Q4 Week 4

Bible Point: Give to God.

Key Verse: “Jesus Christ is Lord” (Philippians 2:11).

Big Picture: Children will give to God.

Note to Parents:

Preschoolers are just beginning to learn to share and cooperate. They have a strong sense of what belongs  

to them and what belongs to others and are usually hesitant to give up something they cherish. Use this lesson to help preschoolers understand that we can honor God when we give with a cheerful heart, even if we can give only a little bit.

Bible Story:

Mark 12:41-44 tells us that Jesus watched the crowd of people putting money into the Temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, ‘I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.’” Look for ways to show your child by example how to give something away to (or share with) someone else.

Play and Pray:

Become secret agents in your neighborhood, and keep a lookout for chances to give to God. Your child might bring a neighbor’s garbage can in from the curb. He or she might want to put on a pair of gloves and pick up litter on your block. Many young children love to rake leaves or help clean up and can be somewhat helpful with a rake or shovel their size. Don’t redo your child’s work (while he or she is watching)! The point of doing the work is learning how to be a cheerful giver.

Outdoor Adventures:

Your home offers almost endless opportunities for your child to practice being a cheerful giver. Share ideas for how to give to God with your child, and see which one he or she chooses: Suggest going through the toy box to select a toy to give to a younger child, giving the biggest cookie to a sibling or friend, counting how many hugs he or she can give in one day, or earning pennies to give at church. It’s never too early to teach your child to give to God.

Cheerful Giving:

Cheerful giving is contagious! An open palm is evidence of a heart open to God. To help your child review the Bible Point, write the words “God wants” and draw a heart on your child’s left palm. Write “us to give” and draw a happy face on your child’s right palm. (Make sure there are no cuts on the hands first.) As your child opens each hand, he or she can say the phrases while showing open hands to God.

Ready, Set, Grow!

This week, your child learned that we give to God. Your child committed to one of the following challenges to give to God. Help your child grow in faith this week and follow through on the challenge!

- Give your special snack to someone, and tell him or her why you want to give to God.

- Do your best to share with others all week.