SEPTEMBER CURRICULUM

This month we'll learn about what it means to have COURAGE, which we define as being brave enough to do hard things.

We'll explore the overarching question of how we can trust that God can help us.

When kids see how God has worked in the past, they can grow in faith that our faithful God continues to work in

and through each person who chooses to follow Jesus.

Week 1

Bible Story: Moses • Exodus 3–6:12, 7–12:42; 13:17–14:31

Though he’s a larger-than-life figure to us now, Moses actually didn’t feel prepared for any of the challenges he faced. When God called to Moses out of a burning bush and told him to go to Pharaoh, Moses protested—even when God gave him signs. But God was patient with Moses and gave him the courage and help he needed to go before Pharaoh and order the release of God’s people. God helped Moses to brave the ten plagues and the flight from Egypt. And God helped Moses to stand firm when God’s people were trapped between the Red Sea and the Egyptian army.

Bottom Line: God can give you courage when you don’t feel ready.

Monthly Memory Verse: When I’m afraid, I put my trust in you.Psalm 56:3 (NIrV)

Week 2

Bible Story: Joshua and the Spies • Numbers 13–14

After a long journey through the wilderness, Moses and God’s people neared the land that God had promised to them. But when Moses sent out twelve spies to survey the land, they came back with mixed reports. While the spies all agreed the land was full of good things, ten of the spies were fearful of the people who lived there in strong, walled cities. Joshua and Caleb alone encouraged the people that God was with them and would help them take the land. But when God’s people gave in to panic instead of listening to Joshua, God told Moses the people must now wander in the wilderness for 40 years. Only Joshua and Caleb would live to enter the Promised Land.

Bottom Line: God can give you courage when others are afraid.

Monthly Memory Verse: When I’m afraid, I put my trust in you.Psalm 56:3 (NIrV)

Week 3

Bible Story: Rahab Helps the Spies • Joshua 2 (supporting: Joshua 6:22-25)

Nearly forty years later, it was at last time for God’s people, now led by Joshua, to enter the Promised Land. But the strong-walled city of Jericho guarded the entrance to the new land. So Joshua sent two spies into the city, where they met a woman named Rahab. Instead of reporting the men, she risked everything to hide them from danger. Because of this, Rahab and her family were saved when God’s people conquered Jericho.

Bottom Line: God can give you courage to help someone in need.

Monthly Memory Verse: When I’m afraid, I put my trust in you. Psalm 56:3 (NIrV)

Week 4

Bible Story: Ruth • Ruth 1; Supporting: Ruth 2–4

When Naomi returned home to Bethlehem from Moab, after losing her husband and sons, she expected to go back alone. But her daughter-in-law Ruth chose to give up her homeland and everything she knew to make the long journey to Bethlehem with Naomi… even though she had no idea what would happen to her there. Once they arrived, Ruth continued to help her mother-in-law. Because of Ruth’s courage, God gave her a new family, and Ruth even became part of the family line of Jesus.

Bottom Line: God can give you courage when you don’t know what’s next.

Monthly Memory Verse: When I’m afraid, I put my trust in you.Psalm 56:3 (NIrV)

OCTOBER CURRICULUM

This month’s theme—“Wisdomland: God can help you make the wise choice”—is inspired by all the ups and downs of a theme park roller coaster. The kings of Israel and Judah brought the nation to its pinnacle when they wisely chose to worship and honor God. And they led the nation down some stomach-dropping dips and ultimate derailment through their foolish decisions. Kids will discover that even though they may not be leading a nation, their choices matter deeply in their lives and the lives of the people around them.

The connection between truth and God’s character, as shown through God’s Big Story

What Jesus said and did impacts how I should respond to God’s Word in my everyday life.

Week 1

Today’s Bible Story: Samuel Anoints David • 1 Samuel 16:1-13

We’ll start off the month with God sending Samuel to choose Israel’s next king. Even though David was the youngest and least important of Jesse’s sons, Samuel listened to God and wisely chose to anoint David. We immediately see the wisdom of Samuel’s choice, as David relied on wisdom from God to defeat Goliath with only a slingshot and a stone. [BOTTOM LINE] God can help you make the wise choice.

Today’s Bottom Line: God can help you make the wise choice.

Monthly Memory Verse: It is much better to get wisdom than gold. It is much better to choose understanding than silver. Proverbs 16:16 (NIrV)

Week 2

Today’s Bible Story: David and the Psalms • Psalm 1:1-4

In week 2, we’ll take a look at David’s life, from his days in the fields as a shepherd to his reign as one of Israel’s best kings. We’ll focus on the Psalms that David helped to write and collect, including Psalm 1:1-4, along with Psalm 23:1-2; 8:1; and 18:2. In Psalm 1, we discover that wise people focus on and find joy in God’s laws. They soak up God’s Word like a tree rooted by the river draws up fresh water. [BOTTOM LINE] If you want to be wise, focus on God.

Today’s Bottom Line: If you want to be wise, focus on God.

Monthly Memory Verse: It is much better to get wisdom than gold. It is much better to choose understanding than silver. Proverbs 16:16 (NIrV)

Week 3

Today’s Bible Story: Solomon Chooses Wisdom • 1 Kings 3:4-15 (supporting: Proverbs 15:1; 3:5-6; 17:17)

In week 3, we take a look at David’s son Solomon. Israel was a mighty nation when Solomon became king as a young man – and he knew that he couldn’t lead the people well on his own. So instead of fame or riches, Solomon asked God for wisdom. And wow, did God deliver! Solomon became known as one of the wisest men to ever live, in spite of later mistakes he made. During his life, Solomon collected wise sayings, many of which are recorded in Proverbs. We’ll take a look at Proverbs 15:1; 3:5-6; and 17:17. [BOTTOM LINE] You can ask God for wisdom..

Today’s Bottom Line: You can ask God for wisdom.

Monthly Memory Verse: It is much better to get wisdom than gold. It is much better to choose understanding than silver. Proverbs 16:16 (NIrV)

Week 4

Today’s Bible Story: The Kings • 1 & 2 Kings

We’ll wrap up the month in First and Second Kings. Yes, you heard that right – we’re taking a high-level roller coaster ride through all the kings of Israel and Judah! We’ll land on a few kings, like Rehoboam and Ahab, who led the people far from God with their foolish choices. And we’ll highlight several more, like Hezekiah and Josiah, who made wise choices, leading the people back to God. [BOTTOM LINE] Be wise because your choices matter..

Today’s Bottom Line: Be wise because your choices matter.

Monthly Memory Verse: It is much better to get wisdom than gold. It is much better to choose understanding than silver. Proverbs 16:16 (NIrV)