
Note: This is pictured using Model Magic®, but you can also make the hearts out of play dough, clay, or salt dough. If making salt dough, be aware of anyone with a gluten allergy who can’t be around flour.
Gather the following: Model Magic® or your chosen compound, heart cookie cutters, parchment paper, play rolling pins (can be clean, cylindrical plastic jars), colorful Sharpies®, and (optional) ribbon (or yarn) and straws.
Ahead of time, decide if you want to make this a hanging craft. If so, cut the straws into 2-inch pieces and the ribbon or yarn into 10-inch pieces.
During class, give each child a little bit of Model Magic® or your chosen compound. Let them flatten it with a rolling pin and then use the cookie cutter to make it into a heart shape. Decorate as desired with the Sharpies®. If making it a hanging craft, use the straw piece to make a hole for hanging and thread the ribbon or yarn through the hole. Place on the parchment paper to firm up. Leaders, write each child’s name on the parchment next to the heart, and send home at the end of the day.
Teaching Tie-In 
When you look at a heart, what does it remind you of? Take responses. Can you think of someone who loves you? Take responses. Guess who loves you the 
most? Pause for responses. God! God loves you and sent his Son Jesus for you. 
Day 5
Session 1—God’s Attributes Treasure Chest
For this craft, follow the directions and picture for the Pre-Primary Day 5 main craft. 
Teaching Tie-In 
Look at our little treasure chest. Isn’t it great? Did you know God is the greatest treasure? Let’s read some of our cards that go on our treasure chest and think about our great God! Do so.
Session 2—Under-the-Sea Scene
Gather the following supplies per child: one half sheet of bright blue card stock, one strip of sand paper to fit the half sheet of card stock, green crinkle shreds for seaweed, stickers or fun foam stickers of ocean animals, and one glue stick. 
Ahead of time, cut the card stock and the sand paper. 
During class, have the kids glue the sand paper to the top of the blue card stock to represent the sandy beach. The ocean is now below the sandy beach. Next, glue on several strands of green crinkle shred for seaweed. Finally, add some ocean animal stickers or fun foam pieces. Put each child’s name on the back.
Teaching Tie-In 
When we look at the great big ocean, it reminds us that God is amazing. I’m going to remind us of some other things we learned about God this week at Mystery Island, and you can repeat them back to me. God is great! They repeat that, then continue on in like manner with the following. God is mighty! God is always with us! God knows everything! God is powerful! God is good! God is loving! God can be trusted!

Tropical Treats
Yum! Snacks are always a hit. With this age group, it is especially important to check about allergies, since the kids may not be able to communicate about such things. Make sure everything is safe and in bite-sized pieces. 
Decide who is preparing the snacks—teachers or the snack team—and decide if you are serving one or two snacks. You may want to serve smaller portions of the “big kid” snacks assuming they are safe for toddlers.
And of course, remember to pray before eating.
Thematic Snack Ideas
Day 1
Number 1 String Cheese
Buy pull apart string cheese that is in stick form, resembling a number 1. 
Teaching Tie-In
Look at our cheese snack. What number does it remind you of? Take responses. Yes, it looks like the number 1. Let’s put up one finger. Do so. Today, we’re talking about how there’s only one God—the God of the Bible. If you want to know about the one true God, go to the Bible for answers. 
Let’s thank God for being the one true God and for this yummy cheese snack.
Seascape Snacks
See Day 1 in the snack guide for directions, but make a smaller portion by not filling the cups as full.
Teaching Tie-In
Look at our snack that looks like the sea! Who made the sea and all the animals that live there? Take responses. Yes, God did! Have you ever been to the sea (ocean)? Take responses. Can you imagine making that from nothing? Pause for responses. Well, that’s what God did. He made everything from nothing. Wow!
Let’s thank God for being the maker of the sea and all things, and then let’s eat our Seascape Snacks!
Day 2
Mini Flapjacks
Gather a flapjack mix and the ingredients that are listed on the box. Prepare the mix. Making sure to keep away from children, heat a skillet or griddle and coat with pan spray, butter, or oil. Drop the mix onto the hot surface one tablespoon at a time. Cook on the first side until small bubbles start to form or until they are golden brown on the underside. Flip and repeat. Serve several mini flapjacks per child, with or without syrup. The kids can pick them up and eat them if you aren’t using syrup.
Teaching Tie-In
Today we’re having mini flapjacks. Mini means “little” and flapjacks mean “pancakes.” The words “mini flapjacks” remind me of our animal pal today. Does anyone know who our animal pal is? Take responses. Yes, it’s Flip the flapjack octopus. A flapjack octopus is a mini octopus that lives deep, deep down in the bottom of the ocean where it’s very dark. But even if we can’t see them, God can! God knows where everyone and everything is, and God is right there with them! God is right here with you, too. He’s always with you!  
Let’s thank God that he’s always with us, and for these mini flapjacks, and then let’s eat.
Omni Os Cereal
Choose a dry cereal in the shape of Os and serve. 
Teaching Tie-In
What letter of the alphabet does our snack look like? Take responses. Yes, it looks like the letter O. Let’s make an O with our fingers. Do so. An O reminds me of a big word that has to do with God. The word is omni. Let’s say that together. Do so. Omni means “all.” Let’s point all around. Do so. God is omnipresent—all present. He is with everyone all the time. Now let’s make strong man muscles. Do so. God is omnipotent—all powerful. Nothing is too hard for God to do. Now let’s point to our brains. Do so. God is also omniscient—all knowing. He knows everything—even the future! God is almighty!  
Let’s thank God for being so mighty, and then let’s eat our tasty Omni Os. 
Day 3
King’s Crowns
Serve each child a small iced vanilla cake donut that has colorful sprinkles (representing jewels) on it. As usual, share the Teaching Tie-In before eating. 

Teaching Tie-In
This reminds me of a crown. Who wears a crown? Take responses. Yes, a king. Can you think of someone who is a king? Take responses, and share that God is the ultimate king. He is the king over the land, the sea, the sky—absolutely everything. He is the King of kings. 
Let’s thank God our king for the crown snack, and then we’ll eat!
Shark Teeth 
See Day 3 in the snack guide for directions, but serve a smaller portion.
Teaching Tie-In
Look at our snack. We’re pretending they’re shark teeth because our animal pal today is Clark the ___. Take responses. Yes, the shark! The great white shark. Great white sharks are called the king of the sea, but God is the king of everything—the sea, the land, the sky, and absolutely everything. God is the ruler and he is in charge. 
Let’s thank God our king for the Shark Teeth snack, and then we’ll eat! 
Day 4
Apple Inner Tubes
Use an apple corer to cut the middle out of an apple, then slice horizontally to make apples into inner tube rings. Serve two or three per child.
Teaching Tie-In
Have any of you ever been in an inner tube in the water? Take responses. What shape is an inner tube?  Take responses. Yes, a circle. And what shape are our apple inner tubes? Take responses. Yes, they’re circles! Does a circle ever end? Take responses. No, it goes round and round, and on and on. And guess what? God’s love for you never ends, either. It goes on and on! God the Father loves you so much he sent his Son, Jesus! 
Let’s thank God for his love and for this treat, and then we’ll eat. 
Sandy Stars
Gather a tube of sugar cookie dough, a bag of white chocolate chips, and a box of graham crackers. Slice the dough into circles, cut them into star shapes using a cookie cutter, and bake according to package directions. Crush the graham crackers like fine sand using either a zippered baggie or a food processor. Melt the chocolate chips in a small bowl over simmering water in a saucepan. 
Next, dip the top side of the cookies in the white chocolate and then in the graham cracker crumbs. Place on parchment paper to dry. (You may want to put them in the fridge to speed up the process.)
Teaching Tie-In
Today we’re eating Sandy Stars. God is so big and so great that he made everything from the farthest stars to the tiniest bugs. Have you ever stood outside at night and looked at the stars? Take responses. It’s amazing to think that the maker of the stars also made you and loves you. He loves you so much he sent his Son, Jesus, to die for you.
Let’s thank God for being such a loving and caring God, and then let’s eat our Sandy Stars. 
Day 5
Macaw Bites
For a super simple idea, just cut up banana slices and call them Macaw Banana Bites. 
Or, for a different option, gather apples, white chocolate chips, sprinkles, and lollipop sticks. Cut each apple into eight wedges, removing all seeds. Insert a lollipop stick into each. Meanwhile, melt the chocolate by placing a small saucepan with one inch of water on the stove top. Turn the heat on medium. On top of the pan, place a small glass or metal bowl with the white chocolate chips in it, and melt the chocolate. Next, dip the apples in the melted chocolate and sprinkle with candy sprinkles. Place on parchment paper to cool and set.  
Teaching Tie-In
Do you know what a macaw is? Take responses. It’s a bird. Macaws live on tropical islands, and they are known to have been trusty friends to pirates. Do you have any friends you love and trust? Take responses. Did you know that the friend you can trust more than anyone else in the world is God? He’s the best friend anyone can ever have. He’ll never leave you!
Let’s thank God for being the most trusted friend we can have, and then we’ll eat our Macaw Bites.
Hidden Treasure Treats
See Day 5 in the snack guide for directions, but serve a smaller portion.
Teaching Tie-In
What do you see hidden in the “sand”? Take responses. Yes, it’s a pretend treasure chest. What might be in a treasure chest? Take responses. Can you think of any treasure that’s worth more than God? Take responses. God is the greatest treasure by far!
Let’s thank God for this food and for being the greatest treasure, and then we’ll eat. 
Check Pinterest for colorful photos of the toddler snacks.
Day 1
GR+8
 God is Great!

Today’s Medallion
Number 1
Bible passage
Paul in a City of False Gods
Acts 17:16–34
Animal Pal
Camo the Chameleon
Lesson Focus
God is GREAT! He is the one and only God, the awe-inspiring Creator.
Apologetics Focus
There’s only one God as revealed in the Bible. You can’t make up a god of your own choosing.
Treasured Verse
Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised. Psalm 145:3

Today’s Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Mystery Box
Touch Table Water: Ocean Animals
Touch Table Sand: One and Only God
Dramatic Play: Beach Fun
Coloring Corner: Psalm 145:3
Today’s Lesson at a Glance
Lesson Time 
Part 1: Mystery Clue
Part 2: Acts 17 
Part 3: Puppet Pal—One and Only God
Song Time
Song 1: “Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelujah”
Song 2: “Praise Him, Praise Him, All You Little Children”
Memory Verse and Review Time
Part 1: Treasured Verses
Part 2: Go and Do
Wrap-Up Review
Preparing for the Lesson 
Read Acts 17:16–34 several times.
Read this lesson several times and prepare the materials as outlined in the brown Pre-prep text.
Visit AnswersVBS.com/mifaq for more information on there being only one God—the God of the Bible.
 Pray.

Devotion 1 God Is Great
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. Proverbs 9:10
At Mystery Island, we’re encouraging our kids to discover the one true God. But . . . how do we know the one true God even exists? It’s a question that has crossed the mind of every believer at some point—sure, I believe in God, but how do I know the God I love and serve is truly the one true God?
Before we answer that question, let’s go a bit further by asking another question: how can we know anything? How do we even know to question the surety of God’s existence? Here’s the answer: apart from the perfect, truthful, unchanging, eternal God of the Bible, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3) and from whom come knowledge and understanding (Proverbs 9:10), we cannot know anything.
Think about it.
If, as some suggest, there is no god—no ultimate standard of truth and knowledge—and we are simply the product of random processes operating on chemicals over time, then the thoughts in our brains are nothing more than the product of random chemical interactions. How could we know anything?
If, as others suggest, our universe is ruled by a god who is not eternal (Mormonism, History of the Church, vol. 6, ch. 14, p. 305–6) or who is deceptive (Islam, Koran 3:54, 8:30), how could we be sure that what we know is true today will still be true tomorrow?
The one true God of the Bible has created each person in his image and given us the ability to think rationally, to question thoughtfully, to know truth fully. And he has revealed himself to everyone so that no one is without excuse (Romans 1:18–21). Those who deny his existence or seek to change him into a false version of himself are willfully ignorant, suppressing the truth in unrighteousness (Romans 1:18).
We can know the one true God exists because we have the ability to know in the first place. And we can praise him that he freely gives wisdom to those who ask for it (James 1:5). This week, let’s be quick to seek wisdom from the one true God as we teach our children to know the one true God and embrace him fully.
May we be thankful as the Puritans were, not only that we can know things, but also that the one true God has enabled us to know him.
Glorious God,
I bless thee that I know thee.
I once lived in the world, but was ignorant of its Creator,
was partaker of thy providences, but knew not the Provider,
was blind while enjoying the sunlight,
was deaf to all things spiritual, with voices all around me,
understood many things, but had no knowledge of thy ways,
saw the world, but did not see Jesus only.
O happy day, when in thy love’s sovereignty
thou didst look on me, and call me by grace.
Grant that I may always weep to the praise of mercy found,
and tell to others as long as I live,
that thou art a sin-pardoning God,
taking up the blasphemer and the ungodly,
and washing them from their deepest stain.
—(Excerpt from “The Great Discovery” 
in The Valley of Vision)

Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Mystery Box
Materials
Shoebox
Piece of material, duct tape, and scissors
Safe island items to put in the mystery box, such as a leaf, seashell, banana, toy boat, play fish or other ocean animals, piece of rope, flip flop, pool toy, swim goggles, sunglasses, lei, sand pail, sand shovel 
Pre-prep
Cut a hole in the side of the box that is big enough for a child’s hand to fit through. Duct tape a small piece of fabric inside to cover the hole, taping it just at the top so the kids can’t see the items inside the box but can get their hands in and out.
Directions
The islanders take turns putting their hand in the box and picking one object. While it’s still in the box, they feel the item and try to guess what it is, then pull it out and see if they guessed right. 
Teaching Tie-In
We’ve been pulling items out of our mystery box. All these things are found on tropical islands. God is the one who made the ocean, the plants, the birds, the lizards, and the ocean animals we find on tropical islands. God is so great!   
Touch Table Water: Ocean Animals
Materials
Under-the-bed storage container, small wading pool, or “official” touch table
Tarp or plastic tablecloth
Water
Plastic ocean animals
Pre-prep
Cover the floor under the touch table with a tarp or plastic tablecloth. This will be used all week. Put water in the table, along with the plastic ocean animals. 
Directions
The islanders play with the animals in the water.
Teaching Tie-In
God is great! He’s the only one who can make animals, like these animals that live in the ocean. I’m going to pick up one animal from the water at a time, and we’ll say, “God made this ___ (turtle, fish, or whatever it is),” and God is great!” Do so.   
Touch Table Sand: One and Only God
Materials
Under-the-bed storage container, small wading pool, or “official” touch table
Tarp or plastic tablecloth
Play sand, available from hardware stores (make sure it’s marked play sand, not regular sand)
Wet wipes for cleanup
Craft sticks
Set of four flashcards on white card stock: #1, 1, one, only
Pre-prep
Cover the floor under the touch table with a tarp or plastic tablecloth. This will be used all week. Put the play sand in the table. Make the flashcards with the words or numbers on them.
Directions
The islanders look at each flashcard and then, using the craft sticks as a writing utensil, they try to write in the sand what it says on the card. If you have young toddlers, you may want to skip the flashcards and just have them make the number 1 with their fingertips.
Teaching Tie-In
Let’s see if you know what each card says. Go through each one and see if they know. Explain that all the words have to do with the number 1. Ask how many gods there are. Yes, there is only one true God. Some people try to make up other gods, but there’s only one, and we can learn about him in the Bible. God wrote the Bible, and it’s all about him! 
Dramatic Play: Beach Fun
This station, which will be a hit all week, can be as low-key or as elaborate as you’d like. There are a number of suggestions. Just choose what you would like to do. See Decorating Decisions for specifics on the suggestions below.
Materials
Beach backdrop 
Low beach chairs or kids’ fold-up beach chairs
Beach towels
Beach toys/sand toys 
Beach ball
Stuffed animal beach animals
Dress-up clothes (tropical shirts, leis, grass skirts, sunglasses, swim goggles)
Picnic basket with play food
Optional: snack shack to “sell” play food snacks
Optional: souvenir shop to “sell” souvenirs

