Come to the Table Director Guide Director Guide

ComeToTheTable_DirectorGuide_cvr.indd 1-2 11/11/2020 6:00:54 PM Evaluation Form Your thoughts are important to us and help us plan future Vacation Bible School curriculum. We encourage you to submit your feedback online at www.ShineCurriculum.com/ VBS/2021Evaluation or send this completed form to VBS Evaluation, Shine Curriculum, P.O. Box 866, Harrisonburg, VA 22803.

Congregation: ______Your name (optional): ______Email: ______Address: ______Get Connected! City: ______Province/State: ______Code: ______PLEASE CHECKMARK YOUR ROLE IN VBS: Facebook: @ShineCurriculum  Director/Coordinator  Small Group Leader  Sprout Leader  Create & Discover Leader     Stay up-to-date by joining the “VBS 2021: Come to the Table” discussion Music Leader Assistant Director Worship Leader Early Childhood Leader group on Facebook! Share ideas, see what other groups are doing, post  Dig In Leader  Drama Leader/Participant  Other (specify) ______pictures, ask questions, and get encouragement from other VBS leaders. HOW WOULD YOU RATE the leader guide:  great  good  fair  poor  didn’t use Instagram: @shinecurriculum4kids the student booklet:  great  good  fair  poor  didn’t use Email us ([email protected]) at least six weeks in advance the music:  great  good  fair  poor  didn’t use if you’d like to do an Instagram Takeover during the week of your VBS! This involves posting several photos on our Instagram account to show THESE THINGS WORKED WELL FOR OUR VBS: what you’re doing! Or post photos or videos of your VBS on your own ______Instagram account and tag @shinecurriculum4kids with the hashtag #cometothetableVBS. ______

Pinterest: Shine: Living in God’s Light CHANGES THAT WOULD IMPROVE THE VBS MATERIALS: Check out the “VBS 2021: Come to the Table” board on the Shine: Living ______in God’s Light Pinterest page. It has sections for each day of VBS as well as for decorating, snacks, and resources related to the offering project. Go ______to: www.pinterest.com/shinelivingingo/vbs-2021-come-to-the-table/. WHICH MATERIALS ON THE MUSIC & RESOURCE USB DRIVE WERE MOST HELPFUL/USEFUL? YouTube: Shine Curriculum channel ______There are a variety of song lyric videos posted on the Shine Curriculum ______YouTube channel, as well as other helpful resources. IDEAS FOR FUTURE VBS THEMES: ______

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: ______

Thank you!

ComeToTheTable_DirectorGuide_cvr.indd 3-4 11/11/2020 6:00:54 PM Table of Contents Catch the Vision Overview & Goals...... 3 Children’s Faith Formation...... 4 Bible Outline...... 5 Bible Memory...... 5 Bible Background Essays...... 6–10 Daily Schedule...... 11 A Day in Come to the Table...... 12–13 Early Childhood Overview...... 14 Offering Project...... 15

Get Ready Ordering Information...... 16 Music & Resource USB Drive...... 17 Director’s Checklist...... 18–19 Staff Overview...... 20 Leader Assignment Cards...... 21–23 Volunteer Needs...... 24 Orientation for Staff and Volunteers...... 25 Publicity and Outreach...... 26 VBS Dedication...... 27 Registration...... 27 Decorating...... 28 Setting Up...... 29

During VBS and Beyond Tips for the First Day...... 30 Record Keeping...... 30 Making VBS a Safe Place...... 31 General Discipline Tips...... 32 Planning Snack Time...... 33–35 Invite Children to Grow in Faith...... 36 Invite Families to Grow in Faith...... 37 Come to the Table Closing Program...... 37 After VBS...... 38 Adaptations for a Midweek Program...... 39 Adaptations for a Weekend Retreat...... 40 Evaluation Form...... 41

2 Come to the Table

ComeToTheTable_DirectorGuide_txt.indd 2 11/11/2020 6:03:12 PM Catch the Vision Overview of Come to the Table: Come to the Table is a one-week Vacation Bible School (VBS) curriculum that explores five stories about Jesus from the Gospels of Luke and John. These stories show Jesus eat- ing with unexpected people, providing food for a crowd, demonstrating humility, and extending welcome and forgiveness. When you eat with Jesus, anything can happen! The curriculum begins with Jesus’ parable of the great feast and invites children to journey alongside Jesus as he feeds 5,000 people, befriends a tax collector, washes his disciple’s feet, and both forgives and challenges his friend, Peter. Through these stories of Jesus, children learn that everyone is welcome at God’s table where there is always enough. Come to the Table invites children to see that God loves and welcomes all peo- ple and challenges them to share that same love and hospitality in their everyday lives. Each day begins with the invitation to COME. Children will participate in relationship-building activities, songs, prayer, Bible memory, and a dramatic presen- tation of the Bible story. Then children will TASTE by rotating through three activity stations and eating a snack. In closing worship, children will be challenged to SHARE the love of God with everyone they meet. Goals of Come to the Table • Convey that all people are welcome at God’s table • Invite children to love God and follow in the way of Jesus • Offer a vision of a world where everyone’s needs are met • Encourage children to joyfully receive and share the good things that God provides

This curriculum provides everything you need to implement a successful VBS pro- gram, no matter what the location, size, or budget is. This guide gives an overview of all aspects of the curriculum. Refer to the individual leader guides and Music & Resource USB Drive for detailed information about each area. Choose activities and make any necessary adaptations that will work best for the children in your program. VBS is a wonderful way to inspire children and families to love and follow Jesus. We’re so glad you’ve joined us!

Director Guide 3

ComeToTheTable_DirectorGuide_txt.indd 3 11/11/2020 6:03:13 PM Children’s Faith Formation Come to the Table is produced by Shine Curriculum and incorporates the same approach to Christian faith formation as the Shine: Living in God’s Light Sunday school curriculum. We believe that faith formation is a lifelong process of developing a relationship with God. This relationship is nurtured within family and faith communities. Intentional faith formation experiences, such as VBS, help children grow in their understanding of God’s love for them. This curriculum recognizes that the faith of children often grows quietly, in ways that are not readily seen, as children take in and ponder the meaning of biblical stories. Key elements of faith formation found in Come to the Table: • Relationship building: As children arrive at VBS each day, Small Group Leaders guide children in activities designed to build community and create a feeling of belonging. • Gathered worship: Children of all ages gather to sing, pray, give an offering, and watch a dramatic presentation of the Bible story. • Spiritual practices: Spiritual practices—such as music, Bible memorization, and different ways of praying—are included each day. • Centrality of the Bible story: The Bible story is shared and explored in multi- ple ways each day—through drama, scripture memorization, hands-on activi- ties, music, full-body movement, writing, art, and reflection. • Wondering questions: Children are invited to reflect on the Bible stories using open-ended wondering questions. These questions show a respect for children’s interpretations and their ideas. • Discovery-based learning: Activities in the TASTE Activity Stations promote creative, discovery-based learning. • Child-centered approach: Activities are child-centered and attend to individ- ual learning styles. The curriculum materials anticipate the diversity of needs that children have. • Invitation to grow in faith: Children are challenged to love God, follow Jesus, and take action that demonstrates care for others and for the world. See page 36 for more information.

