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THE COPTIC ORTHODOX PATRICHARCATE ST. GEORGE AND ST. RUEISS CHURCH SUNDAY SCHOOL PROGRAM
GRADE FOUR
Revised Edition 2005
PREPARATION AND WRITING Father Rueiss Awad St. George and St. Rueiss Coptic Orthodox Church Toronto, Canada.
To Order Write To St. George and St. Rueiss Coptic Orthodox Church 141 Bond Avenue Toronto, Ontario, CANADA M3B 1M1 (416) 444-1092 or (416) 447-0108
Copyright © 2005 by St. George and St. Rueiss Coptic Orthodox Church All rights reserved No portion of this book may be reproduced or copied in any form without a written permission from St. George and St. Rueiss Coptic Orthodox Church, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
To my blessed two sons: Hegomain Fr. Marcous Elias Abdel Massih and Hegomain Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malaty.
Peace and love be with you.
Dr. Mahfouz has visited me and brought with him the suggested Sunday school curriculum for the land of immigration. I have studied with him the basic topics of the curriculum without getting into details. Although that I have pointed out some concerns on the doctrine and dogma curriculum, it is clear that the amount of work spent on preparing the curriculum is huge and worth thanking. Nonetheless, the Bible study part of the curriculum needs to be increased. God willing, I will also send you additional details on this curriculum.
May the Lord bless all the effort that our son Mahfouz has done in preparing the Sunday school curriculum, in collecting the relevant topics, and in performing the translation of subjects. May the Lord also bless all those who have joined him in preparing this project and those who revised the topics.
Let our goal be performing our best to try and arrive at perfection given what we have from abilities. Lastly, I would also suggest the addition of different recognized pictures according to our doctrine, dogma and history to the Sunday school curriculum.
May the Lord be with you. Be in peace.
Signed
Pope Shenouda III 22 August 1986 The feast of St. Mary
INTRODUCTION TO THE SUNDAY SCHOOL PROGRAM “The First Lie And The Forbidden Fruit” El - Nayrouz Feast: “Theodora, The Pure Virgin” The Cross At the highest point inside and outside the church Parables of Our Lord Jesus Christ About The Kingdom of Heaven “I” The Parable of the Sower “The Word Of God” Parables of Our Lord Jesus About the “The Parable of the Mustard Seed” Parable of Our Lord Jesus about the Kingdom of Heaven “III” The Parable of the Good Samaritan “Who is the Closest Friend?” The Book of Exodus “I” - The Need For Salvation From The Slavery in Egypt The Book of Exodus “II” - “The Preparation Of Moses To Serve” The Book of Exodus “III” - “Meeting the Pharaoh in the palace” The Book of Exodus “IV” - “The Ten Plagues” When It Comes To God, Do Not Say: “How” As Zechariah did “The Birth Of The Lord Jesus Was Announced” “St. Mary the Servant and Mother of God” The People Of Judea Kept The News In Their Hearts God Does Not Leave Himself Without Witnesses Lessons Benefited From The Epiphany In Baptism We Become Newly Born. The Lord Jesus did these for me not for Himself Personalities From The Old Testament “I”: Personalities From The Old Testament II: Joshua at the Walls of Jericho Personalities From The Old Testament “III”: David was chosen by God to serve "A" Personalities from the Old Testament “III”: Personalities from the Old Testament “III”: Personalities from the Old Testament “III”: David, A Symbol of the Messiah "D" The importance of the Passion Week in the “Washing of the Disciples” feet “The Resurrection Is The Glory Of Christianity” The Ark of Covenant - God Always Wants to Talk to Us St. Mark’s Life “I” - “How was Christianity planted in Egypt St. Mark’s Life “II”- Mark the Martyr and Saint The Seven Major and Minor Feasts of Our Lord Jesus Christ Pentecost - The Holy Spirit the Spirit of Might Back To Jerusalem Is a Symbol Of Back To God Let Us Move Forward to Achieve our Goals The Second Coming Under Ezra ‘A’ His Life Before Being An Apostle St. Paul The Apostle “II”: His Personality-Strong Yet Kind His Ministry And The Action Of The Holy Spirit In Him Lessons From The Book of Nehemiah “I” General Introduction And Success Factors Lessons From The Book of Nehemiah (II) Success Factors from Nehemiah’ s Life Lessons from the book of Nehemiah (III) Nehemiah Resists the Evil People We Magnify You O Mother of The True Light
INTRODUCTION TO THE SUNDAY SCHOOL PROGRAMPrincipal Goal of Christian Up-Bringing. The child had and still has, first as a person and second as a child, a special importance to our Lord Jesus Christ. He called the children and considered them models of perfection, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea" (Matthew 18:3-5). Therefore, children are beloved ones to Christ and are His friends with their simplicity and purity of heart. Christ called them, blessed them and asked His Disciples and Apostles after Him to take care of bringing up children and prepare the suitable environment for their spiritual growth. St. Paul advises parents saying, "Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged", (Colossians 3:21). From a Christian point of view, the general principal goal of religious up - bringing is the formation of the perfect man of God who is following the example of our Lord Jesus Christ, "Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect" (Matthew 5:48). Also, our Lord said, "For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you" (John 13:15). Hence, a Christian up-bringing is not merely an education to be given or a curriculum to be taught, but it is rather a life that is given through example and behavior through teaching and discipleship. The saintly Fathers of the church have emphasized this fact. St. John said about his practice of life with the Lord "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life-the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us - that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ" (1 John 1:1-3). The same fact was emphasized by St. Paul when he was talking to his disciple Timothy "But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, long-suffering, love, persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium ... But as for you, continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:10-15). Also in the letter of St. Paul to the Philippians 3:17, "Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern". Therefore, the principal goal of the Christian up-bringing is to change the life of our children to the life of Christ in them, i.e. to a life based on the work of Christ in them as true Christians and not just religious persons who fear God but deny Him. The Starting Point in Achieving the Goal of Religious Upbringing. The teacher should not start with the student from power Zero. The student comes equipped with many social and religious experiences. His religious experience, although it is limited, it has a strong basis that is ready for spiritual growth. In the Sacrament of Baptism, the student has already obtained the spiritual birth i.e. he became spiritually re-born. After his baptism he was anointed with the Holy Myroun (Chrism) and the Holy Spirit dwelt in him. St. John said "But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you; and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him" (l John 2:27). Therefore, by obtaining these two Holy Sacraments and the Sacrament of Eucharist, the student becomes a member in the body of the Lord and a living part of the body of the Holy Church. This means that religious up-bringing is not something foreign with respect to the student. The student is a temple of God and the Spirit of God dwells in him. This means that it is not the teacher who makes the student live a life for Christ, but it is the inside work of the Holy Spirit that makes the whole difference. The role of the teacher is to make the student aware of the effect and the work of the Spirit. In this sense the student becomes aware of the secret grace inside him and as a result the divine word inside him grows as the seed grows inside the earth. The Difference Between Religious Education and Religious Upbringing. We should not aim at providing lessons in the form of giving information, i.e. a mere religious education. In this case religious experience will never exceed the circle of the mind and will never affect the heart and practice of the student. If we consider religious education as an element in religious bringing-up, we are in this case following Christ's plan in the development and building of the Christian personality. Christ with His example and His perfection gave us a model which should be followed and achieved. As for His teachings, they are meant to clear the way for us in order to follow them as examples and models. The Need of our Church for a Coptic Orthodox Sunday School Program. There is one basic difference between Eastern and Western theology; the latter depends on study, analysis and using scientific means, whereas Eastern theology is based on experience and depth which is mainly lead to true Christian life. The Eastern Church respects the role of the mind but it works under the supervision of faith. The majority of recent Western Sunday School programs follow a pure analytical way of explaining the Bible. For example, miracles are explained through psychological and scientific factors. The man of God must accept miracles and believe them as they are. St. Athanasius said, "Our knowledge must not control (or have authority over) the word, but the word itself must have the control and authority over the mind". Another basic difference is that our traditional Church uses the rites in education as a key in the process of living what is being taught. Over and above what was mentioned before in relation to the basic differences in religious education between Eastern and Western churches, there are also basic differences in the various beliefs and the way Christianity is lived by in actual life. We, as parents, teachers and clergy, are responsible in front of God to bring up our children according to the same spiritual Orthodox principles that we received from our saintly Fathers who shed their blood to perpetuate the perfect Orthodox faith . Therefore, our children must learn from the same source from which we learned before them. The Sunday School program in your hands is a fruit of love granted by our Lord Jesus Christ to our children and a gift from Him to them. This program is purely Coptic Orthodox. All its references without exception are Coptic Orthodox (please review the reference list at the end of the book. In this manner all the information that is in this book (as well as all the books in this series) can be used with total confidence as it is devised according to our glorified church. The spirit of the lessons is indeed the same spirit of the Coptic Orthodox Church.
About the Books in Your Hands. These books in your hands are integrated series of books which were written for children from age 4 to 18. With the grace of the Holy Spirit, if the child at age 4 follows this series of lessons until age 18, he will obtain an all-rounded spiritual background. The books (covering the teachings from pre-schoolers to grade 12) cover a study of most of the major Biblical subjects of the Old and New Testaments, the celebrations of the church of our Master's feasts, the life of the Saints and their feasts, the divine liturgy with its rites and spirituality, the true Christian life and Christian behavior, church sacraments, fasting, prayers, the creed and its explanation, the Ecumenical Councils, the difference between the various major Christian sects, the Christian family, the history of our church, the major personalities in the Holy Bible, ... etc. The program is indeed comprehensive and it covers all the key areas of our Orthodox church. If these lessons were given in the spiritual way that was emphasized before, great results will be expected with the work of the Holy Spirit. General Rules and Principles to be Followed by the Sunday School Teachers. 1) The teacher must know the stage and the characteristics of growth of the children that he or she is teaching. A child who is 12 years old is different than a child who is 8 years old. The teacher must know the level of his/her students, their abilities to receive information that he/she is giving and the differences between the various abilities in the same class. 2) The positive participation of the students is very important during the lesson and the effectiveness of teaching. One of the key incentives for the student is to give importance to the lesson and have an effective communication with the teacher and, above all, to define clearly the purpose behind it and present the lesson in the form of problems that attract their attention. 3) The teacher must follow a psychological order of the facts he is presenting. Our Lord Jesus Christ used effectively the psychological method of teaching through His parables. The parables in their simplicity are drawn from the daily life of the people. We must emphasize here that the psychological method is not the only method of spiritual teaching. We should mention this method as one of the methods used. It is quite important to note that spiritual teaching must be imparted with certain goals in mind which are connected with the life of the children and related to the problems they face. We should provide guidance that is mostly needed for them. 4) The teacher must present the lesson and illustrate it with relevant information and present it as a coherent unity without ambiguity or contradiction. He may use illustrations to help him explain what he means. 5) Application of Christian principles to the actual social life must be emphasized in every lesson. The teacher should use stories (from the Old or New Testaments or from church history or church books) to attract the attention of the students and show the Christian principle in an applied manner. The teacher also may divide the subject into stages or small subjects. A good practice is to summarize the lesson or better still, ask the students themselves to summarize it. 6) The manner of expressing the lesson to the students is also very important. A teacher who is living by what he/she teaches will definitely be more effective in giving his/her message across. A teacher who is teaching under spiritual influence with compatible emotions to what he/she teaches will be definitely more effective than a teacher who is giving information.