Pre-prep
Put together the beach backdrop. This will be used all week. Check the Decorating Decisions for specifics.  
Decide what else you want to have in your center. Gather the supplies/props. These can be borrowed, made, or bought from thrift stores, garage sales, or online companies like Oriental Trading Company or Rhode Island Novelties. Our test churches found the dollar stores had what they needed for dress-up.  
Choose which items you want to put out. You may want to put out some today and save some back to add in as the week goes by. Doing so keeps this center fresh and full of discovery all week.
Directions
Pretend to be enjoying a day at the beach.
Teaching Tie-In
We’re heading to the beach today. Have you ever been to a beach? Isn’t it amazing to think that God knows exactly how many grains of sand are on every beach, and how many drops of water are in all the oceans? Our God is great! 
Coloring Corner: Psalm 145:3
Materials
Day 1 Memory Verse Coloring Sheet
Under-the-sea decorating supplies (see Decorating Decisions)
Markers or crayons
Optional for marker and crayon storage: Sand pail
Optional: Additional supplies to glue on, glue sticks, and stickers
Pre-prep
Make or gather the decorating supplies, and set them up. These will be used all week. Photocopy the Day 1 Memory Verse Coloring Sheet, one per child. Gather additional supplies to glue on to the coloring sheets if desired, such as cotton balls for “clouds” or blue cellophane pieces for “sky.” 
Directions
Color the sheet. Add additional supplies if desired.
Teaching Tie-In
Practice saying the memory verse on the sheet. Discuss its meaning.
Additional Exploration Station Ideas
Live Animals—Bring in an aquarium, a turtle, or a hermit crab, and talk about God’s amazing design of each creature.
Seashells by the Seashore—Find a variety of seashells of different kinds, shapes, and sizes. Set up a station with the shells, and have the islanders complete different tasks such as sorting the shells into small, medium, and big categories, sorting into like shell categories, making a line of shells going from smallest shell to biggest shell, making shell imprints by pressing the seashells into play dough or salt dough, doing a shell rubbing, tracing around a shell, and reading books about animals that live in seashells. 
A to Z Creation—Have magnetic ABC letters attached to a cookie sheet. Teachers name something God made and the kids have to find the first letter of that item. For example, if the teacher says “angelfish,” the child finds an A. Emphasize that Creator God made all these things.
Boat Dock Book Nook—Make an exciting spot for reading by bringing in a real boat (canoe, kayak, rowboat), a blow-up raft, or a play boat. Or, make your own play boat, using a large cardboard box fashioned into a boat shape with small children’s chairs inside. You may want to even make it look like a pirate ship! Put children’s picture Bibles and books with individual Bible accounts in the boat, and have kids go in to look at the books or be read to. You may also want to include some children’s books about tropical islands or animals God has made. Answers in Genesis has several good ones for this theme.
Texture Trays—Provide various textures on which and in which the kids can trace words or pictures of key Bible items they will learn about, such as the daily medallions—#1, letter O, crown, heart, and diamond. Possible textures include shaving cream or hair gel in zippered baggies that are duct-taped shut (try coloring the hair gel bright yellow), burlap, trays of salt, thick fleece, magic slates, or chalkboards and chalk. Supervise carefully, and make sure they know not to put their hands in their mouths. You may want to put out different textures on different days. Provide wipes for cleanup.
Play Dough—Play dough is always a favorite, so you may want to feature a station with it all week, adding thematic supplies each day, such as island nature items to press into the play dough for Day 1 (palm leaves, shells, etc.), a cookie cutter O (God is omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent) for Day 2, play jewels to press into the play dough for Day 3, heart and cross cookie cutters for Day 4, and island cookie cutters (like a sun, palm trees, or flip flops) for Day 5. Note: Gluten-free play dough is available online from Amazon.
How to Make Play Dough
2 c. flour
1/2 c. salt
2 c. warm water
4 t. cream of tartar
2 t. oil
Food coloring
Mix the first five ingredients in a saucepan, blending well. Stir over low to medium heat until the dough is formed and is no longer sticky. Remove from the pan, add the food coloring, and knead until smooth. After it has cooled, store in an airtight container. 

Lesson Time
Treasure Map poster, preferably laminated
Day 1 Large Medallion, preferably laminated
Day 1 Animal Pal Poster 
Bible or children’s Bible
Costumes for teachers
Treasure chest
Mounting putty or tape for hanging posters
Number 1s for hiding around the room
 Part 1: Mystery Clue (5 minutes)
Pre-prep: Gather your tropical island costumes, which will be worn all week—the Mystery Island t-shirts and hats. You may want to add a lei around your neck or sun visor. Either buy a fake treasure chest or make one as directed on page 11, and put the BIble in it, bookmarked at Acts 17. Cut out and laminate the day 1 large medallion and put it on the treasure map poster at Chameleon Cave. Hang the posters. Cut out and post some number 1s of various colors and sizes around the room so they are visible.
Teacher 1: It’s time for Lighthouse Lessons now. Let’s gather around our treasure chest. Do so.
Be familiar with the lesson, but don’t memorize it. Place it on a clipboard to use as a reference. You may want to decorate the back of your clipboard (the side the kids will see as you hold it) with beachy stickers.
The Bible and mounting putty or tape are usually mentioned just once a day but are used throughout each day.
Teacher 2: First, we’ve hidden some number 1s around the room. Let’s see if we can play I Spy to find any number 1s that are hidden. Do so. What do you think the number 1 has to do with God? Take responses, and help them along to realize God is number 1 (the best), and there’s only one God.
Teacher 1: Point to the treasure map poster. Now look at our treasure map. Can you find a number 1? Pause for responses. Yes, it’s at Chameleon Cave (on the medallion and on the cave itself). Today, we’re going to find out God is the one and only God. There are no other gods. Let’s put up our pointer finger and say, “There’s only one true God!”  Do so.   
Teacher 2: What book do you think we should look in to find out what God is like? Take answers. Yes, the Bible! The Bible is our greatest treasure on earth. Because it is from God, the Bible always tells the truth, so we can trust the Bible to show us about God.  
Teacher 1: Point to the day 1 animal pal poster. Camo our chameleon is always changing, but the Bible tells us God doesn’t change. He’s always the same. Let’s get the Bible out of our treasure chest and learn more about our wonderful, loving, kind God.
Pull your Bible from the treasure chest carefully and respectfully, and open to Acts 17. Then share Option 1, 2, or 3 below.
Part 2: Acts 17 (10 minutes)
Paul in Athens Poster
Supplies for the Paul monologue (see Pre-prep)
Optional: Pictures of ancient Greece and Greek gods
Pre-prep: Choose which option you will do for the telling of Acts 17, and prepare accordingly. Option 1 needs a Paul puppet, the paul in athens script—audio version, found on the Digital Resources, and a player. Option 2 needs a Bible.  Option 3 needs a willing actor in a Bible time costume and the paul in athens script below, found on the Digital Resources. Any of the options can use the pictures of ancient Greece and Greek gods for visuals as you tell the account. Find pictures online, and make sure the Greek gods are modestly dressed.  
Option 1—Puppet Version of Passage
Cue the paul in athens script—audio version, and play it for the islanders while working the Paul puppet.
Option 2—Reading from the Bible
Open your Bible to Acts 17, and paraphrase the Acts 17:16–34 account. Read or tell it with emotion and interest. Or use a children’s Bible to share the account.
Option 3—Live Monologue
Find someone to play Paul. Learn the script below, then have him share the Acts account expressively as a first person narrative.
PAUL IN ATHENS SCRIPT 
Grace and peace to you! I’m Paul, a servant of God here in ancient times. I’ve been traveling around, starting churches and telling people about our amazing God.

This is where you can show pictures of ancient Greece.
In my travels, I arrived in a beautiful city called Athens. As I walked around the city, I started to feel very upset. Have you ever felt upset? I felt upset because everywhere I went, I saw idols. Do you know what an idol is? 
This is where you can show pictures of ancient Greek gods.
An idol is something that people make so they can worship it instead of God. It is a pretend god. The people here have made little idols out of wood, silver, and gold. They even have an altar that says, “To the unknown god.” But there’s only one true God—the God of the Bible.
Seeing all these false gods upset me, because I want everyone to know the one and only God. So I decided to tell people about the God of the Bible. 
The teacher should hold up the paul in athens poster. Then one day, some people asked me to meet them. While I was there, I told them I had seen their idols, their false gods. I told them God is the maker of the whole world—he even made them—and he can’t be kept in a temple or as a statue they’ve made. And the awesome thing is, God wants to have a relationship with each of us. God sent his Son, Jesus, who lived and died and was raised from the dead, so we can have that relationship if we turn from our sins and trust him.
When I finished speaking, some of the people made fun of me. Has anyone ever made fun of you? It’s not kind! But some of them believed me and realized there really is only one God—the great and awesome Creator.
We can never know absolutely everything about God—he’s too big and great—but we can know him enough to have a relationship with him. This week, I hope you get to know God! 
Thanks for having me in. Shalom!
Part 3: Puppet Pal—One and Only God (5 minutes)
Paul in Athens Poster
Day 1 Animal Pal Poster 
Day 1 Puppet Script (2 copies)
Puppet (girl or boy) in costume
Clipboard
Picture of a surfer
Pre-prep: See Decorating Decisions to set up the puppet stage. Tape one puppet script inside the puppet stage and place the other on the clipboard. Dress the puppet in a mini VBS T-shirt, a tropical shirt, or a lei. You may want to add a visor or mini sunglasses. Find a picture of a surfer.
Each day, the puppet pal will be used to teach or reinforce the lesson. It’s always a favorite, so try to include it even if you have to cut something else. 
If you don’t have a teaching assistant or co-teacher, enlist someone (a group guide or other volunteer) ahead of time to work the puppet each day. If you’re alone, have the puppet come up from behind a suitcase with the lid flipped up, or just stand and work the puppet.
You can use either a boy or a girl puppet. Use a consistent voice for the puppet all week. Speak clearly, and exaggerate words and expressions. For instance, draw out certain words for emphasis, or make an exaggerated action for things like groaning, turning its head, or sneezing. Use your free hand to do things with the puppet’s hands or arms. For example, if the puppet is “thinking,” put the puppet’s hand on its chin. When the puppet is talking, make sure the mouth is open. (This is the opposite of what people often do!) In other words, the mouth should be open on most syllables. You don’t have to open very wide, which will help you move the mouth faster and more naturally. 
Your puppet should come out from inside the lighthouse. When the puppet is entering, hold your arm back and down, and have the puppet take three steps up, getting higher each time, until the puppet is out and visible.  When exiting, turn the puppet toward you, and take three steps down until out of sight. 
Each day, determine ahead of time who will be the puppet, and figure out when that person can get behind the puppet stage. Our test churches sometimes transitioned by having one teacher lead a song while the other teacher was getting in place. 
Teacher: Boys and girls, that was cool to hear from Paul! Now let’s see if we can get our puppet pal, Sunny, to come out. On the count of three, let’s all call to him (her). Ready? 1, 2, 3—Sunny!

Gospel Opportunity

Puppet: Come up. Aloha! Welcome to Mystery Island!
Teacher: Yeah, this is an awesome place. What do you like to do here?
Puppet: Well, one of my favorite things to do is to hang ten.
Teacher: Hang ten? What’s that mean?
Puppet: Ever surfed before?
Teacher: Nope. But I know what a surfer looks like. Show a picture of a surfer.  
Puppet: Well, surfers like to have their 10 toes hang over the front of their surfboard while they’re riding the waves. It’s cool.
Teacher: Pretend to surf. That would be amazing! But there’s a different number I’m thinking about today besides 10. 
Puppet: Oh yeah? What is it?
Teacher: One. 
Puppet: Say dramatically. The number 1. Numero uno. One and only. The big O. O-n-e. 
Teacher: I think we get the idea. Number 1. 
Puppet: It sure wouldn’t work to hang one. Can you imagine having just my big toe hanging over a surfboard? Flip over backwards and laugh uproariously.
Teacher: Sunny, I wasn’t talking about toes. 
Puppet: Well, then, what are you talking about?
Teacher: God.
Puppet: God? What does God have to do with the number one?
Teacher: Maybe the boys and girls out here can help us with that. Boys and girls, do you remember what the number 1 has to do with God? Take answers. 
Puppet: Oh, I get it. There’s only one god. 
Teacher: Yes! The Bible tells us that. It’s the only perfect book in the world, written by God himself, so if the Bible says it, that settles it.
Puppet: What’s God like? 
Teacher: Well, first of all, he can never make a mistake. He’s perfect.
Puppet: Wow, that’s amazing!
Teacher: And he always tells the truth.
Puppet: My big brother doesn’t always tell the truth. He said he’s in fifth grade, and he’s only in third!
Teacher: You can count on God to always tell the truth. And God never changes. Camo the chameleon changes colors a lot, doesn’t he? Point to the Day 1 animal pal poster.
Puppet: Yeah, I like to watch the chameleons that live on the island. They change colors.
Teacher: Well, when I say God doesn’t change, I’m not talking about what he looks like, because God can’t be seen now. But I do mean what God is like always stays the same. He is forever kind, good, loving, and perfect. That will never change. And he made everything and everyone. He’s the Creator!
Puppet: He sounds great!
Teacher: God is great! He’s amazing! He’s wonderful! He’s better than you can even imagine. He’s more important than anybody else to know—by far—and I can’t wait to share more about him with you this week!