4 Come to the Table

ComeToTheTable_DirectorGuide_txt.indd 4 11/11/2020 6:03:13 PM Outline Day 1: Be Our Guest Text: Summary: Jesus is invited to a meal at the home of an important Pharisee. Jesus tells a parable Luke 14:15–24 about a great feast. The host of the dinner sends out his servant to tell the invited guests that everything is ready. The invited guests make excuses about why they can’t come. So the host Food for Thought: invites people from the streets and countryside instead—people who can’t walk or see, people Everyone is welcome at God’s who are hungry, and people who are often forgotten or excluded. More and more people come table. until the entire house is full. Day 2: Jesus and the Giant Picnic Text: Summary: A large crowd follows Jesus up on a mountain. “Where shall we buy bread for every- John 6:1–14 one?” Jesus asks his disciples. A young boy shares five loaves of bread and two fish with Jesus. He blesses the food and has the disciples distribute it among the people. All eat and are satisfied. Food for Thought: Twelve baskets of leftover food are collected so that none will go to waste. There is more than enough at God’s table. Day 3: Guess Who’s Coming for Dinner Text: Summary: Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector, climbs a sycamore tree to see above the crowd as Luke 19:1–10 Jesus passes through Jericho. Jesus sees Zacchaeus and asks him to climb down and then invites himself to Zacchaeus’ home. The crowd grumbles against Jesus’ choice to be a guest of a tax col- Food for Thought: lector. Zacchaeus tells Jesus he will give half his possessions to the poor and return four times the Jesus’ welcome changes amount he earns from cheating others. Jesus considers Zacchaeus right with God. everything. Day 4: A Supper to Remember Text: Summary: Jesus shares Passover with his disciples. At the meal, Jesus shares bread and wine with Luke 22:13–20; John 13:1–20 his disciples. He asks the disciples to remember him with those symbols. Then Jesus takes a basin and towel and washes the disciples’ feet. Peter does not want Jesus to wash his feet, but Jesus says Food for Thought: he is doing it to set an example. By washing one another’s feet, they are serving God. Jesus shows us what love looks like. Day 5: Breakfast on the Beach Text: Summary: Jesus’ disciples are fishing and do not catch anything all night long. Toward morning, John 21:1–17 a voice from shore tells them to cast their net on the other side of the boat. Their net fills with fish! Realizing that it is Jesus on the shore, Peter jumps out of the boat and hurries to meet him. Food for Thought: Jesus prepares a breakfast of bread and fish. After they have eaten, Jesus asks Peter three times if We can love like Jesus. he loves him. When Peter answers, “You know that I love you,” Jesus tells him, “Feed my sheep.” Bible Memory The Bible memory passage for grades K–5 is introduced in interactive ways during COME (opening worship) using PowerPoint slides. It is then reinforced during the Dig In activities. Preschool children will learn the passage during their group wor- ship time. If you prefer, feel free to use a different translation than the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) and Easy-to-Read Version (ERV). Grades K–5: Early Childhood: Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will Then Jesus said, “I am the never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” bread that gives life.” —John 6:35 (NRSV) —John 6:35a (ERV)

Director Guide 5

ComeToTheTable_DirectorGuide_txt.indd 5 11/11/2020 6:03:13 PM DAY 1 Be Our Guest Scripture Text: Luke 14:15–24 Food for Thought: Everyone is welcome at God’s table. Bible Essay: Who is welcome at God’s table? The answer might surprise you! The parable of the great feast is the focus of today’s session, but the preceding verses offer important background for understanding the parable and the theme of this ses- sion. Jesus is having dinner at the home of a prominent Pharisee (a “religiously serious” leader). It is the Sabbath, but that doesn’t stop Jesus from breaking Jewish law to heal a man who is sick. Jesus notices that the guests are vying for the important seats at the dinner table. He then teaches the guests that at God’s table, the humble are exalted, the stranger is invited, and all are welcome. Social status, wealth, and power don’t matter here; come as you are! This is God’s table, where the poor, ignored, and excluded receive the extravagant and warm hospitality of God. Jesus doesn’t stop with just a lesson about where to sit and how to treat guests. He tells the dinner guests a parable of a great feast to reveal who God is and what God cares about. This is the focus for children today. This story, like so many of Jesus’ para- bles, stretches and challenges the listener. The host invites many friends, who initially agree to come, but then some back out on the day of the feast. They have more pressing things to do—visiting a purchased field, trying out some new oxen, enjoying the early days of a marriage. The host doesn’t have patience for these excuses and sends his servant to invite people until his house is full. He specifically tells the servant to look in the streets and alleys to find people who are poor, people who can’t walk, and those who can’t see. Even after doing this, there is still room. So the servant goes far and wide inviting people until the house is full. Jesus closes the story by restating the sad reality that not everyone is interested in this alternate way of being in community; some want to carry on with life as usual. It can be hard to embrace a world where the last are first and the least are the greatest, especially if you have been living in a position of privilege. The good news is that God (the host of the feast) offers an invitation to all people. No one is left out! Everyone is welcome to come to God’s table. Those who come do so in response to God’s generous hospitality. May all the children in your group experience welcome and hospitality this week!

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ComeToTheTable_DirectorGuide_txt.indd 6 11/11/2020 6:03:13 PM Adaptations Midweek Program Plan You can adapt Come to the Table to be used for a 10-week midweek program. Here is a sample plan, though you may need to make adjustments to suit your needs. Sessions are one hour each.

