Jesus Walks on the Water Blacklight

I got a $5 sheet and cut it in fourths. (This works best with an off-white sheet.)  I used a coloring book page for the ship and Jesus. I printed the coloring book page on a transparency and used an overhead projector to enlarge it on my sheet. (It could be done with a computer and projector as well.)  I drew the picture on the sheet with fabric markers leaving a space for Jesus.  I drew the picture of Jesus by painting it with glow in the dark paint.  When the lights are on, Jesus does not appear.  But turn off the lights or use a blacklight, and Jesus magically appears!
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Styrofoam Shackles

The long pieces of Styrofoam were used for packaging some electronics.  I lined them up with the flat sides facing me and drew where I wanted the arm holes to be cut.  I used an exact o knife to cut them out from each piece. I painted them brown. I did not glue them together. When I need someone to act out the stories of Paul and Silas in Prison (Acts 16:16 - 40) or Peter in Prison (Acts 12), the kids or teens can easily get in and out of the shackles as needed.

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Lost Sheep PowerPoint

This PowerPoint tells the story of the lost sheep with a few silly animations.  This PowerPoint was created using the NIV version of the Bible.  There are no words on the slides so you can just read it from the Bible.

Lost Sheep PowerPoint

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Aaron's Rod Magic Window

Aaron's Rod

Numbers 17

This is a magic window craft.  Aaron's rod (staff) is just like everyone else's (in the bottom picture) but it magically buds when you pull on the right edge of this craft!

For instructions on how to make one, see video below.

Aarons Rod Magic Window Instructions

Rod Pattern

Leaves Pattern

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Logs from Dog Toys

I found these dog toys at the grocery store!  I also found some like them at the pet store later.  I took out the squeakers.  They make perfect logs for many stories that have a fire in them such as Jesus cooking breakfast on the beach!  They are light weight and easy to carry!  Add some red, orange, and yellow cellophane and you have a  pretty cool fire.
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Creation Cups

Creation

Genesis 1

These stackable cups help the children remember what was created each day; and they love making them!

To make the numbers, I printed them onto circle labels from Avery found at an office supply store.  To make many of the stickers, I found the pictures I wanted and printed them on small return address labels.  I made the words using small return address mailing labels as well.  For the 7th day, I just used a gold cup and no stickers.

The kids really enjoy putting on all the stickers, stacking them and unstacking them in order as we sing songs about creation.

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Joseph in the Well

Joseph's Dreams

Genesis 37

Here is Joseph being lowered into the well by his brothers. 

Instructions:

Prep ahead of time

1. Get an empty juice can and wash it out.  Let it dry.
2. Cut a strip of contact paper large enough to cover the outside of the juice can.
3. Cut a small rectangle from fabric to be the clothes. 
4. Cut a string long enough to go around the clothespin doll and tie.
5. Cut a large string for lowering and raising Joseph.

What the children do:

1. Get a clothespin doll.
2. Fold the rectangle piece of fabric in half.  Cut a small hole at the fold for the head to fit through. 
3. Slide the head through the hole.
4. Tie the small string around his waist.
5. Draw a face if desired.
6. Tie the larger string around his waist.
7. Put the contact paper around the juice can.
8. Retell the story!

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