Puppet: Thanks for sharing about the one true God. Now I’m going to go try to hang ten!
Teacher: You do that, Sunny, and we’ll see you tomorrow! Boys and girls, as Sunny goes, I’d like to see what you remember from today so far. Show the Paul in athens poster. Here’s a picture of Paul in Athens, telling the men about God. Why was Paul feeling upset? What did the people there believe? How many true gods are there? Take answers and review. 
Song Time
Song 1: “Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelujah” 
“Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelujah” song 
“Praise Him, Praise Him, All You Little Children” song
MP3 or CD player
Also available on Simple Songs CD (11-7-141)
Before singing, explain that “hallelujah” means (basically) “Praise the Lord.” In this song, one group stands and sings “Hallelujah” and the other group answers back “Praise ye the Lord.” Traditionally, kids like singing as loud as they can.
Verse
Hallelu, hallelu, hallelu, hallelujah
(Half the kids stand up and sing.)
Praise ye the Lord 
(Other half stands up and sings.)
Hallelu, hallelu, hallelu, hallelujah
(Half the kids stand up and sing.)
Praise ye the Lord 
(Other half stands up and sings.)
Chorus
Praise ye the Lord (“Praise ye” group stays standing and sings.)
Hallelujah 
(“Hallelujah” group stands up and sings.)
(Repeat those two lines two more times.)
Praise ye the Lord
(Everyone stands and sings together on the last one.)
Song 2: “Praise Him, Praise Him, All You Little Children” 
Verse One
Praise him, praise him all you little children (Wave hands back and forth in the air.)
God is love, God is love 
(Point to God, then your heart.)
Praise him, praise him, all you little children (Repeat first motion.)
God is love, God is love 
(Repeat second motion.)
Verse Two
Praise him, praise him all you little children (Wave hands back and forth in the air.)
God is good, God is good 
(Pretend to blow kisses.)
Praise him, praise him, all you little children (Repeat first motion.)
God is good, God is good 
(Repeat second motion.)
Verse Three
Praise him, praise him all you little children (Wave hands back and forth in the air.)
God is kind, God is kind (Make “kind” hands to symbolize someone giving something. To do so, put out left hand, palm up, then do the same with right hand.)
Praise him, praise him, all you little children (Repeat first motion.)
God is kind, God is kind 
(Repeat second motion.)
Verse four
Praise him, praise him all you little children (Wave hands back and forth in the air.)
God is great, God is great 
(Make strong muscles.)
Praise him, praise him, all you little children (Repeat first motion.)
God is great, God is great 
(Repeat second motion.)
Memory Verse and Review Time
Day 1 Student Guides, 1 per child
Trail Guides, 1 per child
Stamps for Trail Guides
In the remaining time, complete one or more of the following ideas in class. You won’t have time to do them all most likely, but these ideas are also on the back of the Student Guides. Send the guides home each day as a fun review, and also encourage the islanders to do the practical ideas (Go and Do) with an adult. 
Put a stamp in the Trail Guides, or do so as the islanders first arrive at VBS.

Part 1: Treasured Verses
Theme Verse Poster and Day 1 Memory Verse Poster
Memory Verse Music CD and player
Footprints in the Sand supplies—10 footprint cutouts (per group of 3–5) from card stock or construction paper (preferably laminated), plus extras if doing other verses
Pre-prep: Cue the memory verse song. Hang up the day 1 memory verse poster and the theme verse poster. Make the footprint cutouts.
Today’s Verse: Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised. Psalm 145:3 
Practice the verse several times by playing the appropriate song from the Memory Verse CD and using the day 1 memory verse poster as a reference. Then try the following Challenge.
Challenge: Footprints in the Sand—Make 10 footprint cutouts and put them down in a path. Jump from one to the next, saying a word from the verse as you step on each footprint. 
Another idea for learning memory verses is to make up motions that go with key words of the verse. This can be done with any verse, any day.
Tomorrow’s Verse: Behold, I am the Lord . . . Is anything too hard for me? Jeremiah 32:27
Try the Challenge again, this time with tomorrow’s verse. You may also want to practice the week’s theme verse, using the theme verse poster as a reference.
Part 2: Go and Do
Have someone read Psalm 145:1–3, 8–9 to you. Did you hear at least three great things this psalm says about God?
Talk to God (that’s prayer!), and tell him how great he is and why you think so. Remember what you heard from Psalm 145!
Ask an adult what the first thing is that comes to mind when thinking of God.
With an adult, check AnswersVBS.com/mikids for more fun information!
Ask yourself this question: What words describe God?
Wrap-Up Review
Do this quick and fun review. Have them stand up if the answer is yes and sit down if it’s no. 
Is there only one God? (yes—stand up) 
Can God change? (no—sit down)
Did God make you? (yes)
Did God make all the world? (yes)
Can God lie? (no)
Is God great? (yes—review the verse once more: Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised.)

Day 2
ALL+MY+T
God is Almighty!

Today’s Medallion
Letter O
Bible passage
Jonah and God Almighty
Book of Jonah; Psalm 139
Animal Pal
Flip the Flapjack Octopus
Lesson Focus
God is ALMIGHTY! He is all knowing, all powerful, and all present.
Apologetics Focus
Nothing is too hard for God.
Treasured Verse
Behold, I am the Lord . . . . Is anything too hard for me? Jeremiah 32:27
Today’s Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Mystery of the Missing Objects
Touch Table Water: Play Boats and Jonah
Touch Table Sand: Hidden Shells
Dramatic Play: Beach Fun
Coloring Corner: Jeremiah 32:27
Today’s Lesson at a Glance
Lesson Time
Part 1: Mystery Clue
Part 2: Jonah
Part 3: Puppet Pal—Super Power
Song Time
Song 1: “Jonah and the Fish”
Song 2: “My God Is So Great” 
Memory Verse and Review Time
Part 1: Treasured Verses
Part 2: Go and Do
Wrap-Up Review
Preparing for the Lesson
Read the book of Jonah and Psalm 139 several times.
Read this lesson several times and prepare the materials as outlined in the brown Pre-prep text.
For more information on God’s omniscience, omnipotence, and omnipresence, visit AnswersVBS.com/mifaq.
Pray.

Devotion 2 God Is Almighty
Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you will remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away, but you are the same, and your years have no end. Psalm 102:25–27
Almighty (Genesis 35:11); Beautiful (Psalm 27:4); Comforter (Isaiah 66:13); Defender (Psalm 68:5); Everywhere (omnipresent, Psalm 139:7–12); Father (Matthew 6:9); Great (Psalm 48:1); Healer (Malachi 4:2); Incomprehensible (Romans 11:33); Just (Deuteronomy 32:4); Kind (Ephesians 2:7); Love (1 John 4:8); Mighty (Psalm 50:1); Never-ending (Isaiah 9:6); Omnipotent (all-powerful, Jeremiah 32:27); Provider (Genesis 22:9–14); Quiet (1 Kings 19:11–13); Righteous (Psalm 7:17); Sovereign (Psalm 97); Trinity (Matthew 3:16–17); Unparalleled (Jeremiah 10:7); Victor (1 Chronicles 29:11); Wonderful (Isaiah 9:6); Excellent (Psalm 150:2); Yes (2 Corinthians 1:20); Zealous (Isaiah 9:7).
The Great I AM.
These are just a few of the many attributes of our one true God. In fact, someone once said that because God is infinite, his attributes are infinite. Imagine spending all of eternity discovering more and more about our amazing Creator, only to find out you still haven’t uncovered everything about him and need the rest of eternity to find out even more reasons to love him!
Today, you have the great privilege of imparting a deeper understanding of the one true God to your students, focusing on his omnipotence, omnipresence, and omniscience. As with every other aspect of the one true God, Satan twists these into lies. One we’re all familiar with is the lie of “Mother Nature.”
Think about it.
The one true God is omnipresent—he is present everywhere in the universe all the time (Psalm 139:7–12). He is not part of his creation; but he sees it all, all the time (Deuteronomy 4:39). How easy is it to morph this into the idea that god is in all and all of creation is god? An episode of Sesame Street (watched by many children) featured a survival guy who discussed all the ways “Nature” gives us what we need—food, water, clothing, shelter. Even Christians carelessly use the term “Mother Nature” in such ways as, “Boy, Mother Nature really packed a wallop with that storm!” When we do this, we point others to a false view of God and encourage them to worship and serve created things rather than the Creator (Romans 1:22–25).
Let’s make sure we consistently point our children to the one true God and talk about his attributes in real, true ways that help us make sense of the world around us. The one true God is the almighty Creator of the universe—not us and not the creation itself. May we expand our vision of God’s sovereignty and power over all with this prayer: 
King of glory, Divine Majesty,
every perfection adorns thy nature and sustains thy throne;
The heavens and earth are thine,
The world is thine and its fullness.
Thy power created the universe from nothing;
Thy wisdom has managed all its multiple concerns,
presiding over nations, families, individuals.
Thy goodness is boundless;
all creatures wait on thee
are supplied by thee,
are satisfied in thee.
How precious are the thoughts of thy mercy and grace!
How excellent thy lovingkindness that draws men to thee!
We are weary, give us rest,
knowing that thou hast said,
‘I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.’
Blessed be thy name!
—(Excerpt from “Fourth Day Evening: God All-Sufficient” from The Valley of Vision)

Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Mystery of the Missing Objects
Materials
Plastic tray
Dish towel
Mystery box items from yesterday, minus the mystery box
Pre-prep
Arrange 6–8 of the island items from yesterday on the tray, and cover them with a dish towel.
Directions
Take the dish towel away and give the islanders a little time to look at the tray. Then hide them again with the towel. Take one item away. Uncover the tray and see if they can figure out which item disappeared. Continue to do so. 
Teaching Tie-In
There are some island items hiding under this towel. But even though you can’t see them, God can! Nothing and nobody can hide from God. He knows where everything and everyone is at all times, and he’s actually with everyone and everything at the same time. Only God can know where everyone is and be everywhere at the same time, because God is almighty!
Touch Table Water: Play Boats and Jonah
Materials
Under-the-bed storage container, small wading pool, or “official” touch table with water
Tarp or plastic tablecloth
Toy boats (plastic ones or DIY versions out of foil)
Play people out of corks (can also be LEGO® people with one designated to be Jonah)
Permanent markers
Optional: Plastic marine animals (ones that are large enough to “swallow” a play person)
Pre-prep
Color the corks with permanent markers to look like little people. Make one look different. This one will be Jonah. Either make foil boats (see YouTube.com/AnswersVBS for how to make a simple foil boat), or buy small plastic ones. Put a shallow amount of water in the water table, along with the toy boats and the play people.
Directions
The islanders play with the crew of the boat, including Jonah.
Teaching Tie-In
Did you know the Bible tells about a man named Jonah who tried to run away from God? He got on a boat where he thought he could hide. But can anyone hide from God? Pause for answers. No! God knows everything, including where everyone is. So God sent a big storm, and Jonah was thrown off the boat and into the sea where he was swallowed by a big fish. Do you think God knew Jonah was inside the big fish? Pause for answers. Yes! God sent that fish! Remember—God knows everything and is with everyone. He is almighty. We can be thankful that God is always with us and cares what’s going on with us!
Touch Table Sand: Hidden Shells
Materials
Under-the-bed storage container, small wading pool, or “official” touch table with play sand
Tarp or plastic tablecloth
Wet wipes for cleanup
Seashells
Pre-prep
Hide the seashells in the sand. 
Directions
The islanders find the seashells in the sand. They can all be hidden ahead of time and the kids randomly try to find them, or a teacher can hide a shell in the sand one at a time, then the kids try to find it.
Teaching Tie-In
There are seashells hidden in our sand today. We can’t see them, but who do you think can? Pause for answers. Yes, God! He knows exactly where each seashell is. He knows how many there are. He even knows how many grains of sand are in this sand table. God knows everything and sees everything. God is almighty! 
Dramatic Play: Beach Fun
Materials
Day 1 items and any new item(s) you may want to introduce
Pre-prep
Add in any new items.
Directions
Dress up and pretend to be playing at the beach.
Teaching Tie-In
We’re going to the beach again today. Isn’t it incredible to think God knows how many drops of water are in the whole ocean? And not only in one ocean, but also in all the oceans and rivers in the whole world. God knows everything and is very great!
Coloring Corner: Jeremiah 32:27
See Day 1’s directions, but use the Day 2 Memory Verse Coloring Sheet.

