Day 1 Destination:
Creation
Time Tracker
Jesus Before and at Creation (Eternity Past to c. 4000 BC)
Bible passage
Genesis 1
 
Lesson Focus
Jesus always has been, always will be with us.
Today’s C
Creation
High Voltage Verse
“All things were created through him and for him.” Colossians 1:16
Animal Pal
Flutter the Sparrow
Today’s Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Play Clay Critters
Touch Table: Shaping Up
Dramatic Play: Time Travel
Coloring Corner: Colossians 1:16
Today’s Lesson at a Glance
Lesson Time
Part 1: Time Tracker Stop 1—Creation
Part 2: Back to the Beginning
Part 3: Puppet Pal—Always and Forever
Song Time
Song 1: “The Trinity”
Song 2: “What is Something that God Made”
Memory Verse/Review Time
Part 1: High Voltage Verses
Part 2: Go and Do
Optional: Playacting Review
Preparing for the Lesson 
Read Genesis 1 and John 1 several times.
Read this lesson several times and prepare the materials.
For more information on the Son of God, the Trinity, and creation, visit answersvbs.com/tlfaq.
Pray.

Lesson Materials
From Teacher Resource kit
Theme Verse poster
Day 1 Memory Verse poster
Day 1 Animal Pal poster
Time Tracker poster
Day 1 Sim Station posters
Day 1 Timeline posters
From Resource dvD-ROM
Exploration Station Names signs 
Day 1 Memory Verse coloring sheet (Expl. Station)
Sim Station sound effect (and player)
Days of Creation pictures
2 copies of today’s puppet script
Simple songs: “The Trinity” and “What is Something that God Made” (also available on a separate CD, 11-6-141)
Other Materials
Exploration Station supplies (see back cover)
Bible or children’s Bible
Costumes for scientists (teachers)
Optional: flashlight (for daily time simulation)
Cover for Sim Station posters
Clock and watch
Boy or girl puppet (in costume) and puppet stage
Clipboard
Mounting putty or tape
Memory Verse/Review Time section supplies
Memory Verse music CD and player
Student extras
Student guides (11-6-073, 11-6-134), 1 per child
Time Traveler Guides (11-6-090, 11-6-138), 1 per child
Stamp for Time Traveler Guides (11-6-093)
Flutter bookmarks (11-6-078, 11-6-140), 1 per child
Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Play Clay Critters
Materials
Play dough
Animal cookie cutters
Small plastic animals
Plastic or fake leaves, pinecones, safe nature items
Pre-prep
Make or buy play dough (see recipe on the next page) and gather the other supplies. 
Directions
The time travelers use the cookie cutters to make animals. They can also press the small plastic animals and the nature items into the play dough to make impressions.
Note: You may want to keep this up all week. Play dough is always a hit. See suggestions in the “Additional Exploration Station Ideas” section. 
Teaching Tie-In
Did you know there was a time when the earth wasn’t there? This was before time began. But when God began creating the universe, he created time, too! Jesus made all the plants and animals and stars and planets and people! That’s our C word of the day—creation! Let’s say it together. Do so. God created all things during Creation Week! 
Touch Table: Shaping Up
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)
Cookie cutter shapes (circles and triangles, in particular)
Wet wipes for cleanup
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 and the cookie cutter shapes in the table. 
Directions
The time travelers enjoy using the cookie cutters to make shapes in the sand.
Teaching Tie-In
Can you find a circle? Take responses. Circles don’t have a beginning or ending. God never started, and he will never end! 
Can you find a triangle? Take responses. Let’s see if we can figure out how many sides are on the triangle. This triangle can remind us of God because there are three persons who make up one God—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
Dramatic Play: Time Travel
Materials
Time Warp panels (see Decorating Decisions)
Time machine with control panel (see Decorating Decisions)
Light brown roll paper or light brown plastic tablecloths (see Decorating Decisions)
Stuffed or rubber animals, fake trees and plants 
Pre-prep
Put up the time machine and the Time Warp panels as suggested in the Decorating Decisions. These will be used all week. 
Also, put up the light brown backdrop, which will be used all week, but can have a few different things added in front of it each day to make it look like that day’s time period. For example, you can add fake trees and plants, and stuffed animals to suggest the Garden of Eden today.
The props listed each day can be borrowed, made, or bought from thrift stores, garage sales, or online companies like Oriental Trading Company or Rhode Island Novelties. 
Directions
Pretend to be time travelers heading back to the beginning of time at the Garden of Eden.
Teaching Tie-In
At the beginning of time, God created everything. His Son (later called Jesus) was creating with him. They made a beautiful place called the Garden of Eden, and they put plants and animals and the first two people there. Can you think of something God made on one of the days of creation?
You may want to go over what was made on each day.
Coloring Corner: Colossians 1:16
Materials
Time Tunnel supplies (see Decorating Decisions)
Day 1 Memory Verse coloring sheet (Resource DVD-ROM)
Markers or crayons (possibly glow-in-the-dark or neon)
Optional for marker and crayon storage: glow-in-the-dark pails, or pails with glow-in-the-dark stars on them
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 coloring sheet, 1 per child. Gather additional supplies to glue on 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
Tinker Time—Gather child-safe “creating” supplies with which kids can make “inventions.” Possible items include boxes of all sizes and shapes, lids and caps, clean yogurt cups, pipe cleaners, mini plastic or condiment cups, craft sticks. Include child-safe glue, paper, child-safe scissors, and washable markers. Keep this available all week for open-ended creating. It’s good to remind kids that we can create with supplies but only God can create from nothing. He’s the Master Inventor. (You may also want to add a child play board with locks, zippers, etc. or a play work bench with play tools.)
Texture Trays—Texture trays are a big hit. Provide various textures on which and in which they can trace the name “Jesus.” Possible textures include shaving cream or hair gel in zippered baggies that are duct-taped shut (we colored the hair gel bright green), burlap, trays of salt, thick fleece, magic slates, and 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. Try tracing other names of Jesus, such as Son, Christ, God, and Lord. It is helpful to have these names of Jesus written on paper for them to see. Have wipes available for clean up.
Marble Runs—Search online for “Homemade Marble Runs.” Make several different kinds and let the kids have fun playing with them. One test church made handheld mazes with cardboard tubes taped into boxes and spray-painted black. They added star stickers and used table tennis balls to run through the maze. 
Nature Nook—Gather nature items that Jesus has created. If fragile, place in clear, plastic storage containers or zippered baggies. Monitor carefully and remind the children of the Lord’s wonderful creations. 
Book Nook—Make a cozy reading spot. Add children’s picture Bibles and books with individual Bible accounts of Jesus in them. You may also want to include some children’s books about various time periods from the past, such as life in Ancient Rome or during the Middle Ages.
Play Dough—The Play Clay Critters station is suggested for the Discovery Center on the first day. It uses play dough, animal cookie cutters, and things to press into the play dough. Play dough is also used on the third day with the Christmas Creations center. But you may want to offer it all week, adding additional thematic supplies on the other days, such as letter cookie cutters to spell the name of Jesus on Day 2, encouragement to make a “house” out of their play dough on Day 4, and large, play jewels to press into it on Day 5.
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

Bible or children’s Bible
Costumes for scientists (teachers)
Mounting putty or tape (for hanging posters)
Clock and watch
Sim Station sound effect (Resource DVD-ROM) and player
Optional: flashlight (for daily time simulation)
From Teacher Resource Kit:
Time Tracker poster
Day 1 Sim Station posters (and cover)
Day 1 Timeline posters, cut apart
Pre-Prep
Prepare your costumes. (See text.)
Prepare and mount the Time Tracker poster (see Decorating Decisions), then point the Time Tracker arrow to 4000 BC.
Mount and cover the Sim Station posters on the set. 
Cue the Sim Station sound effect.

 Part 1: Time Tracker Stop 1—Creation (5 minutes)
Teacher One: Hi, time travelers! Welcome to Time Lab! My name is _____ (Dr. Slime, Professor Time, or whatever name you choose. Dr. Slime could have some slime for a prop [see Craft Guide for a simple recipe], and Professor Time could wear an armful of watches.).
Teacher Two: And I’m _____ (name of your choice). We’re glad you’re here! Are you ready for a super fun time?
Teacher One: Show a clock. Does anybody know what this is called? Take answers. What does it do? Take answers. Let’s pretend our arms are the hands of a clock going around. Do so. 
Teacher Two: Show a watch. How about this? Take answers. What does it do? Take answers.
Teacher One: Did you know there used to be a time when there weren’t any clocks or watches? That’s because there wasn’t such a thing as time.

Be familiar with the lesson, but don’t memorize it. Place it on a clipboard to use as a reference. Decorate the back of your clipboard (the side the kids will see as you hold it) with science and/or clock stickers.
The Bible and mounting putty or tape are usually listed just once in each day’s lesson, but plan to use them throughout. 

 Teacher Two: There wasn’t any earth with trees and animals and people either. Before time began, there was only God! He’s been around forever!
Teacher One: Show the Day 1 Trinity Timeline poster. Right! God has been here forever! And God has a Son who is also God and his name is Jesus. He’s been around forever, too. And there’s a third member who is God, and his name is the Holy Spirit, and he’s been around forever, too. They are three, but they make up one God. You may want to sing “The Trinity” song here. See page 29.
Teacher Two: God decided to make time. Let’s pretend to travel back in time in our time machine to the beginning of time!
Teacher One: Okay, let’s first pretend to put on our seat belts. Do so. Now let’s put on our goggles in case it’s windy. Do so. Is everyone strapped in and ready to go? Take responses. Okay, let’s take off!
There are a couple ways to do your “time travel” effect each day. A simple way is to just flick the lights (or turn off the lights and use a flashlight that you shine around) while you tell the kids to stomp their feet and make time machine noises (whatever their imaginations come up with).
A more involved way is to play the Sim Station sound effect provided and turn on the rope lighting or Christmas lights that are around your screen. (See Decorating Decisions for specifics.)
Now have them close their eyes and pretend to be heading back in time. (They can continue making time machine noises if doing so.) Remove the cover to reveal the Sim Station scene on the simulator screen. Have them open their eyes and show them the date on the Time Tracker (4000 BC). Tell them to imagine they’re back at the beginning of time in the Garden of Eden. 
Part 2: Back to the Beginning (5 minutes)

Days of Creation pictures (Resource DVD-ROM)
Day 1 Animal Pal poster (Teacher Resource Kit)
Pre-Prep
Photocopy the Days of Creation pictures.

