Activity Array

Here you'll find an array of activities for elementary children that can be used in Children's Ministry, after-school programs, in the classroom and by homeschoolers.

Tag Archives: GraceLink


by Leave a comment

Moses 2 — Journey to Mt. Sinai — Exodus 13-18

Free at Last to Go Meet God at Mt. Sinai

God promised Abraham that that his family would have the land of Canaan. He accurately predicted that they would spend time in Egypt and that he would bring them out. The book of Exodus tells how this happened. God did bring his chosen people, the Israelite’s, to the land of Canaan, the promised land. Here are some presentations we have done during Zoom Sabbath School from the life of Moses. This part covers the stories of the Israelites on their way to Mt Sinai and while there. God established a covenant with them and made them a nation with a promise of land of their own.

Led by a Pillar Cloud and through the Red Sea — Exodus 13-15

Moses Led by God’s Glory Cloud Ex13 14Download

In this presentation, the kids will get to make a craft and act out the story of the dramatic escape through the Red Sea. The Israelite’s were in a pickle; a God-designed pickle. How would they escape the Egyptians when they were stuck between mountains and the gigantic Red Sea? When we are in a pickle, we too can be calm, pray, and know that God will make a way. He will fight for us. He will lead us. He will always be with us!

Water! Bitter to Sweet at Marah — Exodus 15

Moses Marah Bitter to Better to Blessed Ex 15Download

After 3 days of traveling in the desert. The Isrealites didn’t have any more water! They couldn’t find water for days. When they did find water, it was bitter! While telling the story we make hot chocolate. The bitter baker’s chocolate makes us realize what a bitter surprise that would be. The people cried out to God and He healed the water at Marah. We have bitter times too. It may be someone being mean, a friend leaving us, death, or something else. We too can cry out to God. He will heal our bitterness — despair to delight; sadness to gladness; fear to faith… God healed the water and it was sweet. We add sugar, hot water, and cream to our hot chocolate. God didn’t stop there. He gives us abundant joy! Just like God then led the Israelites to a beautiful oasis of springs and trees, God promises to bring us to a place of peace and joy. Just trust and follow.

What is it? God provides Manna — Exodus 16

Moses Manna in the DesertDownload

Let’s learn about a special day, the Sabbath, that God gives us to worship him. It’s the first holiday! I like to spread out a clean sheet and cover it with something like sweet cornflakes or rice-crispies. Then I give each child a quart jar so that they can gather ‘manna’ cereal while we review the story and talk about our wonderful God. This Sabbath activity teller gives kids and families great ideas to do on Sabbath. Print the pages back to back.

sabbath-activity-chooser-fortune-tellerDownload

Water From the Rock at Horeb — God Satisfies our Thirst — Exodus 17:1-7

Moses Water1FromRock God satisfies thirstDownload

In this presentation we look at the short story found in Exodus 17:1-7. After traveling in the desert, the people were really thirsty! We talk about how we thirst for God. God will satisfy us. At the end, there is a BINGO game that reviews many water Bible stories and verses about how God quenches our thirst for His goodness.

Moses Water Bottle LabelDownload
Moses 1st Water From Rock Thirsty Water BingoDownload

Amalekites Defeated — God is our Banner — Exodus 17

Moses — Amalekites Defeated –The Lord is My BannerDownload

In this short story, the Bible highlights the importance of God’s role in winning the fight against our enemies. While Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning the battle. Hur and Aaron helped keep his hands raised. At the end, Moses stated that the LORD is my banner. They had banners or flags like we do that represent our country, state, club, and ideals. God is who we pledge allegiance to. He is our Sovereign LORD. In this presentation we talk about various flags, what they represent, the meaning of their colors and symbols, and their pledge (if they have one). Two of the slides are shown above. The craft is to make a banner or flag that represents God.