Lesson Time
Treasure Map Poster 
Day 2 Large Medallion, preferably laminated
Bible or children’s Bible
Costumes for teachers
Treasure chest
Mounting putty or tape
Hidden Message materials (see Pre-prep)
 Part 1: Mystery Clue (5 minutes)
Pre-prep: Using a white crayon, prepare the hidden message by writing a big O on a white piece of copy paper. When it’s time to reveal the hidden message, dip a paintbrush in a small bowl of water and then in a child’s watercolor paint set, and paint over the paper. Also, put the Bible in the treasure chest, bookmarked to Jonah 1. Cut out and laminate the day 2 large medallion and mount it on the treasure map poster. 
An alternate way to do invisible ink is to mix 1/4 c. baking soda with 1/4 c. water, then dip a cotton swab into the mixture to make an O. When it’s time to reveal, use a small bowl of dark juice and a cotton swab or paintbrush to gently rub over the O. 
Teacher 1: Put up one finger. Do so. What does the number 1 have to do with God? Take responses. Yes, there’s only one God.
Teacher 2: Now today, let’s gather around and watch and see what happens when I paint over this blank piece of paper. Do so. What do you see appearing? Take responses. Yes, a big O!
Teacher 1: Let’s see if we can find a big O on our treasure map. Does anyone see it? Pause. Yes, there it is at Octopus Inlet! (It’s on the large medallion and also on the poster itself—the inlet is in the shape of an O.) I wonder what an O has to do with God? Well, there’s a word that starts with O that’s important. It’s omni. Let’s say that together. Do so.
Teacher 2: Omni means “all.”  God is all knowing—he knows everything. God is all powerful—he has all the power in the world. And God is all present—he is everywhere at the same time.
Teacher 1: It’s true! God knows all things. Nobody else knows everything—only God. He knows where every star is. Let’s point up to the stars. Do so. He knows how many blades of grass there are. Let’s point down to the blades of grass. Do so. He knows what’s at the top of every mountain. Let’s make a mountain with our arms. Do so. He knows what’s at the bottom of the ocean. Let’s look down and pretend to see the bottom of the ocean. Do so. He even knows every word you will ever say before you say it! 
Teacher 2: And God has all the power in the world. Nobody else can calm a storm. Let’s say, “Shhh!” Do so. And nobody else can bring someone back from the dead. Let’s lie down and get back up. Do so. And nobody else can make an animal or a person. Only God! He is mighty!
Teacher 1: And God is everywhere at the same time! He’s with you wherever you are. You can’t hide from God or get away from him. A man in the Bible named Jonah found that out the hard way. Let’s get our Bible out of the treasure chest and learn more about Jonah.
Again, carefully and respectfully get out the Bible, and open to the book of Jonah so they see you using your Bible.
Part 2: Jonah (5–10 minutes)
Jonah Poster
“Boat” (see Pre-prep)
Pre-prep: Make a boat that all the kids can fit in. This can be done by making a boat outline on the floor using painter’s tape. Or use large corrugated boxes or sheets of corrugated cardboard to fashion the boat so it has sides, again making it big enough for the class to sit inside. 
Teacher 1: Our account starts with God telling Jonah to go to a place called Nineveh. Let’s point over here to Nineveh. Have everyone point in one direction. God wanted Jonah to go there because it was a bad city and the people didn’t know about the one true God. So Jonah was supposed to go and tell them God wanted them to turn from their sin. 
Teacher 2: But Jonah didn’t want to go there. He was probably scared because it wasn’t a nice place. So Jonah decided to go in the other direction. Let’s point over here 
toward Tarshish. Have everyone point in the other direction. Jonah went over here, paid some money, and got on a boat to go out to sea. Let’s go over here and get on that boat. Do so. 
Teacher 1: Well, the boat started out. Let’s pretend we’re rowing the boat to get it out to sea. Do so.
Teacher 2: But God sent a big wind and storm on the sea. Let’s make wind and storm noises and pretend the boat is rocking. Do so. 
Teacher 1: The sailors were really afraid. They thought the boat might break into pieces because the storm was so bad. Let’s look like we’re really afraid. Do so. 
Teacher 2: They started throwing all the supplies off the ship to lighten the load. Let’s pretend to throw the supplies off the ship. Do so.
Teacher 1: During this whole time, guess where Jonah was? Asleep! The captain went and got him up and told him to call on God. You see, the sailors realized the storm had come about because Jonah was trying to get away from God. 
Teacher 2: Jonah knew God had sent the storm because Jonah was trying to run away from God. But you can’t run away from God, can you? He always knows where you are. So Jonah told the sailors to throw him overboard and that God would stop the storm. Let’s pretend to throw Jonah overboard. Do so.
Teacher 1: As soon as Jonah was thrown overboard, the storm stopped. Let’s make loud storm noises, and then everyone get quiet right away when I say, “Stop!” Do so.
It’s fun to make slime ahead of time and then add some fish sauce to it the day of the lesson. Let the kids smell the concoction to imagine being in the belly of the great fish. Check online for slime recipes.
Teacher 2: Guess what happened to Jonah when he fell in the sea? God sent a big fish to swallow him. Show the Jonah poster. Can you imagine being in the belly of a big fish for three days and three nights? That’s where Jonah was. Do you think God knew Jonah was there? Take responses. Yes, God knew, because God knows everything at all times. He knows where we are, and he’s even with each person all the time. If you’re hiding under your bed, God knows and is there. If you’re hiking in the woods, God knows and is there. If you’re at day care or school, God knows and is there. If you’re playing hide-and-seek, God knows and is there. Wherever you are, God knows and is there.
Teacher 1: So God knew where Jonah was and God was with him, even though Jonah thought he was dying. But then he prayed to God, and God heard his prayer and commanded the big fish to throw Jonah up onto the shore. Can you imagine a God so powerful that a fish does what it’s told to do? God can stop a storm, God can cause a fish to swallow Jonah, and God can tell it to throw him back up. God is almighty!
Teacher 2: Let’s go back to our seats now. Do so. I’ve got a question for you. Do you think anything is too hard for God? Take responses. No, nothing is too hard for God, as the Bible tells us. He can do anything he wants to do. Do you think it’s hard for God to make a star? Take responses, and tell them to shout, “No!” 
Teacher 1: Is it hard for God to make a person? No!
Teacher 2: Is it hard for God to stop a storm or put a rainbow in the sky? No!
Teacher 1: Is it hard for God to be at the bottom of the ocean and on top of the highest mountain at the same time?  No!
Teacher 2: Is it hard for God to see in the dark? No!
Teacher 1: Is it hard for God to bring Jesus back to life? No!
Teacher 2: God is almighty! He has all the might in the world! He is our amazing, all knowing, all powerful, always present God. And the great news is, he’s also kind and loving and cares about us, so he always uses his power for our good. Let’s call on Sunny and hear a little more about this. Do so.

Part 3: Puppet Pal—Super Power (5 minutes)
Pre-prep: Tape one puppet script inside the puppet stage and place the other on the clipboard.  Make or gather the superhero shirt or prop.
God’s Power Poster
Day 2 Animal Pal Poster
Day 2 Puppet Script (2 copies)
Puppet and clipboard
Puppet-sized superhero shirt or prop (see text)
Teacher: On the count of three, let’s stand up and call our puppet pal. Ready? 1, 2, 3—
Sunny!
Puppet: Come up with a superhero shirt, shield, or other superhero prop.
Teacher: What in the world are you wearing (holding)?
Puppet: This is my superhero costume. I’m pretending to be ____ (name of the superhero you are using). 
Teacher: What are you pretending you can do? 
Puppet: I have the power to stop a speeding train with my bare hands, or ____ (make up a pretend power).
Teacher: It’s fun to pretend, but you don’t think you really have super powers, do you?
Puppet: No, I don’t. But ___ (name of a superhero) sure does! Have you seen how he ___ (ability of that superhero)?
Teacher: Well, guess what? That’s just pretend, too! The superheroes you see on TV and in the movies and in your computer games are just make believe. They aren’t real.
Puppet: Awww . . . so there’s nobody who has super powers for real?
Teacher: Yes, there is. There is one. Only one.
Puppet: Who? I bet it’s ___ (name of a superhero).
Teacher: Nope.
Puppet: Maybe ___ (name of a superhero). 
Teacher: No. Remember, those are just pretend, but the one with true super powers is God. God isn’t like anyone else. God can do anything. 
Puppet: Like what?
Teacher: Well, for one, he knows everything. He’s never had to go to school to learn. He’s known it all forever. 
Puppet: You mean God has never learned anything new?
Teacher: That’s right! We’re learning new stuff all our lives, and even then, we only know a bit of all there is to know. But God always has known everything. He knows where each bird is and how many feathers it has. He knows when a grain of corn is picked on the other side of the world. The Bible says he even knows when you sit down and when you get up in the morning—every day. He knows when you go to bed. He knows what you’re going to say before you say it. He even knew you before you were born, because he made you!  
Puppet: What a mighty God! 
Teacher: Yes! And God not only knows everything, but he also has the power to do anything he wants to. He’s loving and kind, so of course everything he does is for a good reason.
Puppet: What kind of power does he have?
Teacher: Show the God’s power poster. He has power over the weather. He has the power to make it rain or stop raining, to send a rainbow, or to make it a beautiful, sunny day. He has the power to heal our boo boos and sicknesses, and even come back to life. He has the power to forgive us of our sins and to create plants and animals from nothing. 

Puppet: Incredible!
Teacher: God is also everywhere at the same time.  
Puppet: You mean God is here and God is across the world with the boys and girls there, too?
Teacher: Yep! The Bible tells us if we go to the highest spot, the lowest spot, the farthest spot across the world, or anywhere, God is there. Show the Day 2 animal pal poster. He is even deep, deep down in the sea where Flip the flapjack octopus lives. It is pitch black down there, but God knows where every creature is, including Flip.
Puppet: It’s really great news that God is always with us. That’s something to remember when I get scared and feel alone.
Teacher: Remember that you’re never alone. You can’t see God, but he’s there, loving you and watching over you.
Puppet: God is great. God is good.
Teacher: Yes. He is both great and good, all the time. If we are his children, we can know he’s our kind and loving Father who is always with us and knows all about us. That’s awesome!
Puppet: That’s so awesome! I’m gonna go sit in the dark for a minute and remember God is with me. 
Teacher: Okay, Sunny, you do that, and we’ll see you tomorrow. Let’s say goodbye to Sunny, everyone! Do so. 
Song Time
“Jonah and the Fish” song 
“My God Is So Great” song
MP3 or CD player
Song 1: “Jonah and the Fish” 
Sing this to the tune of “Row, Row, Row Your Boat.”
Verse 1
Row, row, row your boat 
(Row a pretend boat.)
On the stormy sea 
(Sway back and forth as if in a storm.)
Jonah is thrown overboard (Act as if you are throwing someone overboard.)
This is not a dream 
(Shake head and hands “no.”)
Verse 2
Row, row, row your boat 
(Row a pretend boat.)
Now the storm is still (Move your hands horizontally across the calm “sea.”)
Jonah’s in the great big fish (Open your arms wide as if it’s a big fish’s mouth and then close them again.)
God is with him still 
(Point up, and then hug yourself.)
Verse 3
Row, row, row your boat 
(Row a pretend boat.)
Now he’s on the shore (Jump up and over as if getting out of the boat.)
Jonah learns the Lord is near (Clap.)
With him evermore (Hug yourself.)
Song 2: “My God Is So Great”
Remind the islanders that God is so great and is the one who made the whole world and every person. He loves everyone and has everything under his perfect control. 
My God is so great 
(Stretch arms wide open.)
So strong and so mighty 
(Make strong man muscles.)
There’s nothing my God cannot do 
(Shake your head and pointer finger “no.”)
(Repeat that.)
The oceans are his (Make a rippling wave motion with your hand.)
The mountains are his (Bring your hands together to form a mountain.)

The stars are his handiwork, too 
(Point up to the stars.)
My God is so great 
(Stretch arms wide open.)
So strong and so mighty 
(Make strong man muscles.)
There’s nothing my God cannot do, for you (Shake your head and pointer finger “no,” then point to the kids.)
Memory Verse and Review Time
Day 2 Student Guides, 1 per child
Trail Guides, 1 per child
Stamp for Trail Guides
In the remaining time, complete one or more of the following ideas in class. Remember to send home the Student Guides and encourage the islanders to complete them!
Put a stamp in the Trail Guides, or do so as they first arrive at VBS. 
Part 1: Treasured Verses
Pre-prep: Cue the memory verse song. Hang up the Day 2 memory verse poster.
Day 2 Memory Verse Poster 
Memory Verse Music CD and player
Today’s Verse: Behold, I am the Lord . . . . Is anything too hard for me? Jeremiah 32:27
Practice the verse several times by playing the appropriate song from the Memory Verse CD and using the day 2 memory verse poster as a reference. Then try the Challenge.
Challenge: Disappearing Voice—Say the verse first in a loud voice. Say it a little softer. Continue to say it softer and softer until you are just whispering it.
Tomorrow’s Verse: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord. Isaiah 6:3
Try the Challenge again, this time with tomorrow’s verse. 
Part 2: Go and Do
Have someone read Psalm 139:1–14, 17 to you. What did you eat today? God knows it! What did you do today? God knows it! And he has been with you all day while you were eating and playing!
Thank God for caring for you. 
Tell somebody something amazing about God! 
With an adult, check AnswersVBS.com/mikids for more fun information!
Ask yourself this question: What can I see outside that is an amazing creation of God’s?
Wrap-Up Review
Day 2 Animal Pal Poster
Day 2 Memory Verse Poster
Have the islanders start low and stretch up higher and higher with each answer, shouting out the answers to the following.
See if they can find the hidden O in the Animal Pal Poster.  
Our animal pal today is Flip the flapjack _____. Show the Day 2 Animal Pal poster.
Our Bible verse says: Is anything too hard for _____? Show the Day 2 Memory Verse Poster.
How much does God know? (everything)
How much power does God have? (all power)
Where is God right now? (everywhere)

Day 3
RUE+LEARN-N
God is Ruler!

Today’s Medallion
Crown
Bible passages
Isaiah’s Vision of God
Isaiah 6:1–3; Psalm 8
Animal Pal
Clark the Great White Shark
Lesson focus
God is RULER! He is the majestic king who is holy and perfect.
Apologetics Focus
God is the same in the Old Testament as he is in the New Testament. He was and is and always will be in charge.
Treasured Verse
Holy, holy, holy is the Lord. Isaiah 6:3
Today’s Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: I Spy a Crown
Touch Table Water: Fish in the Sea
Touch Table Sand: Sand Castles
Dramatic Play: Beach Fun
Coloring Corner: Isaiah 6:3
Today’s Lesson at a Glance
Lesson Time
Part 1: Mystery Clue
Part 2: Isaiah 6
Part 3: Puppet Pal—Ruler of All
Song Time
Song 1: “What a Mighty God We Serve”
Song 2: “Holy, Holy, Holy”
Memory Verse and Review Time
Part 1: Treasured Verses
Part 2: Go and Do
Wrap-Up Review
Preparing for the Lesson
Read Isaiah 6:1–3 and Psalm 8 a couple times.
Read this lesson several times and prepare the materials as outlined in the brown Pre-prep text.
Visit AnswersVBS.com/mifaq for more information on the holiness, perfection, and sovereignty of God.
Pray.

Devotion 3 God Is Ruler
For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. Psalm 95:3
Throughout the Old Testament, the revealed God of the Bible is contrasted to the gods worshipped in the ancient Near East. The point of these passages is to reveal the sovereignty of our God over all creation and to discredit the gods of other peoples as impotent and worthless and to direct mankind to the one true God.
Think about it. 
What separates the God of the Bible from the gods of this world? After God delivered the Israelites from the Egyptians at the Red Sea, Moses wrote, “Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?” (Exodus 15:11). 
The emphasis of accounts like these is that when we compare other so-called gods (e.g., their creative acts, motives, and eternality) to the Lord, we find they are bankrupt in majesty and power. In addition, the morality of the false gods is vastly different from the one true God, as our Bible account about Isaiah shows. 
In the myths, gods are depicted as selfish, arrogant, sadistic, lustful, drunken, vain, or hateful. In other words, they mirror humanity. These gods are just powerful mortals with the same desires, character flaws, sins, and objectives as their lesser-powered creations. 
For example, in the Egyptian mythologies, which Isaiah would have been familiar with, there was war between Seth and Osiris. Seth slew and dismembered his older brother Osiris and ruled Egypt in his stead. When Osiris’ son Horus claimed the throne, Seth fought with him as well. Eventually a tribunal of gods decided the dispute over who should rule Egypt. After much politicking and quarreling, Horus was granted the throne and Seth was given the position of thunder god. 
Unlike these wicked gods, the one true God has no sin in him (Habakkuk 1:13; James 1:17). He is perfect, holy, and righteous. He never changes or reneges on his promises. In this context, we can think of Isaiah’s description: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” We see this refrain echoed throughout the New Testament, as well. Jesus Christ is holy and without sin (Hebrews 4:15; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Revelation 3:7).
In fact, it is precisely because of the holy nature of the biblical God that we have a basis for morality. He is the ultimate lawgiver and has given us standards by which we are to live. Apart from the good God of the Bible, we have no logical basis upon which to claim, for example, that murder is wrong, while helping others is right. Take a look again at the character and nature of the gods mentioned above—are any of them capable of dispensing a logical system of morality, where good is defined by their very nature? Their followers, acting consistently with their belief in their gods, show that their moral code left something to be desired—human sacrifice, murder, adultery, continual war, lying, scheming, and the like were all the norm, rather than sinful behavior to be punished.
What we do not see in Scripture is an ultra-powerful mortal bully. We see a transcendent God who is infinitely wiser and higher than man, yet visits us in order that we might know him (Psalm 8:3–4).
The God of the Bible is not merely one of a plethora of gods from which we may pick and choose to worship; nor is he to be put on par with other supposed deities. He is the omnipotent Creator and Redeemer of mankind. Truly we worship a great God, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, and a great King above all gods.
In the end, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord of all, to the glory of God the Father. Today, let’s point our kids to the one true God, holy and sovereign over all, and their Savior. 

Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: I Spy a Crown
Materials
Spot the Different Crown pattern
Crayons or markers
Yellow and gray or white card stock
Pre-prep
Make copies on yellow card stock of the Spot the Different Crown Pattern. Decorate each one, making them all the same except for one, which should be slightly different. Make another set on gray or white card stock and do the same.  
Directions
First, the islanders look at the yellow crowns and try to decide which one is different. Then they look at the gray or white set to figure out which one is different. 
Teaching Tie-In
We’re trying to figure out which crown is different. Who wears a crown? Yes, a king or queen! Did you know God is the greatest king ever? He’s called the King of kings in the Bible. The Bible also tells us a man named Isaiah saw a vision of God sitting on a great throne, wearing an amazing robe. God is a loving, kind, good, great ruler and king, and we can trust him with our lives.
Touch Table Water: Fish in the Sea
Materials
Under-the-bed storage container, small wading pool, or “official” touch table
Tarp or plastic tablecloth and water
Play ocean animals (shark particularly helpful)
Little fish nets
Pre-prep
Put the ocean animals and little nets in the water table. 
Directions
The islanders play with the animals and nets in the water.
Teaching Tie-In
Who is our animal pal today? Take responses. Yes, Clark the shark! Sharks are nicknamed the king of the sea because they are the most mighty animal in the ocean. But who is the king of the whole universe, including the sea? Take responses. Yes, God! He made the sharks and ocean animals and ocean water and sun and islands and everything else! God is the one who is the ruler of everyone and everything! We can trust him with our lives. Sharks can’t help us, but God can!
Touch Table Sand: Sand Castles
Materials
Under-the-bed storage container, small wading pool, or “official” touch table
Tarp or plastic tablecloth
Play sand
Wet wipes for cleanup
Sand castle molds
Pictures of real castles photocopied on white card stock
Squirt bottle 
Pre-prep
Find pictures of real castles and print them. Put the sand castle molds in the sand table. Squirt the sand with water so it is moldable. 
Directions
The islanders make sand castles.
Teaching Tie-In
Look at our sand castles! Do you know anybody who lives in a real castle? Take responses, and show pictures of real castles. Kings and queens live in castles, don’t they? They’re in charge of their kingdoms, aren’t they? But kings and queens on earth are just people, and they only can do some things. Only God knows everything and can do everything. There’s nothing impossible for God to do! Do you remember our Bible verse for today? Let’s say it together. Do so.  
Dramatic Play: Beach Fun
Materials
Day 1 items and any new item(s)
Pre-prep
Put in any new items you want to introduce.
Directions
Islanders play with the beach items.
Teaching Tie-In
When we get in the ocean, we swim around in the top part of the water, but the water in the ocean goes down very, very deep. At the bottom of the ocean, it’s competely dark. But even though we can’t see in total darkness, God can! He knows where every animal big and small is that’s hiding, swimming, or crawling along the ocean floor. And he is with all of them at the same time. God is great! He’s the king of everything!
Coloring Corner: Isaiah 6:3
See Day 1’s directions, but use the Day 3 Memory Verse Coloring Sheet.

Lesson Time
Treasure Map Poster 
Day 3 Large Medallion, preferably laminated
Simple Crown Pattern and colored card stock
Bible or children’s Bible
Costumes for teachers
Treasure chest
Mounting putty or tape
Opaque bag for a “mystery bag” with pictures of animals, plants, and people (cut these from magazines or print from online sources), along with a paper that says “God the Father”
Part 1: Mystery Clue (5 minutes)
Pre-prep: Print pictures of animals, other nature items, and people, and put them in a “mystery bag.” Also, write the words “God the Father” on a paper, but do not put it in the bag. Put the Bible in the treasure chest, bookmarked at Isaiah 6. Laminate and cut out the day 3 large medallion and mount it on the treasure map poster. Photocopy the simple crown pattern onto colored card stock, and cut the crowns out. Mount them around the room for the kids to spy at the time noted below.
Teacher 1: Remember how we were talking the other day about God being the only God? Let’s put up one finger and say, “There’s only one God!” Do so.  And we talked about God being all knowing, all powerful, and all present. Let’s make big muscles and say, “Nothing is too hard for God!” Do so. 
Teacher 2: Today, we’re talking about God being the ruler of the world. Let’s play a little game to find out more. I have a mystery bag here. Let’s take turns pulling out a picture and deciding if it’s an animal, a plant, or a person. Do so.   
Teacher 1: Here’s our last one. Pull out the words “God the Father.” Does God the Father fit in any of these categories—animal, plant, or person? Take responses. No! God the Father is not like anyone or anything else. He’s extremely wonderful—more wonderful than you can even imagine! In fact, he’s the king of the whole world! Let’s see if we can spy any crowns around the room to remind us that God is the king of the world. Do so.
Teacher 2: Now let’s check on our Treasure Map and see if we can find a king’s crown over near the Great White Gulf. Do so. Yes, there it is! The king’s crown reminds us God is king of everything.
Teacher 1: Next, let’s check out what the Bible says about God being the king of everything.
Carefully and respectfully pull your Bible out of the treasure chest and open it to Isaiah 6.
Part 2: Isaiah 6 (5 minutes)
Isaiah 6 Poster with each picture covered (see Pre-prep), and dry erase marker
Thrones Poster
Robes Poster
One or more pictures of kings from famous children’s movies/books
Optional: Pictures of plants, animals, and the cosmos
Pre-prep: Cover each section of the isaiah 6 poster with a blank piece of paper to work as a lift-the-flap activity. The islanders will be making word associations to remember what was happening in the Isaiah 6 account. Print off one or more pictures of kings from various children’s movies/books and (optional) pictures of plants, animals, and the cosmos to use as noted below.
1: King Uzziah died. But God is alive!
An alternative to the lift-the-flap activity with the Isaiah 6 poster is to cut out the six pictures along the lines and place them in the treasure chest, pulling the appropriate one out at the right time.
Teacher 1: Begin by naming off a king from a popular children’s movie or book they may know, such as the father in Cinderella. Hold up the picture/pictures. Have you ever seen this king? Take responses.    
Teacher 2: Well, the king in this picture is pretend. He didn’t really live and rule. Someone just made him up. But our Bible account starts with a king who wasn’t pretend. The Bible tells us right here (point to Isaiah 6) that his name was King Uzziah. Isn’t that an unusual name? King Uzziah. King Uzziah was a real person who lived a long time ago. Let’s all pretend to put on a crown to remind us of King Uzziah. Do so. Well, guess what happened to King Uzziah? The answer is under this covered picture! I wonder what happened! Take responses, and lift the flap on Picture 1. King Uzziah died! Kings on earth like King Uzziah die and stay dead, don’t they? They aren’t like the greatest king ever, God. He’s alive forever!
Teacher 1: Let’s all lie down on the ground and say, “King Uzziah died.” Then we’ll jump up and down and say, “But God is alive!” Do so.

2: Looked heavenward. Throne of the Lord.
Teacher 2: After King Uzziah died, a man named Isaiah had a kind of dream. And in his dream, he saw the Lord God sitting on a throne. Do you know what a throne is? Take responses. A throne is the special, fancy seat that kings and queens sit on. Show the thrones poster. Here are some pictures of thrones. Then, ask what they think is pictured under the flap, and lift the flap on Picture 2.
Teacher 1: So Isaiah saw the Lord sitting on a special throne. Let’s all look and point up toward heaven and say, “Looked heavenward. Throne of the Lord.” Do so. Now let’s see if we can do the motions and say the whole thing from the beginning. “King Uzziah died.” Get down on the ground. “But God is alive!” Jump up and down. “Looked heavenward.” Look toward heaven. “Throne of the Lord.” 
3: Temple with robe. Could fill the globe.
Teacher 2: Listen to the next thing Isaiah saw in his dream. Paraphrase Isaiah 6:1 by saying that God’s robe filled the temple. 
Teacher 1: Did you hear what he was wearing? Take responses. Yes, a robe. Show the Robes poster. Here are some pictures of kings wearing robes. 
It used to be that a king’s robe showed how important a king was. The longer the robe, the more important the king.
Teacher 2: Ask what they think is pictured under the flap. Take responses, and lift the flap on Picture 3. God’s robe wasn’t like any other king’s robe. It was special because God is special. His robe was so long that it filled the whole temple. A temple is kind of like a church. Can you imagine a robe being so long it would fill a whole church? That shows how important God is.
Teacher 1: Let’s pretend to put on a robe as we say, “Temple with robe.” Then let’s make a big earth with our hands as we say, “Could fill the globe.” Do so, then try to say the whole thing with all the motions. 
4: Angels fly. Covered their eyes.
Teacher 2: It gets even more amazing! Do you know what an angel is? Take responses. Well, next Isaiah saw a special kind of angel called a seraphim flying around. What do you think is going to be pictured under the flap? Take responses, and lift the flap on Picture 4. 
Teacher 1: Let’s flap our wings while we say, “Angels fly.” Then let’s cover our eyes while we say, “Covered their eyes.” Do so, then try to say it all with motions from the beginning.
5: Holy was heard. Super important word.
Teacher 2: Okay, on to the next part. Now Isaiah hears something amazing. Touch the part of your body that you hear with. Do so. Right! Isaiah heard the angels saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord.” Ask what word they heard three times—holy. Ask what word they think is under the flap. Take responses, and lift the flap on Picture 5.
Teacher 1: Holy doesn’t mean it’s full of holes. Donuts have a hole, and bagels have a hole. But the word “holy” means something else. It means there is nothing bad in God. It’s impossible for him to ever do or think anything bad or wrong. He’s always perfect and good.  
Teacher 2: Let’s put our hands to our ears and say, “Holy was heard.” Then put up 1, 2, 3 fingers as we say, “Super important word.” Do so, then try to say it all with motions from the beginning.
6: Tell your story about God’s glory.
Teacher 1: After it says God is holy, it says the whole earth is full of his glory. This means every single thing God has made shows us how amazing God is. Let’s draw something amazing God made. Lift the flap on Picture 6. Raise your hand if you’ve ever gone outside at night and looked at the stars. Do so. Put the blank piece of paper back down and draw a couple stars in the upper part of the paper while talking. The stars are amazing, and God made them. He even named each one. They show God’s glory.

Teacher 2: Nod your head if you’ve ever played in the ocean. Do so, and draw a couple waves toward the bottom portion of the paper while talking. The ocean is big and beautiful, isn’t it? Pause for responses. The ocean shows God’s glory.
Teacher 1: Stand up if you’ve ever seen a little bug walking or flying around. Do so, and draw a little bee or two in the sky while talking. Every little bug is made by God. Each one shows God’s glory.
Teacher 2: Sit down if you’ve ever seen a fish. Do so, and draw a fish or two in the ocean while talking. The animals at the zoo are each perfectly made by God. They show God’s glory.
Teacher 1: Everywhere we look around the earth, we see how amazing God is—every tree, every bird, every flower, every person. The whole earth!
Teacher 2: Let’s see if we can think of some animals and plants and people God has made. Do so. Either let them think of some or give clues or show pictures, and have them guess different plants, animals, and people. Comment that each one shows how amazing God is. The whole earth is full of his glory!  
Teacher 1: Now let’s say our rhyme. Point to yourself and say, “Tell your story about God’s glory.” Do so, then have them try to say it all with motions from the beginning. So there you have it! I think Sunny may want to chime in about this, so let’s call him (her) now. Do so.
Part 3: Puppet Pal—Ruler of All (5 minutes)
Day 3 Animal Pal Poster
Day 3 Puppet Script (2 copies)
Puppet and clipboard
Pre-prep: Tape one puppet script inside the puppet stage and place the other on the clipboard.  
Puppet: Pop up. Oh, hi! I was just watching ____ (name of children’s movie with a king in it).
Teacher: Was it good?
Puppet: Yeah! In fact, it’s fun to play kings and queens with my friends.
Teacher: You know, we’ve been talking about a king who isn’t like any other king. This king is perfect and good and rules the whole universe. He’s alive forever! 
Puppet: Do you mean God? 
Teacher: Yep! He’s the King of kings and the Lord of lords.
Puppet: That reminds me of a song. It’s called _____. (Choose a favorite kids’ song or chorus of a song and insert the name. Two possibilities are “He Is the King of Kings” or “All Creatures of Our God and King.” Check out YouTube for music and lyrics, and plan to sing it when noted below.)
Teacher: Hey, I like that song! Let’s sing it with the boys and girls! Do so. 
Puppet: That’s fun to sing to God! 
Teacher: It sure is! Singing praises to God is a great way to show how great and wonderful and loving we think God is! 
Puppet: I’m going to try to sing a song every day. How about this one? Sing a silly, made-up song that has nothing to do with God. 
Teacher: Well, that’s a fun song, but it doesn’t have anything to do with God. You may want to try to sing songs about God to God. And besides singing, another way to show how much we honor and worship him is to praise him as we pray to him. 
Puppet: What does “praise” mean?
Teacher: It’s telling God how amazing we think he is. We can do this as we pray to him.
Puppet: How do we pray to God?
Teacher: We just talk to him. We can’t see him, but he’s listening! 

Before the next class, prepare a new blank piece of paper for this last square.