 Teacher One: Let’s see what the Bible says happened at the beginning of time! Open to Genesis 1:1 and read the verse. Have them say it with you. Stand up and do motions together, pointing up for “heavens” and making a circle for “earth.”
Teacher Two: We have a special word today that starts with a C. Let’s make a C in the air with our finger. Do so. Our C word is creation. Let’s say that together. Do so. God made, or created, everything in six days. Let’s count to six together using our fingers. Do so. Can you help me figure out what God made on each day of that very first week back at the beginning of time?
Teacher One: Let’s shout out the number 1 as we jump up 1 time. Do so, then have them freeze for a moment while you hold up Days of Creation picture 1. On Day 1, Jesus made light and dark. Cover your eyes for dark. Do so. Now open them to see light. Do so.

For young toddlers, delete the additional actions such as covering your eyes for dark or pretending you’re on a wavy ocean. To keep it moving, just have them shout the number and jump that number of times, then tell them what God created.

Teacher Two: Let’s shout out the number 2 and jump 2 times. Do so, then have them freeze for a moment while you hold up Days of Creation picture 2. On Day 2, God made the seas. Pretend you’re on a wavy ocean. Do so. 
Teacher One: Let’s shout out the number 3 and jump 3 times. Do so, then have them freeze for a moment while you hold up Days of Creation picture 3. On Day 3, Jesus made the plants. Pretend you’re smelling a pretty flower. Do so. 
Teacher Two: Let’s shout out the number 4 and jump 4 times. Do so, then have them freeze for a moment while you hold up Days of Creation picture 4. On Day 4, God made the sun, moon, and stars. Let’s look up and pretend to see the stars. Do so.
Teacher One: Let’s shout out the number 5 and jump 5 times. Do so, then have them freeze for a moment while you hold up Days of Creation picture 5. On Day 5, God made the fish and birds and flying creatures. Let’s pretend we’re fish swimming around. Now let’s pretend we’re birds flying around. Do so. 
Teacher Two: Let’s shout out the number 6 and jump 6 times. Do so, then have them freeze for a moment while you hold up Days of Creation picture 6. On Day 6, God made all the kinds of land animals. Let’s pretend we’re an animal that lives on the land, like a cow or a kangaroo. Do so. After God made the land animals, he made the first two people, Adam and Eve. Now God was finished creating. Do you remember our C word? Take responses. Right, it’s creation! God created everything that very first week.
Teacher One: Let’s shout out the number 7 and jump 7 times. Do so, then have them freeze for a few seconds while you hold up Days of Creation picture 7. On Day 7, God rested. Let’s sit down and rest. Do so. 
Teacher One: Show the Day 1 Timeline poster—leaf. And it’s cool to think that God knows every little detail of everything he ever created—every bug and every leaf and every animal and every person in the whole world, including you. In fact, the Bible tells us God even knows every bird, like Flutter the sparrow here. Show Day 1 Animal Pal poster.  It helps to hold this up or hang it up away from the puppet stage so while Teacher One is showing it, Teacher Two can get behind the puppet stage.
And it’s wonderful to realize that if God cares about every tiny little bird he created, he cares so, so much more about you. God created you, God loves you, and God will never leave you. Isn’t that great news? Let’s stand up and cheer! Do so. Now let’s meet our Puppet Pal and talk more about it!
Part 3: Puppet Pal—Always and Forever (5 minutes)

Boy or girl puppet (in costume) and puppet stage
Clipboard
2 copies of today’s puppet script (Resource DVD-ROM)
Pre-Prep
Photocopy the script. Tape one inside the puppet stage and place the other one on the clipboard.
Dress the puppet in a mini VBS T-shirt and/or a little lab coat with science and time symbols. You may want to have mini goggles and a little watch as well.
One teacher with the clipboard should be in front of the puppet stage and one should be behind it, ready to work the puppet.

 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 time keeper 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. See Decorating Decisions for more info about a puppet stage.
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 of the portal on the set. When entering, hold your arm back and down and have the puppet take three steps forward, 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.
Teacher: Boys and girls, let’s see if we can get our Puppet Pal, Skye, to come out. On the count of 3, let’s all call to him (her). Ready? 1, 2, 3—Skye!
Puppet: Come out somewhat out of breath and rushed, but full of excitement and energy.  Hey, everybody! I’m all packed for my trip. 
Teacher: Where are you going?
Puppet: Well, I want to go on an adventure back in time to when Jesus, the Son of God, began. 
Teacher: Ummm . . . there’s a little problem with that.
Puppet: What?
Teacher: Boys and girls, Skye said he wants to go back in time to when Jesus, the Son of God started. Does the Son of God have a beginning? Take responses. The Son of God never started. He’s always been.
Puppet: But wait! You’re saying the Son of God didn’t begin? That’s impossible! We all have a beginning. 
Teacher: It’s true that people have beginnings. But God didn’t begin. He always has been and always will be. When you don’t have a beginning or an ending, it’s called being eternal. 
Puppet: Eternal. So because he doesn’t begin or end, God is eternal? 
Teacher: Yep! And the Bible says he will never leave you. If you hide under your bed, in your closet, or in the basement, he’s still with you. If you travel to the farthest corner of the universe, God is still with you. Anywhere you go, Jesus is with you. He always is!
Puppet: Look all around, up and down. But I don’t see him here. Where is he? Jesus! Jesus!
Teacher: We can’t see him, but he’s here. It’s kind of like air. Take a deep breath, everyone. Do so. 
Puppet: Act like you’re holding it for a really long time, then squeak out: Can I let it out yet?
Teacher: Okay, let it out.
Puppet: Dramatically let it out and gasp for breath. Whew!
Teacher: Just like we know the air is there even though we can’t see it, we also know God is here even though we can’t see him. We can’t see Jesus standing here as a person right now, but he’s still here—he’s just invisible. This week, we’ll be traveling to time periods when people actually did see Jesus as a man! And we’ll talk about how someday, we’ll get to actually see Jesus, too! Won’t that be incredible?
Puppet: It sure will! I can’t wait to hear more as we travel through time this week, but I’ve got to go right now.
Teacher: Okay! Just remember, Jesus always has been and always will be. He’s never going away. Let’s wave good-bye to Skye, everyone. Do so.

Simple songs (Resource DVD-ROM) and player
Pre-Prep
Cue your player with today’s simple songs.

 Song Time
Song 1: “The Trinity”
Here’s a fun song to incorporate into any part of your day. Sing this one to the tune of “Are You Sleeping?”
God the Father, God the Father 
(Point index finger up to heaven.)
God the Son, God the Son 
(Point two fingers up to heaven.)
God the Holy Spirit, God the Holy Spirit
(Add a third finger.)
Three in one, three in one
(Keep all three fingers up, then put just index finger up on the word “one.”)
Song 2: “What is Something that God Made”

Simple sing-along versions of the songs listed here are available on the Resource DVD-ROM. Download them to an MP3 player and use them as accompaniment to your song time. They are also available for purchase on a CD (11-6-141).
You may want to use all the songs suggested this week (found at the end of each day’s lesson), or just repeat the same one or two all week long. There are lots of options! 

 Sing this one to the tune of “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes.” Remind them that our C word today is creation because God created everything. 
What is something that God made, that God made  (Fling your arms out wide.)
What is something that God made, that God made  (Fling your arms out wide.)
Shout it out, don’t be afraid (Cup hands around mouth.)
What is something that God made, that God made (Fling your arms out wide.)
Continue on, changing the last line every time and letting the kids name different things God created.
Memory Verse/Review Time

Memory Verse music CD and player
Student guides and supplies for Part 1 and Part 2
Time Traveler Guides, 1 per child
Stamp for Time Traveler Guides
Flutter bookmarks, 1 per child
From Teacher Resource Kit:
Day 1 Memory Verse poster
Theme Verse poster

 In the remaining time, complete one or more of the following ideas in class. Supplies for this section are not included in the supply list on the back cover since they will vary depending on the activities you choose, so decide what you will do and add them to your supply list accordingly. 
Pass out the Flutter bookmarks, one per child, or have the leaders do so at the end of the day. Put a stamp in the Time Traveler Guides (or do so at snack time), and/or review the student guides.
Part 1: High Voltage Verses
Today’s Verse: “All things were created through him and for him.” Colossians 1:16
Explain the following::
You may want to make up motions to the key words of the verse every day.

the him this verse is talking about is Jesus, who is God the Son. 
Practice the verse several times by playing the appropriate song from the Memory Verse CD and using the Memory Verse poster as a reference. Then try the challenge.

A faster option to learn the verse that can be done any day is to say it together twice using hand motions, then a third time using just the hand motions but not saying it out loud, then vice versa.

 Challenge: Find something that is a circle, like a hula hoop, a pool ring, or a jewelry ring. Circles have no beginning and no ending, like the Son of God. As you say today’s verse, toss your circle up and try to catch it. Do this over and over and see how many times you can toss it without dropping it. Don’t forget to say your verse as you toss your circle.
Tomorrow’s Verse: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8

The student guides are great to send home as a fun review and important application of the day’s lesson. The front is the review, and the back mirrors Part 1 and Part 2 of this section.

Try the challenge again, this time using 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
Go on a treasure hunt outside to see how many plants and animals you can find. Jesus, the Son of God, created all of them!
Talk to God (that’s prayer!) and thank him for his Son, Jesus, and for the Bible that teaches us about Jesus.
Ask your parent or guardian if he knows anything about when he was born. Isn’t it amazing to think God never started but always has been?
With an adult, check answersvbs.com/tlkids for more fun information!
Ask yourself this question: Do I know someone who needs to hear about this wonderful Creator?

One test church teaching team ended each day having the kids do the time machine again (lights flashing, foot stomping, etc.), telling them it was time to leave the Garden of Eden and go back to VBS time.
End each day’s Simulation Station Lesson with prayer!

 Optional: Playacting Review
Today, if you have time, the time travelers can pretend to be various animal kinds that God created (e.g., a bear, a cat, a dog).
Day 2 Destination:
Old Testament Locations
Time Tracker
Jesus in the Old Testament (c. 4000 BC to End of BC)
Bible passage
Exodus 3

Lesson Focus
Jesus always has been, always will be a promise keeper, from Old Testament times to forever. 
Today’s C
Christophany
High Voltage Verse
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8
Animal Pal
Lottie the Lamb

Today’s Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Tick Tock Clocks
Touch Table: The Desert
Dramatic Play: Time Travel
Coloring Corner: Hebrews 13:8
Today’s Lesson at a Glance
Lesson Time
Part 1: Time Tracker Stop 2—Old Testament Times
Part 2: Son of God Sighting
Part 3: Puppet Pal—Promise Keeper
Song Time
Song 1: “Jesus Keeps His Promises”
Song 2: “M-O-S-E-S”
Memory Verse/Review Time
Part 1: High Voltage Verses
Part 2: Go and Do
Optional: Playacting Review
Preparing for the Lesson
Read Exodus 3 several times.
Read this lesson several times and prepare the materials.
For more information on fulfilled prophecies, Christophanies, and types of Christs, visit answersvbs.com/tlfaq.
Pray.