ACKNOLEDGEMENTS On behalf of the Coptic Orthodox children and youth, who are going to benefit a great deal from this revised Sunday School Program, I would like to express a word of appreciation and gratitude to: His Holiness Pope Shenouda III This program leans quite heavily on the writings of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III. The majority of the contents of the lessons and their attachments are based on His Holiness' writings. This is a very bright and important aspect of this program. In 1986, during the time in which there was no Coptic Orthodox Sunday School program in the land of immigration, His Holiness reviewed the general contents of the program, commented and modified many key subjects, and then authorized the use of this program in all churches outside of Egypt, on a preliminary basis. I can safely say that, if it was not for His Holiness Pope Shenouda III's support, wisdom, and writings, this book would not exist. The whole generation is in debt to His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, not only because of his great teachings and writings, but also because of his love and leadership. His Grace Bishop Reweiss His Grace Bishop Reweiss has been behind us all the way with his love and guidance. He wrote the forward for our previous version of the program in 1986. His Grace Bishop Moussa His Grace Bishop Moussa has provided constant support and encouragement in the completion of the previous program. Of course, His Grace's writings for the youth have been utilized in all the subjects directed towards the youth, in this book. Fr. Tadros Malaty and Fr. Marcos Marcos These Beloved Fathers reviewed thoroughly all of the contents of the first six books of the previous version of the program. Their dedication, experience, and wisdom have been an important factor in the quality of all the material. They contributed greatly towards setting up the lessons, in that sense. Father Tadros Malaty's deep writings, without any doubt, have been a key reference in the majority of the lessons. His latest advice to revise and enhance the previous version of the program has been held in the highest regards. Dr. Fayek M. Ishak Dr. Fayek Ishak (head of the English Department at Lakehead University) reviewed the first six books of the previous version of the program. He contributed, immensely, towards the setup of the lessons. Fr. Gawargious Michael and Fr. Mikhael Armanios These two beloved priests chose the proper songs to match the subjects of the lessons. They also arranged the proof-reading of all the books with a chosen group of youth. Fr. Makary Silwanis This beloved priest made all of the arrangements for revising the previous Sunday School Program. He single-handedly arranged to have the new program available online. His computer skills were a key factor in all areas. Tassoni Ragaa The continuous support and encouragement of Tassoni Ragaa played an essential role in the write-up of the previous version of the program, as well as in this revision. One of the aspects that kept this program centered and on track was her continuous reminder that this program is for generations to come and every effort is worthwhile for the sake of the upbringing of the children and youth. The Youth of St. George and St. Rueiss Coptic Orthodox Church There was a key participation from Heba Khattas in this revised version. She in total love and joy contributed with great efforts in typing, checking, proof reading and commenting. All these things by her own initiative despite all the other responsibilities that she had to do towards her family, her work and her study. There was a key contribution from Marian Awad in this revised version. She proposed that the lessons for Grades 11 and 12 be totally redone in order to prepare the youth to face the challenges at the university level. This idea resulted in a huge change in the curriculum for these two grades, as well as in the writing of the "Contemporary Issues" book. Ninette Bishay sang over 100 songs in order to make sure that all the lessons were accompanied by beautiful songs in a great language and tone. Caroline Yassa typed many lessons for the author, mostly dictated over the phone, at times when his eyes were very sore from reading. Her efforts are greatly appreciated. Comments and proof-readings of many of the youth are greatly appreciated.
Fr. Rueiss Awad
TEACHER'S GUIDELINES: HOW TO USE THIS PROGRAM? 1. The teacher should realize that each lesson has been prepared to cover a specific point; starting from the title of the lesson to the end of it. 2. The teacher should read all the materials referred to in the lesson (i.e. the Holy Bible as well as any articles attached to the lesson), and then proceed by emphasizing all the points. 3. The teacher should enlarge the picture ahead of each lesson and use it as a visual aid as he or she is teaching the lesson. 4. The teacher should discuss the practical applications as he or she proceeds with the lesson. 5. The teacher should summarize the main points of the lesson with the students and give prizes.
FEATURES OF THIS SUNDAY SCHOOL PROGRAM
A COMPREHENSIVE SUNDAY SCHOOL PROGRAM 1. This Sunday School program was the very first program to be written in the lands of immigration. This work was initiated in 1974, and the first version was published in 1986. We thank our heavenly Father, Who has given us the opportunity to extensively revise and improve it, in 2005. 2. In this version of the program, any repetition that was in the previous program, has been removed, all lessons were upgraded in both coverage and depth. Moreover, a whole new book, on contemporary issues, has been added. 3. The contemporary issues book covers subjects that are important for children and youth in today's world. These lessons are optional. For churches with regular youth group meetings, these issues would best be discussed during those meetings. On the other hand, for churches that do not hold regular youth group meetings, those issues could be discussed as part of the Sunday School program. 4. This version of the program also includes lessons, which form a basis for a missionary service, a service that should in the ideal situation be practiced by every member of our congregation. The objective is that each child, every youth, and in the long run each Coptic individual can behave and act in a way, which is an embodiment of the teaching and tradition of the Coptic Orthodox Church. In other words, our congregation would become role models in their communities, who attract people to our Lord Jesus Christ through their good practices: sincerity, commitment, hard work and dedication, tolerance, forgiveness, and all the other good qualities that differentiate a good practising Christian from those who merely have a Christian education. 5. In this Sunday School Program, we depended heavily on the writings of H.H. Pope Shenouda III as a reference for most of the presented material. 6. The lessons in this version of the program have already been tried in Sunday School classes, reviewed, improved and tried again. This ensures that the lessons are relevant and suit the level of the students. 7. In this version of the program, efforts were put forth to ensure that every aspect of the Christian life in the Coptic Orthodox Church is covered. 8. This Sunday School Program is not merely about giving specific education on Christianity to our children and youth but it is rather an attempt to deeply affect their feelings and spirituality. It is believed that such an approach will facilitate the practical application of the various aspects involved so that Christianity becomes a way of life for the individual, with deeply rooted Christian values, that are manifested as behaviour and attitude. 9. All copyrights of other Sunday School programs, and other writers, have been fully respected. 10. In this version, each lesson comes complete with pictures and songs that are suitable for the lesson. 11. This Sunday School program comes in various formats, for convenience. In addition to being available on this website for widespread use, it is also available, upon request, in hard copy format or on CD. 12. It is our strong belief that this Sunday School program will play a vital role in the spiritual upbringing of our children. May the Lord bless this Sunday School program and all other programs, for the growth of His Kingdom in us.
THE PREPARATION OF SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS
A. What is a Sunday School Lesson? 1. It is not a record of events that we convey to the students with the hopes of appearing to satisfy the required preparation process in front of other people. Neither is it a lecture that we deliver to our audience or student regardless of their interest in the matter. 2. However, it is, on one hand, a fruit of the live reaction between the servant and the lesson and, on the other hand, between the servant and the students. The Holy Spirit maturates this fruit and directs this service towards the salvation of the students and towards the glory of God. For if the servant who teaches the people does not teach himself, the voice of the Lord rebukes him saying, " You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself ? " (Romans 2:21), and again in James 3: 1: "My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment." Therefore, the servant should engage himself in the lesson through prayers, relevant spiritual readings, and practical application, so that when the servant speaks with his students from experience and true knowledge, he says, with St. John the Beloved, "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life-" (1 John 1:1) If a servant is not aware of the spiritual level of his students, he may burden them with instructions and lessons which they cannot handle nor apply and this, in turn, may cause the students to go astray and lose their eternal life. Therefore, it is crucial for the servant to establish a healthy, trustworthy, and fruitful relationship with his students, as well as to share in their joys and cheers, and their sadness and fears, all towards Jesus Christ. This is what St. Paul refers to in his epistle to the Galatians when he says, "My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you..." (Galatians 4:19). This close relationship with the students allows the servant to choose the most appropriate lesson that applies to their needs.