Session 1: Be Our Guest (Day 1 materials) Session 6: Guess Who’s Coming for Dinner • COME (30 minutes): Day 1 Set the Table, songs, (Day 3 materials) offering, Day 1 Drama (see Worship & Drama • COME (15 minutes): Day 3 Set the Table, songs, Leader Guide) offering, Bible memory • TASTE (20 minutes): Divide into three groups, • TASTE (40 minutes): Divide into three groups, each doing one activity station: Create & Discover, each doing two activity stations: Create & Discover, Dig In, Sprout (see guides). Dig In, Sprout (see guides). • SHARE (10 minutes): Gather for closing worship. • SHARE (5 minutes): Gather for closing worship. Session 2: Be Our Guest (Day 1 materials) Session 7: A Supper to Remember • COME (15 minutes): Day 1 Set the Table, songs, (Day 4 materials) offering, Bible memory • COME (30 minutes): Day 4 Set the Table, songs, • TASTE (40 minutes): Divide into three groups, offering, Day 4 Drama (see Worship & Drama each doing two activity stations: Create & Discover, Leader Guide) (30 minutes) Dig In, Sprout (see guides). • TASTE (20 minutes): Divide into three groups, • SHARE (5 minutes): Gather for closing worship. each doing one activity station: Create & Discover, Session 3: Jesus and the Giant Picnic Dig In, Sprout (see guides). • SHARE (10 minutes): Gather for closing worship. (Day 2 materials) • COME (30 minutes): Day 2 Set the Table, songs, Session 8: A Supper to Remember offering, Day 2 Drama (see Worship & Drama (Day 4 materials) Leader Guide) (30 minutes) • COME (15 minutes): Day 4 Set the Table, songs, • TASTE (20 minutes): Divide into three groups, offering, Bible memory each doing one activity station: Create & Discover, • TASTE (40 minutes): Divide into three groups, Dig In, Sprout (see guides). each doing two activity stations: Create & Discover, • SHARE (10 minutes): Gather for closing worship. Dig In, Sprout (see guides). Session 4: Jesus and the Giant Picnic • SHARE (5 minutes): Gather for closing worship. (Day 2 materials) Session 9: Breakfast on the Beach • COME (15 minutes): Day 2 Set the Table, songs, (Day 5 materials) offering, Bible memory • COME (30 minutes): Day 5 Set the Table, songs, • TASTE (40 minutes): Divide into three groups, offering, Day 5 Drama (see Worship & Drama each doing two activity stations: Create & Discover, Leader Guide) (30 minutes) Dig In, Sprout (see guides). • TASTE (20 minutes): Divide into three groups, • SHARE (5 minutes): Gather for closing worship. each doing one activity station: Create & Discover, Session 5: Guess Who’s Coming for Dinner Dig In, Sprout (see guides). • SHARE (10 minutes): Gather for closing worship. (Day 3 materials) • COME (30 minutes): Day 3 Set the Table, songs, Session 10: Breakfast on the Beach offering, Day 3 Drama (see Worship & Drama (Day 5 materials) Leader Guide) (30 minutes) • COME (15 minutes): Day 5 Set the Table, songs, • TASTE (20 minutes): Divide into three groups, offering, Bible memory each doing one activity station: Create & Discover, • TASTE (40 minutes): Divide into three groups, Dig In, Sprout (see guides). each doing two activity stations: Create & Discover, • SHARE (10 minutes): Gather for closing worship. Dig In, Sprout (see guides). • SHARE (5 minutes): Gather for closing worship. Director Guide 39

ComeToTheTable_DirectorGuide_txt.indd 39 11/11/2020 6:03:15 PM Weekend Retreat Plan Come to the Table can be used during a weekend retreat as children’s programming, or as intergenerational activities during a church retreat weekend. Sessions are based on 90 minutes.

Friday Evening: Be Our Guest (Day 1 materials) • COME (25 minutes): Gather the large group for Day 1 Set the Table, songs, Day 1 Drama (see Worship & Drama Leader Guide) • TASTE (20 minutes each): Rotate groups through three activity stations: Create & Discover, Dig In, Sprout (see guides) • SHARE (5 minutes): Gather the large group for a closing song.

Saturday Morning: Sunday Morning: Jesus and the Giant Picnic A Supper to Remember (Day 2 materials) (Day 4 materials) • COME (25 minutes): Gather the large group for • COME (25 minutes): Gather the large group for Day 2 Set the Table, songs, and Day 2 Drama (see Day 4 Set the Table, songs, and Day 4 Drama (see Worship & Drama Leader Guide) Worship & Drama Leader Guide) • TASTE (20 minutes each): Rotate groups through • TASTE (20 minutes each): Rotate groups through three activity stations: Create & Discover, Dig In, three activity stations: Create & Discover, Dig In, Sprout (see guides) Sprout (see guides) • SHARE (5 minutes): Gather the large group for a • SHARE (5 minutes): Gather the large group for a closing song. closing song.

Saturday Afternoon: Sunday Afternoon: Guess Who’s Coming for Dinner Breakfast on the Beach (Day 3 materials) (Day 5 materials) • COME (25 minutes): Gather the large group for • COME (25 minutes): Gather the large group for Day 3 Set the Table, songs, and Day 3 Drama (see Day 5 Set the Table, songs, and Day 5 Drama (see Worship & Drama Leader Guide) Worship & Drama Leader Guide) • TASTE (20 minutes each): Rotate groups through • TASTE (20 minutes each): Rotate groups through three activity stations: Create & Discover, Dig In, three activity stations: Create & Discover, Dig In, Sprout (see guides) Sprout (see guides) • SHARE (5 minutes): Gather the large group for a • SHARE (5 minutes): Gather the large group for a closing song. closing song.

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ComeToTheTable_DirectorGuide_txt.indd 40 11/11/2020 6:03:15 PM Leader Guide

Come to the Table Worship & Drama Leader Guide

ComeToTheTable_WorshipAndDrama_cvr.indd 1-2 11/11/2020 6:00:26 PM Welcome to Worship!