Lesson Materials
From Teacher Resource kit
Day 2 Memory Verse poster
Days 1–2 Animal Pal posters
Time Tracker poster 
Day 2 Sim Station posters 
Day 2 Timeline poster
From Resource DVD-ROM
Day 2 Memory Verse coloring sheet (Expl. Station)
Sim Station sound effect (and player)
2 copies of today’s puppet script
Simple songs: “Jesus Keeps His Promises” and “M-O-S-E-S”
Other Materials
Exploration Station supplies (see back cover)
Bible or children’s Bible
Costumes for scientists (teachers)
Cover for Sim Station posters
Hebrew headdresses
Optional: Bible-time costumes
Fake jewels or crown
Shepherd’s staff or play lamb 
Burning bush supplies (see text)
Boy or girl puppet and puppet stage
Clipboard
Mounting putty or tape
Memory Verse/Review Time section supplies
Memory Verse music CD and player 
Student Extras
Student guides (11-6-073, 11-6-134), 1 per child
Time Traveler Guides (11-6-090, 11-6-138), 1 per child
Stamp for Time Traveler Guides (11-6-093)
Lottie bookmarks (11-6-078, 11-6-140), 1 per child
 Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Tick Tock Clocks
Materials
Variety of safe time pieces such as rubber stamp clocks (a favorite), educational clocks with movable hands (found online and at teacher supply stores), watches, stopwatches, play clocks, egg timers, sand timers from games, and alarm clocks. (Note: These need to be non-valuable since little hands will be playing with them.)
Optional: paper and washable ink pads
Pre-prep
Organize the supplies. If you have rubber stamp clocks, also gather washable ink pads and paper. 
Directions
Time travelers play with the time pieces. You may want to ask if they know where 1 o’clock is or other time-related questions. 
Teaching Tie-In
People have divided time into two big parts. One part is called BC and that’s the time before Jesus was born. The other part is called AD and that’s the time after Jesus was born. Isn’t it amazing that all of time has to do with Jesus’ birth?
Touch Table: The Desert
Materials
Yesterday’s supplies minus the cookie cutter shapes
Sand toys (rakes, buckets, funnels, plastic cups, etc.) 
Pre-prep
Take out the cookie cutter shapes and add in the sand toys.
Directions
The time travelers play in the “desert” sand.
Teaching Tie-In
Some accounts in the Bible take place in sandy deserts, like the one we talked about (will talk about) today. Do you remember the name of the guy who saw a burning bush? Take responses. Do you remember who spoke from the burning bush? Take responses. Yes, it was God the Son, Jesus. We know he was alive and active in the Old Testament times, not just the New Testament times.
Dramatic Play: Time Travel
Materials
Time machine and Time Warp panels
Bible-time props, including baskets and  play food (a favorite to add-in—particularly Bible-time foods like veggies, fruits, and grains)
Bible-time headdresses (see craft guide) and tunics
Pre-prep
Add the Bible-time props and costumes. These will be used tomorrow, too.
Directions
Dress up and pretend to be back in Bible times.
Teaching Tie-In
During Bible times, God chose a special people for himself called the Israelites, or the Hebrews. These clothes are kind of like the clothes the Hebrews would have worn back then. We don’t dress like this, do we? But even though clothing styles and many other things change, one thing doesn’t change, and that’s God. He’s the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Coloring Corner: Hebrews 13:8
Materials
Day 2 Memory Verse coloring sheet (Resource DVD-ROM)
Markers or crayons
Optional: Additional supplies to glue on, glue sticks, and stickers
Pre-prep
Photocopy the coloring sheet, 1 per child. Gather additional supplies if you want them.
Directions
Color the sheet. Add additional supplies if desired.
Teaching Tie-In
Practice saying the memory verse on the sheet. Discuss its meaning.
Lesson Time

Bible or children’s Bible
Costumes for scientists (teachers)
Mounting putty or tape
Sim Station sound effect (Resource DVD-ROM) and player
From Teacher Resource Kit:
Day 1 Animal Pal poster
Time Tracker poster 
Day 2 Sim Station posters (and cover)
Pre-Prep
Prepare the Time Tracker poster with the arrow pointing to 1490 BC. 
Mount the Sim Station posters on the set.
Cue the sound effect.

 Part 1: Time Tracker Stop 2—Old Testament Times (10 minutes)
Teacher One: Hi again, time travelers! Are you ready to take off on another exciting adventure through time? Yesterday, we talked about when God created. Do you remember who our animal pal was? Show the Day 1 Animal Pal poster and take responses—Flutter the Sparrow. Right! Flutter the Sparrow! Let’s fly around the room and then come sit down. Do so. Flutter reminds us that just as God cares about every little bird, he cares so much more about you. God loves you! 
Now today, let’s pretend to go ahead in time a bit. Let’s strap on our seat belts and put on our goggles. Pretend to do so. Okay, let’s take off. Pretend to do so.
As you did yesterday, flick the lights and have them stomp their feet and make travel noises, or play the sound effect, flash the lights on the panel/screen, have the rope lighting go off, etc. Have them close their eyes and pretend they’re heading back in time. Remove the cover to reveal the scene on the simulator screen. Show them the date on the Time Tracker (1490 BC) and tell them to imagine they are in a desert wilderness today.

Hebrew headdresses and (optional) Bible-time costumes
Fake jewels or play crown
Shepherd’s staff or play lamb
Burning bush supplies (paper towel tubes, tissue paper “flames,” and a flashlight)
From Teacher Resource Kit:
Day 2 Animal Pal poster
Day 2 Timeline poster, cut apart
Pre-Prep
Prepare your costumes.
Make the burning bush by taping together paper towel tubes to look like sticks. Add yellow, red, and orange tissue paper to the bundle to look like flames. Put a flashlight underneath it and turn it on at the appropriate time.

 Part 2: Son of God Sighting (10 minutes)
Teacher Two: Here we are in the desert wilderness during Old Testament times. Does anybody know what I mean when I say the Old Testament? Take responses and show where in the Bible. Yes, it’s this first part of the Bible. The Bible is God’s special, special book he wrote to us. All the events that are written about in the Old Testament part of the Bible happened a long time ago. The people who lived back then even wore different clothes than we wear today. Let’s put on their type of head covering and then we’ll start!
A scarf works for a simple head covering, or both teachers can put on Hebrew headdresses. See the craft guide for a how-to example. If you want, you can add a Bible-time costume as well. 
(If you want to get really into it, have the kids also put on Bible headdresses, too. Check with your craft leaders to see if they plan to make them and if they will be ready in time.) 
Note: Take turns telling the account as you have the kids move to the four corners of the room, or to four spots that work for your situation.
Once everyone is situated and quiet, say: 

For a more sensational burning bush prop, check YouTube.com/AnswersVBS for a video that shows how to make one. It really kept the kids’ attention!
You can also have a guest speaker come in and share this account, dressed in a Bible-time costume.
A test church teacher brought in a large braided rug for the kids to sit on to give it even more of a Bible-time feel.

Teacher One: Shalom! That means peace in Hebrew, one of the languages of Old Testament times. Let’s discover something amazing that happened back then. It took place with a famous man named Moses. Let’s walk over to this corner to hear more. Have everyone walk to a corner of the room where Teacher Two is and sit down. 
Teacher Two: Moses was born to a poor Hebrew woman, but when his life was in danger, God wonderfully protected him. Hold up fake jewels or a crown. He ended up living in King Pharaoh’s palace where he was very rich. He was raised by Pharaoh’s daughter as a prince of Egypt.
Eventually, Moses ran away from the palace. Let’s get up and pretend we’re running away from the palace as we go to the next corner. Do so, then sit back down. 
Teacher One: Moses found himself in a desert wilderness, working as a shepherd. Hold up a shepherd’s staff or a play lamb. A shepherd looks after sheep, like our little animal pal here, Lottie the lamb. Show Day 2 Animal Pal poster. Let’s pretend we’re sheep! Do so, then sit back down.
After many, many years of being a shepherd, a day came along when Moses had a one-of-a-kind experience. Let’s go to our next spot and see what happened. Do so, then sit back down.
Teacher Two: Open your Bible to Exodus 3 and say: The Angel of the Lord appeared to Moses in a flame of fire out of a bush. The bush was burning, but it wasn’t burning up! Let’s turn on our bush. Turn off the lights and turn on the burning bush. 
Show the Day 2 Timeline poster—the burning bush.

For young toddlers, decide if you want to include this paragraph about the Angel of the Lord. This is an example of a Christophany, an appearance of Christ before he was on earth.

 Did you notice the Angel of the Lord appeared to Moses? Who do you think the Angel of the Lord is? Take responses. He is the Son of God, Jesus! The Angel of the Lord isn’t a normal angel. He is God—the Son of God—showing up before he was actually born as baby Jesus. But remember, we said the Son of God has lived forever, so here he is in the Old Testament appearing to Moses. Let’s move to our next spot and hear more! 
Teacher Two should get behind the puppet stage as the kids move to the last corner. 
Teacher One: The Bible goes on to say that God told Moses to go back to Egypt where he used to live, go to King Pharaoh, and tell him to let the Hebrew people go. You see, Pharaoh was treating the Hebrew people very, very badly and was making them work as slaves. So God promised Moses he would be with Moses, and Pharaoh would let the people go. And guess what? Moses did just what God asked, and Pharaoh did let the people go. Isn’t that cool? Say, “God’s a promise keeper!” Let’s move back to our puppet stage area to hear a little more about this! Maybe Skye will tell us where he wants to travel next, also! 

Boy or girl puppet (in costume) and puppet stage
Clipboard
2 copies of today’s puppet script (Resource DVD-ROM)
Pre-Prep
Photocopy the script. Tape one inside the puppet stage and place the other one on the clipboard.
One teacher should be in front of the puppet stage with the clipboard and one should be behind it, ready to work the puppet. 