Hence a Sunday School lesson is: A live mixture between the personal lives of the servants and the students through the lesson; the Holy Spirit creates this mixture and allows it to result in the bearing of fruit. B. The Requirements for Sunday School Lessons 1. Humility in prayer before God. God said, "...for without Me you can do nothing." (John 15:5) My beloved brethren, sit down in peace and tranquility with the Lord and talk to Him about your personal need for Him in your service. Ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit and pray saying, " Guide me dear God. What would you like my students and I to learn this week ? " Be obedient to His voice. It would be suitable to maintain a prayer time which equals that of the lesson. 2. Accurate knowledge of the meanings contained within the lesson. This is achieved through: a) Occupying yourself throughout the week with understanding the new lesson, beginning from the end of the previous lesson until the beginning of the new one. It is wise to use your free time, time before sleep, and time with fellow servants to increase and enhance your understanding of the lesson. b) Resorting to spiritual and religious references and literature to help you develop the right understanding and concepts behind the lines. c) Resorting to general educational references and literature to embody this understanding and these concepts, making them clear in the minds of your students. 3. Aids of presentation. It is important that you transform your understanding of the lesson into a simple and clear presentation. It has been stated and proved that 85% of knowledge acquired is acquired through the sense of sight and visual learning as opposed to the 10% that is acquired through the sense of hearing. The rest of the knowledge acquired is done so through the other three senses. In reality, the least effective way of transmitting knowledge to others is by merely talking; this has the weakest influence on the students. In contrast, the most effective way to teach is to use the "Learning by Doing" method, which requires enough time as well as sound experience. What differentiate between the effectiveness of the two means of presentation are the tools used in the presentation. These tools aid the students in effectively understanding and retaining the purpose of the lesson by engaging both senses of sight and sound. These tools may include audio-visual devices such as pictures and movies, spiritual trips and outings, role playing during class, intellectually stimulating games, etc. C. Recording the lesson. It is recommended that the servant records the following during the preparation of the lesson:
Purpose of the lesson: It is necessary for the servant to clearly understand the purpose of the lesson at the beginning of his preparation. It is also necessary that the purpose of the lesson should agree with the maturity level of the students. For example, it is more appropriate for children to learn about God's love; on the other hand, learning about the power of God in their lives and in the lives of the saints is more appropriate subject matter for youth. As for young adults, learning about Christian virtues and spiritual practices is most appropriate. Most importantly, the purpose of the lessons should agree with Coptic Orthodox Christian teachings, whether in specific occasions or in general. References: References could include: a. Stories, examples, verses, etc. from the Holy Bible. b. Spiritual books and literature. c. General educational books and literature. Recording the references is very useful for the servant because it helps the servant to refer back to them, if forgotten. Preface: The preface is the background of the lesson. It cultivates the thoughts of the students and directs their thoughts towards the lesson. This allows the lesson to be implanted in their minds and to, eventually, bear fruit. It is important that the preface remain simple, short, and concise. The introduction could be in the form of focused questions, but should not be in the form of stories. Several stories in one lesson may deteriorate its effectiveness. The Lesson: The lesson could be divided into the following sections: 1. Introduction - it should be quick and concise and related to the preface. It should introduce the lesson smoothly without interrupting the chain of thoughts. 2. Body of the lesson - it contains the principle subject of the lesson, and follows these guidelines: a. You must be accurate and careful when explaining theological concepts. b. You must be careful when relating events and examples to elucidate the subject of the lesson, in order to properly guide the students' imagination without restricting it. c. You must diligently expose the Coptic Orthodox doctrine in the lesson. d. You should not use more than one story during the lesson and the story used should be relevant to the subject matter. 3. Focal Point - the point during the lesson at which the purpose of the lesson is clearly defined. (Examples: The Lord responds to the prayers of a needy person, or the angels come to give the saints their heavenly crowns and take them to heaven after many trials and persecutions.) 4. Conclusion - it should be, like the introduction, short and concise. It can summarize the purpose of the lesson, without introducing any new concepts.
Inferences: Inference is a method used to determine how much the students have absorbed and retained from the lesson. It should be in the form of questions with the following guidelines: a. They should clearly show the purpose of the lesson. b. They should suit the maturity of the students. c. They should be simple and direct. d. They should link to each other. e. They should not be `Yes' or `No' questions. f. They should each have one correct answer. Bible Verse: The memorization of a Bible verse is an excellent way to help the students remember the purpose of the lesson. The chosen Bible verse should meet the following guidelines: a. It should show the purpose of the lesson clearly. b. It should be short which allows it to be easily memorized. c. Children can easily memorize, as well as understand it. Homework: The height of your diligence in preparing the lesson is in choosing the proper and effective homework or application. The homework should have the following characteristics: a. It should contain practical applications that apply to everyday life. b. It should suit the maturity level of the students. c. It should help in mastering the comprehension and retention of the lesson. d. It should not include more than one instruction, in order to simplify the application of the lesson.
INTRODUCTION
Teaching in Grade 4 (age 9 to 10 years)
1) This age is characterized by an important mental development. A sense of cause and effect is developed, an ability to organize and classify and an interest in simple planning and carrying out a plan. We can see this reflected in their play.
2) There is now a far more clear consciousness of "justice" than there has been before. The instinct of ownership was already present at an earlier age, but now there is a fairly clear understanding of what is "mine" and "not mine". Along with the sense of "law" and conscious "law breaking" there is a growth, a development of finer feelings: compassion, desire to protect someone weaker than oneself and acceptance of certain moral standards.
3) Children in this age will show interest in cause and effect, and, in listening to Bible stories, will show interest in God's plan for the world.
4) The story must be given as a story without too many comments. Lessons should be accompanied by hymns and class activities as colouring, cutting and pasting pictures, etc.
5) Though it is too early to discuss with children the problem of suffering, and especially the suffering of the innocent, it is sometimes unavoidable. We can establish in their minds the image of Our Lord Jesus Christ as the one who was innocent and accepted suffering, but His suffering and death were not the end, but He rose from the dead. If the children have really assimilated the Passion and the Resurrection, we have provided them with a basis for a Christian approach to the problem of suffering. They will have to deal intellectually with it at a later age.
6) In addition to the above, the teacher should: start from simple to the more difficult facts, from known to the unknown and from the total to the parts of back to the total again. Children should love the teacher, the class, the lesson and come very anxiously to class.
SEPTEMBER
“The First Lie And The Forbidden Fruit”
Please read the attached material entitled, “The First Lie and the Forbidden Fruit”, and give the lesson with emphasis on the points below.
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
To show that the devil is the greatest liar. We must not listen to him. We must keep in mind to speak only the truth.
MEMORY VERSE:
The serpent said, “you will not surely die” Genesis 3:4
PLEASE EMPHASIZE:
Introduction: Children please listen to this scenario: Once you forgot to do your homework and when you were asked by your teacher you lied and said that your mom was not feeling well and you had to look after your younger siblings. Your teacher calls home and finds out that you were not telling the truth. Discuss the reasons for doing this and the consequences of this lie. What do the Ten Commandments tell us about lying?
+ Tell the story of Adam and Eve, and then start by emphasizing that God wanted Adam and Eve to live in the Garden of Eden, enjoy it and live a very peaceful life. God loved Adam and Eve a lot.
+ Eve had a bad conversation with the serpent. As usual he lied to Eve and convinced her not to obey God saying, “You will not surely die” Gen. 3:4 if you eat from the forbidden fruit.
+ Adam and Eve were thrown out of the Garden of Eden. They spiritually died, because anyone living away from God is considered spiritually dead. Adam and Eve became miserable, led a sinful life and were under the influence of the devil.
+ God, being merciful, had prepared a plan of salvation for all mankind.
+ Please tell the story of Isaac and Jacob. Jacob lied to get his father’s blessing (birthright) from his brother Esau. As a result he suffered greatly when his uncle and sons had lied to him. Please read the attached material.
+ All this teaches us that we must not discuss anything with the devil or let him lead us to doubt the word of God. The main mistake that Eve committed was that she allowed the questioning of God’s word and discussed things with the serpent.
Note:
Please ask the children to summarize what was talked about and give prizes.
WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THIS LESSON?
(1) Take time to think before you act because the devil can give you wrong ideas and make you fall into temptation.
(2) Do not lie.
(3) Large mistakes usually start with a small mistake. Giving the devil a chance to tempt us with a small mistake leads to a much bigger mistake. Example: A younger brother used to steal small things from his old brother. He got used to that and then he stole something from a store and fell into a huge problem. Let us all be careful from the temptations of the devil even from “small sins.”
SONGS
O TAKE MY HAND DEAR SAVIOUR
O take my hand Dear Saviour and please lead me Till at my journey’s ending I’ll dwell with Thee
REFRAIN I need Thee, O Lord I need Thee O bless me, my Lord I come to Thee Thou Mighty God of ages O be Thou near When the tempest rages I need not fear
When evening shadows lengthen the night has come My faith heart Saviour strengthen and bring me home
Recitation Curriculum:Please look at the recitation curriculum at the end of this book.
The First Lie And The Forbidden Fruit
The serpent deceived Eve as he told her that she and Adam would not die if they ate from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. We know that Satan is the greatest liar.
When Adam and Eve disobeyed God and ate from the tree, they lost their purity and innocence at once. They did not realize that they were naked until they had eaten from the forbidden fruit, They felt guilty for this reason, and hid themselves from God. This was man’s first sin, which was the transgression of the law, Adam and Eve brought death to mankind and all other living beings.
As Adam and Eve transgressed God’s law and disobeyed His commandment, the grave results to their transgression, or rather sin, were:
a) Both were cast out of the Garden of Eden. b) Women were to suffer the pain of child bearing. c) Men were forced to labour for their food among the thorns and the thistles. d) Death was brought on mankind. e) God cursed the serpent.
Consequently, we became in need of Christ, our Saviour to redeem us from the hands of the devil. Without our Lord, Jesus Christ, our Saviour and redeemer, no one can overcome the devil and go back to paradise.
Story: Jacob and Isaac
When Isaac became old, he could not see very well. His son Jacob wanted to get the blessings of his father Isaac, instead of his older brother Esau. Jacob lied to his father. He put on his brother’s clothes and entered his father’s room, taking advantage of his weary vision. He took the good food instead of his brother Esau and offered it to his father Isaac. Because he lied to his father, other people lied to him and he suffered a lot. His uncle Laban lied to him and gave him another daughter named Leah instead of the one he loved named Rachel to marry him. Also, after selling their brother Joseph, his sons lied to their father Jacob and brought a shirt covered with blood. They told him that they found his beloved son, Joseph, dead; Jacob kept wept for the loss of his son until he lost his sight and could not see. These are the consequences of lying!
For the success
of this Sunday HOLY BIBLE
in his/her preparation
SEPTEMBER SECOND SUNDAY
El - Nayrouz Feast: “Theodora, The Pure Virgin”Please read Romans 8:35-39
Please read the attached material entitled “Theodora, The Pure Virgin.”
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
Familiarize the children with the Coptic year and show them an example of a person who loved God more than anything else in the world.
MEMORY VERSE:
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ...” Rom. 8:35
PLEASE EMPHASIZE:
Opening Question: Why is the Coptic year called the year of the martyrs? What do we as Christians look forward to in our after life and how can we reach it?
+ Theodora means “gift of God”. “Theo” is the Greek for “God” and “Dora” is the Greek word for “gift”.
+ The Coptic year has 13 months. Twelve months have thirty days each and one short month has 5 or 6 days.
+ The Coptic year took the name of “Year of the Martyrs” from the time of Diocletian when the number of martyrs increased tremendously. Our Coptic Orthodox church has offered the largest number of martyrs in the whole world.
