July 2024 - That's Different
Preschool Lessons Now Included!
Each month will now include a preschool lesson that matches the theme of the Elementary lesson and can be used throughout the month.
Preschool Main Idea: Jesus cares about how we treat people.
Preschool Scripture: James 2:1-12
ELEMENTARY LESSON:
MEMORY VERSE:
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." James 1:22
July 7: Jesus can use hardships to our benefit.
Synopsis: James begins by telling us to look at life’s trials with “pure joy.” But honestly, this sounds crazy. Who is ever happy to go though hardships? But then James describes a process. Trials test our faith. Tests of faith produce perseverance. Perseverance leads to maturity. Trials cannot be met with “pure joy” in and of themselves. But when we see them as the starting point of something much bigger, then our perspective can change.
Scripture: James 1:1-16
Worship Songs: Good Good Father, He's Got The Whole World In His Hands, Graves into Gardens
Game Video: Snail Race: Rocket Wins
Bible Story Video:
July 14: Jesus cares about our actions.
Synopsis: There’s an old joke that sitting in church doesn’t make you a Christian, any more than sitting in an oven makes you a cookie. But for many, being a Christian is about going to church each Sunday. James emphasizes the importance of actions. It’s not enough to say the right things or hear the right things. We truly follow Jesus when we obey His words, and live them out.
Scripture: James 1:22-27, 2:14-26, Matt 21:28-31
Worship Songs: He's Got The Whole World In His Hands, Graves into Gardens, Who You Say I Am
Game Video: Water Balloon Fight
Bible Story Video:
July 21: Jesus cares about our words.
Synopsis: At the beginning of the Bible, God speaks creation into existence with His words. At the end of the Bible, the sword by which Jesus vanquishes all evil, comes out of His mouth, representing His words. John even calls Jesus “The Word.”
Words are a big deal to God. He cares about what we say. At some point, we’ve all been devastated by what someone said to us or about us. James 3:1-12 describes the destructive potential of our words, and helps us to understand that we must be careful with them, if we are to follow Jesus.
Scripture: James 1:19-21, 3:1-12
Worship Songs: Graves into Gardens, Who You Say I Am, Whom Shall I Fear
Game Video: Beachball Shuffle
Bible Story Video:
July 28: Jesus cares about how we treat people.
Synopsis: In chapter two, James forbids favoritism. He describes it in the context of showing favoritism toward the wealthy. But today, we show favoritism for a variety of reasons. Children often give preferential treatment based on things like physical appearance, popularity, athletic ability, intelligence, accomplishments, and talent. Jesus calls us to show love and acceptance to all people; not just those whom we are fond of for one reason or another.
Scripture: James 2:1-12
Worship Songs: Who You Say I Am, Whom Shall I Fear, You Make Me Brave
Game Video: Tourist, Volcano, Hammock
Bible Story Video: