Capstone

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this module is to find inner courage during times of difficulty. Since the inception of the Church, those following our Lord were often persecuted and many found themselves in positions of life and death. Thus, it is important to know when courage is needed and for what we should be courageous.

INSTRUCTIONS/IDEAS

The stories of Elijah and Elisha are awesome and wondrous showing faith, courage and hope. God was always there in miracles and in the face of enemies. We also can trust God to be there for us too in everyday things and in the presence of our enemies that want to prove us to be wrong. Here are a few activities that will teach us to trust God.

In Person Activity-- Take a Nature Hike

Instead of having Sunday School in a classroom, take the kids on a small nature hike. An urban walk is fine. Have each child pick up a small souvenir from nature that they find unique or special in one way. For example, they could pick up a leaf that has five fingers that is turning colors from green to red, a rock in the shape of a heart, a flower that sprung up among sandy dirt, or a bird's feather.

At the end of the walk, sit in a circle and have each child share what they found and have them explain:

  • Why is this object special?
  • Find a Bible verse that pertains to that item. For example if it is a flower, the bible verse could be Matthew 6:28-29, "And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."
  • If they found a rock, Psalm 18:46, "The Lord lives, and blessed be my rock, and exalted be the God of my salvation."

Ask the kids the question, "Why do the unique, simple things we find in nature fulfill promise in God to trust in Him and give you hope? There are many verses on God's creation finding solace, beauty, quietness, affirmation of God's presence. Try to find Bible verses to go with them.John 1:1-3 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made."

Online Activity-- Discussion about how Elijah and later Elisha were a "type of Christ"

Together with the class you can brainstorm examples how the life and teaching of Christ is foreshadowed by Elijah and Elisha in the book of Kings.

Here is a brief summary:

Concluding Activity- How do we get closer to the Christ/ the Cross

Here is a great origami activity: Watch this youtube video on the "Cross Trick." It is sure to stick in each child's mind on the importance of Christ in our life. Ask each child to get a piece of paper and follow along.