Definition of a “Martyr”: + A martyr is an individual who loves God with all his/her heart. He/she enjoys being with God and is ready to keep the commandments of God in front of the whole world, even if it costs his/her life.
+ Describe the life of St. Theodora, the pure virgin 1. She loved Jesus more than anything. 2. She did not want to get married, in order to keep herself completely dedicated to God. 3. St. Theodora looked at the happy life in heaven and wanted to gain the crown of martyrdom. When the Christian man wanted to save her purity, he also wanted to be killed instead of her, she said this statement, “Do not steal my crown of martyrdom.” 4. God sent the Christian man to help her maintain her purity and to protect her from the bad people. She did not want to lose the crown of martyrdom that she wanted so badly. 5. God helped her to preserve her purity and to gain the crown of martyrdom.
Note:
Please ask the children to summarize what was talked about and give prizes.
WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THIS LESSON?
(1) We must look at the happy life in heaven waiting for us if we listen to God and bear witness for His name. So stick to your Christian values: love, honesty, honouring your parents…etc.
(2) If we have good intentions and goals to achieve in life, God will know it and He will help us to achieve it and much more, as He did with St. Theodora. (3) We must keep all our senses (eyes, ears etc) pure and resist all the temptations of the devil. We must do our best and God will help us.
SONGSTHE MARTYRS AND NAIROUZ
Come, Ye faithful people, come to the heavenly Jerusalem Where there is eternal life and we’ll live in peace with our Saviour
Nairouz is the beginning of the year when we remember our martyrs Who defended faith without fear and lived in peace with our Saviour
Our ancestors were brave for their faith their lives they gave Now in Heaven they are crowned And they lived in peace with our Saviour
Our martyrs won their crowns when they laid their lives down And they opened Heaven’s doors now they live in peace with our Saviour
Never flinched they from the flame nor from the tyrant’s sharpest aim They shed their blood for His Name Now they live in peace with our Saviour
By their faith they saw the land where triumphant now they stand They put their souls in His hand And lived in peace with our Saviour
If Satan comes to divide us the voice of God will gather us And His peace will be with us And we‘ll live in peace with our Saviour
Lord, deliver us from all sin that eternal life we may win And lead us to Thy Kingdom O our King, and our Saviour
Recitation Curriculum:
Please look at the
recitation curriculum at the end of this book.
Theodora, a beautiful noble virgin of Alexandria, was accused of being” a Christian,” because of her refusal to marry. She said that she would not abandon her faith in God and was determined to live a life of purity. When she was told to offer sacrifices to the gods, she refused and said she only worships Our Lord, her helper.
So, St. Theodora was taken away to a den of sin. A Christian man, dressed as a soldier came into her room. He took off his soldier’s cloak and hat and told her to put them on and escape.
When this man, Didymus, was discovered, he was sent to execution. On the way, Theodora ran out of the crowd crying to Didymus: “you have the right to save my chastity, but not to steal my crown of martyrdom.” Then she was also taken and beheaded with him. Thus the Lord whom she loved very much arranged for her to maintain her purity and also gain her heavenly crown.
NOTES _________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________
SEPTEMBER THIRD SUNDAY“Jacob’s Trip to His Uncle”Please read the attached material entitled “Jacob’s trip to his uncle”, Genesis 28:10-16, Genesis 29:1-12, and give the lesson with emphasis on the points below.
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON: To learn that just as God comforted Jacob, He will also comfort us. His house (the church) is a place made for our comfort and peace.
MEMORY VERSE:
“the angels of God were ascending and descending on it” Genesis 28:12
PLEASE EMPHASIZE:
Opening Questions: Give a biblical example of someone who was obedient. What are the rewards of being obedient to God, our parents and guardians?
+ Jacob obeyed his parents as the Bible said in Gen. 28:7 “and that Jacob had obeyed his father and his mother and had gone to Padan Aram.” God comforted him as he traveled a long way to his uncle Laban, God said to him “Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land: for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you” Genesis 28:15
God also sent His angels to Jacob while he was asleep. Jacob saw the angels come up and down and so He realized that God was taking care of him.
+ Just as God told him, “I am with you.” God is telling us the same. We face difficulties sometimes but if we submit ourselves to God, He will be with us, protect us, help us, and give us eternal life. We also have to do as Jacob did i.e. obey our parents.
+ When Jacob awoke, he said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.” Gen, 28:17. From this, we ask what is the definition of the “house of God”? It is:
+ A place of prayers. + A place where the angels ascend and descend. + A place where God speaks to his people. + It is the gate to heaven.
Note:
Please ask the children to summarize what was talked about and give prizes.
WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THIS LESSON?
(1) As we submit ourselves to God and obey our parents, Our Lord will be with us, comfort us, protect us and help us.
(2) Our church is a very blessed place in which we get peace and comfort. We must go to church regularly and enjoy participating in the prayers and activities.
SONGSTHE MARTYRS AND NAIROUZ
Come, Ye faithful people, come to the heavenly Jerusalem Where there is eternal life and we’ll live in peace with our Saviour
Nairouz is the beginning of the year when we remember our martyrs Who defended faith without fear and lived in peace with our Saviour
Our ancestors were brave for their faith their lives they gave Now in Heaven they are crowned And they lived in peace with our Saviour
Our martyrs won their crowns when they laid their lives down And they opened Heaven’s doors now they live in peace with our Saviour
Never flinched they from the flame nor from the tyrant’s sharpest aim They shed their blood for His Name Now they live in peace with our Saviour
By their faith they saw the land where triumphant now they stand They put their souls in His hand And lived in peace with our Saviour
If Satan comes to divide us the voice of God will gather us And His peace will be with us And we‘ll live in peace with our Saviour
Lord, deliver us from all sin that eternal life we may win And lead us to Thy Kingdom O our King, and our Saviour
Recitation Curriculum:
Please look at the
recitation curriculum at the end of this book.
Now Jacob is taking a long walk to another country. His father has told him to go there so that he can find the girl who will marry him. Jacob is tired and is lying down to sleep, because it is night. He is having a dream, Jacob dreams that he sees stairs or a ladder that is so high, it goes right up into the sky. Angels are going up and down the ladder. Then, in his dream Jacob sees God standing at the top of the ladder, telling him that many wonderful things will happen to him because God loves him.
Jacob is now a long, long way from home, he is in another country. He is helping a girl whose name is Rachel, She is taking care of her father’s sheep. While he is talking, Jacob finds out that the girl is a friend. She invites him to come to her house. Her father will be glad to see Jacob. He will let Jacob and Rachel get married. Rachel’s father is Jacob’s uncle and his name is Laban, Jacob will live in that country with Rachel.
NOTES
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SEPTEMBER FOURTH SUNDAYThe Cross At the highest point inside and outside the church
Please read the attached articles and give the lesson with emphasis on the points below.
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON: To show the importance of the Cross in Christianity, in our Coptic Orthodox Church and in our daily lives.
MEMORY VERSE:
“But God forbid that I should have glory except in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me and I to the world.” Gal 6:14
PLEASE EMPHASIZE:
Opening Question: What does the Cross mean to us as Christians?
+ The Cross is a sign of glory for Christians, because salvation happened through the Cross. On the Cross, God proved His love for us. When we carry the Cross, we remember the power of the Cross in our lives and what Our Lord Jesus did for us.
+ Why do we make the sign of the Cross on ourselves? Why do we put the Cross at the highest point inside and outside the church? The reasons are:
1. The sign of the Cross has been a sign of victory over the devil in both the old and the New Testaments. Please read Ex. 17:8-13 and the story of the Victory of Moses through the sign of the Cross.
2. Our Lord Christ taught a lot about the Cross in the beginning of His service and in His teachings before He was crucified. So, we remember to carry the Cross in our lives (i.e. any problem we may face) thankfully. * Matthew 10:38, “And he who does not take his Cross and follow me is not worthy of me.”
* Matthew 16:24, “If a man would come to me, let him deny himself and take up his Cross and follow me.”
3. Our Lord Jesus’ crucifixion has been the source of salvation. Everything the Christians are enjoying in the New Testament: (salvation and forgiveness) was completed on the Cross. Through the Cross, Jesus paid the price of our sins and died for us so that we may have eternal life.
4. The Cross is the subject of glory: * Galatians 6:14 “but God forbid that I should have glory except in the Cross of our Lord Christ by whom the world has been crucified to me and I to the world.”
5. The Cross is the subject of the preaching: * I Corinthians 1:23 “But we preach Christ crucified to Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness”
6. The Cross is the subject of strength: *1 Corinthians 1:18 “for the message of the Cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” * St Paul mentions here that “the message of the Cross” is the “power of God,” Therefore, when we mention the word of the Cross or when we make the sign of the Cross, we are filled with heavenly strength.
7. The devil is very scared from the sign of the Cross Every time we Cross ourselves, the devil becomes very scared, because he remembers that through the Cross, Jesus Christ defeated him and gave salvation to his people. The devil then escapes from the sign of the Cross. Remember that when St. George put the sign of the Cross on the cup that was filled with poison water, he was able to drink it without being poisoned. (Please tell the story in a bit more detailed).
8. The feast of the Cross in the Coptic Church: The Coptic Church observes two feasts in honour of the Holy Cross of Christ.
9. From the sayings of the church fathers: * Hail to the Cross that God was crucified on and stretched His hands for everybody. * Adam was dismissed from paradise, because of one tree. Because of the Holy Cross, he regained his original status.
Note:
Please ask the children to summarize what was talked about and give prizes.
WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THIS LESSON?
(1) The Cross is very dear to us as Christians. Through Crossing ourselves we gain heavenly strength and victory over the devil.
(2) We must put the sign of the Cross on ourselves many times during the day: as soon as we get up in the morning, before we eat, before we enter a place, before being driven in a car, before we sleep.
(3) Because the Cross is very dear to us, we put it at the highest point inside and outside the Church. We also hang the Cross in many locations in our homes.
1) The Apparition of the Cross in the Sky
This happened three times:
1. The first time, it appeared in the sky for the Emperor Constantine the great to encourage him before he goes to war. He and his officers saw it like a pillar of light in the sky surrounded by the following words: “with it (the Cross) you will conquer.”
2. The second time, the Cross appeared for Aaelius Caesar on the doors of the city of Antioch. It appeared in the East like a pillar of light, which startled all those who saw it.
3. The third time, the Cross appeared to all people in Jerusalem. This happened in the sacred days of the Fifties’ Feast, to be exact, on the 8th of May the year 351 AC at 3:00 p.m. (about 9:00 am) A Cross appeared in the sky on Golgotha stretching to the Mount. It was very clear and was seen by all the people of the city. It stayed many hours shining brighter than the sunrays. The entire city came out to see the apparition astounded, and scared, yet filled with the great joy of witnessing this heavenly scene. Old and young, men and women all ages, Christians and non-Christians from different places praising Jesus Christ, our Lord.
2) The Feast of the Cross
On the feast of the Cross, we recognize the discovery of the Cross of Jesus Christ our Lord. When the Jews noticed the very large number of miracles done by Jesus, they got angry and asked everyone in the Jewish country to collect all the dirt and the waste and put it at the top of the Cross. The Jewish people continued to do so for over 200 years until a very large pile of dirt was formed. Saint Helena, the mother of King Constantine went to Jerusalem and asked about the location of the Cross. Nobody told her, until she met an old man who told her that the Cross is underneath the pile of dirt. She dug out the Holy Cross of Jesus Christ from beneath this dirt. She then built a church on the Cross and the Christian people had the opportunity to visit the Cross and the church. St. Helena did this, because she loved the Cross since it appeared to her when she was with King Constantine before he went to war and was victorious.
The First: On the 17th of Toot (around the 28th of Sept.) is the commemoration of the consecration of the church of the Holy Cross, which is built by the empress Helena, the mother of Constantine.
The Second: On the 10th of Baremhaat (around the 19th of March) is the commemoration of the discovery of the Holy Cross by the same emperor.
SONGS
SHERE PI ESTAVROS
Christ has come to us from heaven to save us With His blood He redeemed us Shere pi estavros
Because Jesus loves us He came and lived with us He died for us Shere pi estavros
He was crucified and obtained victory With wondrous authority Shere pi estavros
The Cross is my life my strength and my hope The starting of my prayer Shere pi estavros
A lot of the saints with the sign of the Cross Conquered the devils Shere pi estavros
They moved many mountains and the dead arose Exactly as He said Shere pi estavros
And I am their son proud of the Cross I will follow them Shere pi estavros
Recitation Curriculum:
Please look at the recitation
curriculum at the end of this book.
On the occasion of the feast of the Cross, we mention the following points: + Our first relationship with the Cross starts by baptism, where our old Adam is crucified so that sin will never enslave us. + The Church has carried the Cross during the martyrdom period and in all the persecutions that followed it during the lapse of time... + The beauty of the Cross is that the Church carried it with joy and patience,... without any complaint or grumbling... The Cross changed into a longing that the Church desires and proceeds towards. The way in which the Christians received death puzzled the pagans. It was a reflection of the Christians' faith in eternal joy and disdain of the world, with all its pleasures and enjoyments... The prisons turned into temples, where hymns and prayers echoed from the Christians who were joyful to receive death... + The third field where we carry the Cross is narrow gate... A person might constrain himself for the sake of God. He isolates himself from the world and all its desire. He disclaims everything for God's sake... by fasting devoutness, self control and enduring others' offences. + The Cross of weariness could also be included this field... One toils in one's services for God and labours in (crucifying the flesh with its passions), as he Apostle says, "He toils in struggling and crucifying the thought and overcoming oneself, " knowing all the time that he "will receive his own reward according to his own labour " (I Cor 3:8). Christianity could never be separated from the Cross.... The Lord Jesus told us plainly that "... In the world you will have tribulation" and he also said, "and you will be hated by all for my name's sake.” (Mt 10:22) + We welcome and rejoice with the Cross, and see our strength in it. As the Apostle said, "For the message of the Cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God (I Cor. 1:18)
NOTES
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For the success
of this Sunday HOLY BIBLE
in his/her preparation
SEPTEMBER FIFTH SUNDAY
Parables of Our Lord Jesus Christ About The Kingdom of Heaven “I”The Parable of the Sower “The Word Of God”
Please read Luke 8:4-15 Matthew 13:1-9, and give the lesson with emphasis on the points below.
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
To learn how to benefit from reading the Holy Bible. As Christians, we are supposed to be similar to the good soil and bring fruits in our life.
MEMORY VERSE:
“But others fell on good ground and yielding a crop....” Matt 13:8
PLEASE EMPHASIZE:
Opening Question: What is our number one source for learning how to be good people in general and good Christians in particular?
+ Why did Our Lord Jesus use parables in teaching about the kingdom of heaven? Our Lord Jesus used parables (i.e. examples from daily life) to explain to His Disciples and us something about the kingdom of heaven. We all try our best to enjoy our share in the kingdom of heaven. In this parable of the sower Our Lord Christ taught us that we must have a “fruitful life” while we are living on earth so that we have a place in heaven as well.
+ God loves all of us. He gives equal opportunity to each one of us, For this reason the sower who went out to sow, put equal amounts of seeds in all kinds of land including: the wayside, the stony places, among thorns and good ground. The sower wanted fruits from each one of these kinds of land.
+ The seeds represent the word of God sent to us in the Holy Bible. If we love God we will keep his Holy Commandments and bring fruits in our lives i.e. lead a good Christian life similar to the situation of the seeds when they fell on good grounds.
+ Our Lord Christ Himself explained to His Disciples the parable of the sower. Please read Matthew 13:18-23 and explain it to the children.
+ How can we benefit from the word of God, which is sent to us in the Holy Bible? 1. Read daily. (Minimum one chapter per day.) 2. Read both the Old and New Testaments. 3. Pray before you read the Bible so that God would send you a personal message and lets you hear His voice. 4. Read the word of God with full respect and attention. 5. Read the word of God in full humbleness.
Each one of us must utilize all the blessings that Our Lord Jesus has given to us and enjoy a true membership in the kingdom of heaven bearing good fruits, “But the fruits of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness. (Gal. 5:22-23)
Note:
Please ask the children to summarize what was talked about and give prizes.
WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THIS LESSON?
(1) The most important thing for us all is to have a place in heaven. We have to benefit from the word of God as well as all the other blessings that He has given to us in order to lead a true Christian life here on earth. Thus we qualify for the kingdom of heaven.
(2) God gives equal opportunities to all people (similar to giving out seeds on all types of soils).
SONGS
O TAKE MY HAND DEAR SAVIOUR
O take my hand Dear Saviour and please lead me Till at my journey’s ending I’ll dwell with Thee
REFRAIN I need Thee, O Lord I need Thee O bless me, my Lord I come to Thee Thou Mighty God of ages O be Thou near When the tempest rages I need not fear
When evening shadows lengthen the night has come My faith heart Saviour strengthen and bring me home
Recitation Curriculum:Please look at the recitation curriculum at the end of this book.
OCTOBERFIRST SUNDAY
Parables of Our Lord Jesus About theKingdom of Heaven “II”“The Parable of the Mustard Seed”
Please read Mark 4:26-34 and give the lesson with emphasis on the points below.
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
To illustrate that we are all still very young. We know a little bit, but we are still growing. We must do what we can no matter how small it may be and God will do the rest.
MEMORY VERSE:
“When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child, but when I became a man, I put away childish things” I Corinthians 13:11
PLEASE EMPHASIZE:
Opening Questions: What did God promise us if we continue to grow in faith and worship? Give an example of a biblical character to whom God fulfilled his promise?
+ In this parable, Our Lord Jesus wanted to teach us that our life must be in continuous growth. He used the growing seed as an example.
+ Have you seen a seed? Yes. When you see the seed, it is completely closed. It is very small. How can a small seed like this grow and become a big tree. God does this through His power.
+ When we put the seed in the soil, in order for it to become a big tree, two things have to happen:
1. Human action: to place the seed in the soil and feed it. 2. God’s action: God uses the seed, the soil and the food that we give to the seed to help it grow into a big tree through His power. One of the Saints said that without God’s help man cannot do anything and without man’s work God will not do.
Similarly in our lives: who makes our bodies, knowledge, and spirits to grow? God makes the growth. But we also have to do our small part as well by making an effort in school, at home, with our studies, in prayers and in listening to God.
+ As we are growing; we must make sure that our knowledge and our faith are growing. Now suppose we did not understand something in the Bible, does this mean the Bible is incorrect? No. The Bible is correct but we still won’t understand it until later.
+ The parable of the mustard seed is a good example for a life full of fruits that started very small but soon grew. Story: David, was the youngest of his brothers, then he grew and became king, prophet and Saint.
Note:
Please ask the children to summarize what was talked about and give prizes.
WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THIS STORY?
(1) Let us do our share in growing: through reading the Bible, going to church regularly, praying regularly, getting the best marks we can at school and seeking God’s help in our lives. Without God’s help we cannot achieve anything.
(2) While we exist here on earth, we are suppose to grow in our relationship with God. Every year that goes by, we love Him more, we deal with Him more and become more intimate with Him. Then when we depart from this world we can be with Him in paradise and after that in His Kingdom of Heaven.
SONGS
I WILL ENTER HIS GATES
I will enter His gates with thanksgiving in my heart I will enter His courts with praise I will say this is the day that Lord has made I will rejoice for He has made me glad
He has made me glad, He has made me glad I will rejoice for He has made me glad Recitation Curriculum:Please look at the recitation curriculum at the end of this book.
OCTOBER SECOND SUNDAY
Parable of Our Lord Jesus about the Kingdom of Heaven “III”The Parable of the Good Samaritan “Who is the Closest Friend?”
Please read Luke 10:30-37, the attached article entitled “Christian Behaviour”, and give the lesson with emphasis on the points below.
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON: To learn that a merciful individual will have mercy from God and will have a place in Heaven.
MEMORY VERSE:
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” Matthew 5:7
PLEASE EMPHASIZE:
+ One way to show God that we love Him is to love God’s people. Give examples of how we can do that.
+ Please tell the parable of the Good Samaritan in a story fashion, Review from the previous lessons the general meaning of a parable, its purpose and the meaning behind it.
Who is the closest friend to the injured man?
+ A real friend is one who helps. Suppose you have a friend, you ran into trouble and asked him for help. He did not help you. Is he a true friend? No. Do you loving him? No. Do you stop praying for him? No. But you must realize that he is not a true friend.
+ The Jewish people looked down at the Samaritans. The Jewish people never mixed with the Samaritans. One time when they wanted to insult our beloved Lord Jesus they said to him “we said that you are a Samaritan and that you have a devil. In this parable, Jesus wanted to prove that a good person is measured by what he or she does not by anything else.