Each day of Come to the Table has three main sections: COME (opening worship), TASTE (activity stations) and SHARE (closing worship). The provided times for each worship session are approximate. They can easily be shortened or lengthened depending on your schedule. COME Share (opening worship, 35 minutes) (closing worship; 10 minutes)

Set the Table (10 minutes): Children gather in small Small groups return to the worship area with their leaders groups with a Small Group Leader and participate in to sing, pray, and learn about ways they can share what activities designed to nurture relationships and intro- they have learned with others. Each child will receive a duce the theme of the day. There is a one-page “Set the Family Diner Card taken from the student booklet. These Table” Instructions on the Music & Resource USB Drive cards have at-home activities for families. Each day closes that summarizes the activities for the week. Print one for with a song and a benediction, with the option of using each leader. American Sign Language for the benediction. An ASL Demonstration Video is included on the USB drive. Gather (15 minutes): Small groups come together for wor- ship, beginning with a Call to Worship followed by sing- ing. Children are then introduced to the offering project. Worship Leaders See page 5 for information about the offering. A Worship The worship plan of this guide could be implemented by PowerPoint for each day (USB) includes the Call to one leader, or the tasks could be divided in the follow- Worship, song lyrics, offering information, Bible memory, ing way: Table Talk questions, and the benediction. Customize it to • Worship Coordinator: Oversee all Worship and fit your needs. Drama Leaders and Small Group Leaders, welcome the children, lead Call to Worship, Bible memory, The Main Course( 10 minutes): Children practice the and prayers each day. Bible memory passage, watch a dramatization of the Bible • Song Leader: Choose and lead songs or coordi- story, and close in prayer. nate a music team. • Drama Director: Coordinate the dramas, find actors, design set, gather props, and Taste arrange rehearsals. • Technology Coordinator: Set up the laptop, pro- (activity stations, 90 minutes) jector, and screen. Show the Worship PowerPoint for each day. Play MP3 versions of songs as needed. Small groups of children rotate through three activity sta- Troubleshoot problems that arise. tions: Create & Discover (art and science activities), Dig In (Bible activities), and Sprout (active games). Each activ- ity station is 30 minutes. A snack can be incorporated into Small Group Leaders this time period if desired. The children will gather and then move throughout the day in small groups. A Small Group Leader is needed for each group of children. Group size will vary depending on the number of children and volunteers you have. Leaders will implement the Set the Table activities that are designed to build relationships and connect to the theme of the day. Then they will guide children to their activity stations and back to the worship area for closing worship.

Worship and Drama Leader Guide 3

ComeToTheTable_WorshipAndDrama_txt.indd 3 11/11/2020 6:04:47 PM Day 1 At-a-Glance Advance Preparation ˆ Read Luke 14:15–24 and the Bible essay for Day 1 on page 6 of this guide. ˆ Read the opening and closing worship plans. Make modifications as needed. ˆ Customize the Day 1 Worship PowerPoint (USB) to reflect your plans. ˆ Hang up the Worship & Drama Area Poster from the VBS Boxed Set. ˆ Communicate with Small Group Leaders, Worship and Drama Leaders, the Music Leader, the Technology Coordinator, and drama participants about their roles and tasks.

SUPPLIES TO DO

COME ˆ Worship & Drama Area Poster (VBS Boxed Set) Make Fruit Emblems (USB) for each small group. Opening Worship ˆ Nametags (template on USB) ˆ “Set the Table” Instructions (page 53 or USB) Make nametags (USB) for each child and leader. ˆ Fruit Emblems, one per group (USB) ˆ Day 1 Worship PowerPoint (USB) Designate a space for each small group. Set out ˆ Selected songs (USB) instructions and supplies for Set the Table (page 53 ˆ Place settings, one setting per group or USB). ˆ Laptop, projector, and screen ˆ MP3 player Learn songs. ˆ Lunch boxes or other containers to collect offering Set up for and rehearse the drama. ˆ Bible ˆ Drama props ˆ Bell

SHARE ˆ Day 1 Worship PowerPoint (USB) Option: Learn American Sign Language for the Closing Worship ˆ Laptop, projector, and screen benediction. Refer to the ASL Benediction Video as ˆ MP3 player needed (USB). ˆ ASL Benediction Video (USB), optional ˆ Day 1 Family Diner Cards Remove the Day 1 Family Diner Card from each student booklet.

Worship and Drama Leader Guide 7

ComeToTheTable_WorshipAndDrama_txt.indd 7 11/11/2020 6:04:47 PM COME

line, they can make a large circle with their arms out front to Set the Table resemble a round table. Children can read the yellow print Be sure each Small Group Leader has the “Set the Table” while the leader reads the white print. Instructions for Day 1 (USB), along with a basket or box that has one complete table setting. As children arrive, they can Leader: Come, all who are hungry. (Gesture “come.”) join their groups, put on a nametag, and participate in the All: Come to the table! (Make a big circle with Set the Table activities. your arms.) Leader: Come, all who are thirsty. (Gesture “come.”) All: Come to the table! (Make a big circle with Gather your arms.) Leader: Come, even if you have no money. (Gesture When you are ready to begin large group worship, turn on “c o m e .” ) the theme song “Come to the Table” (USB). This will serve as All: Come to the table! (Make a big circle with a cue for small groups to clean up their materials and pre- your arms.) pare for worship. Leader Come and eat, there’s more than enough Project the Day 1 Worship PowerPoint (USB), clicking food. (Gesture “come.”) through the slides as indicated. Note: If you choose different All: Come to the table! (Make a big circle with songs than the suggested ones, the slide numbers will need to your arms.) be adjusted to reflect your changes. Leader: Come, enjoy food that satisfies your soul. (Slide 2) Welcome everyone to the first day of Vacation (Gesture “come.”) Bible School. Say: All: Come to the table! (Make a big circle with We are so glad all of you are here and have Come your arms.) to the Table! This week we will sing, see Bible dramas, play games, create art, eat together, and do much more! Do you have a table in Songs your house? What about at your school or this (Slides 4–16) Sing “Come to the Table” and “Everybody’s church? Tables are everywhere. We use them for Welcome.” Motions are on pages 54–56 of this guide and on lots of things—to eat meals, talk, play games, the USB drive. and do art projects or schoolwork. Now what if God had a table? Who would Offering be invited to eat there? What food might God serve? What might God talk about during din- (Slide 17) Give a brief introduction to the organization you ner? God may not have an actual table made are donating to this week. If possible, show a video or pic- of wood, but this week we are going to imagine tures to help the children see where they are located, what what it would be like to sit at God’s table. We are they do, and who they serve. Many organizations provide going to hear Bible stories about Jesus eating pictures or videos on their websites or on YouTube that with people. We’ll see who he ate with and what you can show. Alternatively, you could show a general video they talked about. This will give us ideas about or read a book that discusses hunger. See Offering Project who we can invite and welcome into our lives. Resources (USB) for suggestions. Explain how you will collect the offering. This might involve having children come forward to place their offering Call to Worship in lunch boxes or passing an upright lunch bag from group to group. (Slide 3) Say the Call to Worship together, which is based (Slides 18–22) Sing “Som’landela” (We Will Follow) on Isaiah 55:1–2. Children will repeat the line “Come to the (USB) during the offering. table” five times. Have them start with a whisper and get a little bit louder each time they say the line. As they say their