Puppet: Cool beans! Shout heavenward. God, I think you’re an amazing ruler and king! Look back at the teacher. Did he hear that?
Teacher: He sure did! But you don’t have to shout up to heaven. Just talk in your normal voice and he’ll hear you. You can even think praises to God. He knows what you’re thinking! And you know what else we should want to do when we find out how great God is? 
Puppet: Do the chicken dance? I love the chicken dance. Hum the first stanza and have everyone clap. Check YouTube for the tune.
Teacher: No, silly, I’m not talking about doing the chicken dance. Instead, we should want to tell others about God and his wonders!
Puppet: Oh, right! God is the incredible ruler of the universe!
Teacher: He sure is! Show the day 3 animal pal poster. You know, Clark the shark here is nicknamed the ruler of the sea. That’s pretty cool, but that’s nothing compared to being the ruler of everything! God made everything and is in charge of it all. Can you think of something God has made that you think is fabulous?
Puppet: Yeah, yeah. I know what . . . ear wax. You know, that gooey yellow stuff that’s in your ears. Now I think that’s fabulous.
Teacher: Sunny, be serious.
Puppet: I am being serious! Did you know ear wax protects your ears from getting bad germs and water in them? God was really smart to make that. I think it’s wonderful! 
Teacher: I guess you have a point there.
Puppet: And how about our eyelashes? They help to protect our eyes from getting things like sand or dust in them.  
Teacher: Okay, I think we hear what you’re saying. God made all that and so much more! We can talk to other people about our amazing God and never run out of great things to say about him! 
Puppet: That’s for sure! I’m going to tell my mom how amazing ear wax is. 
Teacher: Okay, Sunny, go for it, and we’ll plan to see you tomorrow! Let’s say goodbye to Sunny, everyone. Do so.
Song Time
Song 1: “What a Mighty God We Serve”
“What a Mighty God We Serve” song 
“Holy, Holy, Holy” song
MP3 or CD player
Sing again one of the songs suggested in the puppet script (“He Is the King of Kings” or “All Creatures of our God and King”), or try one of the following.  
What a mighty God we serve 
(Clap with the beat. Repeat.)
Angels bow before him (Bow.)
Heaven and earth adore him (Make a big circle with your arms for “earth.”)
What a mighty God we serve 
(Clap with the beat.)
Song 2: “Holy, Holy, Holy”  
Remind them what “holy” means of God: nothing bad in God, only good, perfect, no sin.
Verse 1
Holy, holy, holy 
(Bow and put hands together.)
Lord God Almighty (Raise hands to heaven.)
Early in the morning 
(Move your arms around like they are the hands on a clock face.)
Our song shall rise to Thee (Put your hands to your mouth and move them outward.)
Only Thou art holy 
(Bow and put hands together.)

There is none beside Thee  (Shake head “no” and move hands to signal “no.”)
Perfect in power (Raise hands to heaven.)
In love and purity (Put hands over your heart, then raise skyward.)
Memory Verse and Review Time
Day 3 Student Guides, 1 per child 
Trail Guides, 1 per child
Stamp for Trail Guides
In the remaining time, complete one or more of the following ideas in class. Put a stamp in the Trail Guides, or do so as the islanders first arrive at VBS.
Part 1: Treasured Verses
Pre-prep: Cue the memory verse song. Hang up the Day 3 Memory Verse Poster. Prepare the Bat the Beach Ball Challenge.
Day 3 Memory Verse Poster
Memory Verse Music CD and player
Bat the Beach Ball supplies—beach ball or other lightweight ball
Today’s Verse: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord. Isaiah 6:3 
Practice the verse several times by playing the appropriate song from the Memory Verse CD and using the Day 3 Memory Verse poster as a reference. Then try the Challenge.
Challenge: Bat the Beach Ball—Get a beach ball or other lightweight ball. Bat it around as you say the verse. Can you keep it in the air until you’ve said the whole verse from memory?
Tomorrow’s Verse: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
Try the Challenge again, this time with tomorrow’s verse. 
Part 2: Go and Do
Ask an adult to read Psalm 95:1–6 or Isaiah 55:8–9 to you. What does it say about God?
Talk to God, and praise him for being the King of kings. Tell him how great he is! 
Sing a praise song to God.
With an adult, check AnswersVBS.com/mikids for more fun information!
Ask yourself this question: Do I know that God loves me?
Wrap-Up Review
Day 3 Animal Pal Poster
Day 3 Memory Verse Poster
Have the islanders whisper each answer.
See if they can find the hidden crown in the Animal Pal Poster. 
Our animal pal today is Clark the great white ___. Show the Day 3 Animal Pal Poster.
Our Bible verse says: Holy, holy,  ___. Show the Day 3 Memory Verse Poster.
God is the King of ___. (kings)
He is the ruler of ___. (everything)
Now have the islanders shout out the answer to each rhyme. Give them the beginning of the missing word as a help. 
King Uzziah died. God is a-___. (a-live)
Looked heavenward. Throne of the L-___. (L-ord)
Temple with robe. Could fill the gl-___. (gl-obe)
Angels fly. Covered their e-___. (e-yes)
Holy was heard. Super important w-___. (w-ord)
Tell your story, about God’s gl-___. (gl-ory)

Day 4
E+MAN+YOU+L
God is Emmanuel!

Today’s Medallion
Heart
Bible passage
God Comes to Earth (Gospel Presentation)
Select Scriptures
Animal Pal
Jam the Immortal Jellyfish
Lesson focus
God is EMMANUEL! He is the loving, good Savior who came to earth.
Apologetics Focus
God is three-in-one—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Even though there is mystery in this, God is knowable.
Treasured Verse
While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
Today’s Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Play Creche
Touch Table Water: Fishing Fun
Touch Table Sand: Crosses Memory Match
Dramatic Play: Beach Fun
Coloring Corner: Romans 5:8
Today’s Lesson at a Glance
Lesson Time
Part 1: Mystery Clue
Part 2: Treasure Hunt Gospel Presentation
Part 3: Puppet Pal—Review Game
Song Time
Song 1: “I Am So Glad that Jesus Loves Me”
Song 2: “God Is So Good” 
Memory Verse and Review Time
Part 1: Treasured Verses
Part 2: Go and Do
Wrap-Up Review
Preparing for the Lesson
Read this lesson several times and prepare the materials as outlined in the brown Pre-prep text.
Read “Leading a Child to Christ” found on the inside back cover of this guide, and pray for your day. 
For more information on Jesus being the only way to heaven, visit AnswersVBS.com/mifaq.

Devotion 4 God Is Emmanuel
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13:14
From the beginning, the enemy of our souls has known there is only one true God. Even his henchmen believe in the one true God—and shudder (James 2:19). And over the years, he has used his knowledge to distort and deny this truth and draw people away from the one true God.
One of the more insidious lies he has told—and that even some Christians believe—is that all monotheistic religions believe in the same God; he just goes by different names. The god of Islam (Allah), Mormonism, and Jehovah’s Witnesses (Jehovah) is the same as the one true God of the Bible, right? 
 The doctrine of the Trinity helps us separate the one true God from the fakes. The one true God exists in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), the Holy Spirit. Each is fully God and manifests all the attributes of the one true God. For example, in the Bible, each is called the Creator (Genesis 1:1; John 1:1–3; Job 33:4); each is unchanging and eternal (Psalm 90:2; Hebrews 13:8; Hebrews 9:14); and each is called God (Philippians 2:11; Titus 2:13; Acts 5:3–4).
If a religion denies that any member of the Trinity is God, then its “god” is a fake and is based on a lie from the devil himself. It’s that simple.
Islam teaches that Jesus was a man, not God nor the Son of God. Mormonism teaches that Jesus is a created being who became a god. Those in the Jehovah’s Witness cult also believe that Jesus was created and thus is not infinite or eternal.
Think about it.
According to the Bible, Jesus suffered the punishment of death that human beings deserve as a result of their sin against a holy God. Because God is infinite, his punishment of sin is infinite. Can a created being—one that is not infinite—endure the infinite punishment from an eternal God and satisfy—eternally—God’s wrath on our sin? Of course not. This is why the blood of bulls and goats could never take away all sin (Hebrews 9:13–15).
In order to spend eternity in the presence of the holy and righteous God, we need a perfect infinite sacrifice to take the punishment we deserve. Those religions that deny that Jesus is God (and thus, that he is eternal) offer a limited sacrifice for sin that does nothing to satisfy the infinite wrath of God and is no better than a sheep.
The Jesus described in the Bible is infinite and is God. The infinite Son, in his death on the cross, suffered the infinite punishment that we deserve from the infinite Father and infinitely satisfied the wrath of God on sin. A “created Jesus” could never do such a thing.
As you teach that God is Emmanuel to the children today, think about the vital importance—with infinite ramifications—of embracing the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit as the triune God, the one true God of the Bible.
May we rejoice, as the Puritans did, in the way each member of the Trinity works to bring about our salvation.
THREE IN ONE, ONE IN THREE,
GOD OF MY SALVATION,
Heavenly Father, blessed Son, eternal Spirit,
I adore thee as one Being, one Essence,
one God in three distinct Persons,
for bringing sinners to thy knowledge and to thy kingdom.
O Father, thou hast loved me and sent Jesus to redeem me;
O Jesus, thou hast loved me and assumed my nature,
shed thine own blood to wash away my sins,
wrought righteousness to cover my unworthiness;
O Holy Spirit, thou hast loved me and entered my
heart, implanted there eternal life,
revealed to me the glories of Jesus.
Three Persons and one God, I bless and praise thee,
for love so unmerited, so unspeakable, so wondrous,
so mighty to save the lost and raise them to glory.
O Triune God, who commandeth the universe,
thou hast commanded me to ask for those things
that concern thy kingdom and my soul.
Let me live and pray as one baptized into the threefold Name.
—(Excerpt from “The Trinity” in The Valley of Vision)

Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Play Creche
Materials
Play creche set
Pre-prep
Set up the creche. One test church used a Fisher Price®  nativity set.
Directions
The islanders play with the creche set.
Teaching Tie-In
Do you know who the baby in this set represents? Take responses. Yes, this represents baby Jesus. Do you know who Jesus is? Take responses. Yes, he is God the Son! He left heaven and became a baby so he could be with us. God didn’t just stay in heaven not caring about us. He came here to rescue us! That’s because God loves us so very much. 
Touch Table Water: Fishing Fun
Materials
Under-the-bed storage container, small wading pool, or “official” touch table with water
Tarp or plastic tablecloth
Fun foam hearts with a hole punched in each
Mini fishing pole supplies (see Pre-prep)
Pre-prep
Buy mini fishing poles from a dollar store or make your own using small dowel rods or pencils with a piece of fishing line attached to each. Tie an opened paper clip to the end of each piece of fishing line. Put the fun foam hearts in the water table.
Directions
The islanders “fish” for the hearts, trying to catch one by getting the paper clip through the hole in the heart. 
Teaching Tie-In
What shape are we “fishing” for today? Yes, these are hearts! What do hearts remind you of? Yes, love. People can love each other and care for each other on earth, but nobody loves us like God does. He cares so much about us and wants us to be his child. Explain the gospel here. You can tell them your testimony.
Touch Table Sand: Crosses Memory Match
Materials
Under-the-bed storage container, small wading pool, or “official” touch table with play sand
Tarp or plastic tablecloth
Wet wipes for cleanup
Cross pattern
5 colors of card stock (see Pre-prep)
Pre-prep
Photocopy the Cross pattern onto five different colors of card stock, and laminate each page. Cut them out and hide the crosses in the sand.
Directions
The islanders reach into the sand and pull out a card. They pull out another and decide if the color matches. If it doesn’t, they can put the card back in the sand and pull out another one. They can keep pulling out cards until they find one that matches. 
Teaching Tie-In
What shape did you find? Take responses. Yes, a cross! Do you know why the cross is so important to us? Take responses, and explain that Jesus died on the cross because he loves each one of us so much. And then he rose from the dead! Jesus is God’s one and only Son, and he is God himself!
Dramatic Play: Beach Fun
Materials
Day 1 items and any new item(s) you may want to introduce 
Pre-prep
Put out any new items.
Directions
Dress up and pretend to be playing on the beach. 
Teaching Tie-In
If you’re at the beach during the day, you may see the sun. God made the sun! If you’re at the beach during the night, you may see the moon and stars. God made the moon and stars! The Bible tells us he even named each star! But did you know there’s another word that sounds like sun, but means the child of a father? Take responses. God the Father has a Son! Does anybody know the Son’s name? Take responses. Yes, Jesus! Jesus is God’s Son, and he is God himself. Jesus lived and died, but he didn’t stay dead. Only God can come back to life! Wow!
Coloring Corner: Romans 5:8
See Day 1’s directions, but use the Day 4 Memory Verse Coloring Sheet.

Lesson Time
Treasure Map Poster
Day 4 Large Medallion, preferably laminated
Optional:  Days 1–3 Animal Pal Posters
Bible or children’s Bible
Costumes for teachers
Treasure chest
Mounting putty or tape
Construction paper or card stock hearts 
Part 1: Mystery Clue (5 minutes)
Pre-prep: Put the Bible in the treasure chest, bookmarked at the appropriate passages. Hide the hearts around the room so they are still visible. Cut out and laminate the Day 4 large medallion and mount it on the treasure map poster. 
Teacher 1: Let’s see if we can remember what each of these circles stands for. Go over each of the treasure map poster spots, and see if they can remember what the number 1 stands for at Chameleon Cave, the letter O at Octopus Inlet, and the crown at Great White Gulf. You may want to also go over the animal pal posters as a review. 
Teacher 2: Now we’re going to play a little round of I Spy to find an important clue for today. Have them look around (without moving) and see if they can find any hearts around the room.
Teacher 1: What do you think hearts stand for? Take responses. Yes, love! Do you know where love came from? Take responses. God! All love is from God.
Teacher 2: Let’s check out our treasure map today and see what our circle is. Check the Jellyfish Lagoon and comment on it being a heart shape. Now let’s get our Bible out of the treasure chest as we go on a treasure hunt to hear more about God’s love.
Carefully and respectfully pull your Bible out of the treasure chest, and open it to Genesis 1.
Part 2: Treasure Hunt Gospel Presentation (5–10 minutes)
Gospel Jewel Posters
ABFR Poster, in a plastic bottle, like a note in a bottle
Day 4 Animal Pal Poster
Tri-fold Clues 1–6
Pre-prep: Print and fold the tri-fold clues 1–6 so they are ready for the teacher to open and read, and put the abfr poster in the bottle. Cut out the gospel jewel posters. Using mounting putty, strategically place each jewel around the walls so they are in plain view. Hide the bottle so it is in plain sight. Bookmark the appropriate Bible passages. 
Teacher 1: We’re going on a treasure hunt to find jewels of various colors. Hunt with your eyes until you see the color, and then point when you find it. Here’s the first one. Open each clue and read it as you go through these.
Clue 1—Green
What color are plants and trees? 
Look for a green jewel, please. 
Teacher 2:  The islanders stay seated and look for the right jewel on the wall. They point when they find it. Teacher 2 should go over to the green gospel jewel poster after they’ve pointed to it. If time and space allow, have the kids move over to the green jewel, too. Yay! You found the green jewel. The Bible tells us right here (point to Genesis 1) that God made the world and he planted a green garden in it called the garden of Eden. Then he put the first two people there. Do you know their names? Pause for responses. Yes, Adam and Eve.
Teacher 1: Everything was very good in the green garden. It was beautiful and nothing bad had happened. But let’s find our next color to hear what’s next.
Clue 2—Dark
Jewel number 2 is the color of night. 
Find a dark jewel, not light.
Teacher 2: After they’ve pointed to the dark gospel jewel poster, Teacher 2 should go and stand by it. If possible, have the kids move over to the dark jewel, too. Yay! You found the dark jewel. Our dark color reminds us that something happened in the garden of Eden that wasn’t so beautiful. You see, a serpent came along and played a bad trick on Eve. He told her to eat a piece of fruit God told her not to eat.