+ Do we help each other? Do we care for each other? Do we care for our younger ones? Are we kind to them? See the memory Verse. Let the children know this memory verse by heart.
+ How can we become kind? God is kind and if we would like to win His kindness in our lives, we have to be kind to others. If we are kind to people when they need something, God will also send others to be kind to us when we are in need of something.
+ When we are merciful to people God will be merciful to us and will give us a place in Heaven. So, one can learn from this parable that those who are merciful will have a place in Heaven. An example of a person who had a lot of mercy was St. Mary the Virgin when she traveled a very long distance to serve St. Elizabeth during her pregnancy.
Note:
Please ask the children to summarize what was talked about and give prizes. WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THIS LESSON?
(1) If we are true Christians we have to behave like Christians. The first characteristic of a true Christian is love. Love is not just a word. Love is kindness.
(2) As true Christians we have to be kind and helpful to all people regardless of their race, religion or gender. However, when it comes to friends, we have to be very choosy. We choose our friends from among true Christians.
SONGS I WILL ENTER HIS GATES
I will enter His gates with thanksgiving in my heart I will enter His courts with praise I will say this is the day that Lord has made I will rejoice for He has made me glad
He has made me glad, He has made me glad I will rejoice for He has made me glad
Recitation Curriculum:
Please look at the recitation
curriculum at the end of this book. By H.H. Pope Shenouda III
Some think that life with God means just faith or love or spirit without caring much about virtues or behaviour.
But the Bible is concerned
with the Christian behaviour, especially about condemnation, as it says,
"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who
This spiritual behaviour is considered an evidence of being firm in God. The Apostle, expects a very high level by saying, "He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. " (I Jn 2:6)
Therefore, we are also expected to act according to the spirit, by taking the behaviour of Our Lord Jesus as an example to follow...
The importance of Christian behaviour is shown in God's saying, "You will know them by their fruits. " (Mt 7:16)
This behaviour has two sides: positive and negative. Each side has its own danger. Therefore, St. John, the Apostle says, "But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the Blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanses us from all sin. " (I Jn 1:7). This shows the positive side.
As for the negative side, the Apostle says, "If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practise the truth. " (I Jn 1:6)
Therefore, our Christian behaviour is an evidence of our fellowship with God. It is also an evidence of our fellowship with the Church...
Accordingly, the Church sets
apart anyone who does not behave properly, as in St Paul's letter to the
Corinthians, "Put away from yourselves that wicked
St John also says, "But we
command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus
Christ, that you withdraw
from every brother who leads a disorderly life and not
If behaviour is considered of
no significance and only faith is important, why then did the Apostle
consider it the top of joy, when he said, "I have no greater joy than
We are believers, but we have to, "... lead a life worthy of the calling with which you were called.. " (Eph 4:1). We also have to bear fruit, "Therefore, every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire..." (Mt 3:10)
OCTOBER THIRD SUNDAY
The Life of St. Matthew
Please read the attached materials entitled “St. Matthew”, “Your Eternity”, and give the lesson with emphasis on the points below.
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON: To learn that when we love God, we will be ready to give up all materialistic things for His sake. As God called Levi to become His Disciple, He is also calling every one of us to follow Him.
MEMORY VERSE:
Jesus said to Matthew “follow me and he rose up and followed Him”. Matt. 9:9
PLEASE EMPHASIZE:
+ What’s your favourite activity? What would you do if the Lord Jesus came and called you during this activity?
+ Our church celebrates the feast of the martyrdom of St. Matthew on Baba 12 (around October 22)
+ His name was Levi. He became one of the 12 Disciples. He followed Jesus and left everything. Can we give up something we like because of our love for Jesus? Can we stop playing to pray? Can we save some money for the poor? Levi was his old name and he became St. Matthew because he loved Jesus and gave up a lot for him. In return Our Lord Jesus Christ gave him a new life that is much happier and hence even His name changed from Levi to St. Matthew.
+ St. Matthew wrote the Gospel according to St. Matthew. He preached Christianity in Philistine, in Side and Sour and then went to Ethiopia. In Ethiopia he entered the city of the priests who worshipped idols. He taught them about Jesus and convinced them that He is the true God. While he was preaching to them a table came from heaven and a great light appeared with it. They believed in Christ and he baptized them.
+ One time the son of the King of Ethiopia died. St. Matthew prayed for him and gave him life again.
+ After he preached in other countries, he came to Jerusalem he wrote his Gospel in Jerusalem.
+ He was martyred by stoning on the hands of Phostos the King.
+ St. Anthony the Great also gave up all his possessions to the poor for the sake of God and to concentrate on the life of prayer. He became the first monk.
+ May the prayers of St. Matthew be with us.
Note:
Please ask the children to summarize what was talked about and give prizes.
WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THIS LESSON?
(1) I will follow Jesus and give up some of my comforts, some of my toys and carry the Cross after Jesus. I will help my parents in doing the housework even if they did not ask for my help.
(2) We are also called by Our Lord Jesus to become Christ-like and be able to attract others to become Christians.
SONGS
I PUT MY LIFE INTO YOUR
HANDS “Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (mat 11:28) I put my life into Your hands my Saviour and my Lord Lead me and guide, hold my hand and help me serve Your word Please protect me lest I fall Your Holy name I always call Bless me and sanctify my soul until I see the Lord
REFRAIN Your tender voice I hear whether I am far or near Come to Me o troubled come I will help you to overcome Come to Me heavy laden come and I shall give you rest
When life’s troubles worry me when darkness is so near All the clouds will disappear when the Lord’s light appear The Lord is my shield and my hope He is my strength and my goal His love protects me from the foe until I see the Lord Recitation Curriculum:
Please look at the recitation
curriculum at the end of this book. By H.H. Pope Shenouda III
Most people think only of
their lives on earth, all their wishes are concentrated on this earthly
life. All their efforts and struggle are for its sake, but as for their
Your whole life on earth is not worth a twinkle of an eye, if compared with the endless eternity... Your life on earth is just the preparation for such an eternity, the immortal life... Maybe sticking to a worldly honour makes you lose all the respect that the saints receive in the everlasting glory... Nevertheless, you still stick to this worldly honour and sacrifice your eternity, as if you do not care!! Perhaps your sticking to some of the temporary or passing worldly pleasures deprives you of eternal happiness... Therefore, you have to be convinced of the importance of eternity, put it always in front of your eyes. Everything becomes of small value compared to it. How good is the saying of the Apostle, St Paul, to the Corinthians, "While we do not look at the things which are seen, but all the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary but the things which are not seen are eternal. " (2 Cor 4:18) Truly, in this view, the main difference between a wise person and an ignorant person is quite clear. The ignorant is short sighted, his look does not proceed beyond the visible things. But the wise person looks too far, to even after death... and keeps thinking: What will become of me after I take off this body? Where shall I go? What shall I be? And you, brother, with what are you busy...? Where did you leave your heart? Here or there?... For where your heart is, there your treasures will be also... The wise feel they are strangers on earth and do not concentrate their hopes on earth, but "... he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. " (Heb 11:10) He who gives importance to his eternity is raised above the earth and all earthly things. Nothing in this world attracts him. The whole world is behind him and not in front of him...
St. Matthew
St. Matthew is known by two names; Levi, and by St. Mark the son of Alpheus. It is probable that Levi was his original name and that he took, or was given the name of Matthew (“the gift of Yahveh”) when he became a follower of our Lord. He seems to have been a Galilean by birth, and was by profession a publican, or gatherer of taxes for the Romans, a profession which was infamous to the Jews, especially those of the Pharisees’ party; they were in general so grasping and extortionate that they were no more popular among the Gentiles. The Jews abhorred them to the extent of refusing to marry into a family that had a publican among its members, banished them from communion in religious worship, and shunned them in all affairs of civil society and commerce. But it is certain that St. Matthew was a Jew, as well as a publican.
The Story of Matthew’s call is told in his own gospel. Jesus had just confounded some of the Scribes by curing a man who was sick with palsy, and passing on saw the despised publican in his customhouse. “And he said to him, ‘Follow me’. And he rose up and followed Him.” Matthew left all his interests and relations to become our Lord’s Disciple and to embrace a spiritual commerce. We cannot assume that he was totally unacquainted with our Saviour’s person or doctrine, especially as his office was at Capharnum, where he had resided for some time and where our Saviour had preached and wrought many miracles, by which no doubt had an influence upon him. But the great cause of his conversion was, as St. Bede remarks, “He who called him outwardly by His word at the same time moved him inwardly by the invisible instinct of His grace.” The calling of St. Matthew happened in the second year of the public ministry of Christ, who adopted him into the holy family of the Apostles, whom are the spiritual leaders of His Church.
OCTOBER Fourth SundayRUTH
Please read the book of Ruth, chapter 1 to 4 and give the lesson with emphasis on the points below.
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON: To learn that Ruth was faithful to her mother-in-law. God rewarded her for her faithfulness. She was very polite in her dealings with everyone.
MEMORY VERSE:
Ruth said to Naomi “For whether you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge” Ruth 1:16
PLEASE EMPHASIZE:
Opening Question: How does God expect us to treat all people? What does He promise us in return?
+ The book of Ruth is known to be written by the prophet Samuel.
+ A Moabite girl named Ruth was married to a Jew who was a believer of God. When he died, she went back with her mother-in-law and worshiped God as her mother-in-law did. Her mother-in-law was an old lady who needed help. Ruth put her future on the line and went with her mother-in-law.
+ This is the only book in the Bible that is named after a Moabite girl’s name because of the very significant role that she played.
+ The Lord Jesus came from the descendent of Ruth. Please read Matthew 1:1-16. She got married to Boaz, she had a child and named him Obed. “He is the father of Jesse, the Father of David” Ruth 4:17
+ This book shows us the relationship of the Lord Jesus Christ by flesh to both the Jews (represented by Boaz) and the Gentiles (represented by Ruth) and to all people in the world.
+ Ruth was very polite, when speaking to her mother-in-law, to Boaz and to the harvesters. We must also be very polite and kind when we speak to other people.
+ Ruth showed a lot of love to her mother-in-law. See the memory verse.