8 Come to the Table

ComeToTheTable_WorshipAndDrama_txt.indd 8 11/11/2020 6:04:47 PM Table Talk The Main Course (Slide 25) Give several minutes for the small groups to dis- Words to Remember cuss one or both of the “Table Talk” questions on the slide: • Who gets left out at your school or in your neighbor- (Slide 23) Introduce the Bible memory passage (John 6:35) hood? Why? and tell children that they will be learning words of Jesus • How could you welcome someone who is from the Gospel of John. Read the whole passage from the usually ignored? Bible while children listen. Ring a bell to get everyone’s attention again. Pray: Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Thank you, God, that everyone is invited to your Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and great feast and is welcome at your table. Help us whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” to notice when other people are being left out or —John 6:35 (NRSV) ignored. Give us courage to reach out and show God’s love to them. Amen. After reading the passage one time, read it again one line at a time from the slide and invite the children to repeat after you in a call and response. Do this several times, changing Dismissal your voice each time (loud, soft, fast, slow). Explain the schedule of the day and let the children know what activities they will be doing today. Remind children to Jesus said to them, stay with their Small Group Leader throughout the day and “I am the bread of life. let them know they will have a chance to visit every activ- Whoever comes to me ity station. will never be hungry, Dismiss the children by groups to go to the TASTE and whoever believes in me Activity Stations: Create & Discover, Dig In, and Sprout. will never be thirsty.” —John 6:35 (NRSV)

The Story (Slide 24) Introduce the Bible story drama. Say: Raise your hand if you’ve ever gone to a party or a picnic. Raise your other hand if you’ve ever had a special dinner at your house, maybe to celebrate a birthday or holiday. It’s fun to get together with other people, eat good food, laugh, and talk. Today we are going to meet ______(name of actor playing the Daughter). She lives right around the corner from here. A new family moved into her neighborhood and so she invited them over for a picnic. The picnic starts in three hours. Let’s see how her preparations are going. Present the Day 1 drama titled “Be Our Guest” (pages 33–36 of this guide or the USB).

Worship and Drama Leader Guide 9

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Gather for closing worship. Play the song “Spread God’s Love Around” (USB) as children are returning to the worship space. Have a volunteer hand each Small Group Leader a set of Family Diner Cards from the student booklets, one per child in the group. (Slides 26–33) Sing “Spread God’s Love Around” using motions (page 56 of this guide or the USB drive). (Slide 34) Ask Small Group Leaders to pass out the Family Diner Cards. Explain that the children will get a card to take home every day so that they can share what Teaching Tip they learned with their families. Highlight the activities on the card, pointing out the recipe on the back. There is the option to use (Slides 35–36) Sing “May God Bless You” using motions (page 55 or USB). signed English (American Sign Language in English word (Slide 37) Say the closing blessing, which will be repeated every day: order) for the benediction each Friends, as you go, know that God loves you. Now go and share that love day. The leader could simply with everyone! use the signs or teach them to the children. If teaching, teach Remind children to remove their nametags and leave them beside their group’s just two or three signs each Fruit Emblem so they can be reused tomorrow. day rather than try to teach the entire benediction at one time. Refer to the ASL Benediction Video (USB) if you aren’t al- ready familiar with the signs.

10 Come to the Table

ComeToTheTable_WorshipAndDrama_txt.indd 10 11/11/2020 6:04:48 PM Welcome to the Dramas!

Introduction Adapting the Dramas The Bible story dramas are the heart of each day’s large The dramas are available as Word documents on the USB so group worship experience. Throughout the week, the Bible that you can easily edit them to fit your context. You may stories are woven with a modern-day story, which will help want to change characters’ names, the foods that are being children notice the connections between then and now. The used, the gender or family structure of the guests, and the drama scripts are included in the Worship & Drama folder total number of characters who attend the picnic on Days on the Music & Resource USB Drive for ease of emailing and 4–5. Perhaps you want the Carter family to have three chil- printing. There is a Drama board on the VBS 2021 Pinterest dren instead of one child. Maybe you want grandma’s famous page that has ideas for creating sets and props. recipe to be a dessert rather than potato salad. Perhaps you want Lee Walker instead of Juliana to tell the feetwashing story. You may want to add another family. Structure the Characters drama in the simplest and most authentic way for your set- Many of the Bible stories for Come to the Table have primar- ting and the volunteers and space you have. ily men speaking. To provide some balance, the modern-day • Day 1: Daughter, Mom, Jesus, Pharisee, Messenger, portion of the drama in Days 1–3 is written as an interac- Guest, three Audience Members tion between a mother and young adult daughter (early to • Day 2: Daughter, Mom, Juliana, Jesus, Philip, Andrew, mid-20s). There are many adult relationships that could Peter, Child be substituted based on your available volunteers, such as • Day 3: Daughter, Mom, Jesus, Zacchaeus, Crowd aunt and niece, mentor and mentee, grandparent and adult Person 1, Crowd Person 2 grandchild. If you do not have women who are available to • Days 4–5: Mom, Daughter, Juliana/father/sister, play these roles, it is also possible to substitute men. Just be Thomas/Jen/child Carter, Lee Walker/two children, sure that the other characters from the neighborhood show Mr. Stokes, Jesus, Philip, Andrew, Peter diverse gender representation. Days 4–5 depict a neighborhood picnic. The goal is to convey that all people—young and old, all genders and Costumes racial-ethnic groups—are welcome at God’s table. Whenever The costume suggestions are simple for the drama. Feel free possible, choose participants who can help reflect the diver- to adapt these or expand on them to suit your setting. Check sity of the human family. There are 12 people who attend a thrift store to find inexpensive clothes as needed. the picnic. You may want to use Small Group Leaders and children from the audience to represent the families in the Modern-Day Characters: drama. Several of them are non-speaking roles and several All characters should be dressed casually for a summer pic- only have a few lines. This will reduce the number of “out- nic on a hot day. For Day 3, Mom and Daughter could wear side” actors you need to recruit. However, if you have the an apron as they prepare food. option, you could increase the number of picnic goers! Add them into the drama on Day 4. They can simply walk up to Jesus and Bible-Times Characters: the Daughter, introduce themselves, and bring food or other Ideally, have these characters wear Bible-times costumes. items to contribute, such as plates and napkins. Search online for “Bible times costumes DIY” to get inspira- There are four Bible-times characters needed each day. tion to make your own simple costumes. Ideally, use the same four people all week. They switch roles somewhat from day to day, but it will be simplest for rehears- Props and Supplies als if it is a consistent group. This is a great opportunity to Each drama includes a list of props and the set design involve older youth. On several days, there is the need (or description on page 32 gives other needed items. Use the option) to include audience members within the Bible-times items listed or modify them according to your available drama. These are nearly always non-speaking roles, but it is space and resources. important to choose and talk briefly to participants ahead of A smartphone is required for Days 1–2. You will need time so that they know where to go and what to do. Choose to practice sending text messages and making calls at the children who can sit or stand quietly so as not to be a dis- correct time so that the sounds align with the script. It may traction during the drama. be easier to download text message sounds and ringtones

Worship and Drama Leader Guide 31

ComeToTheTable_WorshipAndDrama_txt.indd 31 11/11/2020 6:04:50 PM Art & Science Leader Guide

Come to the Table Create & Discover Leader Guide

ComeToTheTable_CreateDiscoverGuide_cvr.indd 1-2 11/12/2020 10:33:23 AM Welcome to Create & Discover!

Create & Discover is one of three 30-minute TASTE Activity Stations following COME (opening worship). Each Create & Discover session includes art and science explorations and has three parts: Connect, Explore, and Bless. Connect TASKS FOR VOLUNTEERS Gather the children for a brief There are many tasks that volunteers can do before, during, and after each day of recap of the Bible story. VBS. Many people are not able to attend VBS, but they would be happy to donate supplies, prepare craft items, or decorate the room. Explore Days 1–5: number of children and cereal ˆ Before: Print, copy, and cut out boxes you have. One cereal box can Choose from three Create options items from the Music & Resource make at least eight suncatchers, and two or three Discover options USB Drive. depending on sizing of the boxes each day. Try to incorporate ˆ Before: Elicit donations of and fish. Older children can use one Create art project and one needed supplies. the cardboard template to trace Discover science exploration ˆ Before: Prepare samples of their own fish and cut it out. For activity each day to allow for Create projects. younger children, precut all the varied learning styles, individual ˆ Before: Preview Media fish from cereal boxes. Precut preferences, and age-group abil- Connections to decide which items pieces of foil that will fit over each ities and interests. Each activity to use for Discover. fish shape, wrapped fully around. includes “Talk About It” prompts ˆ Before: Sprout some rice to help you guide conversations several weeks before VBS fol- Day 3: with children, connecting the lowing the instructions in the ˆ Kernel Mosaics: Color corn ker- activity to the Bible story and Discover section. nels for the mosaics. Note: 1 cup / children’s experiences. Media ˆ During: Assist children in mak- 167 g of corn is enough for about Connections are included for ing Create projects. Clean up 15 children. You will want several each day. between groups. colors. To color corn: Pour 1 cup ˆ During: Staff the Discover area, / 167 g corn, 1 cup / 240 ml warm supervise use of media, and lead water, 2–3 T / 15–30 ml of vinegar, Bless science-related conversations. and 20–30 drops of food coloring Work together with the children ˆ After: Clean up the activity areas into a resealable plastic bag. Soak to clean up materials in prepara- in preparation for the next day. overnight. Then drain the liquid tion for the next group, and then Make sure art projects get to the from the corn and spread out the gather the children for a short children to take home. corn on a cookie sheet lined with prayer of blessing. paper towels to dry for more than Day 1: 6 hours. ˆ “Party Popper” Invitations: Save toilet paper tubes and/or paper Day 4: towel tubes, one per child. Paper ˆ The Foot Treatment:Collect tubes can also be made from four-ounce baby food jars, one card stock. per child. Day 2: Day 5: ˆ “Foil Fish” Suncatchers: Save ˆ Mini Campfires: Cut out card- cereal boxes (flattened). Print the board circles that are approxi- Day 2 “Foil Fish” Template (USB) mately 4 in / 10 cm in diameter (or and trace it onto thick cardboard. larger if you have larger pebbles). This template could be sized down Collect small rocks or pebbles or enlarged, depending on the and twigs for children to create a mini campfire.

Create & Discover Leader Guide 3

ComeToTheTable_CreateAndDiscover_txt.indd 3 11/12/2020 10:33:08 AM Day 1 At-a-Glance Advance Preparation ˆ Read Luke 14:15–24 and the Bible background essay for Day 1 on page 6. ˆ Read through the Create & Discover session plan. Choose one or more Create ideas and one or more Discover activities to include, depending on the space, group size, available materials, and amount of time you have. Gather needed supplies. ˆ Communicate with volunteers about their role and tasks.

Session Plan Connect Welcome the group and give a brief recap of the Bible story. Refer to the story summary on page 6. Explain the layout of the room and location of the Create & Discover activities. Explore Complete one or more of the Create & Discover activities. Leave time to clean up, return materials to their place, and prepare the space for the next group.

Create Discover OPTIONS SUPPLIES* / TO DO OPTIONS SUPPLIES* / TO DO

Feast • Day 1 Feast Placemat Verse (USB), Sprouting Supplies for each group: Placemats one per child Rice • One large canning jar and ring • ½ cup / 100 g of brown rice To do: Print and cut out the Day 1 Feast • 5-in / 13-cm square of cheesecloth Placemat Verse (USB), one per child. Food, None needed “Party • Day 1 “Party Popper” Invitations (USB) Glorious Popper” • Paper rolls, one per child (toilet paper Food! Invitations rolls, paper towel rolls, homemade paper rolls from card stock) *In addition to general supplies on pages 4–5

To do: Customize and print out the Day 1 “Party Popper” Invitations (USB), one per child. Make a sample party popper.

Welcome • Plastic tablecloths Table

*In addition to general supplies on pages 4–5

Bless Gather the group. Tape the rice picture from the Days 1–5 Staple Foods (USB) onto North Korea and South Korea on the world map. Say a closing prayer: God, we remember your people joining together at tables all around the world today. We pray especially for our Korean neighbors today. We thank you that you welcome all people into your family. Amen.