 Part 3: Puppet Pal—Promise Keeper (5 minutes)
Teacher: Hi, Skye!! Hey, I’m wondering something.
Puppet: What’s that?
Teacher: Is Skye your full name?
Puppet: No, my full name is Skylar Thompson, but Skye is my nickname. But it’s not my only nickname. My dad calls me Pie in the Skye.
Teacher: Oh, my ______ used to call me a nickname, too. Mine was _______.
Puppet: That’s fun!
Teacher: Yeah, sometimes we have more than one name we go by, huh? Like, in the Bible, there are lots of different names for Jesus, but they’re all describing the same person.
Puppet: Like what?
Teacher: He’s called Jesus, the Son of God, Christ, the Lord, and the Savior.
Puppet: Cool!
Teacher: And sometimes, back in Old Testament times, he was called the Angel of the Lord. He showed up even before he was born as a baby! Isn’t that something?! 
Puppet: It really is!
Teacher: He appeared and promised people that various things would happen in the future. Like, he promised Moses that the bad ruler, Pharaoh, would let the Hebrew people go, and that’s just what happened. And he promised other people things in the Old Testament, and they all happened, just as he promised. God always, always, always keeps his promises! 
Puppet: That makes me feel good to know I can count on God and his Word. If the Bible says it, that settles it. It will happen just as promised! 
Teacher: It sure will! In fact, long before Jesus came to earth, promises were recorded that he would come, and he came just as promised. For instance, one promise was that he would be born as a baby, and he was. Another promise was that he would be born in a town called Bethlehem, and he was. Another promise was that there would be a special star, and there was!
Puppet: Jesus is a promise keeper!
Teacher: He sure is!
Puppet: Well, I’m going to go read some more about Jesus in the Bible.
Teacher: Great idea, Skye. You do that, and we’ll see you tomorrow. Bye for now!
Song Time

Simple songs (Resource DVD-ROM) and player
Pre-Prep
Cue today’s songs on the player.

 Optional Song 1: “Jesus Keeps His Promises”
Sing to the tune of “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”
Verse 1:
Jesus keeps his promises, promises, promises (Make the sign for Jesus—see p. 51.)
Jesus keeps his promises 
(Make the sign for Jesus.)
Written in God’s Word
(Make a Bible with your hands.)
Verse 2:
Always has and always will, always will, always will 
(Put left palm up to the left side, then right palm up to the right side.)
Always has and always will 
(Put left palm up to the left side, then right palm up to the right side.)
Jesus never fails
(Make the sign for Jesus.)
Optional Song 2: “M-O-S-E-S” 
Sing this to the tune of “B-I-N-G-O.” For a simplified version, repeat verse 1, taking out a letter in the word “Moses” with each time and adding a clap. Substitute claps for the first two letters on the second verse, three on the next, four on the next, and all five on the last verse.
Verse 1:
There was a man who heard from God
And Moses was his name-OH 
M-O-S-E-S 
M-O-S-E-S
M-O-S-E-S 
And Moses was his name-OH
Verse 2:
In a bush the Lord did come
And spoke his words to Moses  
(Clap)-O-S-E-S 
(Clap)-O-S-E-S
(Clap)-O-S-E-S
And spoke his words to Moses
Verse 3:
Moses was to ask the king
To let God’s people go
(Clap, clap)-S-E-S 
(Clap, clap)-S-E-S
(Clap, clap)-S-E-S
To let God’s people go
Verse 4:
He obeyed what God had said
And Pharaoh let them go
(Clap, clap, clap)-E-S 
(Clap, clap, clap)-E-S
(Clap, clap, clap)-E-S
And Pharaoh let them go
Verse 5:
Promise made and promise kept
God kept his word to Moses
(Clap, clap, clap, clap)-S 
(Clap, clap, clap, clap)-S
(Clap, clap, clap, clap)-S
God kept his word to Moses 
Memory Verse/Review Time

Memory Verse music CD and player
Student guides and supplies for Part 1 and Part 2
Time Traveler Guides, 1 per child
Stamp for Time Traveler Guides
Lottie bookmarks, 1 per child
Day 2 Memory Verse poster (Teacher Resource Kit) 

 In the remaining time, complete one or more of the following ideas in class. Supplies for this section are not included in the supply list on the back cover since they will vary depending on the activities you choose, so decide what you will do and add them to your supply list accordingly. 
Pass out the Lottie bookmarks, one per child, or have leaders do so at the end of the day. Put a stamp in the Time Traveler Guides (or do so at snack time), and/or review the student guides.
Part 1: High Voltage Verses
Today’s Verse: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8
Practice the verse several times by playing the appropriate song from the Memory Verse CD and using the Memory Verse poster as a reference. Then try the challenge.
Challenge: Ask an adult to put down a long line on the floor using tape, string, or yarn. Walk along the line as you say your verse. Think about Jesus being around forever and never changing.
Tomorrow’s Verse: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
Try the challenge again, this time using tomorrow’s verse. 
Part 2: Go and Do
Ask an adult to read the account from Exodus 3 to you. What do you find interesting about Jesus here?
Talk to God and ask him to help you be a person who keeps your promises.
Ask an adult who follows Jesus to share a favorite Bible account about Jesus. Why does he like that one?
With an adult, check answersvbs.com/tlkids for more fun information!
Ask yourself this question: With God’s help, do I try to keep my promises?
Optional: Playacting Review
Today, the time travelers can act out the account of Moses in the wilderness with the burning bush. Use the burning bush prop again.
Day 3 Destination:
Visitation
Time Tracker
Jesus in the New Testament (End of BC to Early AD)
Bible passages
Selected Verses
Lesson focus
Jesus always has been, always will be ready to love and forgive those who truly want to become his children.
Today’s C
Cross
High Voltage Verse
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
Animal Pal
Sergeant the St. Bernard
Today’s Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Blind and Now I See
Touch Table: Christmas Creations
Dramatic Play: Time Travel
Coloring Corner: John 3:16
Today’s Lesson at a Glance
Lesson Time
Part 1: Time Tracker Stop 3—Beginning of New Testament Times
Part 2: Gospel Presentation
Part 3: Puppet Pal—Gospel Presentation Continued
Song Time
Song 1: “If You Know That Jesus Loves You”
Song 2: “Happy Birthday”
Memory Verse/Review Time
Part 1: High Voltage Verses
Part 2: Go and Do
Optional: Playacting Review
Preparing for the Lesson
Read Luke 2, Mark 6:3, Mark 1, and Mark 15–16 several times.
Read this lesson several times and prepare the materials.
Read “Leading a Child to Christ” found on the inside back cover of this guide.
For more information on Jesus’s life and on his being fully God and fully man, visit answersvbs.com/tlfaq.
Pray.

Lesson Materials
From Teacher Resource kit
Day 3 Memory Verse poster
Day 3 Animal Pal poster
Time Tracker poster 
Day 3 Sim Station posters
Days 1–3 Timeline posters
From Resource DVD-ROM
Day 3 Memory Verse coloring sheet (Expl. Station)
2 copies of today’s puppet script
Sim Station sound effect (and player)
Admit, Believe, Forever Receive sheets
Simple songs: “If You Know That Jesus Loves You” and “Happy Birthday”
Other Materials
Exploration Station supplies (see back cover)
Bible or children’s Bible
Costumes for scientists (teachers)
Cover for Sim Station posters
Paper to cover Timeline posters
Mystery bag (opaque) with the following: baby doll, play hammer, adhesive bandage, cross, and round, flat stone
Boy or girl puppet and puppet stage
Clipboard
Mounting putty or tape
Memory Verse/Review Time section supplies
Memory Verse music CD and player
Student Extras 
Student guides (11-6-073, 11-6-134), 1 per child
Time Traveler  Guides (11-6-090, 11-6-138), 1 per child
Stamp for Time Traveler Guides (11-6-093)
Sergeant bookmarks (11-6-078, 11-6-140), 1 per child
Optional: gospel bookmarks (11-6-076), 1 per child
Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Blind and Now I See
Materials
Blindfold
Pillowcase or mystery box with safe items to feel, such as a soft brush, spoon, plastic cup, ball, stuffed animal, sock, washable marker  
Pre-prep
Put the items in the pillowcase or mystery box. If you have lots of kids, make several pillowcases with items.
Directions
This station works well to do as a group.
The time travelers take turns putting on the blindfold, trying to guess what one of the objects is, then taking the blindfold off to see if they are right. 
Or, if you want to skip the blindfold, have them put their hand into the pillowcase to feel an item, trying to guess what it is before pulling it out to see if they are right.
Teaching Tie-In
It sure is great to have eyes that see, isn’t it? Jesus healed people who were blind. Just a touch or a word was all it took to heal them completely. He healed other people who couldn’t hear or were sick or couldn’t walk. He did all kinds of miracles. No one else ever has or ever will have that kind of power—only Jesus! 
Touch Table: Christmas Creations
Materials
Red and green play dough (see recipe on p. 25)
Christmas cookie cutters such as stars, angels, bells, and candles
Safe Christmas items to press into the play dough to make impressions
Pre-prep
Take out yesterday’s supplies and put in today’s. Have some red and green play dough in reserve in case the colors get mixed and you still have more groups coming through after that.
Directions
The time travelers play with the play dough and cookie cutters.
Teaching Tie-In
When you see the colors red and green, what holiday does it make you think of? Take responses. Yes, Christmas! Did you know there was no such thing as Christmas before Jesus was born? There wouldn’t have been any reason to have it because Christmas is about celebrating Jesus’ special birth.
Dramatic Play: Time Travel
Materials
Time machine and Time Warp panels
Bible-time costumes and supplies from yesterday
Manger and baby doll, baby supplies
Manger animal costumes such as a lamb, cow, etc. (use yesterday’s lamb headband craft—see craft section)
Pre-prep
Add in the baby doll, baby supplies, and animal costumes.
Directions
Dress up and pretend to be back in Bible times at the time of Jesus’ birth.
Teaching Tie-In
The Son of God was born about 2,000 years ago and was given the name “Jesus” at that time.
Coloring Corner: John 3:16
Materials
Day 3 Memory Verse coloring sheet (Resource DVD-ROM)
Markers or crayons
Optional: Additional supplies to glue on, glue sticks, and stickers
Pre-prep
Photocopy the coloring sheet, 1 per child.
Directions
Color the sheet. Add additional supplies if desired.
Teaching Tie-In
Practice saying the memory verse on the sheet. Discuss its meaning.
Lesson Time

Bible or children’s Bible
Costumes for scientists (teachers)
Mounting putty or tape
Sim Station sound effect (Resource DVD-ROM) and player
From Teacher Resource Kit:
Days 1-2 Timeline posters (for review)
Time Tracker poster
Day 3 Sim Station posters (and cover)
 Pre-Prep
Prepare the Time Tracker poster with the arrow pointing to the end of BC. 
Mount and cover the Sim Station posters on the set.
Cue the sound effect.