Jethro visits Moses — Carrying One Another’s Burdens — Exodus 18

Moses visited by Jethro Ex 18Download

In this interactive presentation, the story starts out with Moses describing how God had freed and cared for the Israelites. As a review of the stories of Moses, the children are encouraged to pick a story picture and either do a charade, pictionary, or 20 questions to help others guess the story. Jethro stays in camp and witnesses Moses sitting down as judge to help the Israelites solve their problems. The children are encouraged to name types of problems they face and put a large stone in a large bucket for each problem. The full and very heavy bucket, later, is used to demonstrate how we need to carry one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). Have a very stout long stick on hand so they can all work together to carry the bucket of heavy stones. We finish by making paper bag puppets to practice bearing one another’s burdens by listening, praying, empathizing, encouraging one another, and being a helping hand.

Moses Jethro Bear Burdens Sack PuppetsDownload

Under Construction: Moses, God’s Agent — Part 3 — Nearing the Promised Land

Continue the stories of Moses as they near the Promised Land Again


by Leave a comment

Paul’s Role in the First Church

Paul wrote many of the books in the New Testament. He wanted everyone to know that we do not earn salvation, it is a free gift from God. Salvation is for everyone no matter what their race or station in life. God loves and calls each one of us and offers us the gifts of forgiveness, new life, and eternal life. Life as a Christian may not be easy, but we have hope and peace. Paul’s life was not easy, but it is fascinating and his message is filled with hope. He traveled far and wide and started many churches of believers. Believers that believed that Jesus is the Son of God, our Savior, Lord, and King.

These presentations give the backdrop to tell the salvation story as you read and tell the story of Paul.

Saul’s Conversion — Acts 9

Paul’s First Missionary Journey — Acts 11, 13 & 14

Paul’s Second Missionary Journey — Acts 16 to 18

Paul’s Third Missionary Journey — Acts 18 to 21

Paul’s Journey to Rome — Acts 22-28

For more stories from Acts — Return to The First Church summary and index


by Leave a comment

Peter’s Role in the First Church

Although Peter denied Jesus at His trial, Jesus gave Peter a second chance after His resurrection. Three times Jesus asked Peter if he loved him. Peter replied that Jesus knew in his heart he did. Jesus told him to care for His lambs and feed His sheep. Peter did just that. He taught them about God’s love and power. Through the awesome power of God and Jesus’ name, he was God’s instrument to heal many and even raise some to life. Many believed in Jesus and were saved.

These presentations are a backdrop that you can use to tell these wonderful stories from the life of Peter and his part of God’s story — History.

In the Name of Jesus — Acts 3-4

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is lamewalks-bebold.png

In Jesus’ name, Peter and John heal a lame man. The story is in the song. He went walking and leaping and praising God. Even though the leaders, told Peter and John to never do or say anything in Jesus’ name again, they said they couldn’t stop. They prayed that they would be bold. They praised God and God gave them courage! 5,000 people believed that it is Jesus who saves!

Peter at Lydda — Aenas is healed; Dorcas is Alive — Acts 9

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is peter-dorcas.png

Dorcas loved to make clothes for others, but she got sick and died. Now what will happen? We’ll find out in this presentation. We’ll also find out how they made clothes back then. Watch the story, make some clothes, read, listen, and tell the story. Will you accept the challenge to give some clothes to the poor too?

Peter Called by Cornelius Acts 10

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is petercornelius.png
The story of Cornelius and Peter shows that God does not show favoritism. Salvation is for people from all nations! Read about it in Acts 10. The vision of the animals sparked several fun activities. We started with a game where the kids had to figure out which animal was on their back by listening to other’s clues. During the story, kids had fun filling up the sheet with animals. We also talked a little about clean and unclean animals. However the real point of the story is that God loves everyone! Salvation is for everyone! We too, should share God’s love with everyone.

Peter rescued from Prison, Again! Acts 12

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is peter-freedprison.png
Peter is thrown into prison, yet again. Sometimes trouble comes. Peter knew that if God was willing, He could save him. He trusted God so much, he slept! In 1 Peter 5:10, Peter shares that God gives the grace we need. Even tho we suffer, He will make us strong and steady. An egg put in boiling water may ‘suffer’ but it does become firm, strong, and steady. In the telling of the story, kids are encouraged to act it out. One way to retell the story would be to use this background and Peter & angel puppet. Another optional craft is a clock – God is with me and answers prayer all the time.

