Kid’s Slot – June 2-9, 2018 “Peacemakers” What do you think of when you hear the word peace? “Beatitudes: Peacemakers” For many people, the word peace makes them think of world OVERVIEW: When life gets stormy, Jesus can give us peace. peace. They think of a world without war and without conflict. PREPARATION: Bible, Twislers, 2 Cups, Paper, Some people think of the peace sign [demonstrate] which was Markers/Crayons started by peace-loving hippies in the 1960’s with long hair and tie-dyed shirts. And if you’re hungry, you might think of a BIBLE STORY & VERSE: Matthew 5:9- The Beatitudes: different kind of “peace” altogether: like a piece of pizza or a Peacemakers; Mark 4:35-41 piece of pie! ICEBREAKER: Have any of you ever been on a boat? Paul tells us that peace is one of the fruits of the Spirit, but the kind of peace Paul mentions is different from all of the above. READ: “Peacemakers ” Peace is being calm in the midst of the storm. LIFE APPLICATION: It’s keeping your cool, knowing that God is in control. It’s trusting that God will see you through whatever storm you are 1. Read Mark 4:35-41 facing. For some people, that storm may be problems at home. 2. Whose idea was it to take a boat ride? For some people, the storm may come at school, through peer 3. What happened when the boat went out to sea? pressure or hard classes. For the people in today’s Bible story, 4. Why wasn’t Jesus panicking when the storm hit? the storm was... a real storm complete with wind, rain, and 5. What did Jesus do when the disciples woke him? waves out on the sea. 6. Can Jesus calm the storms that hit us in our lives? Read Mark 4:35-41 Memory Verse: Matthew 5:9 (NIV) What a dramatic scene: thirteen men in a tiny boat being tossed “God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called about on the open sea. The rain was pouring down, the wind children of God.” and waves were beating against the ship, and everyone aboard was certain they were about to die. INTRODUCTION ACTIVITY: Bumpy Waters Have the kids get together in a bunch and role play like they Everyone except one - the one guy who just wanted to be left are in a boat. Have them pretend to be on a smooth sea, then alone so he could sleep. Jesus spent the entire day before this a rough sea, then in a storm. journey healing the sick, preaching the word, talking to the people. He was exhausted, and he just wanted to catch a little sleep before their boat landed and it began all over again. Instead, the disciples woke him in a panic, certain they were going to die. Jesus had calm in the midst of the storm. He had Active Activity: Twisty Situation peace. And when the disciples panicked, he gave them peace by calming the storm. INSTRUCTIONS: Choose two players for this game. Set a cup with Twizzlers in front of each contestant. The contestants will race to see who We all have times when we are stressed out. When a big test can eat their four Twizzlers the fastest. Only one catch - you day comes, we panic, worried that we won’t remember all we cannot use your hands! Only your mouth. need to know to pass the test. When a big assignment comes due and we’re not quite done, we get a little anxious. When the Or big game is on the line, we get tense and worried. Some of you may have bigger problems than sports and school. Maybe Have the Children act out the story of Jesus calming the you’re going through a rough patch with a close friend, and you storm. don’t know if you’ll lose that friend or not. Maybe your family is in a storm. You’ve lost a loved one, or you see your parents CRAFT ACTIVITY: “Jesus Calms the Storm” struggling and it hurts you too. Have the kids draw or make a collage depicting today’s story, Whatever storm you are in, I have good news: Jesus is there. with Jesus calming the storm. He’s in that boat with you. If you call on his name, he will give you peace in the midst of that storm. No matter how things turn out, even if the storm gets worse, Jesus can give you peace and help you stay afloat until the storm ends. RETURN: Don’t let the storms of your life wreck you. When you’re worried, call on Jesus. When you’re afraid, call on Jesus. Ask Jesus to Return to the Life Group and have the kids share their Jesus give you peace. Jesus will respond, just as he did in that boat. Calms the Storm Plays or Drawings. Explain that the children He will give you the fruit of peace. were taught about trusting God for peace. Let the children share the lesson, with your promptings; they may want to act out the story. Or you could have the children answer the questions aloud in the Life Group. The children then join in the prayer and fellowship time. Or, you could watch one of the many, many awesome kids’ videos available to you on www.rightnowmedia.org – it’s free! .