 Part 1: Time Tracker Stop 3—Beginning of New Testament Times (5 minutes)
Teacher One: Welcome, time travelers! Hey, I’ve got a question for you. Who remembers when Jesus started? Take responses. He never started! He’s always been!
Jesus created time and everything else. Show the Day 1 Timeline poster—the leaf. He made every leaf and plant and animal. Let’s make a big C to remember he is the Creator who created everything during Creation Week. Do so. 
Now, can you think of an animal he created? Let’s fly around the room like Flutter the Sparrow. Do so. Jesus made the birds like Flutter! He loves every little bird, but he loves you so, so much more!
After creation, we see Jesus showing up all through Old Testament times. He showed up in an unusual bush, for instance. Show the Day 2 Timeline poster—the burning bush. What was happening to that bush? It was burning but not burning up. The Lord was in that bush. Dramatically pull your Bible out of a bag.  We can read about him over and over in this part of the Bible. Show the Old Testament. He’s the most important person ever, and the whole Bible is about him, from this first page to this last! Leaf through the whole Bible.
Teacher Two: So we last saw Jesus in Old Testament times. Are you ready to go on our next adventure and see where Jesus is now? Let’s strap on our seat belts, put on our goggles, and get ready to take off. Pretend to do so.
As you did yesterday, flick the lights and have them stomp their feet and make time travel noises, or play the sound effect, flash the lights on the panel/screen, have the rope lighting go off, etc. Have them close their eyes and pretend we’re heading back in time. While their eyes are (hopefully) closed, remove the cover to reveal the scene on the simulator screen and the Time Tracker. Have them open their eyes and show the date on the Time Tracker (end of BC) and say today we’re imagining we’re in Bible times around the time of Jesus’ birth. 
Part 2: Gospel Presentation (10 minutes)

Day 3 Timeline posters (Teacher Resource Kit), cut apart
Paper to cover Timeline posters
Mystery bag (opaque) and the following: baby doll, hammer, adhesive bandage, cross, round, flat stone
Pre-Prep
Put the Timeline posters in a line on the wall and cover them. As you go through each numbered point, uncover that poster.
Put the items in the mystery bag.

 1. Birth of Jesus
Teachers can take turns with this section, or one teacher can share the comments and the other work the mystery bag.
Jesus has always been around, as we’ve talked about. He lived up in heaven. But then, at the end of Old Testament times, the most amazing thing happened!
I have my mystery bag here, and it has some things in it that will help us find out what happened. 
Pull out a baby doll. Let them touch if time. Uncover the cradle poster. 
God sent Jesus, his Son, to the earth as a baby. Let’s stand up and pretend we’re rocking a baby and sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus. Do so; then sit back down. 
God sent Jesus because there was a problem. You see, the first two people, Adam and Eve, had not obeyed God. This was sin. And that caused a big problem for all of us. When they didn’t obey God, it broke the perfect world, and now we all don’t obey God sometimes. Our sin separates us from God, and we aren’t able to be with God forever. But God had a plan to fix the problem. The Bible tells us God so loved the world that he sent his Son, Jesus.
Jesus came into the world as a baby. Isn’t that something to think of God becoming a person? Wow! Jesus was still completely God when he came, but he was also completely a man. 
At his birth, he was given the name “Jesus.” Let’s say the name “Jesus.” Do so.
2. Jesus Grows Up 
Well, time went on, and Jesus grew up. Let’s crouch down low and slowly stretch up and get really tall! Do so; then sit back down. 
Pull out a play hammer. Let them touch it, if time. Uncover the hammer poster and the scroll poster.
Not a lot is written about his growing-up years, but we do know he was the son of a carpenter (Joseph), a man who built things, so Jesus would have learned how to build things. Let’s get out our pretend hammers and pretend to build something. Do so; then sit back down. 
He went to the synagogue often, which is kind of like us going to church, and he grew in wisdom. He read from scrolls that were God’s Word. He had brothers and sisters. His quiet, growing-up years lasted until he was about 30.
3. Jesus Heals Many
Around the age of 30, Jesus began to show everyone he was God. Jesus did many, many miracles to make people better. Miracles are things that no person can do—only God. Jesus healed people who couldn’t see so that they were able to see. Let’s cover our eyes with our hands, and when I say, “See!” let’s take our hands away and look all around. Do so.
Jesus also made people well who had never been able to walk. Let’s get up and walk around! Do so; then sit back down.
Pull out an adhesive bandage. Let them touch it, if time. Uncover the happy face poster.
Jesus also made many, many sick people well. He even brought some dead people back to life. 
4. Jesus Dies 
For three years, Jesus healed and taught and cared for people. It was an amazing time. And what’s even more amazing is that he lived a completely perfect life. He never did one thing wrong. He never sinned even once. He always obeyed God. He never had a temper tantrum, disobeyed his parents, called his brother a name, fussed about something, or even thought something bad. Wow! Nobody ever has or ever will live a perfect life. Only Jesus.
Pull out a cross. Let them touch it, if time. Uncover the cross poster.
However, some bad men didn’t like Jesus, so they decided to put Jesus to death on a cross. Cross is our C word today. Let’s make a big C in the air with our finger and say the word cross. Do so. 
When Jesus was on the cross, he could have called 10,000 angels to come and take him off that cross. He could have taken himself off if he wanted to, but he didn’t because he loves us and chose to take the punishment we deserved. So he stayed on that terrible cross and took all our sin upon himself. Can you imagine someone loving you that much?
Pull out a round, flat stone. Let them touch it, if time. Uncover the tomb poster.
After he died, soldiers took him off the cross and put him in a tomb, which is like a cave where dead people are buried. They rolled a huge stone over the front of the tomb and left him there for what they thought would be forever.
5. Jesus Comes Back to Life 
I’m so excited to tell you what happened next! Jesus didn’t stay dead! He didn’t stay in that tomb! He came back to life! Let’s stand up and celebrate! Do so; then sit back down. Teacher Two should get behind the puppet stage while they are celebrating. Let’s call for Skye and talk a little bit more about this. Do so. 

Boy or girl puppet (in costume)
Clipboard
From Teacher Resource Kit:
Day 3 Memory Verse poster
Day 3 Animal Pal poster
From Resource DVD-ROM:
Admit, Believe, Forever Receive sheets 
2 copies of today’s puppet script
Pre-Prep
Photocopy the puppet scripts and the Admit, Believe, Forever Receive sheets.
Tape one script inside the puppet stage and place the other one on the clipboard.
One teacher should be positioned in front of the puppet stage and one behind it with the puppet.

 Part 3: Puppet Pal—Gospel Presentation Continued (5 minutes)
Puppet: Come up. Hey there! What’s happenin’?
Teacher: We’re just talking about when Jesus came to earth.
Puppet: I would love to travel back in time to see Jesus as a baby and a child and a man! 
Teacher: Wouldn’t that be something? He was different from anyone. He was a perfect man, not like any other person ever. He never did anything wrong.
Puppet: Wow, I wish I could stop doing stuff wrong!
Teacher: Well, the Bible tells us we all sin. That means we all disobey God. The Bible also says the punishment for sin is death. That’s why it’s such good news that Jesus came! He took the punishment for sin! If Jesus hadn’t come, we would be forever separated from God in a bad, bad place. We wouldn’t have any hope of eternal life in heaven with Jesus.
Puppet: I sure am thankful Jesus came!
Teacher: I know! It’s kind of like what Sergeant the rescue dog does. Show the Day 3 Animal Pal poster. Sergeant goes out on rescue missions to seek out and save the lives of those who are lost in the wilderness. Well, Jesus came to seek us out and save our lives because even though we may not realize it, we’re all born spiritually lost. We are not able to find our way to heaven on our own.
Puppet: So it’s really good news that Jesus came and lived and died and came back to life!
Teacher: Yes! It’s the best news ever. Jesus did it because he loves you so, so much. That reminds me of our memory verse. Let’s stand up and say (or sing) our verse together. Recite (or sing) John 3:16 together using the Memory Verse poster.
Puppet: In our verse, Jesus says that whoever believes in him will have eternal (forever) life.
Teacher: Show the Admit, Believe, Forever Receive sheet. That’s right. To become a child of God and receive the gift of eternal life, you first have to admit you’re a sinner. 
Puppet: What’s that mean?
Teacher: It means you tell God you have disobeyed him (sin), like saying unkind words, or hitting someone, or not obeying your parents.
Puppet: I think we’ve all done all those things.
Teacher: That’s right! Now of course, it’s impossible to completely stop sinning. But when you admit your sin and turn to God, it means you want to please God and obey him. 
Puppet: Then what do you do after you admit you’re a sinner?
Teacher: You must believe and trust that Jesus really did come to earth, died on the cross, and came back to life to take the punishment for your sins.
Puppet: And after that?
Teacher: You ask God if you can be his child and be part of his forever family. If any boys and girls are interested in learning more about this, make sure you talk to your parents or your leaders or me today. We’d love to tell you more about it.   
Puppet: Well, I need to get going, but thanks for sharing that.
Teacher: You bet, Skye, and we’ll look forward to seeing you later. Let’s say goodbye to Skye, everyone.  

Simple songs (Resource DVD-ROM) and player
Pre-Prep
Cue today’s simple songs.

 Song Time
Song 1: “If You Know That Jesus Loves You”

You may also want to sing simple Christmas carols like "Away in a Manger" or children's Easter songs like "Ho Ho Ho Hosanna."

 Sing this to the tune of “If You’re Happy and You Know It.” 
Verse 1:
If you know that Jesus loves you, clap your hands (Clap, clap.)
If you know that Jesus loves you, clap your hands (Clap, clap.)
Jesus died for all your sin 
(Wave your hands over your head to the left, then the right.)
And in three days rose again 
(Raise your arms from waist to head.)
If you know that Jesus loves you, clap your hands (Clap, clap.)
Verse 2:
If you know that Jesus loves you, stomp your feet (Stomp, stomp.)
If you know that Jesus loves you, stomp your feet  (Stomp, stomp.)
Jesus died for all your sin
(Wave your hands over your head to the left, then the right.)
And in three days rose again 
(Raise your arms from waist to head.)
If you know that Jesus loves you, stomp your feet (Stomp. stomp.)
Continue with other motions, or do verse 3 as “say Amen” and verse 4 as “do all three.” 
Song 2: “Happy Birthday”
Remind them that this song has our C word of the day in it. Ask them what that word is, and tell them to listen for it.
Verse 1:
Happy Birthday to you (Bounce on each word and point up on “you.”)
Happy Birthday to you (Repeat motion.)
Happy Birthday, dear Jesus (Bounce on each word and point up on “Jesus.”)
Happy Birthday to you (Bounce on each word and point up on “you.”)
Verse 2:
Jesus died on a cross (Put head down on “died” and back up, then extended arms out to the sides on the word “cross.”)
Jesus died on a cross (Repeat motion.)
Jesus died on a cross (Repeat motion.)
Jesus died on a cross (Repeat motion.)
Verse 3:
Jesus came back to life (Act as if rolling back the stone, then jump up and down and raise hands in the air on “life.”)
Jesus came back to life (Repeat motion.)
Jesus came back to life (Repeat motion.)
Jesus came back to life (Repeat motion.)
Verse 4:
Happy Birthday to you (Bounce on each word and point up on “you.”)
Happy Birthday to you (Repeat motion.)
Happy Birthday, dear Jesus (Bounce on each word and point up on “Jesus.”)
Happy Birthday to you (Bounce on each word and point up on “you.”)
Memory Verse/Review Time