+ When Naomi and Ruth entered Bethlehem, the whole city was moved and they asked: Is this Naomi? They all expected Naomi to be back to her land with her husband and her children and all her belongings. But she came back with nothing except her daughter-in-law. But the Lord worked with her and the Bible said “for your daughter-in-law, who loves you, who is better to you then seven sons....” Ruth 4:15
+ Boaz became Ruth’s husband. Ruth gave birth to Obed. God rewarded Ruth. She was polite, she had love and she sacrificed her own life to accompany her mother-in-law.
Note:
Please ask the children to summarize what was talked about and give prizes.
WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THIS LESSON?
(1) God looks from up above. When we do good things to others, He will reward us generously.
(2) We have to be polite when we deal with all kinds of people.
(3) As God worked with Naomi and Ruth, He is willing to work with us. The church prays saying to God “participate in the work of thy servants”. Let us also pray in our personal prayers asking God to work with us.
SONGS
I PUT MY LIFE INTO YOUR HANDS “Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (mat 11:28)
I put my life into Your hands my Saviour and my Lord Lead me and guide, hold my hand and help me serve Your word Please protect me lest I fall Your Holy name I always call Bless me and sanctify my soul until I see the Lord
REFRAIN Your tender voice I hear whether I am far or near Come to Me o troubled come I will help you to overcome Come to Me heavy laden come and I shall give you rest
When life’s troubles worry me when darkness is so near All the clouds will disappear when the Lord’s light appear The Lord is my shield and my hope He is my strength and my goal His love protects me from the foe until I see the Lord
Recitation Curriculum:Please look at the recitation curriculum at the end of this book.
NOVEMBERFIRST SUNDAY
The Book of Exodus “I” - The Need For Salvation From The Slavery in Egypt
Please read chapter 1 of Exodus and give the lesson with emphasis on the points below
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON: This is a series of 4 lessons from the book of Exodus. We would like to emphasize God’s love and His plan to help His people. In this lesson we would also like to show that the suffering of the Israelites in Egypt is similar to the suffering we experience when leading a sinful life.
MEMORY VERSE:
“But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew.” Ex, 1:12
PLEASE EMPHASIZE:
+ Chapter 1: Israel’s suffering in Egypt and the need for salvation from the slavery in Egypt:
+ Exodus 1:1-7 “The Hebrews in Egypt” The existence of the Hebrews in Egypt happened when Jacob and his family brought the Hebrews in Egypt and they increased in number and became strong. Joseph was the first one to come to Egypt when his brothers sold him. Later on, he helped the whole world overcome the famine.
+ Exodus 1:8-14 “Hebrews’ slavery in Egypt” The Jews were under the authority of the Egyptians. The Egyptians made the children of Israel their slaves. The new King of Egypt did not know Joseph and was very afraid of their growth. He made a plan to destroy them. This is similar to what the devil practices on us when he sees our spiritual growth.
+ Exodus 1:15-22 “Killing of the newborn males” The killing of the males: The king wanted to weaken the Hebrews by having a minimum number of men. So he ordered the killing of all newborn males.
+ “But the midwives feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the male children alive” Ex, 1:17. The Lord rewarded the midwives not because they lied to the king but because they had mercy. In this scenario, the king represents the devil who always likes to do evil things like killing. The devil would like to kill us in all aspects: our minds, our spirits, and our lives.
Note:
Please ask the children to summarize what was talked about and give prizes.
WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THIS LESSON?
(1) The people and their slavery in Egypt are similar to enslavement to the devil when one leads a sinful life. We have to reject the devil and any sinful actions.
(2) We lose our peace when we lie or commit any other sin. Why? Because we become like slaves to the devil who in turn makes us miserable beings.
SONGS
PSALM 150
Praise God, in all His saints Praise Him, in the firmament of His power. Praise Him, for His mighty acts. Praise Him, according to the multitudes of His greatness. Praise Him, with the sound of the trumpet Praise Him, with psAltary and harp Praise Him, with timbrel and chorus Praise Him, with strings and organs Praise Him, with pleasant-sounding cymbals Praise Him, upon the cymbals of joy. Let every thing that has breath praise the name of the Lord our God. Alleluia Glory be to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Now and forever and to the ages of ages, Amen Alleluia, Alleluia Glory be to Thee, our God . Alleluia. Glory be to our God. Alleluia O Jesus Christ, the Son of God, hear us and have mercy upon us.
Recitation Curriculum:Please look at the recitation curriculum at the end of this book.
NOVEMBER SECOND SUNDAY
The Book of Exodus “II” - “The Preparation Of Moses To Serve”
Please read Exodus chapters 2 & 3 and give the lesson with emphasis on the points below.
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON: This is lesson two in a series of four from the book of Exodus. We would like to emphasize God’s love and plan to help His people. In this lesson we learn that God knows everything about us and will act to help us with His strong hands at the proper time.
MEMORY VERSE:
But Moses said to God “Whom am I that I should go to the Pharaoh” Exodus 3:11
PLEASE EMPHASIZE:
Please review the previous lesson.
+ Exodus 2:1-4 “Moses in the river” God protects Moses. God is preparing Moses for something very important: to get the Hebrews out of Egypt.
+ Exodus 2:5-10 “Moses in the Palace” Moses is in the palace of the king to see for himself the wickedness against his people. This was arranged by God as part of the preparation of Moses.
+ Exodus 2:11-15 “Moses serves by his own initiative” Moses started serving God in a wrong way. He was very enthusiastic, but in a wrong way. As a result, he killed the Egyptians.
+ Exodus 2:16-25 “Moses’ flight to Median” Moses became a shepherd and married the daughter of a priest. As a shepherd, Moses learned to be kind, patient and careful. These are the qualities of a good shepherd.
+ Exodus 3:1-5 “Moses at the Burning Bush” God spoke to Moses from the bush which was burning but not consumed. This is a symbol of the Virgin Mary who had Our Lord Jesus in her womb and did not get burnt by His Divinity.
+ Exodus 3:6-10 “God’s call for Moses to serve” Moses was invited by God to go to Pharaoh in order to bring the people of Israel out of Egypt. This section of the Bible says that God: saw, heard and knew about the suffering of His people and that He had a plan to save them.
+ Exodus 3:11-13 Moses tried to decline from his mission Moses started to think of his weaknesses and wanted to decline from going to pharaoh.
+ Exodus 3:14-22 “The strong hands of God” God told Moses to tell the people of Israel that He has seen their affliction and will get them out of Egypt. Not only did the people of Israel leave Egypt, but also God promised them not to leave empty handed but will take many possessions from the Egyptians.
Note:
Please ask the children to summarize what was talked about and give prizes.
WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THIS LESSON?
(1) God loves us and He will act at the right time to help us. He will never forsake us.
(2) We learn from Moses’ actions to be patient and wait until God gives us the indication to serve.
(3) As Moses preferred to help his people and leave the enjoyment in the palace, we also have to do our best to serve our church. We must learn to give up our comfort, time and money for the sake of our church.
(4) God helps the humble people. When Moses felt that he was weak for his mission, God gave him great support and strengthened him.
SONGS PSALM 150 Praise God, in all His saints Praise Him, in the firmament of His power. Praise Him, for His mighty acts. Praise Him, according to the multitudes of His greatness. Praise Him, with the sound of the trumpet Praise Him, with psAltary and harp Praise Him, with timbrel and chorus Praise Him, with strings and organs Praise Him, with pleasant-sounding cymbals Praise Him, upon the cymbals of joy. Let every thing that has breath praise the name of the Lord our God. Alleluia Glory be to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Now and forever and to the ages of ages, Amen Alleluia, Alleluia Glory be to Thee, our God . Alleluia. Glory be to our God. Alleluia O Jesus Christ, the Son of God, hear us and have mercy upon us.
Recitation Curriculum:Please look at the recitation curriculum at the end of this book.
NOVEMBER THIRD SUNDAY
The Book of Exodus “III” - “Meeting the Pharaoh in the palace”
Please read chapters 4, 5, and 6 and give the lesson with emphasis on the points below.
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON: This is lesson three in a series of four from the book of Exodus. We would like to emphasize God’s love and plan for His people. In this lesson we learn that we have to be patient for things to happen.
MEMORY VERSE:
“And I will be with your mouth and his mouth, and I will teach you what you shall do” Exodus 4:15
PLEASE EMPHASIZE:
Please review the previous lessons.
Chapter 4: Moses Returns to Egypt:
+ Three miracles for the people Exodus 4:1-9 God allowed Moses to perform miracles to prove to the people that God met him and asked him to serve
+ “I am not eloquent” Exodus 4:10-13 Moses felt that he was too weak to do the work.
+ Aaron will help Moses...Exodus 4:14-17 God provided Moses with help. Two are better than one. + Moses left Median (Exodus 4:18-23)
+ The start of the work (Exodus 4:27) Moses met Aaron.
Chapter 5 and 6: Let My People Go:
+ Meeting with the Pharaoh in the palace…Exodus 5:1-5 Pharaoh (who represents the devil) became very angry when he heard the name of God.
+ Increased the hardship on the people...Exodus 5:6-15
+ The complaint of the Hebrews...Exodus 5:16-23 Moses lost his patience when he said “Lord, why have You brought trouble on this people.” Exodus 5:22
+ The Assurance of the Lord to Moses … Exodus 6:1 -13
Note:
Please ask the children to summarize what was talked about and give prizes.
WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THIS LESSON?
(1) If God is with us, we must be patient and not fear anything. It may appear at first that we cannot reach what the Lord wants us to do. He wants us to worship Him away from the slavery of the world (represented here by Egypt). We must be patient because God will help us to get out of Egypt (i.e. to get rid of all the bad things and the sin) and live with Him.
(2) Two are better than one. This is why God sent Aaron with Moses. We also have to take each other’s opinion and cooperate with one another.
SONGS AWESOME GOD
Our God is an awesome God He reigns in Heaven above With wisdom, power and love Our God is an awesome God
Recitation Curriculum:Please look at the recitation curriculum at the end of this book.
NOVEMBER Fourth Sunday
The Book of Exodus “IV” - “The Ten Plagues”
Please read Exodus Chapters 7 to 12 and give the lesson with emphasis on the points below.
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON: This is lesson four in a series of four lessons from the book of Exodus. In this lesson we learn that we can defeat the devil with the help of God.
MEMORY VERSE:
“The Lord said to Moses see I have made you as God to Pharaoh” Exodus 7:1
PLEASE EMPHASIZE: Please review the previous three lessons.