Create & Discover Leader Guide 7

ComeToTheTable_CreateAndDiscover_txt.indd 7 11/12/2020 10:33:08 AM Create Feast Placemats “Party Popper” Welcome Table Create placemats. Provide a dinner Invitations Spread out a plastic tablecloth with plate, fork, knife, spoon, and cup for a light color on the table. Provide Create a “Party Popper” Invitation children to trace onto a piece of 12 x 18 permanent markers for the group to holder with a VBS invitation inside. in / 31 x 46 cm paper to create the look decorate the tablecloth. Write words Customize, print, and then have chil- of a place setting. Glue the Day 1 Feast of welcome, draw pictures of food to dren color the Day 1 “Party Popper” Placemat Verse (USB) to the middle share at a feast, write names of people, Invitation (USB). Roll up the invitation of the plate area. Have a variety of art or draw pictures of people you’d like to and put it into the paper tube. Cut a supplies available. Encourage children invite. Listen to “Come to the Table” piece of tissue paper several inches to decorate their placemats in an extra (USB) as children draw. Hang the com- longer than the toilet paper tube on special way as if they were going to use pleted tablecloths on the wall or use either side so you can wrap it up like a them at a feast. Draw favorite foods them as tablecloths for snack time. piece of candy. Use double-sided tape on the plate. If glue or paint is used, or glue to securely wrap the tissue be sure the mats are completely dry Talk About It paper around the toilet paper tube. before covering them with shelf paper. What were the excuses people made in Children can use hole punchers or rip the Bible story? (I got married. I bought up small pieces of construction paper Option for small groups: Cover the a field and have to go see it. I bought to create confetti to put inside the mats with clear adhesive shelf paper animals.) The people had important tube. Tie both sides with ribbon. for durability and then use them life events happening, or were busy, during snack time. and missed out on the feast. What are Talk About It excuses that we might make today? In the Bible story for today, Jesus told Talk About It What could we miss if we are too busy? a story about a person who invited God’s table is a celebration place where everyone to a banquet. No one was left everyone is included, and no one is left Supplies out. Let’s invite our friends to come out. Your placemat can remind you ˆ Plastic tablecloths with light colors to Bible school to experience God’s that you have a special place at God’s (one or more per rotation) love. Who do you know might want to table. If you were to give away the ˆ Permanent markers come? Pass along this invitation after placemat as a way to invite someone you leave today. Maybe one of your to the table, who would you choose? neighbors or family members would be interested. Supplies ˆ Day 1 Feast Placemat Verse (USB), Supplies one per child ˆ Day 1 “Party Popper” Invitations ˆ Plates (USB) ˆ Dinner knives ˆ Markers ˆ Forks ˆ Paper rolls (toilet paper rolls, ˆ Spoons paper towel rolls, homemade ˆ Cups paper rolls from card stock) ˆ 12 x 18 in / 31 x 46 cm construction ˆ Hole punchers paper ˆ Construction paper ˆ Decorating supplies (crayons, ˆ Tissue paper markers, food stickers, stamps, ˆ Double-sided tape paper, flat leaves) ˆ Ribbon

8 Come to the Table

ComeToTheTable_CreateAndDiscover_txt.indd 8 11/12/2020 10:33:08 AM Discover Sprouting Rice Food, Glorious Food! Note: If this activity is chosen, it will What would a feast have been like in need a brief amount of time every day. Jesus’ time? On chart paper, have the group make a list of 10 to 15 foods they With the children, pour ½ cup / 115 g of think would have been eaten at a feast uncooked brown rice into a large can- in ancient Israel. What foods have they ning jar. (White rice will not work!) Fill heard about in the Bible? (Older chil- the jar with water. Place the sprouting dren could do this individually.) Then screen (cheesecloth) on the top and learn about foods from Jesus’ time by secure with the canning jar ring. Ask: looking at the article “Ancient Israelite “What do you think the rice will look Cuisine” on Wikipedia. Look specifi- like tomorrow? What will it look like cally at section 3 (Characteristics) and by the end of the week?” Children can section 4 (Foods). Compare the actual draw their hypotheses on sticky notes. foods to children’s guesses. Another Post them on the wall above the jar. Wikipedia article to read is “Seven Species,” which refers to two grains Talk About It and five fruits named in the Bible as More than half of the people in the special crops in Israel. If desired, have world eat rice as a staple food. A staple children guess what the Seven Species is a food that makes up most of a pop- are. They are wheat, barley, figs, grapes, Media Connections ulation’s diet. About 90% of the rice in olives, pomegranates, and dates. • Bee-Bim Bop! by Linda Sue Park the world is grown in these countries: • The Great Feast (My Bible Stories) by Su Box (for younger children) India, China, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Option: Watch the “Celebrating Tu • The Have a Good Day Cafe by Thailand, Vietnam, Burma, the BiSh’vat” video or listen to “The Seven Frances Park and Ginger Park Philippines, Cambodia, and Pakistan. Species” song in Media Connections. • “Celebrating Tu BiSh’vat: Seven Locate these countries on a map. As Species Food Art” by Union for you observe sprouting rice this week, Talk About It Reform Judaism (YouTube) think about how the good news is like Would you choose to serve any of these • “Remarkable Rice: How Does a seed that has the potential to grow Bible-times foods at your party? Why Rice Grow?” by Eat Happy Project new plants. People around the world or why not? If not, what would you (YouTube) sprout seeds, plant seeds, grow food, serve instead? How are the foods we • “How to Sprout Brown Rice” by stealthlikeafox (YouTube) and then share food together. Who eat different than the foods from Jesus’ • “Sharing Thanksgiving with You” could you share a meal with? time? How are they similar? by Nazareth Village (YouTube) • “The Seven Species” by Joanie Supplies (for each rotation) Supplies Calem (YouTube) ˆ One large canning jar and ring ˆ Chart paper or sheets of paper • www.ricepedia.org (see “Rice as a ˆ ½ cup / 115 g of uncooked brown ˆ Markers Plant” / “Growth Phases”) rice ˆ Laptop or tablet with Internet • “What Are the World’s Most ˆ 5-in / 13-cm square of cheesecloth connection Important Staple Foods?” article ˆ Pitcher of water from www.worldatlas.com ˆ Sticky notes ˆ Pencils ˆ World map (paper or online)

Create & Discover Leader Guide 9

ComeToTheTable_CreateAndDiscover_txt.indd 9 11/12/2020 10:33:08 AM Ac Ga tive mes Lea G der uide

Come to the Table Sprout Leader Guide

ComeToTheTable_Sprout_cvr.indd 1-2 11/12/2020 10:33:31 AM Welcome to Sprout!

Get outside and play some active games! Physical activity is crucial in child develop- ment. Research has shown that active play in the natural world has many benefits, including physical health benefits, improved mood, and increased attention span. Sprout is one of three 30-minute TASTE Activity Stations following COME (opening worship). Each Sprout session includes three parts: Connect, Explore, and Bless. Each session plan also includes a Bible background essay to read in preparation for leading, and an At-a-Glance Chart to aid in planning. Connect Gather the children for a brief recap of the Bible story and provide instructions for the chosen games for the day. Because these are active games, it is essential to establish clear behavioral expectations and to explain the boundaries of the play area so that all children are safe. Explore Choose from the game options. The At-a-Glance Chart at the beginning of each session gives a summary of the type of game and activity level to help you decide which games to offer. Consider your group size, space, and number of volunteers. It’s best to be pre- pared with more games than you think you will need. That way you have a backup plan if one of the games doesn’t work for a group, or if there is a change due to weather or supervision. Each game option includes “Talk About It” prompts to help the children connect the game to the Bible story and their own experiences. Bless Work together with the children to clean up materials in preparation for the next group, and then gather the children for a short prayer of blessing.

