Jonah--Theater

Scripture: Book of Jonah

Memory Verse for this rotation: “But you, O Lord, are merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” Psalm 86:15

Concepts to be learned by children:
* Even when we don’t understand God’s plan, we should still obey.
* God will not give up on you even if you disobey.
* God has power over all of nature.
* Jonah was a reluctant prophet and had trouble accepting God’s mercy and love for his enemies.
* God wants all people to turn to Him and know Him.

Materials:
• Popcorn (in blue tub in the theater)
• Cups/Bowls for popcorn (also in blue tub)
• Journals (with Shepherd)
• Pencils (with Shepherd)
• TV/DVD Player
• Video “Jonah” Veggietales…Part 1

Objectives:
* Students will view a video about Jonah
* Students will participate in a reflection/closing prayer time.

Presenter Preparation:
Prior to Sunday Morning:
1. Read the scripture passage and do the Leader’s Bible Study
2. Read through the lesson plan provided and ask Stacy about any questions you have.
3. Plan your opening and closing prayers, if you decide not to use those provided.
4. Consider the age group you’ll be working with each week and any adjustments you’d like to make to the lesson.
5. Watch the video, if possible, to prepare yourself with answers to potential questions. Also, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with any parts that need to be fast forwarded.
6. You may want to coordinate with the person teaching the Woods lesson and take turns making double batches of popcorn for the two groups watching the movies.
Sunday Morning:
1. Make popcorn in room using directions provided; or coordinate with Woods teacher.
2. Get cups and pitchers of water from the kitchen.
3. Be sure the room is set up as you desire and you are familiar with the TV/VCR/DVD and making it work.
4. Look through supply box to familiarize yourself with its contents
5. Do any other preparations you feel necessary.
6. Know that we are thankful you are teaching!

Procedure:
A. Welcome & Introductions at approximately 9:50 a.m.
1. Have popcorn ready and the movie cued before students arrive. You may start after the opening credits.
2. Greet the children and introduce yourself, wear a name tag if possible. Shepherds have name tags for the children in their bags. If necessary, ask the shepherd to supply children without tags with a temporary badge.
3. Open with a brief prayer. An example might be: God, we thank you for your son, Jesus, who became like us and lived on the earth. Please help us to learn more about Jesus today. Amen.
4. Today when we watch the movie, we will have to fast forward through some parts so we’re able to get through the entire movie…I know that it can be frustrated when you’re enjoying a movie to have to fast forward, but I promise that we’re not fast forwarding through any important parts; you’ll still understand the story even with the fast forwarding.

B. Application beginning no later than 10:00 a.m.:
• Pass out Popcorn/View Video
1. Start when the moon is over the trees at the beginning. Watch until you hear, “When a prophet talks, everyone listens”, then fast forward to after the song…the sky will be dark, and you’ll see the tent, you should hear the storyteller say, “So every night Jonah would ask God where to go next.”
2. You’ll watch for a short time until you hear Jonah say, “A God like you would never go to Nineveh, for that matter, neither would a prophet like me.” You’ll then fast forward until you see the paper thrown out the tent and Jonah is laying down on his mat.
3. You’ll watch from then until you hear the phrase, “Jonah went below deck to rest a bit.” that is the point to stop at and the next group will pick up from there next week.

C. Reflection—if time after the movie:
1. Pass out the journals and ask shepherds to pass out pencils.
i. Younger Students: Draw a picture of Jonah on the boat.
ii. Older Students: Is there anything you’ve ever been asked to do and didn’t want to? How did you respond? Did you do it? If you tried to avoid it, what did you do? Did it work to try to avoid it or did you end up doing it in the end anyhow?

D. Closing:
1. Ask the students to close their journals and sit quietly.
2. Recite the Bible memory verse: “But you, O Lord, are merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” Psalm 86:15
3. Close with a prayer. Encourage children to offer petitions. An example might be: God, we are thankful for the many stories your Bible holds that help us to learn the right way to live. Please help us to be obedient children to you. Amen.

E. Tidy and Dismissal:
Ask children to help clean up before they go. Be sure that they find a responsible person and that everyone has found one such person before you depart. Please take all supplies and put them in the cardboard box and return the box to the white cart. Popcorn supplies can stay in the room.

THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR FAITH WITH OUR YOUNG PEOPLE!