In His Image and Likeness

OBJECTIVE

The objective for this module is to demonstrate God's Goodness. Out of His Goodness, He 1) created us from nothing, 2) formed us in His image and likeness, 3) sustained us, and 4) saved us. Each week will focus on one of these critical points. This week, we want the first graders to understand that God made every person in His image. This means we have special attributes from God and we are called to grow in the likeness of God.

INTRODUCTION & HOOK - 10 Minutes

Please review the previous week's lesson. (5 minutes)

Ask the first graders if they have ever created a special piece of artwork that they worked really hard on. How did it feel when they were done? Did they feel proud of their work? Could their parents see that it was their own creation, different from all their classmates?

We are God's creation He loves us and is so proud of us We reflect Him as our Creator and we are the crowning glory of His creation. We are unique from all other creation Human beings are the only creation that are like God. God can see Himself in us, as His children.

HOLY SCRIPTURE - 5 Minutes

Memory Verse - "So God made man; in the image of God He made him" Genesis 1:26

CONTENT (KEY POINTS) - 10 Minutes

Ask the first graders if anyone has ever told them that they are the image of their parents? Do any of them look just like their mom or their dad? Being created in the image of God is exactly like that. We are created to be like God.

God is love Since we are created in His image, that means we are created in love and to love. Also, since each and every person is created in God's image, we are called to love each other and ourselves with the love of God.

Being created in the image of God also means what human beings have special characteristics. God set us apart from creation, He made us special. Ask the first graders in what ways are humans different from animals? Can animals solve complex problems? Can they create art or music? Can they speak different languages? God made us unique in that we have deep thinking and imagination. We should always use those gifts for His glory.

DISCUSSION (Challenge) - 5 Minutes

His Holiness Pope Shenouda wrote, "The message of the children of God is to carry the image of God in themselves to the world, whoever sees them knows God and loves Him because he loved His image." Ask the first graders what kind of responsibilities they have in carrying the image of God? What do they think God expects from them in carrying His name and His image?

Guide them along answers like loving our family, helping in the church, and being kind to people we meet. Encourage them to share their thoughts and ideas with lots of positive feedback.

LIFE APPLICATION - 5 Minutes

While we are created in the image of God, we are still only human. That means we are going to make mistakes and need forgiveness. Repenting, being sorry for our sins, is part of growing. Learning from our mistakes is an important part of our growth as children of God. Even the saints made mistakes, but they got up quickly from those sins with repentance and confession. We must always work hard to grow in the likeness of God.

ACTIVITY - 5 Minutes

Materials: handouts, pencils, crayons

Have the first graders complete the "God made me Special" worksheet. Ask them to think about how we can use the attributes of God that He created us with for His glory. He gave each of us a unique personality and special talents. Students should draw a picture of themselves and how they can serve God with their special gift in the blank space in the middle.

SERVANT RESOURCES

PARENTS CORNER/HOMEWORK

During the week, remind your first graders that they are wonderful sons and daughters of our Lord. Praise them for the special gifts that God has given them. Remind them that being created in the image of God is a gift and that we need to grow in His likeness. The song listed in servant resources can also be shared with parents for children to listen to.