Memory Verse music CD and player
Student guides and supplies for Part 1 and Part 2
Time Traveler Guides, 1 per child
Stamp for Time Traveler Guides
Sergeant bookmarks, 1 per child
Day 3 Memory Verse poster (Teacher Resource Kit)
Optional: gospel bookmarks, 1 per child

 In the remaining time, complete one or more of the following ideas in class. Supplies for this section are not included in the supply list on the back cover since they will vary depending on the activities you choose, so decide what you will do and add them to your supply list accordingly. 
Pass out the Sergeant bookmarks, one per child, or have leaders do so at the end of the day. Put a stamp in the Time Traveler Guides (or do so at snack time), and/or review the student guides. If giving each a gospel bookmark, show at this time, and then have guides give them out at the end of the day.
Part 1: High Voltage Verses
Today’s Verse: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 
Practice the verse several times by playing the appropriate song from the Memory Verse CD and using the Memory Verse poster as a reference, then try the following challenge.
Challenge: Have an adult time you to see how fast you can say this verse!
Tomorrow’s Verse: “I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2
Try the challenge again, this time using tomorrow’s verse. 
Part 2: Go and Do
Ask an adult to read Matthew 8:23–27 and Matthew 9:27–31. Aren’t Jesus’ miracles amazing?
Jesus was always loving and caring for people and showing kindness. To whom can you show kindness today? Think of someone and something kind you can do. Then do it!
Talk to an adult about how he came to follow Jesus.
With an adult, check answersvbs.com/tlkids for more fun information!
Ask yourself this question: Am I part of God’s family?
Optional: Playacting Review
Today, the time travelers can act out different scenes from Jesus’ birth, life, and resurrection.
Day 4 Destination:
Preparation
Time Tracker
Jesus Now 
(Early AD to Present)
Bible passages
Acts 1; John 14:2–3
Lesson focus
Jesus always has been, always will be caring for his children— even now from heaven.
Today’s C
Clouds
High Voltage Verse
“I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2
Animal Pal
Bucky the Beaver
Today’s Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Cloud Creations
Touch Table: Nuts and Bolts
Dramatic Play: Time Travel
Coloring Corner: John 14:2
Today’s Lesson at a Glance
Lesson Time
Part 1: Time Tracker Stop 4—Nowadays
Part 2: Acts 1:1–11 with Mystery Bag
Part 3: Puppet Pal—Love and Care
Song Time
Song 1: “Jesus Loves Me”
Song 2: “This Little Light of Mine”
Memory Verse/Review Time
Part 1: High Voltage Verses
Part 2: Go and Do
Optional: Playacting Review
Preparing for the Lesson
Read Acts 1 and John 14:2–3 several times.
Read this lesson several times and prepare the materials. 
For more information on what Jesus is doing now, visit answersvbs.com/tlfaq. 
Pray.
Lesson Materials
From Teacher Resource Kit
Day 4 Memory Verse poster
Days 1–4 Animal Pal posters
Time Tracker poster 
Day 4 Sim Station posters
Day 4 Timeline poster
From Resource DVD-ROM
Picture of types of clouds (Expl. Station)
Day 4 Memory Verse coloring sheet (Expl. Station)
Sim Station sound effect (and player)
Pictures of amazing houses and praying hands
2 copies of today’s puppet script
Simple songs: “Jesus Loves Me” and “This Little Light of Mine”
Other Materials
Exploration Station supplies (see back cover)
Bible or children’s Bible
Costumes for scientists (teachers)
Cover for Sim Station posters
8 different colored circles taped on a half sheet of poster board 
Mystery bag (opaque) with the following: play fish, 2 play men, nail, cotton ball, picture of amazing houses, picture of praying hands (see Resource DVD-ROM) 
Boy or girl puppet and puppet stage
Clipboard
Mounting putty or tape
Memory Verse/Review Time section supplies
Memory Verse music CD and player
Student Extras
Student guides (11-6-073, 11-6-134), 1 per child
Time Traveler Guides (11-6-090, 11-6-138), 1 per child
Stamp for Time Traveler Guides (11-6-093)
Bucky bookmarks (11-6-078, 11-6-140), 1 per child
Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Cloud Creations
Materials
Picture of types of clouds (Resource DVD-ROM)
Cotton balls
Blue paper
Crayons and glue sticks
Pre-prep
Photocopy the picture of clouds. Set out the supplies.
Directions
Time travelers learn about the different types of clouds. Then they take cotton balls and pull and stretch them, shaping them into whatever type of cloud they want and gluing their clouds onto paper. (Remember to write their names on their papers.)
Teaching Tie-In
After Jesus rose from the dead, he appeared to many people. Then, after 40 days, the Bible tells us he was taken up to heaven in a cloud, where he is now seated next to God the Father. Cloud is our C word of the day. Let’s say that word together. Do so.
Touch Table: Nuts and Bolts
Materials
Toy nuts, bolts, screws, tools, wood blocks, etc.
Plastic cups and/or buckets
Optional: egg cartons
Pre-prep
Take out yesterday’s supplies and clean out the sand residue, then put in today’s supplies. Make sure everything is nontoxic and does not present a choking hazard.
Directions
Time travelers have fun sorting the building supplies into the various cups or buckets or egg cartons. All the bolts go in one, all the blocks in another, etc. Supervise carefully. 
Teaching Tie-In
Have you ever built anything with any supplies like these? Take responses. Did you know the Bible tells us Jesus is in heaven getting a place ready for his children? Take responses. It will be the most amazing place ever!

Dramatic Play: Time Travel
Materials
Time machine and Time Warp panels
Variety of building supplies (possibilities include cardboard bricks, blocks, lunch bag blocks [see below], milk carton blocks [rinse milk cartons well], play tools, play workbench, carpenter’s toolbelts or aprons, play hard hats, etc.)
Pre-prep 
Take out the Bible-time supplies and put in the building supplies. These will be used for two days. Make lunch bag blocks by stuffing lunch bags with crumpled up newspaper, then folding over and flattening the open end and taping it shut.
Directions
Dress up and pretend to be nowadays builders—lots of fun! 
Teaching Tie-In
Did you know Jesus was the son of a carpenter when he lived on earth? Do you know what carpenters do? They build things! And Jesus is in heaven preparing (building) a place right now, as our memory verse says. Let’s say it together!
Coloring Corner: John 14:2
Materials
Day 4 Memory Verse coloring sheet (Resource DVD-ROM)
Markers or crayons
Optional: Additional supplies to glue on, glue sticks, and stickers
Pre-prep
Photocopy the coloring sheet, 1 per child.
Directions
Color the sheet. Add additional supplies if desired.
Teaching  Tie-In
Practice saying the Bible verse on the page. Discuss its meaning.

Lesson Time

Bible or children’s Bible
Costumes for scientists (teachers)
8 different colored circles taped on a half sheet of poster board
Mounting putty or tape
Sim Station sound effect (Resource DVD-ROM)  and player
From Teacher Resource Kit:
Days 1–3 Animal Pal posters
Time Tracker poster 
Day 4 Sim Station posters (and cover)
Pre-Prep
Prepare the Time Tracker poster (with arrow pointing to 2000 AD). 
Mount and cover Sim Station posters on the set.
Cue the Sim Station sound effect.

 Part 1: Time Tracker Stop 4—Nowadays (5 minutes)
Teacher One: Hi, everyone! Welcome back! Let’s see if we can remember our first three animal pals and what they can remind us of. Review the first three with the posters and have them fly like Flutter the Sparrow, baa like Lottie the Lamb, and get on all fours and bark like Sergeant the St. Bernard.
Teacher Two: Now, we’re going to play a little game to figure out what’s missing. Show the poster board with circles. I have eight colored circles here. I’m going to turn this around and take one away. Try to figure out which color is missing. Do so.
Teacher One: Just like you were looking at a colored circle and then it was gone, did you know Jesus was here on earth and then he was gone? He went somewhere else! Let’s travel through time to find out where Jesus went and what he is doing now.
As you did yesterday, flick the lights and have them stomp their feet and make time travel noises, or play the sound effect, flash the lights on the panel/screen, have the rope lighting go off, etc. Have them close their eyes and pretend they’re traveling through time. Remove the cover to reveal the scene on the simulator screen and the Time Tracker. Have them open their eyes, show them the date on the Time Tracker (now), and tell them we are imagining we’re going where Jesus is now—in heaven.
Part 2: Acts 1:1-11 with Mystery Bag (10 minutes) 

Mystery bag (opaque) with the following: play fish, 2 play men, nail, cotton ball, picture of amazing houses and picture of praying hands (Resource DVD-ROM)
From Teacher Resource Kit:
Day 4 Timeline poster, cut apart
Day 4 Animal Pal poster
Pre-Prep
Photocopy the picture of the amazing houses and the praying hands. Put them and the other items in the bag. (Make sure the bag is opaque. It can be a tote bag, gift bag, etc.)

  Teachers can take turns with this section, or one teacher can share the comments and the other work the mystery bag.
Teacher Two: I have my mystery bag here, and it has some things in it that have to do with Jesus after he came back to life. After he rose from the dead, the Bible tells us of many times he was seen by people. Let’s pull out some things from the mystery bag that have to do with these appearances.
Pull out the play fish. Let them touch it, if time.
Do any of you like to eat fish? One time after Jesus came back to life, some of his friends were fishing, and he came and ate fish with them!
Pull out the two play men. Let them touch, if time.
Do you like to take walks? Well, one day after Jesus had died and come back to life, two men were walking along a road called the Emmaus Road. And guess who appeared to them? Right! Jesus! They walked and talked together for a long time. And Jesus explained many things to them.  
Pull out a nail. Let them carefully touch it, if time.
Did you know when they decided to put Jesus on the cross to kill him, they put nails through his hands to attach him to the cross? This was an absolutely terrible, painful thing to do! It would have hurt Jesus horribly. Well, after Jesus came back to life, he appeared to a friend named Thomas. He showed Thomas the holes in his hands where the nails had been. Thomas even touched the holes.
Pull out the cotton ball or fleece cloud. Let them touch it, if time.
After he died and came back to life, Jesus showed himself to people many times. Then, something completely amazing happened! Shortly after he had come back to life, it was time for him to leave the earth and return to heaven. And guess how he went to heaven? Show the Day 4 Timeline poster. As Jesus was standing on earth, while his friends were watching, he just lifted off the earth, and a cloud took him out of sight!  That’s our C word of the day—cloud. Let’s make a big C in the air with our finger and say it together. Do so. Jesus went to heaven in a cloud, and that’s where he is now. Let’s check out two things he’s doing in heaven right now.
First, let’s talk about where we live. How many of you live in an apartment? A condo? A house? How many of you share a room? Have your own room? 
Pull picture of houses with amazing things out of the mystery bag.
Can you imagine if you had a house with a swimming pool inside or a great big playground? Wouldn’t that be amazing? Well, guess what? The Bible tells us Jesus is in heaven getting a place ready for all those who are his children. Show Day 4 Animal Pal poster. Just like our animal pal, Bucky the Beaver, is building a place for himself, Jesus is in heaven now building a place for his children. We don’t know exactly what it’s going to look like, but we know it’s going to be the most amazing, beautiful, fun, and wonderful place ever! He’s getting it ready for everyone who is part of God’s family so they can someday live there.
Guess what else he’s doing in heaven?
Pull a picture of praying hands out of the mystery bag.
Jesus is praying for us, too! Did you know that? When you pray to Jesus, he shares your prayer with God the Father. He cares so, so much about you! He cares about every little thing. You can always talk to Jesus through prayer! Let’s talk to Skye a little more about this. 
While Teacher One is finishing, Teacher Two should get behind the puppet stage.
Part 3: Puppet Pal—Love and Care (5 minutes)

Boy or girl puppet (in costume)
Clipboard
2 copies of today’s puppet script (Resource DVD-ROM)
Pre-Prep
Tape one script inside the puppet stage and place the other one on the clipboard.
One teacher should be in front of the puppet stage with the clipboard and one should be behind it, ready to work the puppet.

