Jonah--Woods

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 2

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 and to familiarize yourself with starting, ending, and possible fast forwards.
6. You may want to coordinate with the person in the Theater to decide which of you would like to make popcorn and simply make a double batch for the groups.

Sunday Morning:
1. Make popcorn in room using directions provided; or partner with Theater person to share this duty.
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 will start when Jonah is asleep in the ship and the Captain comes down and says, “Come On, Wake Up!”
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. You’ll start when the Captain comes down and wakes Jonah saying, “Come On, Get up”. You’ll watch until Jonah is in the fish and says, “I’m going to die in this whale.” At that point you’ll fast forward to when the candle flame shows up and the Pirates and the “gang” is in the restaurant again.
2. You’ll watch from that point until when Jonah is walking into Nineveh with the “gang” and their orange (cheese curl) hats. Then you’ll fast forward until the part where Jonah is on the “slapping block” and says, “Stop It” (you’ll have to watch the video to see when that happens exactly since he’s on the block in quite a few frames before he actually says the “stop it” part and then gives the message from the Lord).
3. You’ll watch from then until the end. The last portion with them in the restaurant may push you over the time limit…it is about 5 minutes in length, with there being a big musical number at the end…if you’d like to skip the musical number, that’s fine. Children really should be dismissed no later than 10:25 a.m.

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 under the vine.
ii. Older Students: At the end of the movie Carlisle reminds Jonah that God wants to give everyone a second chance…can you think of someone who you know that doesn’t deserve a second chance? What would God say…how might you give them another chance?

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!