Abraham and Sarah: Call and Covenant

Summary of what is included here:

• Learning Objective Questions: what we plan for the children to be able to answer at the end of the Abraham & Sarah Rotation.
• A Rally Day Art Activity: learn names, hear a shortened story, make a self-portrait on star-shaped paper for a “Children of Abraham” mural in the hallway.
• Art Workshop: create a diorama of the story of Abraham and Lot parting ways (Gen. 13:5-15).
• Video Workshop: Abraham and Isaac by Nest Entertainment
• Computer Workshop: Call and Covenant sections from Abraham and Sarah software (from Sunday Software); map and quiz game.
• Temple (Games and Bible Skills) Workshop: following directions; descendant chart. Includes activities that demonstrate "trust" (beyond the typical trust walk).
  
  Scripture References: Genesis 12: 1-9, 13:5-15, 15:1-6, Hebrews 11:8-12
  
  Scripture Memory Theme Verse: Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Isaiah 43:5

Abraham and Sarah I.S.T.E.P. ("Increased Scriptural Thinking to Equip Presbyterians")

Learning Objective Questions:
To help us set goals for Bible understanding the following are questions that we plan for the children to be able to answer at the end of the Abraham & Sarah Rotation:

• The goal for younger students is to answer the simpler questions.
• The goal for 4th Grade-8th Grade is to answer all the questions, 1-20.
  
  1. According to Isaiah 43:5, “Do not be afraid, for __ ___ ______ _____.”
  
  2. When Abraham and Sarah left Haran where did they think they were going? (Heb. 11:8)
  
  3. What did Abraham build at almost every place he stayed? (Gen. 12:7-8, 13:18, 22:9, 26:25)
  
  4. What lie did Abraham tell in Egypt to try to keep himself out of trouble? (Gen. 12:13)
  
  5. With whom did Sarah have to go when Abraham lied? (Gen. 12:15)
  
  6. What did Abraham’s herdsmen and Lot’s herdsmen fight over? (Gen. 13:5-8)
  
  7. Which of the two, Abraham or Lot, chose the land with the big cities? (Gen. 13:12)
  
  8. What famous city did Lot live near that was not a good place to live? (Gen. 13:12-13)
  
  9. What was odd about Abraham and Sarah when God promised them that they would have so many children? (Gen. 17:7)
  
  10. What did God promise Abraham that his children would be as many as? (Gen. 26:4)
  
  11. What did Sarah suggest to Abraham that would solve their problem of not having any children? (Gen. 16: 2)
  
  12. Who was born from the plan Sarah suggested to Abraham so they could have children? (Gen. 16:1-13)
  
  13. What happened to Abraham’s first little boy and his mother? How did God take care of them? (Gen. 21:8-21)
  
  14. Who was the son that God gave to Abraham and Sarah? (Gen. 21:1-3)
  
  15. What does the name Isaac mean? Why would he be called that? (Gen. 21:6-7)
  
  16. What did God ask Abraham to do with Isaac? (Gen. 22:2)
  
  17. What did God offer for Abraham to sacrifice instead? (Gen. 22:13)
  
  18. Who does Isaac remind us of that was born thousands of years later in a town called Bethlehem? What about Isaac reminds us of this other man? (Heb. 11:17-19 & John 3:16)
  
  19. Who are now considered to be “children of Abraham” according to Romans 4:16 and Galatians 3:29.
  
  20. According to Genesis 15:6, Abraham was called righteous by God, not because of the good things he did, or because he was going to be the father of Israel but because of his ________. (Gal. 3:6-7)

Abraham and Sarah Rally Day Art Activity

(15 Minute shortened class period)

Summary of Lesson Activities:

Learn names, hear a shortened story, make a self-portrait on star-shaped paper for a “Children of Abraham” mural in the hallway.

Scripture Reference:

Genesis 12: 1-9, 13:5-15, 15:1-6, Hebrews 11:8-12

Scripture Memory Theme Verse:

Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Isaiah 43:5

Teacher Preparations:

• Familiarize yourself with Bible text
• Gather the materials.

Supplies List:

• Stars for portraits
• Markers and/or crayons

LESSON

Opening:

Greet the children and introduce yourself.