 Puppet: Hey!
Teacher: Hi, Skye! Have you thought any more about your next travel destination?
Puppet: Well, I was thinking about . . . (let out a big sneeze) . . . aaahhh! aaahhh! choo!
Teacher: God bless you! Are you getting sick?
Puppet: I don’t think so. I was just planning my trip and then . . . (let out another big sneeze) . . . aaahhh! aaahhh! choo!
Teacher: I think you are getting sick. Let me check your forehead. Do so. You’re warm all right. You have a fever.
Puppet: But what about my trip?
Teacher: You’re not going anywhere!
Puppet: I do feel pretty lousy.
Teacher: I’ll tell you what. How does some chicken noodle soup sound?
Puppet: Good.
Teacher: And your nice comfy bed?
Puppet: Really good.
Teacher: Okay, you head home and hop in bed. I’ll be over soon with some soup and I’ll be praying for you to feel better. 
Puppet: Thank you. Hey, that’s like what you were talking about a minute ago.
Teacher: What’s that?
Puppet: While you’re caring for me, Jesus is always caring for me, too!
Teacher: That’s right! Jesus is always caring for his children and praying for them, too! And he’s even preparing the best place ever to live someday!
Puppet: Cool!
Teacher: And you know what’s the best thing?
Puppet: What?
Teacher: When we get to the new heaven and new earth someday, Jesus will always be there, and there won’t be any more sickness! In fact, there won’t be anything bad or sad at all—only good things!
Puppet: That will be amazing!
Teacher: It will! But until then, let’s get you feeling better.
Puppet: Okay! Thanks for caring for me, just like Jesus does. See you soon!

Simple songs (Resource DVD-ROM) and player
Pre-Prep
Cue today’s simple songs.

Song Time
Song 1: “Jesus Loves Me”
Jesus loves me this I know (Make the word “Jesus” with left middle finger touching the palm of the right hand and then vice versa, then put hands over your heart.)
For the Bible tells me so (Put hands together to form a Bible.)
Little ones to him belong (Put your hands down low as if patting a young child.)
They are weak but he is strong (Act weak, then strong.)
Yes, Jesus loves me (Make “yes” motion, then the word “Jesus” with left middle finger touching the palm of the right hand and then vice versa, then put hands over your heart.)
Yes, Jesus loves me (Make “yes” motion, then the word “Jesus” with left middle finger touching the palm of the right hand and then vice versa, then put hands over your heart.)
Yes, Jesus loves me (Make “yes” motion, then the word “Jesus” with left middle finger touching the palm of the right hand and then vice versa, then put hands over your heart.)
The Bible tells me so (Put hands together to form a Bible.)
Song 2: “This Little Light of Mine” 
Before singing this, tell the kids that someday, Jesus will come back in the same way he left—in the clouds (our C word for today). The last verse of this song reminds us of the time he will come back!
Verse 1:
This little light of mine 
(Make a candle with your index finger and move it in a circular motion.)
I’m gonna let it shine 
(Continue to move it in a circle.)
This little light of mine 
(Repeat motion.)
I’m gonna let it shine
(Repeat motion.)
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine 
(Repeat motion.)
Verse 2:
Hide it under a bushel? No!
(Cup one hand over your index finger. Pull your hand away when shouting, “No!”)
I’m gonna let it shine 
(Move index finger in a circular motion.)
Hide it under a bushel? No! 
(Cup one hand over your index finger. Pull your hand away when shouting, “No!”)
I’m gonna let it shine 
(Move index finger in a circular motion.)
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine
(Repeat motion.)
Verse 3:
Shine until Jesus comes
(Wave your “candle” back and forth.)
I’m gonna let it shine
(Move index finger in a circular motion.)
Shine until Jesus comes
(Wave your “candle” back and forth.)
I’m gonna let it shine
(Move index finger in a circular motion.)
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine 
(Repeat motion.) 
Memory Verse/Review Time

Memory Verse music CD and player
Student guides and supplies for Part 1 and Part 2
Time Traveler Guides, 1 per child
Stamp for Time Traveler Guides
Bucky bookmarks, 1 per child
From Teacher Resource Kit:
Day 4 Memory Verse poster

 In the remaining time, complete one or more of the following ideas in class. Supplies for this section are not included in the supply list on the back cover since they will vary depending on the activities you choose, so decide what you will do and add them to your supply list accordingly. 
Pass out the Bucky bookmarks, one per child, or have leaders do so at the end of the day. Put a stamp in the Time Traveler Guides (or do so at snack time), and/or review the student guides.
Part 1: High Voltage Verses
Today’s Verse: “I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2 
Practice the verse several times by playing the appropriate song from the Memory Verse CD and using the Memory Verse poster as a reference. Then try the challenge.
Challenge: Pretend to build a “mansion” with many rooms as you say the verse.
Tomorrow’s Verse: “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow.” Philippians 2:10
Try the challenge again, this time acting out tomorrow’s verse. 
Part 2: Go and Do
Ask someone to make a special place for you, such as a “fort” made with a sheet over a table. Take paper and crayons into your special place and draw what you imagine the place looks like that Jesus is preparing for his children. Show it to someone and tell him about it.
Talk to God about anyone you know who may not know about Jesus and the wonderful place he is preparing for his children.
Ask an adult if he ever thinks about heaven. What does he think it will be like? Read Revelation 21 together.
With an adult, check answersvbs.com/tlkids for more fun information!
Ask yourself this question: Does heaven sound exciting to live in some day?
Optional: Playacting Review
Today, the time travelers can act out building a house as you talk about Jesus preparing a place for his children in heaven.
Day 5 Destination:
Celebration
Time Tracker
Jesus in the Future 
(Eternity Future)
Bible passage
Revelation 21–22
Lesson focus
Jesus always has been, always will be in charge, including when he reigns as King of kings in the new heaven and new earth.
Today’s C
Crown
High Voltage Verse
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow.” Philippians 2:10
Animal Pal
King the Lion
Today’s Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Foil Inventions
Touch Table: Celebration Station
Dramatic Play: Time Travel
Coloring Corner: Philippians 2:10
Today’s Lesson at a Glance 
Lesson Time
Part 1: Time Tracker Stop 5—The Future
Part 2: Stand Up, Sit Down Game
Part 3: Puppet Pal—Perfect Place
Song Time
Song 1: “Amazing Grace”
Song 2: “When We All Get to Heaven”
Memory Verse/Review Time
Part 1: High Voltage Verses
Part 2: Go and Do
Optional: Playacting Review
Preparing for the Lesson
Read Revelation 21–22 several times.
Read this lesson several times and prepare the materials.
For more information on the new heaven and new earth, visit answersvbs.com/tlfaq. 
Pray.

Lesson Materials
From Teacher Resource Kit
Day 5 Memory Verse poster
Day 5 Animal Pal poster
Time Tracker poster 
Day 5 Sim Station posters
Day 5 Timeline poster
From Resource DVD-ROM
Day 5 Memory Verse coloring sheet (Expl. Station)
Sim Station sound effect (and player)
New Heaven, New Earth cue cards
New Heaven, New Earth title strips
2 copies of today’s puppet script
Simple songs: “Amazing Grace” and “When We All Get to Heaven” 
Other Materials
Exploration Station supplies (see back cover)
Bible or children’s Bible
Costumes for scientists (teachers)
Cover for Sim Station posters
Boy or girl puppet and puppet stage
Clipboard
Mounting putty or tape
Memory Verse/Review Time section supplies
Memory Verse music CD and player 
Student Extras
Student guides (11-6-073, 11-6-134), 1 per child
Time Traveler Guides (11-6-090, 11-6-138), 1 per child
Stamp for Time Traveler Guides (11-6-093)
King bookmarks (11-6-078, 11-6-140), 1 per child
Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Foil Inventions
Materials
Foil, cut into small squares
Paper
Glue sticks
Pre-prep
Make a couple samples ahead of time. Put the supplies out.
Directions
Time travelers use the foil to make foil creations on their paper. You may want to make a rocket or robot with them so they understand how to do it.
Teaching Tie-In
Can you make a rocket out of your foil? How about a robot? I wonder what inventions people will think of in the future? Take responses. No matter what it is, nothing will beat the new heaven and the new earth that God is going to make!
Touch Table: Celebration Station
Materials
Play gems (large enough to not be a choking hazard)
Crowns
Glow sticks
Party supplies
Pre-prep
Take out yesterday’s supplies and put in today’s.
Directions
The time travelers play with the supplies.
Teaching Tie-In	
Do you see all the things in this touch table? They all have something in common. Where do you think there will be beautiful colors, jewels, crowns, bright lights, and celebrations? Take responses. Yes, on the new heaven and new earth! Jesus will be there, and it will be so fun and happy and wonderful!
Dramatic Play: Time Travel
Materials
Time machine and Time Warp panels
Streets of gold (yellow sheets or tablecloths taped down)
Play gems (large enough to not be a choking hazard)
Party hats
Pre-prep
Put down the streets of gold (make sure they are secured well) and put the gems and party hats around.
Directions
Time travelers dress up and pretend to be in the future on the new earth.
Teaching Tie-In
The Bible describes the new earth, and it sounds like the most beautiful place ever. It will have what looks like streets of gold and jewels on walls and pearls on gates and many other beautiful things. But the best part of all is our King, King Jesus, will be there. What does a king wear? Yes, a crown! Crown is our C word today, to remind us that Jesus is our King.
Coloring Corner: Philippians 2:10
Materials
Day 5 Memory Verse coloring sheet (Resource DVD-ROM)
Markers or crayons
Optional: Additional supplies to glue on, glue sticks, and stickers
Pre-prep
Photocopy the coloring sheet, 1 per child.
Directions
Color the sheet. Add additional supplies if desired.
Teaching Tie-In
Practice saying the Bible verse on the page. Discuss its meaning.
Lesson Time

Bible or children’s Bible
Costumes for scientists (teachers)
Mounting putty or tape
Sim Station sound effect (Resource DVD-ROM) and player
From Teacher Resource Kit:
Day 5 Sim Station posters (and cover)
Time Tracker poster 
Pre-Prep
Prepare the Time Tracker poster, then mount it and the Sim Station posters on the set. Point the Time Tracker arrow to Eternity Future.
Cue the Sim Station sound effect.