Teacher 1: Eve ate a bite, and then so did Adam. And guess what? The beautiful world changed. They didn’t obey God, and this is called sin. Sin is when we say or do something God commands us in the Bible not to. 
Teacher 2: Well, this was very sad. Adam and Eve sinned first, and the children they had sinned, and their children sinned, and on and on, until our time. Guess what? Because we are part of Adam and Eve’s family, we sin, too. Read Romans 3:23. And the punishment for sin is death and eternal separation from God’s goodness.
Teacher 1: If you think you’ve never sinned against God, think about this. God says to be kind. Nod your head if you’ve ever gotten in a fight with a brother or sister or friend. Pause for responses. God says to obey your parents. Have you ever not obeyed your mom or dad when they asked you to do something? Pause for responses. Was there ever a time you didn’t pick up your toys right away when your parents asked you to? Pause for responses. All these, and many more, are examples of sin.
Teacher 2: God is perfect, and he can’t let anyone who isn’t perfect into heaven, which would mean none of us could go to heaven someday. But God loves us and wants us to be with him someday, so he did something amazing. Let’s find our next jewel and see what happened next. 
Clue 3—Blue
What color does a baby boy wear?
Yes, it’s blue, and it’s near a chair.
Teacher 1: After they point to the blue gospel jewel poster, go and stand by it. If possible, have the kids move over to the blue jewel, too. According to the Bible, God sent his Son, Jesus, from heaven to earth, as a little baby boy. That’s what we celebrate at Christmas! God didn’t stay in heaven and leave us here on earth and in trouble. He sent Jesus to be with us. Jesus is God and one of his names is Emmanuel. Emmanuel means “God with us.” 
Teacher 2: Jesus was born on earth and lived a perfect life. He was loving and kind and good, and he always obeyed his Father, God. Okay, let’s hear the next clue so we can find out what happened next.
Clue 4—Red
Now it’s time to look around,
Until a red cross is found.
Teacher 1: After they point to the red gospel jewel poster, go and stand by it. If possible, have the kids move over to the red jewel, too.  Red remind us of love, and God sent Jesus because he loves us so much and wants us to be part of his family to live with him in heaven someday. Because we’re sinners, we aren’t born into God’s family. But Jesus did something that has given us the chance to be part of God’s family. Does anyone know what Jesus did at the end of his life here on earth? Take responses.
Teacher 2: Yes, Jesus died on a cross. He didn’t deserve to, but you know why he did? Take responses. Because he loves us! Then, because Jesus is God, he was able to do something only God can do. He came back to life! He didn’t stay dead! Isn’t that amazing? Now let’s hear the next clue.
Clue 5—Yellow
Hope you’re having lots of fun. 
Look for a yellow jewel the color of the sun.
Teacher 1: After they have pointed to the yellow gospel jewel poster, go and stand by it. If possible, have the kids move over to the yellow jewel, too. Yellow reminds us of heaven with its streets of gold, where there won’t be anything sad or bad. It will be a beautiful and perfect place like the garden of Eden was. And all the children of God will 
live there forever. The best part of all will be God himself will live there and all his children will get to be with him forever! 
Teacher 2: Getting to be his child and live with him forever is worth more than anything else. Let’s listen for the next clue and find out how we can become part of God’s family. This one is not a colorful jewel you will look for, but a bottle (a jar) with some letters.
Clue #6—Admit, Believe, Forever Receive
To end our hunt, look for a jar, 
With some secret letters—ABFR.
Teacher 1: The islanders look for and point to the jar (bottle). This one will be sitting somewhere rather than on a wall. Have the kids move back to where they are normally seated. You were looking for a jar with the letters ABFR in them, and here it is! Let’s look at the letters inside.
Teacher 2: First, the A. Let’s make an A with our arms. Do so by putting your arms together to form a mountain peak, symbolizing an A. Then tell them you know a word that starts with A. A stands for “admit.” If you admit you sin, that means you tell God you haven’t always obeyed him. You feel sorry for those sins and want to love and obey Jesus.
Teacher 1: The next letter is B. Let’s bounce. Bounce starts with a B. Have them bounce a little, then tell them you know another word that starts with B. B also stands for “believe.” To become a child of God, you must believe God sent his Son, Jesus, to die on the cross and then rose from the dead to save you from sin.
Teacher 2: The next two letters are F and R. Let’s make an F with our arms. Do so by sticking both arms out to one side, parallel, then tell them you know a word that starts with F. F stands for “forever” and the R stands for “receive.” Forever receive. If you are sorry for your sin and trust in Jesus for eternal life, you can become a child of God forever. You can forever receive the gift of eternal life. Show the day 4 animal poster. Forever is a long time, as Jam our immortal jellyfish reminds us. Becoming God’s child is the most important thing ever.
Teacher 1: If you want to learn more about this, make sure you talk to your parents, your leaders, or me today. We’d love to tell you more about it.
Teacher 2: So true! Now let’s check in with Sunny and see what he’s (she’s) been up to.
Part 3: Puppet Pal—Review Game (5 minutes)
Day 4 Puppet Script (2 copies)
Puppet and clipboard
Pre-prep: Tape one puppet script inside the puppet stage and place the other on the clipboard. 
Puppet: Come up. Hey! 
Teacher: Hey! What have you been up to?
Puppet: I was just playing a game. I love games!
Teacher: I do, too! They’re so much fun. Would you like to play a game with the kids?
Puppet: I sure would! How do we play?
Teacher: I’ll ask a question, and you decide on two possible answers. Then the kids will have to figure out which one is right.
Puppet: Oh, that sounds fun! Let’s try it.
Teacher: Okay, the first question is this: God made the world a beautiful and perfect place and put the first two people in a garden called what?
Puppet: Let’s see, it was either the garden of eggplant or the garden of Eden. 
Teacher: Boys and girls, which do you think it was? The garden of eggplant or the garden of Eden? Take answers and tell them it’s the garden of Eden. 
Teacher: Question 2: The first people, Adam and Eve, ate something God told them not to. What was it?

Puppet: I think it was either a piece of fruit or a pepperoni pizza. Boy, do I love pepperoni pizza.
Teacher: Boys and girls, do you think it was fruit or pizza? Take answers and tell them it was fruit. 
Teacher: Question 3: When you don’t obey God, it’s called what?
Puppet: It’s called either sin or smiles. Pretend to pose for a picture. CHEESE!  
Teacher: Calm down over there, Sunny. Anyway, do you think it’s called sin or smiles when you don’t obey God? Take answers and tell them it was sin.
Teacher: Okay, here’s the next question: God’s Son, Jesus, came to earth to save sinners. Jesus is called Emmanuel, which means what?
Puppet: It means either God with us or a man is here.
Teacher: Boys and girls, which do you think? Take answers and tell them it’s God with us.
Teacher: Okay, here’s our last question: We talked about A standing for admit. We admit we sin. What does B stand for?
Puppet: It means either banana or believe.
Teacher: Boys and girls, do you think the B stands for banana or believe? Take answers and tell them it’s believe. 
Puppet: Well, this sure was fun to play our game.
Teacher: Yep! And I hope all our boys and girls know God loves them and wants them to be children of God. Well, we’ll see you tomorrow, Sunny. Thanks for playing with us! 
Puppet: You bet! I’m gonna go swimming now. See you later. 
Song Time
Song 1: “I Am So Glad that Jesus Loves Me”
“I Am So Glad that Jesus Loves Me” song
“God Is So Good” song
MP3 or CD player
I am so glad that Jesus loves me 
(Sway a little, then hug yourself.)
Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me 
(Sway and hug yourself.)
I am so glad that Jesus loves me (Repeat.)
Jesus loves even me (Point to yourself.)
Song 2: “God Is So Good” 
God is so good (Point up, then make the sign for “good” by placing the fingers of your right hand against your mouth, then moving them into the upright palm of your left hand.)
God is so good (Repeat motions.)
God is so good (Repeat motions.)
He’s so good to me (Repeat motions, then point to yourself on “me.”)
He loves me so (Point up, then cross your arms over your heart, then fan arms out.)
He loves me so (Repeat motions.)
He loves me so (Repeat motions.)
He’s so good to me 
(Repeat first verse’s last motion.)
He died for me (Make a cross with your wrists crossing each other.)
He died for me (Repeat motions.)
He died for me (Repeat motions.)
He’s so good to me 
(Repeat first verse’s last motion.)
God is so good (Point up, then make the sign for “good” by placing the fingers of your right hand against your mouth, then moving them into the upright palm of your left hand.)
God is so good (Repeat motions.)
God is so good (Repeat motions.)
He’s so good to me 
(Repeat first verse’s last motion.)

Memory Verse and Review Time
Optional: Gospel Bookmarks, 1 per child 
Day 4 Student Guides, 1 per child 
Trail Guides, 1 per child
Stamp for Trail Guides
In the remaining time, complete one or more of the following ideas in class.
Put a stamp in the Trail Guides, or do so as the islanders first arrive to VBS. If giving each child a gospel bookmark, show at this time, and then have leaders give them out at the end of the day.
Part 1: Treasured Verses
Day 4 Memory Verse Poster
Memory Verse Music CD and player
Pre-prep: Cue the memory verse song. Hang up the Day 4 Memory Verse Poster.
Today’s Verse: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 
Practice the verse several times by playing the appropriate song from the Memory Verse CD and using the Day 4 Memory Verse poster as a reference. Then try the Challenge.
Challenge: Action Reaction—Try different actions while saying the verse. First, try it while hopping. Next, say it while turning around. Continue with other motions such as jumping, sitting, and skipping. 
Tomorrow’s Verse: Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Proverbs 3:5
Try the Challenge again, this time with tomorrow’s verse. 
Part 2: Go and Do
Ask someone to read John 3:16–17. What does it mean? Pray and thank God for sending his Son, Jesus, to be God with us.
Tell someone about Jesus coming to earth and how to become a child of God.
Ask an adult if she is a child of God, and if so, how she became one.
With an adult, check AnswersVBS.com/mikids for more fun information!
Ask yourself this question: Who loves us the most of anyone? God!
Wrap-Up Review
Have the islanders sit down on the questions and stand up and shout “Jesus!” on the answers. 
Who loves us?
Who came to save us?
Who died on the cross for us?
Who wants us to be part of God’s family?

Day 5
TRUST+WORD-D+THEE
God is TRustworthy!

Today’s Medallion
Diamond
Bible passage
David Trusts God
1 Samuel 17
Animal Pal
Trusty the Macaw
Lesson focus
God is TRUSTWORTHY! He is our rock, and we should praise, thank, worship, adore, and live for him.
Apologetics Focus
God is bigger and greater than our unanswered questions. We can trust him.
Treasured Verse
Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Proverbs 3:5
Today’s Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Sling It
Touch Table Water: Sink or Float
Touch Table Sand: Cookie Cutters
Dramatic Play: Beach Fun
Coloring Corner: Proverbs 3:5
Today’s Lesson at a Glance
Lesson Time
Part 1: Mystery Clue
Part 2: David and Goliath
Part 3: Puppet Pal—Trust Fall
Song Time
Song 1: “If You Trust God and You Know It” 
Song 2: “Here Comes David” 
Memory Verse and Review Time
Part 1: Treasured Verse
Part 2: Go and Do
Wrap-Up Review
Preparing for the Lesson
Read 1 Samuel 17 a couple times.
Read this lesson several times and prepare the materials as outlined in the brown Pre-prep text.
For more information on how we can trust God, visit AnswersVBS.com/mifaq. 
Pray.