Open with a prayer.

Dig:

Rally Day Activities...
Name Game: Abraham, Jesus and Me (5 min.)
1. To review bible names: The leader begins by saying, “God made Abraham, Jesus, and me-members of God’s family.” Each person then adds the names of a man or woman from the Bible before “and me,” repeating what was said before. Keep adding and repeating the string of names as long as it’s fun.

2. To learn names of classmates: The leader begins by saying, “God made Abraham, Jesus, and me-members of God’s family.” Each person adds his or her name to the list in place of “and me,” until everyone is named.

Scripture (5 min.)
Read Genesis 15:1-6, and Hebrews 11:8-12.

SAY: God promised to make Sarah and Abraham parents of a nation, although at times the promise seemed foolish to them. God both challenged and called forth their faith. We are in part a fulfillment of the promise God made because we are children of Abraham. We believe in Abraham's God and God's Son, Jesus. We are one of the stars that God promised Abraham.

Activity (5 min.)
Have each class member do a self-portrait on star-shaped paper and add themselves to the “Children of Abraham” mural in the hallway.

Reflection:

Have children assist in the cleanup and end with a prayer.

A Lesson written by Paul and Barbara Shackelford.

A representative of Rotation.org reformatted this post to improve readability.

Abraham and Sarah Diorama Art Workshop

Summary of Lesson Activities:

Create a diorama of the story of Abraham and Lot parting ways.

Scripture References:

Genesis 12: 1-9, 13:5-15, 15:1-6, Hebrews 11:8-12

Scripture Memory Theme Verse:

Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Isaiah 43:5

Teacher Preparation:

• Have Abraham & Sarah figures cut out for PreK-1st, 2nd - 3rd can cut their own figures; use clay, fabric scraps, and pipe cleaners for figures for 4th-5th and Mid High
• Make sample diorama to show children how to do their own.
• Read the scripture ahead of time.

Supplies List:

• Shoe boxes, enough for one for each child.
• Construction paper
• Small stones
• Cotton balls
• Sand paper
• Small wooden cubes (1 inch square or less)
• Fabric scraps
• Toothpicks set in clay
• Clay
• Pipe cleaners

LESSON

Opening:

Greet the children and introduce yourself.

Open with a prayer.

Dig:
Use the attached story of Abraham and Lot. You may also want to read (or have students read in older classes) directly from scripture in Gen. 13:5-15.
Exchange Volunteer notes: The "attached" story was not included. Use your favorite story Bible or find a retelling online or write your own summary story. Also note: The portion of the story covered in this workshop could be modified.

Activity: (20-30 MIN)
Have children make their own diorama of the story.
Younger children Pre-K - 1st, 2nd-3rd: Use simpler materials, e.g., cut outs of Abraham, Sarah & Lot, pre-drawn background for them to color and paste in back of box, tan construction paper for floor, etc. (An online search will help you find plenty of Bible figure clipart; we link to a few here.)

Optional: cut slit in top of box, mount popsicle sticks sticking up on back of figure so student may move the figures from the outside of the box as the story is retold.

Older children 4th-5th, Mid High:
Use more artistic materials such as clay, fabric scraps, and pipe cleaners to make story figures.

Reflection:
Have students clean up materials and gather in a circle with dioramas. Take turns retelling the story. Perhaps have each student tell just a portion of the story with their diorama and move to the next student. If you haven’t read directly from scripture, you could do that now, having students reenact the scripture with their dioramas.

A lesson written by Paul and Barbara Shackelford.

A representative of Rotation.org reformatted this post to improve readability.

Abraham and Sarah Video Workshop

Summary of Lesson Activities:

Use Abraham and Isaac by Nest Entertainment.

Scripture Reference:

Genesis 12: 1-9, 13:5-15, 15:1-6, Hebrews 11:8-12

Scripture Memory Theme Verse:

Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Isaiah 43:5

Teacher Preparations:

• Read the scripture ahead of time.
• Preview the video.
• Gather the materials.
• Make sure that your tv and dvd player (or internet connection) is in working order. See tech tips here.
• Arrive early and get popcorn and juice refreshments all prepared and ready before class begins.