 Part 1: Time Tracker Stop 5—The Future (5 minutes)
Teacher One: Here we are on our last day already, time travelers! Time sure does fly when you’re having fun! And speaking of fun, we’re about to time travel to the most fun and exciting time ever! Before we do, though, I’m curious to know where you think it would be fun to go. Maybe the beach, the zoo, a park, or a pool. Have them share favorite places. Well, we’re about to head to a time and place that’s better than anywhere you’ve ever been! It’s a place Jesus has been preparing for his children. 
The Bible tells us we can’t even imagine how great a place Jesus is getting ready for those who are his. Heaven will be a perfect, fun, beautiful place. Let’s head out on our last time simulation to find out lots more about the new heaven and new earth.
As you did yesterday, flick the lights and have them stomp their feet and make time travel noises, or play the sound effect, flash the lights on the panel/screen, have the rope lighting go off. Have them close their eyes and pretend they’re traveling through time. Remove the cover to reveal the scene on the simulator screen and the Time Tracker. Have them open their eyes, show them the date on the Time Tracker (Eternity Future—we don’t know when that will be), and tell them we are imagining the new heaven and new earth.
Part 2: Stand Up, Sit Down Game (5 minutes)

From Resource DVD-ROM:
New Heaven, New Earth cue cards
New Heaven, New Earth title strips
Pre-Prep
Photocopy the cards and title strips and cut apart.

 Teacher Two: Let’s play a little game to check out what the Bible says the new heaven and new earth will be like! We’re going to hold up pictures, one at a time. If you think it will be in the new heaven or new earth, stand up. If you think it will not be in the new heaven or new earth, sit down.
Hold up each cue card, make the comments, then have them stand up or sit down. Tell them if they’re right. One teacher can be the reader and the other can put the cue cards up under the correct title strip.
Happy face emoji cue card
Do you think the new earth will be a happy place? If so, stand up. If not, sit down. Do so. Yes, it will be a wonderful, happy place!
Scary face emoji cue card
Do you think the new earth will have anything scary on it? If so, stand up. If not, sit down. Do so. No, it won’t have anything scary. There won’t be anything sad or bad on the new earth. There won’t be any sin!
Crying face emoji cue card
Do you think people will cry because of sad things on the new earth? If so, stand up. If not, sit down. Do so. No, as mentioned, there won’t be anything sad or bad. Revelation 21:4 says there will be no more crying, sadness, or pain!
Crown cue card
Do you think Jesus will be there and will be the king? If so, stand up. If not, sit down. Do so. Yes, the Bible tells us Jesus will be there, and he will be called the King of kings! Our C word for today is crown to remind us of King Jesus. Let’s make a C in the air with our finger and say the word crown. Do so. 
Tombstone cue card
Do you think people will die on the new earth? If so, stand up. If not, sit down. Do so. No, there won’t be any more death on the new earth. God’s children will live forever in the most wonderful place ever!
Wolf and lamb together cue card
Do you think the animals will all get along? Even the ones that don’t get along on this earth? If so, stand up. If not, sit down. Do so. Yes, all the animals will get along! Nowadays, a wolf would try to eat a lamb! But on the new earth, it seems that the wolf and the lamb will get along, as will all the animals. We won’t have to be scared of lions or tigers or bears or snakes or any other animal that can hurt us on this earth.
Boring symbol cue card
Do you think it will be boring and no fun on the new earth? If so, stand up. If not, sit down. Do so. It won’t be boring for one second! We’ll be busy with things that we enjoy and people we love. It’s going to be active and interesting and fun and all things wonderful! Sometimes people imagine that we’ll just be sitting around on clouds strumming harps forever, which doesn’t sound too interesting. But that’s not what it’s going to be like at all! It’s going to be a real place, with real people, with a real city called the New Jerusalem.
Gold, jewels, and gates with pearls cue card
Do you think the city called the New Jerusalem is going to be beautiful with something like gold and jewels and gates with pearls? If so, stand up. If not, sit down. Do so. Yes, it’s going to be beautiful! We don’t know exactly what it’s going to look like, but we know it’s going to be more beautiful than we can ever imagine!
Lamb’s Book of Life cue card
Do you think there’s a special book there written by God that has the names written of every person who is allowed to live on the new earth? If so, stand up. If not, sit down. Do so. Yes, there’s a book called the Lamb’s Book of Life. To live in the new heaven and new earth, your name must be in the book. 

Gospel Presentation

Review the gospel here. Leaders can share that their names are in that book and how they know that. Then close by saying what a special place it will be and those who are God’s children can really look forward to living there someday!
Part 3: Puppet Pal—Perfect Place (5 minutes)

Boy or girl puppet (in costume)
Clipboard
2 copies of today’s puppet script (Resource DVD-ROM)
From Teacher Resource Kit:
Day 5 Animal Pal poster
Day 5 Timeline poster, cut apart
Pre-Prep
Tape one script inside the puppet stage and place the other one on the clipboard.
One teacher should be in front of the puppet stage with the clipboard and one should be behind it, ready to work the puppet.

 Puppet: Pop up. Hey, everybody! What’s going on? 
Teacher: Hi, Skye! Are you feeling better?
Puppet: I sure am. Jesus made me better!
Teacher: That’s great!
Puppet: And I decided where to travel to.
Teacher: Where?
Puppet: To the best place in all of time—my grandma’s house! 
Teacher: I’m sure your grandma’s house is fun, but I don’t agree it’s the best place ever.
Puppet: Why not? Where could be better than Grandma’s?
Teacher: Well, there’s a better place coming. Think of every fun and wonderful place in the world, and every person you love, and everything you love to do, and guess what? The place I’m thinking about is still better.
Puppet: Impossible!
Teacher: No, it isn’t.
Puppet: What’s this place called?
Teacher: It’s the new heaven and new earth. It’s where we’ll live someday if we’re a child of God.
Puppet: What makes it the best place ever?
Teacher: Well, the Bible tells us there will be no more crying or sadness or bad things there. It’s a beautiful place with all good things.
Puppet: That’s exciting! That means I’ll never be scared or sad again!
Teacher: Exactly. And you’ll get to hang out with all the other Christians who have ever lived—people from Bible times like Moses, and Mary, and King David! And anyone else who looked to Jesus for salvation, including people you’ve known on earth.
Puppet: Wow! I’ll get to see my grandpa again!
Teacher: Yep, he was an amazing believer! But you know what the best part of all will be?
Puppet: Oohhh, I know! Jesus will be there! He’ll be my Lord and my friend!
Teacher: That’s right! You’ll love hanging out with him! He’ll reign on the new earth as the King of kings. Show Day 5 Animal Pal poster. Our animal pal, King, is here to remind us of that! When you see King, remember that Jesus is the King of all kings. There’s never been a perfect, loving, kind, wonderful King like him. Isn’t that exciting that we’ll get to live with a king forever? Show Day 5 Timeline poster. Remember, our C word for today is crown, like the crown for King Jesus. Let’s say crown together. Do so.
Puppet: Whoa! This is gonna be a—mazing!
Teacher: It really is. I’m really, really, really, really, really, really looking forward to it someday.
Puppet: But I do have one question. Do you think it will get boring? I mean, it’s going to last forever.
Teacher: No, we won’t get bored. It will be like all the wonderful things on earth, only better!
Puppet: I think I’m going to go draw a picture of what I imagine the new heaven and new earth to look like. 
Teacher: That sounds fun! Well, I’m glad you stopped by. Let’s say bye to Skye. Do so.

Simple songs (Resource DVD-ROM) and player
Pre-Prep
Cue today’s simple songs.

 Song Time
Song 1: “Amazing Grace”
Verse 1:
Amazing grace (Make praying hands.)
How sweet the sound 
(Put your hands up to your ears.)
That saved a wretch like me 
(Cross your arms over your heart.)
I once was lost
(Turn around with back to the audience.)
But now am found
(Turn back around.)
Was blind but now I see
(Put your arm over your eyes, then take it away.)
Verse 2:
When we’ve been there ten thousand years
(Put your fingers up and pump them opened and closed over and over.)
Bright shining as the sun
(Make a sun with your hands up in the sky.)
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
(Put up one finger at a time till all ten are up.)
Than when we’ve first begun
(Make a circle with your hands.)
Song 2: “When We All Get to Heaven”
When we all get to heaven  
(March and put arms up to heaven on the word “heaven.”) 
What a day of rejoicing that will be
(Act like you’re rejoicing.)
When we all see Jesus
(Make the “Jesus” sign language symbol.)
We’ll sing and shout the victory
(Point to your mouth on “sing” and shout the word “shout.”) 
Memory Verse/Review Time

Memory Verse music CD and player
Student guides and supplies for Part 1 and Part 2
Time Traveler Guides, 1 per child
Stamp for Time Traveler Guides
King bookmarks, 1 per child
Day 5 Memory Verse poster (Teacher Resource Kit)

 In the remaining time, complete one or more of the following ideas in class. Supplies for this section are not included in the supply list on the back cover since they will vary depending on the activities you choose, so decide what you will do and add them to your supply list accordingly. 
Pass out the King bookmarks, one per child, or have leaders do so at the end of the day. Put a stamp in the Time Traveler Guides (or do so at snack time), and/or review the student guides.
Part 1: High Voltage Verse
Today’s Verse: “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow.” Philippians 2:10 
Practice the verse several times by playing the appropriate song from the Memory Verse CD and using the Memory Verse poster as a reference. Then try the challenge.
Challenge: Bow as you say this verse.
Part 2: Go and Do
Tell someone something you learned about the new heaven and new earth. What sounds exciting about it?
Talk to God about whether or not you are his child. If you are, thank him for the exciting future you have! If you aren’t sure, talk to someone who loves God about it.
Ask an adult to read Psalm 90:12 to you. Talk about it.
With an adult, check answersvbs.com/tlkids for more fun information!
Ask yourself these questions: What words would I use to describe Jesus? What did Jesus teach me this week?
Optional: Playacting Review
Today, the time travelers can act out living in the new heaven and new earth, where they may be able to pet lions, hang out with all kinds of special people, and experience the most wonderful things ever.