Chapter 7: Moses before the Pharaoh: + Introduction to the plagues...Exodus 7:1-13 + The change of water to blood…Exodus 7:14
Chapter 8 to 12: The ten Plagues and the Passover: + A plague of frogs...Exodus 8:1-15 + A plague of lice…Exodus 8:16-19 + A plague of flies...Exodus 8:20-32 + A plague on the cattle of the Egyptians...Exodus 9:1-7 + A plague of sores on the skin…Exodus 9:8-12 + A plague of a hail storm... Exodus 9:13-35 + A plague of locusts...Exodus 10:1-20 + A plague of darkness...Exodus 10:21-29 + A plague of killing every first-born in Egypt...Exodus 11 and Exodus 12
+ Pharaoh’s position with respect to the plagues: 1. In the beginning he accused Moses and Aaron of making the people lazy... Exodus 5:17 2. As the plagues started, he cried to Moses and Aaron. Exodus 8:15 3. As the plagues became more severe, he told Moses to make their worship and offerings in Egypt…Exodus 8:25 4. Moses insisted that he must go out of Egypt to worship God. Pharaoh agreed only to let them in the wilderness but to stay close by... Exodus 8:28 5. Then Pharaoh allowed only men to go out i.e. without their women and children Exodus 10:10. But Moses refused. 6. Pharaoh allowed them to go out but without their cattle. Exodus 10:26. But Moses refused. 7. Then ultimately, Pharaoh let them all go under the huge power of God in the tenth plague.
Note:
Please ask the children to summarize what was talked about and give prizes.
WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THIS LESSON?
(1) We can say no to the devil and refuse to do anything bad.
(2) We must insist in worshiping God while we are free from the devil (represented by Pharaoh and the Egyptians)
(3) No matter how strong the devil is, (represented by the pharaoh) God is much stronger and He can protect us and save us from the devil.
(4) When we say that the Lord Jesus is our Saviour, we mean that He saves us from slavery of sin and the devil as He saved his people from slavery in Egypt.
SONGS AWESOME GOD
Our God is an awesome God He reigns in Heaven above With wisdom, power and love Our God is an awesome God
Recitation Curriculum:Please look at the recitation curriculum at the end of this book.
DECEMBERFIRST SUNDAY
When It Comes To God, Do Not Say: “How” As Zechariah did
Please read Luke 1:5-25 and give the lesson with emphasis on the points below.
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON: We must trust the promises of God and not question Him. Let the children understand that when the Lord Jesus came he fulfilled His promise. God does things His own way.
MEMORY VERSE:
“For he will be great before the Lord” Luke 1:15
PLEASE EMPHASIZE:
+ Please read the Bible to the class, Luke 1:5-25 and explain as you go along.
+ Describe the conditions in which St. John was born. His parents were too old to have a son, but they kept praying. God promised that when we pray in faith, He will give us what we need and much more. Remember that God is our heavenly Father who loves us very much. We must trust God’s promises and always pray with faith.
+ Zechariah remained silent because he did not believe the message of God. He could not comprehend God’s love and instead questioned Him. What God was about to do was above Zechariah’s understanding. That is why he questioned Him.
+ Archangel Gabriel appeared in theAltar. He was shining and brought good news, Zechariah was afraid.
+ Ask the children to list what they know about St. John the Baptist from what is mentioned in Luke 1:5-25: concerning his life, his personality and his role.
+ Before the Lord Jesus came, St. John the Baptist told the people that Jesus is God incarnate, the Lamb of God, and the Saviour. This was the job of St. John the Baptist; to tell people about Christ. What would you like to do when you grow up? Please ask the children this question. Would anyone like to work as a preacher or in a church to serve God?
+ Even if we do not understand what the Bible is teaching us we must trust God, obey God, and say no to the devil. As we grow older we will understand more.
+ God promised Adam and Eve when they committed the original sin, that He would save them again. Many centuries passed by, but God’s promise held true.
+ Let us be happy these days. Why? Because it is nearly Christmas. What is the main purpose of this occasion? The main purpose is the birth of Jesus Christ, we celebrate this because He came to save us.
Note:
Please ask the children to summarize what was talked about and give prizes.
WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THIS LESSON?
(1) As God fulfilled His promise, we must also fulfill our promises to our parents, friends and all people. Let us question only the devil. Never question God Who loves us.
(2) When we pray let us only submit our requests to God and not question Him. God has His ways which are above our understanding.
SONGS
FEAST OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST: VERSES OF THE CYMBALS
Hiten ni epresveya ente Through the intercessions pisengenees en Of the kinsman of Emmanuel Emmanueel Youannis John the son of Zachariah epshiri en Zakhareyas, O Lord grant us the Epchois.. forgiveness of our sins.
Recitation Curriculum:Please look at the recitation curriculum at the end of this book.
DECEMBER SECOND SUNDAY
“The Birth Of The Lord Jesus Was Announced”“Let Us Be Obedient”
Please read Luke 1:26-38 and give the lesson with emphasis on the points below.
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON: To let the children rejoice for this joyful news and know these events by heart.
MEMORY VERSE:
“I’m the handmaid of the Lord” Luke 1:38
PLEASE EMPHASIZE:
+ Start by reviewing the story of the birth of St. John the Baptist. The conversation between the Angel and Zechariah was different from the one with the Virgin Mary. The Angel started greeting the Virgin Mary to the extent that she was very surprised.
+ Zechariah did not believe the message of the angel. The Virgin Mary believed and obeyed.
+ Ask the children to talk about the main characteristics of the Virgin Mary: simplicity “let it be to me according to your word”, humbleness and obedience “I am the handmaid of the Lord.”
+ Discuss: What is the meaning of the word, ‘obedience’? It means that we should follow God’s word, even if we don’t understand it now. Similarly, we have to obey our parents, teachers and father of confession. When we do so, we are winners.
+ The Holy Spirit granted the Virgin Mary the greatest gift. She gave birth to a child who is Holy. He is the Son of God. This happened because of God’s love towards her and her obedience to Him. As Christians, we have the Holy Spirit who can work in us and give us great gifts. But we must be obedient as St. Mary was.
+ What are things that make us happy? Is it more toys? Is it more food? Is it more clothes? What should make us rejoice? It must be true peace and a share in eternal life; which can only be obtained from our faith and life with our Lord Jesus Christ.
Note:
Please ask the children to summarize what was talked about and give prizes.
WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THIS LESSON?
(1) Let us be extra happy and rejoice these days as we prepare for Christmas.
(2) Let us sing the hymns of the month of Kyiahk with the church.
SONGS
TO MARY CAME GABRIEL
“Blessed are you among women” (Lk 1:28)
To Mary Came Gabriel to a village in Galilee And told her God is with you O Mary, peace be with you
Hail O favourite one on earth you will bear Jesus the Christ And His name Emmanuel means the Lord is with us
In the manger the Lord was born the heaven is His throne On the hay was His bed Christ the King He laid His head
The angels of the heavenly host praised the Lord for His birth Glory to God in the highest and peace be on earth.
Recitation Curriculum:Please look at the recitation curriculum at the end of this book.
DECEMBER THIRD SUNDAY
“St. Mary the Servant and Mother of God”
Please read Luke 1:39-56 and give the lesson with emphasis on the points below.
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
To show that we must take the initiative to serve others and be good to them.
MEMORY VERSE:
“And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her house” Luke 1:56
PLEASE EMPHASIZE:
+ Please start initially by reviewing with the children all that they know about St. Mary and her help to St. Elizabeth.
+ Let the children read Luke 1:39-56 and explain as you go along. St. Mary went into the hill country with haste to serve St. Elizabeth by her own initiative. St. Elizabeth was a very old lady and was pregnant. How did St. Mary serve St. Elizabeth? List all the housework she might have done. St. Mary is the Mother of God. We too have to help others especially around our own house or apartment.
+ After St. Mary served St. Elizabeth for three months she went back to her home and did not attend the party of St. John’s birth. She refused to be praised. We too must serve without asking or expecting any reward. As St. Mary refused any praise from people, God rewarded her handsomely:
1. The Lord glorified St. Mary and gave her the title, “Mother of God.”
2. The Angel cheerfully greeted her.
3. St. Elizabeth greeted her and received her in her house with joy.
4. St. John the Baptist jumped for joy inside Elizabeth’s womb when St. Mary arrived and was filled with the Holy Spirit.
5. St. Joseph honoured St. Mary and helped her by fulfilling her every need as the Angel asked him.
6. All generations’ call St. Mary blessed.
7. When St. Mary departed from this world the Angels took her body away to Heaven.
8. St. Mary makes many miracles through her prayers to God.
+ With all this glory in St. Mary’s life, she was a servant of God. Even the Lord Jesus Himself did not come to be served but to serve others and die on the Cross to save us. When we serve others, we should help the needy and the elders in order for us to follow the footsteps of our Lord Jesus Christ and His Mother St. Mary.
Note:
Please ask the children to summarize what was talked about and give prizes.
WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THIS LESSON?
(1) Take the initiative to help others at home, school and in the church.
(2) As St. Mary refused any praise from people, God rewarded her very well. We too, when we do something good to others, we must thank God and wait for His heavenly rewards only.
SONGS THE FIERY BUSH REFRAIN The fiery bush that Moses had seen in the wilderness Burning with fire from within and the bush was not consumed
Is a figure of the blessed Mother of the light who carried the Divine Ember Nine full months in her womb, with a perpetual virginity.
I open my mouth and speak about the hidden mysteries And honour Mary, the Mother of the Light Blessed are you among women
Gabriel announced to her the incarnation of the Word She carried her Lord in her womb Blessed are you among women
David, you father , spoke of you with prophetic sayings The God of gods became your son: Blessed are you among women
You are the Mother of your creator who came to save the human race He came and dwelt in your womb Blessed are you among women
Recitation Curriculum:Please look at the recitation curriculum at the end of this book.
DECEMBER FOURTH SUNDAY
The People Of Judea Kept The News In Their Hearts“Think Before You speak”
Please read Luke 1:57-66 and give the lesson with emphasis on the points below.
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
We must learn to think more and speak less. We must think before we speak.
MEMORY VERSE:
“And all these who heard them (the news) kept in their hearts saying what kind of child will this be” Luke 1:66
PLEASE EMPHASIZE:
+ Please review with the children all that they know about the pre-Christmas events.
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