Supplies List:

• Abraham and Isaac by Nest Entertainment
  
• Popcorn
• Juice

Lesson Plan

Opening:

Greet the children and introduce yourself

Go over the rotation theme verse, Isaiah 43:5. See if any volunteers can say it by heart. Introduce movie by explaining how Abraham went out in faith, even though he might have been scared, because he knew God was with him.

Dig:

Activity: (30 MIN)
Play movie, Abraham and Isaac, by Nest Entertainment.

Debrief:
Go over the discussion questions listed below and/or use a story board sequencing exercise to review the main points of the movie.
(Exchange Volunteer notes: This sequencing exercise was not included. You could create your own with illustrations found online, such as those suggested in this topic.)

1. Does Abram pray to false gods?
(in the beginning yes)

2. What happened to Abram once he stopped worshipping false gods?
(God spoke to him)

3. What does god promise to Abram?
(he will have more descendants than the number of stars, to leave this land and follow God, he will be blessed with a child and will be given land, which he will then give to his descendants)

4. Does Sarai believe in the God of Abram?
(in the beginning no, but she will go with Abram anyway)

5. What happened to Abram and Sarai in the desert?
(they fell into quicksand and they found a baby)

6. Where did they find Hagar? What happened to her family?
(they found her in the desert and bandits killed her family)

7. Sarai wants Abram to do what with Hagar?
(have a child)

8. What was the name of the child Hagar had?
(Ishmael)

9. Who appeared to Abram when he was 99 years old?
(three angels)

10. What happened to Abram and his wife's names?
(they were changed to Abraham and Sarah)

11. Did Abraham and Sarah have any children?
(Yes)

12. What is the name of their child, what does it mean and why was he named that?
(his name was Isaac meaning laughter because Sarah laughed)

Reflection:

End with a prayer.

A lesson written by Paul and Barbara Shackelford.

A representative of Rotation.org reformatted this post to improve readability.

Abraham and Sarah Computer Workshop

Summary of Lesson Activities:

Call and Covenant sections from Abraham and Sarah software (from Sunday Software); map and quiz game.

Note: This program is now a free download to our Supporting Members! Learn more.

Scripture Reference:

Genesis 12: 1-9, 13:5-15, 15:1-6, Hebrews 11:8-12

Scripture Memory Theme Verse:

Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Isaiah 43:5

Leader Preparation:

• Read the scripture ahead of time.
• Install and explore the Abraham and Sarah software with its teaching guide in hand. Resources here.
• Tips and techniques for teaching with computers.
  

LESSON

Opening:

Greet the children and introduce yourself. Tell them what you hope they'll learn today and what they'll be doing to learn it!

Dig:

View "The Call to Abraham" (the opening) and "The Giving of the Covenant" sections of the Abraham and Sarah software.

Then Play the Map game, and Quiz game found in the software (clicking their links on the center-console in the program screen).

Use the outline for discussion help, and worksheets for this story with older kids.

Reflection:

There are several "reflection" possibilities in the software itself, including the interactive song and lyric study "Insane Fanat-asy."

A lesson written by Paul and Barbara Shackelford.

A representative of Rotation.org reformatted this post to improve readability.

Abraham and Sarah Temple Workshop

Exchange Volunteer notes: Most "Temple workshops" are today known as the "Games workshop." This one is a bit of Object Lesson as well as Games and Bible Skills. This offers the perfect example of how you can pick and choose from an existing lesson to create your own lesson!

Summary of Lesson Activities:

Following directions; descendant chart. Includes activities that demonstrate "trust" (beyond the typical trust walk).

Scripture Reference:

Genesis 12: 1-9, 13:5-15, 15:1-6, Hebrews 11:8-12

Scripture Memory Theme Verse:

Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Isaiah 43:5

Teacher Preparations:

• Read the scripture.
• Optional for K-3rd: Set up a camping tent; find a retelling of the story and become comfortable telling/reading it; gather storytelling materials: Worship Center desert box & figures.
• Draw a target on a sheet of newsprint.