Sprout Leader Guide 3

ComeToTheTable_Sprout_txt.indd 3 11/12/2020 10:33:02 AM Day 1 At-a-Glance Advance Preparation ˆ Read Luke 14:15–24 and the Bible essay for Day 1 on page 6 of this guide. ˆ Read through the Sprout session plan. Choose games to play, depending on the space, group size, and amount of time you have. Gather needed supplies. ˆ Communicate with volunteers about their roles and tasks. Session Plan Connect Welcome the group and briefly review the Bible story, referring to the Bible story sum- mary on page 6 as needed. Set behavioral expectations and give instructions about the chosen games for the day.

Explore Play one or more of the chosen games. Leave time at the end of the session to return materials and prepare the space for the next group.

OPTIONS TYPE SUPPLIES TO DO

Join the Feast • Cooperative Practice the listed actions, • Medium energy adapting as desired. • No preparation • No cleanup

“Ready, Set, Dine” Relay • Competitive For each team: Gather a set of supplies for • High energy ˆ One tablecloth each team. • Some preparation ˆ Five plastic plates, cups, • Some cleanup napkins, forks, and spoons ˆ One pitcher of water

Find a Seat; It’s Time to Eat • Get to know you ˆ Chairs Set up chairs in a circle, one • Competitive less than the number of • Medium Energy players. • Minimal Preparation • Some Cleanup

Bites Bingo • Get to know you ˆ Day 1 Bites Bingo Cards Print Day 1 Bites Bingo Cards • Cooperative (USB) (USB), one per child. • Low energy ˆ Pencils • Some preparation • No cleanup

Bless Gather the group and say a closing prayer. Pray: God, thank you for loving and welcoming everyone. Help us to make oth- ers feel welcome and included this week at Vacation Bible School. Amen.

Sprout Leader Guide 7

ComeToTheTable_Sprout_txt.indd 7 11/12/2020 10:33:03 AM Explore Join the Feast “Ready, Set, Dine” Relay Players spread out at least an arm’s reach away from Divide the group into teams. Each team lines up. Place any other player, facing the adult “host.” The host and one set of supplies across the play area from each team. several helpers should demonstrate each listed action Each set has one tablecloth, five plates, cups, napkins, before beginning play. The host will then call out one of forks and spoons, as well as one pitcher of water. When the actions. Players work in small groups or alone to com- the leader says go, the first player in each line runs and plete the action as quickly as they can. When an action is spreads out the tablecloth on the ground (or on a table). called that requires a group of players to work together, Player 1 runs back and tags the next player. Player 2 runs remind players to include others who may be looking for and lays out the plates as if setting the table. Continue on a group. Encourage children to work with different people with Player 3 laying out the napkins, Player 4 the forks, each time a new action is called. Player 5 the spoons, Player 6 the cups, and Player 7 fill- ing the cups. The first team to completely set its table and Actions: have everyone sit down around the table is the winner. • Set the table: Get into groups of four. Hold hands For larger groups, send two children at a time. For smaller in a circle as though you are a table. groups, each child can take multiple turns. • Eat your veggies: Sit down by yourself and pretend to eat. Talk About It • Time for dinner: Find a partner and pretend to When you invite people over for dinner, what do you do ring a large dinner bell together. to get ready? (make food, clean, set the table) Jesus told the • Sweep the crumbs: Pretend to sweep the floor banquet host to invite people who may have nowhere else with a broom. to eat. Have you ever done this? Who could you invite to • Wash your hands: Find a partner. One person pre- eat at your table at home or school? What is difficult about tends to be the faucet and the other person washes inviting new people? their hands. • Wash the dishes: Get in groups of three. Two chil- Supplies (for each team): dren make the sink and the third person pretends ˆ One tablecloth to wash dishes in the sink. ˆ Five plastic plates, cups, napkins, forks, and spoons • Stir the soup: Pretend to stir a large pot of soup. ˆ One pitcher of water

Talk About It In our story today, Jesus told the host of the banquet feast to invite everyone, not just his friends and fam- ily. In this game, it was important to include others and work together to complete the actions for the feast. What challenges did you have as a group? Why is it sometimes difficult to work with others? What might be challenging about inviting someone you don’t know well to come over for dinner?

8 Come to the Table

ComeToTheTable_Sprout_txt.indd 8 11/12/2020 10:33:03 AM Find a Seat; It’s Time to Eat! Bites Bingo Set up a circle of chairs with one less chair than the num- Give each player a Day 1 Bites Bingo Card (USB) and a ber of players. All players except one (the caller) sit down. pencil. Players mingle and ask other players whether The caller stands in the middle of the circle and calls out, they like a specific food pictured on the card. If Player 2 “You are invited to God’s table if you______.” For exam- answers yes to what Player 1 asks, Player 2 writes either ple, “if you like basketball” or “if you have curly hair” or his or her full name or initials on Player 1’s bingo space. “if this is your first time at Bible school.” All the players to If the answer is no, Player 1 can ask about one other food whom the phrase applies must get out of their seat and before needing to move on to a different player. Depending find a new seat. At any time, the caller can say, “Everyone on time, players could try to get four names in a row or fill is invited!” and everyone must get up and find a new seat. their whole bingo card. Players cannot sit in the seat they were previously in. Whoever is left without a seat is the next caller. Play for Talk About It a specified amount of time or until everyone has had an We all have different foods that we enjoy or foods that we opportunity to be the caller. don’t care for. Yet we all receive the invitation to come to God’s table to be filled. What do you imagine God’s table Talk About It might look like? What kind of food might God serve to us? God’s invitation and welcome is for everyone. What simi- larities or differences did you notice between yourself and Supplies others in this game? God has uniquely created and loves ˆ Day 1 Bites Bingo Cards (USB), one per child every one of us! Have you or someone you know ever been ˆ Pencils left out? How does that feel? How could you welcome someone who has been excluded?

Supplies ˆ Chairs (one less than the number of players)

Sprout Leader Guide 9

ComeToTheTable_Sprout_txt.indd 9 11/12/2020 10:33:03 AM