Devotion 5 God Is Trustworthy
And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10
Today, as we examine the account of David and Goliath, consider that David was likely in his late teens when he went against the giant. Not too much older than some of the kids in your classes. Perhaps the age of the teen volunteers on your crew. Yet, even by that age, David had learned so much about the one true God that his trust in his God was firm. He knew that God was living and active (1 Samuel 17:26), he was the ruler over all (v. 45), and he was mighty to save (vv. 46–47). He had experienced God’s massive power throughout his life (v. 37), and he was confident enough to confront those who didn’t believe (vv. 26–30). 
Throughout the rest of his life, David would write of his trust in God based on what he knew to be true about his Creator. Consider all the attributes of God that David included in just one psalm (25): God is deliverer, truth, salvation, merciful, loving, good, eternal, upright, faithful, a friend, gracious, forgiving, the Redeemer. He proclaims, “O my God, in you I trust” (Psalm 25:2). Take a glance through David’s psalms, and notice how often he rehearses God’s attributes to himself and how often he reminds himself to trust in God, no matter his circumstances. In times of trouble or times of ease, David trusted God. Because he knew the Word of God, he knew who God is and trusted him because of it.  
Think about it.
How well do you know the one true God? Do you know enough about him and his attributes to trust him completely with your life? Do you rehearse God’s attributes to yourself (and your family and the children in your care)? 
Consider what we’ve studied about God this week: he is great, almighty, ruler, Emmanuel, and trustworthy. How does embracing and clinging to these attributes change your perspective on your job, your relationships, your bank account, your home, your family, your life? What fears keep you from trusting God more fully? Is there one attribute that you need to meditate on to help you overcome those fears? Are there other attributes you need to remind yourself of or uncover through Bible study? 
Today, let’s make sure our hearts are firmly trusting in the one true God as we encourage the children toward trusting God. May we pray with the Puritans:
Thou art all my good in times of peace,
my only support in days of trouble,
my one sufficiency when life shall end.
Help me to see how good thy will is in all,
and even when it crosses mine
teach me to be pleased with it.
Grant me to feel thee in fire, and food and every providence,
and to see that thy many gifts and creatures
are but thy hands and fingers taking hold of me.
Thou bottomless fountain of all good,
I give myself to thee out of love,
for all I have or own is thine,
my goods, family, church, self,
to do with as thou wilt,
to honour thyself by me, and by all mine.
If it be consistent with thy eternal counsels,
the purpose of thy grace,
and the great ends of thy glory,
then bestow upon me the blessings of thy comforts;
If not, let me resign myself to thy wiser determinations.
(Excerpt from “The All-Good” from The Valley of Vision)
Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Sling It
Materials
Plastic spoons
Safe items to “sling”—cotton balls, different sized pom poms, foam balls
Masking tape or painter’s tape 
Optional: 3 pool inner tubes or big buckets
Pre-prep
Gather the suggested safe items to sling. (These will not cause any problems if they accidentally hit someone.) Put down a masking tape or painter’s tape start line. If using the pool inner tubes, blow them up and hang or hold them as targets. If using buckets, set them out. 
Directions
Take turns standing at the tape line. Everyone else should stand behind the line. The person who is up tries to “sling” a cotton ball, pom pom, or foam ball to see how far it goes, or to get it through one of the inner tubes or in the buckets. To do so, they should put the safe object in the spoon, pull back on the top of the spoon, and let go! Continue taking turns. 
Teaching Tie-In
We’re trying to “sling” some safe items today like cotton balls, pom poms, and foam balls. The Bible records a time when a teenager named David used a sling when he was fighting a giant named Goliath. David aimed and hit Goliath right between his eyes, and Goliath fell down dead. Goliath did not believe in God, but David surely did. He trusted God, just like we should!
Touch Table Water: Sink or Float
Materials
Under-the-bed storage container, small wading pool, or “official” touch table with water
Tarp or plastic tablecloth
Water
Safe items to test for sinking or floating, such as a plastic spoon, comb, plastic cup, pool toy, sunglasses, orange, play jewels, and a smooth rock
Pre-prep
Gather the safe items.
Directions
As a group, decide if they think an item will sink or float. Then put it in the water and see what happens. End with the rock and jewels, and then share the teaching tie-in.
Teaching Tie-In
We tested some things to see if they would sink or float. The last ones were the rock and jewels. Did they sink or float? Rocks and jewels are known for being sturdy and long lasting. There’s one rock in particular that’s a jewel called a diamond. It’s the strongest and most valuable rock in the world. 
Like a diamond, God is stronger and more valuable than anything else in the world. No amount of money  or jewels is greater than God. No other person is greater than God. He is our rock, and we can trust him!
Touch Table Sand: Cookie Cutters
Materials
Under-the-bed storage container, small wading pool, or “official” touch table
Tarp or plastic tablecloth
Play sand
Wet wipes for cleanup
Variety of heart and cross cookie cutters
Pre-prep
Smooth out the sand, and put the heart and cross cookie cutters in the sand table.
Directions
Islanders make impressions in the sand with the heart and cross cookie cutters.
Teaching Tie-In
When we see a heart it can remind us that God loves us so much and wants to have a special relationship with us. And when we see a cross it reminds us that God loves us so much he came to earth and died on a cross to take the punishment for our sin.
Dramatic Play: Beach Fun
Materials
Day 1 items and any new item(s) you may want to introduce
Pre-prep
Put any new items out.
Directions
Dress up and pretend to have fun at the beach.
Teaching Tie-In
We’ve had fun at Mystery Island this week, haven’t we? Can you remember anything you learned about God this week? 
Coloring Corner: Proverbs 3:5
See Day 1’s directions, but use the Day 5 Memory Verse Coloring Sheet.

Lesson Time
Treasure Map Poster 
Day 5 Large Medallion, preferably laminated
Picture Puzzle Poster, laminated
Animal Pal Posters
Treasure Maps, 1 per child (color versions of these are also available to purchase and include a set of stickers; see page 9 for more information)
Days 1–5 Sticker Medallions, 1 set per child
Bible or children’s Bible
Costumes for teachers
Treasure chest
Mounting putty or tape
Either a real diamond (like a diamond ring) or a picture of a diamond
Part 1: Mystery Clue (5–10 minutes)
Pre-prep: Put the Bible in the treasure chest, bookmarked to 1 Samuel 17. Cut out and laminate the Day 5 large medallion and place it on the treasure map poster at the Macaw Mountain. Organize the treasure maps and the Days 1–5 sticker medallions so each child gets a set for class or to take home. Laminate the picture puzzle poster. Find a diamond or picture of a diamond.
Technically, a diamond is considered a gemstone rather than a rock, but they are often called "rocks."
Teacher 1: Let’s see if we can remember what our animal pals have been teaching us. Show the animal pal posters and review the key ideas from each day.
Teacher 2: Now let’s discover today’s mystery clue. Look around the room and see if you can find anyone wearing a ring. Do so, and if someone has a diamond ring on, highlight that the diamond is our special clue for today. If nobody has on a diamond ring, show a picture of a diamond. 
Teacher 1: Do you know what a diamond is? Take responses. 
Teacher 2: People wear diamonds because they’re worth a lot. They’re very valuable. They’re also a strong and steady rock that won’t break.
Teacher 1: God is like a diamond because he’s by far the greatest treasure of all on earth. He’s much, much more valuable than a diamond or any other jewel or even all the money in the world. He’s kind and good, and we can trust him. 
Teacher 2: Let’s check out our last spot on our treasure map today and see if we can find a diamond near the Macaw Mountain. Do so, then pass out the treasure maps and the  days 1–5 sticker medallions. Have them put the proper stickers on the proper spots as you review what each means. They will take these home today. If you are short on time, send them home for a fun review.
Teacher 1: Now let’s get out our Bible from the treasure chest and hear more about a guy who learned that God is the greatest treasure. Pull the Bible out of the treasure chest and open to 1 Samuel 17.
Part 2: David and Goliath (5–10 minutes)
David and Goliath Poster
Measuring tape 
Knotted tube sock
Optional: Play armor for David and Goliath
Step stool
Pre-prep: Measure how tall 9 feet is so you’ll be able to show them quickly.
Teacher 1: Point to 1 Samuel 17.  It tells us here that there were two armies who were fighting. One army, the Israelite army, was for God, and the other, the Philistine army, was against God. Let’s divide into the two armies and face each other. Do so. Have them sit down, leaving a space in between the armies in the middle of the room.
Teacher 2: The army that was against God had a giant man called Goliath. I’m going to pretend to be Goliath. Teacher 2 places a step stool in between the two armies and gets up on it, boasting about how great he is. (Only the teacher is allowed on the step stool.)
Teacher 1: Goliath was over 9 feet tall! Show how tall that would be using the measuring tape. Nobody is that tall anymore, but Goliath was huge. Let’s stand on our tippy toes, look up at Goliath, and say, “Wow! You’re tall!” Do so. Now let’s put some pretend (or play) armor on Goliath. Do so.
Teacher 2: Goliath’s army, let’s cheer for me. Do so.
Teacher 1: All the people in the Lord’s army were scared of Goliath. Goliath kept shouting at them every day and trying to get someone to fight him. Teacher 2 interjects some taunts about somebody coming to fight him. This was making the Israelite army scared. Israelite army, let’s shake and look like we’re scared. Do so. The Israelite army was forgetting they had almighty God on their side! Should they have been scared? Pause for responses. No!

Teacher 2: I know you have God on your side, but look at me! I’m the greatest!
Teacher 1: A teenager named David came along one day to bring food to his brothers. Who would like to be David? Choose someone on the Israelite side. David heard Goliath yelling out bad things at the Israelites. Teacher 2 should yell out some more taunts and get his army cheering for him.
Teacher 1: David knew who God is and he trusted God. He heard Goliath saying things against God, and David knew God would fight and win, because God was more powerful than Goliath or anyone else. Everybody, God is the greatest, so let’s cheer for God! Do so. David said he would fight Goliath. Have him say so. Israelite army, let’s cheer for David. Do so.
Teacher 2: So they dressed David in a helmet and armor. Either Teacher 1 and kids pretend to do so or give him play armor. But David wasn’t used to all that, so he took off the armor. Do so. Can you believe David wanted his sling and some stones? Teacher 1 hands David a tube sock that’s knotted.
Teacher 1: Now it was time for David and Goliath to fight each other. Goliath, come front and center here. Goliath gets off the step stool and moves front and center. Goliath’s army, let’s clap and stomp for Goliath. Do so. David, come front and center across from Goliath. Do so. David’s army, let’s clap and stomp for David. Do so.
Teacher 2: Who do you think is going to win? Jump up and down if you think your side is going to win. Do so.
Caution the kids not to try this at home.
Teacher 1: Goliath came running toward David, shouting at him and ready to hurt him. Teacher 2 pretends to run, either jogging in place or running in extreme slow motion. But David told him the battle was the Lord’s. Have David say the battle is the Lord’s. David took a stone out of his bag and put it in his sling. He sent a stone flying right at Goliath. Instruct David to sling the sock around and around over his head. It hit Goliath right on his forehead, and he fell on his face and died that very minute. Goliath pretends to be hit and to fall on his face. Which army do you think was cheering now? Israelite army, let’s cheer. Do so. Goliath’s army, let’s gasp in shock. Do so, and have everyone clap for David and Goliath so Teacher 2 can get back up.
Teacher 2: So David won for his army because he trusted in God. And David continued to trust in God.
Teacher 1: Let’s check out this poster and see what you can tell me from the account. Show the david and goliath poster and have the kids share things they remember.
Part 3: Puppet Pal—Trust Fall (5 minutes)
Day 5 Animal Pal Poster
Day 5 Puppet Script (2 copies)
Puppet and clipboard
Pre-prep: Tape one puppet script inside the puppet stage and place the other on the clipboard. 
Puppet: Pop up. Hey, everybody! What’s going on? 
Teacher: Hi, Sunny! We were just talking about trusting God. Show the Day 5 Animal Pal Poster. You know, pirates trusted their pet birds, like Trusty the macaw, but we have someone we can trust much, much more than a bird, or any other animal, or even any other person—and that’s God!
Puppet: Hey, I just learned a Bible verse about that! It goes: Trust in the Lord with all your heart.
Teacher: Let’s say that together, boys and girls. Do so.
Puppet: But I’m not sure what the word “trust” means.
Teacher: It means you know you can believe someone will do what he says he will do. Like, maybe you trust your mom to always pick you up from daycare.
Puppet: I sure do.

Teacher: Well, how about this. If I asked you to turn around and fall backwards, would you trust me to catch you? Do you believe I will do what I say I’ll do? 
Puppet: I trust you. 
Teacher: Then let’s try it.
Puppet: Turn around to try to fall backwards, but then turn back around facing frontwards. 
Caution the kids not to try this at home.
Well, wait a minute here. This is kind of scary.
Teacher: Do you trust me to catch you?
Puppet: Hesitantly. I guess so.
Teacher: Boys and girls, do you trust me to catch Sunny? Take responses.
Puppet: All right, let’s try this. Turn around and after a few seconds, “fall” backwards. Teacher catches the puppet and turns it back around so it’s facing the kids again. 
This can be a little tricky to comfortably do, but one way is to leave your hand in the same position within the puppet, but use your other hand (which should be hidden behind the puppet stage) to flop the puppet around so its back is now facing the kids. Then “fall” toward the kids.
Teacher: There! I caught you!
Puppet: You sure did! Wow, I can trust you.
Teacher: You sure can. But there’s someone you can trust even more than me, and that’s God. He’s perfect, so he can never make a mistake with your life. He has all the power and knowledge in the world, and yet he uses it with love and goodness, not ever in a bad way.
Puppet: I can trust him even though I can’t see him and don’t always understand what’s happening?
Teacher: Yes, you can trust him, because the Bible tells us we can. And since the Bible was written by God, it’s perfect, too, and perfectly trustworthy. So just remember—God can never, ever do anything wrong. Whatever you’re going through in life, whether it’s something scary, sad, crazy, or glad, you can trust God.
Song Time
 “If You Trust God and You Know It” song
“Here Comes David” song
MP3 or CD player
Song 1: “If You Trust God and You Know It” 
Verse 1
If you trust God and you know it, 
clap your hands (Clap twice after singing the word “hands.”)
If you trust God and you know it, 
clap your hands (Repeat claps.)
If you trust God and you know it, 
then your life will surely show it 
(Wave your hands back and forth.)
If you trust God and you know it, 
clap your hands (Repeat claps.)
Verse 2
If you trust God and you know it, 
stomp your feet (Stomp twice after singing the word “feet.” Then repeat in a similar manner to verse one, inserting stomps instead of claps throughout.)
Verse 3
If you trust God and you know it, 
nod your head (Nod your head twice after singing the word “head.” Then repeat in a similar manner to verse one, inserting nods instead of claps throughout.)
Verse 4
If you trust God and you know it, 
do all three (After the word “three,” clap twice, stomp twice, then nod your head twice. Continue on throughout the verse in a similar manner.)

Song 2: “Here Comes David”
Sing to the tune of “Are You Sleeping?”
Here comes David, here comes David (Scrunch up and pretend to walk forward.)
Now Goliath, now Goliath (Look as big as possible and pretend to stride forward.)
David takes his slingshot, David takes his slingshot (Whirl a pretend sling round and round over your head.)
Down comes the giant, down comes the giant (Fall down.)
Memory Verse and Review Time
Day 5 Student Guides, 1 per child
Trail Guides, 1 per child
Stamp for Trail Guides
Attributes of God Bookmarks, 1 per child
In the remaining time, complete one or more of the following ideas in class. 
Put a stamp in the Trail Guides, or do so as the islanders first arrive at VBS. Pass out the Attributes of God bookmarks.
Part 1: Treasured Verse
Day 5 Memory Verse Poster 
Memory Verse Music CD and player
Draw It! supplies—paper and markers, 1 of each per child
Pre-prep: Cue the memory verse song. Hang up the Day 5 Memory Verse Poster.
Today’s Verse: Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Proverbs 3:5
Practice the verse several times by playing the appropriate song from the Memory Verse CD and using the Day 5 Memory Verse poster as a reference. Then try the Challenge.
Challenge: Draw It!—Draw a heart to help you remember the verse!
Part 2: Go and Do
With an adult, read Psalm 9:10 and Psalm 20:7. Ask them what “trust” is. Whom can we trust the most? God!
How many words can you think of to describe God? Here’s a start: God is almighty! God is beautiful! God is caring!
With an adult, go outside to a safe spot, and sit and watch for tiny bugs and birds. Watch the blades of grass, the leaves, and the sky. Think about God making and knowing every detail about those. God is great!
With an adult, check AnswersVBS.com/mikids for more fun information!
Ask yourself this question: What is something I learned about God this week?
Wrap-Up Review
Pre-prep: None 
Have the islanders jump up and shout “yes” if they think the answer is “yes.” Have them stay seated if they think it is “no.” (All the answers are “yes.”)
Is God mighty?
Does God know everything?
Is God here right now?
Does God love you?
Does God want you to be part of his family?
Is God good?
Is God great?