Supplies List:

• Markers
• Large sheets of paper
• A glass, a pitcher of water, and a pan to catch spills
• Optional: blindfold

LESSON

Opening:

Greet the children and introduce yourself.

Open with a prayer.

Lesson (all ages)

1. Ask for a volunteer who is willing to try an experiment. Hand the volunteer a marker. Have her stand some distance from the target, preferably not in a direct line with it. Ask the volunteer to close her eyes tightly and then attempt to locate and mark the target’s center by following your instructions. Verbally guide her toward the goal, indicating forward, left, right, and so forth as needed. When the task has been completed, analyze the experience by asking the volunteer questions such as these:

• How did you feel during the exercise?
• Did you ever feel uncertain or confused?
• Did you wonder if I was really directing you properly?
• Were you tempted to open your eyes?
• Did you feel foolish at any point?
• Did you feel that it was taking a long time?
• How did you feel when you completed the task?

2. Ask another volunteer to close his eyes and try to fill the glass according to your directions. When the task is completed, analyze the experience using the questions such as those in Exercise 1.

3. Ask class members to tell about any experiences they have had that involved acting with complete trust in someone else. (Surgery or air travel are common examples.) Compare the simulated exercises above with real-life ones.

Bible study: (for older students - optional Bible study for younger students below)

4. Give the class an idea who Sarah and Abraham were:
SAY: Sarah and Abraham (or Sarai and Abram) were the parents, the founding ancestors, of the people of Israel. Abraham was the son of Terah, who originally lived in Ur. Before this story begins, Terah and his family had moved to Haran. Sarah was both Abraham’s wife and his half-sister. She was nine or ten years his junior. The couple’s son, Isaac, is a major Old Testament figure, the second of Israel’s three great patriarchs. Their nephew, Lot, also appears in several more Old Testament stories. The Bible notes that Sarah was beautiful and that Abraham was quite wealthy. Their story shows us their mutual love and respect, their strong family loyalties, their courage, their uncertainties, their ordinary human emotions, and their extraordinary capacity for hope. But above all else the Bible emphasizes their faith. The story of Abraham and Sarah is the story of two lives lived out with unprecedented trust in God.

5. Have students read Genesis 11:27-12:10; 13:1

Hit highlights of story:

• Abraham & Sarah received a unique call and promise.
• They obeyed and journeyed through the Middle East.
• Abraham built altars in almost every place they stopped.
• God promised a son but 25 years later they were still waiting in their old age.
• Isaac was born and from him a family, 12 tribes, a great nation emerged.

6. Have students read Genesis 16:1-16

Review Sarah’s plan
Discuss Hagar’s role
What happened between the 2 women?
How did God care for Hagar? And later, how did God care for Hagar & her son? (Gen. 21:8-21)

7. Have students read Genesis 21:1-8, 22:1-19
Have student try to guess what Isaac’s name means. The major clue is in 21:6. (laughter)
Discuss why God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac.
How can we apply this story to our own lives?
Who else sacrificed His only Son?

Younger children's Bible study:
Use the Abram & Sarai story from the Children & Worship curriculum. Sit inside the tent, or with you sitting in the doorway of the tent, tell the story.
Discuss how it might have felt to leave your family and follow God.
Exchange Volunteer notes: It sounds like they are using the book: Young Children and Worship by Sonja M. Stewart and Jerome W. Berryman. You could substitute your favorite story Bible retelling, or use one of these resources.

Reflection: (all ages)
Emphasize how we are all children of Abraham by faith. To emphasize this concept have the students make a descendant chart from Abraham to Christ (use Matthew Chapter 1).
After Christ, have the charts branch out and include the names of everyone in the class. Use an existing descendant chart as a guide but try to have the students come up with their own chart as much as possible. (Have extra large sheets of paper available.)

4th-Mid High: Extra time activity: Have a Bible scripture race.
Make sure everyone knows how to find things in the Bible. Review OT (first 5 books) & NT (first 4 books).
Where do we find the story of Abraham & Sarah?
At what point does Genesis end and Exodus take up (clue is in the name of “Exodus”).

A lesson set written by Paul and Barbara Shackelford.

A representative of Rotation.org reformatted this post to improve readability.