the connection between GRATITUDE and
God's character, as shown through God's big story
Have you ever been watching a sporting event where one of the teams played like they were falling apart at
the seams? The team is a complete mess until finally the coach calls it: “Time out!” He brings the team in,
takes a moment to regroup. He adjusts and recalibrates to get his team ready get back on the field and face
their opponent.
The same goes for life.
It’s not a quick change. It may even happen so gradually over time that you hardly know it’s happening.
Then one day you realize that everyone is grumpy, complaining about every little thing.
The kids who were once happy and played together are now bickering and nagging each other over
nothing.
Something is off. Something is broken. Everyone needs a time out. There are just some things that need an
adjustment.
Take the idea of GRATITUDE, for example.
If we never take the time to acknowledge what God has done in our lives or how others have helped us, we
may develop an unhealthy ego or a growing frustration with the people around us. We might become bitter
and complain about everything little thing.
That’s why we’re taking this month to talk about what it means to take show GRATITUDE: letting others
know how they’ve helped you.
(1) God is at work in our lives even though we may not understand.
(2) Our response of gratitude shows that we trust God in all circumstances.
We'll explore Exodus 23:14-19 (and parts of 2 Kings 23) to discover how some of the rules God gave His
people included some major celebrating with entire days and sometimes WEEKS set aside to give His
people an opportunity to take time to celebrate.
Take time to celebrate what God has done. We want kids to make
celebrating what God has done a big part of their lives. They can do this in small ways like a prayer of
thanksgiving, or in huge ways like throwing a giant party.
1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks no matter what happens. God wants
you to thank him because you believe in Christ Jesus.” (NIrV) There are many times when we don’t
want to give thanks, but our hope in Jesus allows us to be thankful regardless of our circumstances.
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Once, Twice, Three Times to Celebrate (Israelite Feast Days) • Exodus 23:14-19 (2
Kings 23, supporting)
Take time to celebrate what God has done.
“Give thanks no matter what happens. God wants you to thank him because
you believe in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIrV
Gratitude—letting others know you see how they’ve helped you.
I can trust God no matter what.
(Life Groups, 10-15 minutes)
Focus the energy on today’s Bible story in a Life Group setting with an engaging discussion question and an
interactive opening activity.
Before kids arrive, pray for each regular attendee by name. Pray for those who might visit your group for the
first time. In your own heart, take time to celebrate what God is doing in your life and in the lives of the kids in
your group. Ask God to give you the opportunity to share those things with your kids, to allow them to share
with the group, and then to celebrate together.
Construction paper, markers, stickers (optional), glue (optional), sequins (optional)
Tell kids that in the Canada we have some crazy days we celebrate. In fact, today is National Eat a
Cranberry Day and National Cashew Day! Have them make banners and signs and party hats to celebrate.
“Those are some silly holidays to celebrate, but you did a great job making them festive. [Transition]
Today in Large Group, we are going to talk about why it’s important to celebrate!”
Lead your group to the Large Group area.
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(Life Groups, 25-30 minutes)
Make the connection of how today’s Bible story applies to real life experiences through interactive
activities and discussion questions.
(application activity / great for active learners)
Variety of household craft items (empty toilet paper rolls, paper towel rolls, tissue
boxes, etc.), rubber bands, tape, construction paper, markers, up-tempo music, music player, jingle bells
(optional), string (optional)
Have kids use the available materials to create instruments. Encourage them to be creative and decorate
their instruments. When all instruments have been created, have kids play their instruments and dance
around the room to the music.
“Celebrations can sometimes be reserved and quiet, like an awards ceremony for humanitarian giving, but
they can also be loud and rambunctious, and usually there is music involved! [Apply] When you get these
instruments out this week, remember to [Impress] take time to celebrate what God has done.”
(application activity / review the Bible story)
Paper, pens, “Celebrate the Good Times” Activity Page
Review the three different feasts that God’s gave His people to celebrate.
 Feast of Unleavened Bread—celebrated when the Israelites had to leave in such a hurry from Egypt
they didn’t have time for the bread to rise
 Feast of Weeks—celebrated that God provided Israel with everything they needed
 Feast of Booths—celebrated how God took care of His people when they wandered through the
desert.
Kids will have one minute to work individually to write down as many words as they can think of that are
related to each of the categories on the “Celebrate the Good Times” Activity Page. After the 60 seconds are
up, review the words they have written and cross out any duplicates. Kids get a point for each word they
came up with that was unique.
“Just like the Israelites, we have a lot of celebrations throughout the year. Some are just for fun, like
Valentine’s Day, and some have very special meaning like Christmas and Easter. Even though sometimes
these celebrations can have serious moments, God wants us to celebrate also. He has done many wonderful
things for us. In fact, in James 1:17, the Bible says that everything good is from Him. Since He has done so
many great things for us, we should [Impress] take time to celebrate what God has done. [Apply] So,
this week, remember to celebrate whenever you think about the good things God has done for you.”
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(memory verse activity)
Construction paper, scissors, markers, hole punch, yarn
Have kids cut out triangles from construction paper. Then have kids write one or two words of the verse on
each one (have them turn it so the base of the triangle is at the top before they write). Then, punch two
holes in the tops of each triangle and string yarn through them to form a banner.
“This verse encourages us to thank God for everything. Celebrations are an easy time to thank God, but they
can also be times when we get too busy and forget to be grateful. At all times, we need to [Impress] take
time to celebrate what God has done. [Make It Personal] (Tell kids about one of your favorite
celebrations.) [Apply] This week, be thankful to God as you celebrate.
(memory verse activity / great for active learners / optional large-group activity)
“Puzzle” and “Puzzle Board” Activity Pages, gift boxes
Separate your group into two teams and have each team line up. Each team will have a stack of puzzle
pieces at the front of the line and the puzzle board inside the gift box at the end of the line. The object
of the game will be to pass the puzzle pieces through the line and be the first team to get puzzle put
together. The kids will pass a puzzle piece using only one hand. The first kid will pass the puzzle piece
over his head to the next in line who will then pass the puzzle piece between his legs to the next kid
in line and so on. The kid at the end of the line, when he receives the puzzle piece, will place it on the
puzzle board. Once all the puzzle pieces have been placed on the board, the kid at the end of the line
will pass the gift box back to the start in the same fashion until the box gets to the start of the line.
The first team with a finished puzzle in their box at the start of the line wins.
“Say the memory verse with me. That is right! [Apply] God wants us to thank him because we believe in
Christ Jesus! And when we take time to celebrate what God has done, when we take the time to
thank God for all He has done for us, we are showing the world that we believe in a God that is worth
celebrating! [Impress] Take time to celebrate what God has done.”
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How do you celebrate special events in your family, such as birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, etc.?
What are some things that God has done for you?
What are ways you can celebrate what God has done for you?
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Paper, pens
Have kids brainstorm all the celebrations throughout the year. Assign one celebration to each kid and have
them write a prayer relating to that holiday. For example, they could write a prayer thanking God for
raising Jesus from the dead at Easter, for sending His Son at Christmas, for giving them a loving mother for
Mother’s Day, etc.
“There are so many days throughout the year that we celebrate. We need to recognize that God has given us
all these good holidays and we should [Impress] take time to celebrate what God has done. [Apply]
Keep these prayers to remind you that there is something to be thankful for in every celebration.”
Give each child a GodTime card. Pass out Parent CUE cards as adults arrive to pick up.
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