Peter writes a letter — 1 Peter

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is peterauthor-1peter.png
To finish our look at the First Church through the eyes of Peter we turn to his letter, 1 Peter. Here he reminds the church of God’s love, forgiveness, and power. He encourages them to be loving, kind, humble, respectful, truthful, and have self-control. In this presentation we make a puzzle, sing, play a game of choices, learn about bees, and make a craft of bees that remind us to bee loving, bee kind, etc.

For more stories from Acts — Return to The First Church summary and index


by Leave a comment

Moses 1 From Nile to Red Sea Exodus 1-15

Out of the Water and Through the Water

God promised Abraham that that his family would have the land of Canaan. He accurately predicted that they would spend time in Egypt and that he would bring them out. The book of Exodus tells how this happened. God did bring his chosen people, the Israelite’s, to the land of Canaan, the promised land. Here are some presentations we have done during Zoom Sabbath School from the life of Moses. This part covers the stories of Baby Moses through the Red Sea.

Moses — Drawn from the Nile in a Basket Boat

Moses Baby savedDownload

Moses’ was saved for a purpose. This PowerPoint presentation leads you in telling the story of his birth and being saved through his mother’s faith and a basket boat. The kids have an opportunity to make a basket and find hidden pictures in each slide that highlight aspects of the story.

A Burning Bush and God’s Plan

Moses Burning BushDownload

Moses has a heart for his birth family even though he grows up among the riches of the palace. However, that passion doesn’t end well at first. Because of murder, he flees to the dessert. Here God adds to his the leadership and military training he received in the palace. He learns patience and the ways of the desert as a shepherd and father. Now he is ready. God calls Moses from a burning bush. God hears the cry of His people. He sees their misery. He has a plan to save them. Kids can pretend to be Moses and act out the story.

Let My People Go! Plagues 1-8 — Exodus 5-10

God warned Moses that Pharaoh’s heart was hard and that it would take a mighty hand to deliver the Israelites. He also said He would reveal His Sovereignty. God designed the plagues to refute Egypts gods and show that indeed He was and is the One Ruler over all. This presentation also includes the story of bricks without straw which is the result of Moses’ first encounter with this Pharaoh. There are several craft options. If you have live specimens to show the kids, that would be fun.

Moses Pharaoh and the First 8 PlaguesDownload

Free to GO! The Last 2 Plagues and the First Passover — Exodus 10-12

Moses Last Plagues, Passover, and Free to GoDownload

In this PowerPoint presentation the kids review the first 8 plagues and then learn about the 9th plague of darkness and the final plague of the first born sons dying of the Egyptians. Finally Pharaoh is ready to let all the people and animals go free! God knows they won’t have long. While the Egyptians are plunged into darkness, the Isrealites quickly prepare to leave. God institutes the Passover Holiday to help them remember His Sovereignty and their Emancipation. God sets each of us free from the slavery of sin. Jesus, the Lamb of God, has died for us and rose again so that we can have eternal life and be with Him eternally in our Promised Land. Praise God!

Peek box Egypt darkness plagueDownload

Led by a Pillar Cloud and through the Red Sea

In this presentation, the kids will get to make a craft and act out the story of the dramatic escape through the Red Sea. The Israelite’s were in a pickle; a God-designed pickle. How would they escape the Egyptians when they were stuck between mountains and the gigantic Red Sea? When we are in a pickle, we too can be calm, pray, and know that God will make a way. He will fight for us. He will lead us. He will always be with us!
Moses Led by God’s Glory Cloud to the Red Sea Ex 13 14Download

Continue the stories of Moses as they near Mt Horeb, also called Mt Sinai, where they would meet with God.


by Leave a comment

King Saul

King Saul, his son, Jonathan are examples to us. Will we, like Saul, trust in our own wisdom and power or will we, like Jonathan trust in God? This decision is often a battle within us.  It is a battle which is not over getting the biggest or best, nor politics, nor showing our strength; the real battle is in our minds and hearts.  It is in overcoming temptation with God’s help.  It is overcoming our doubts, fears, and pride. We can win this battle by accepting the armor of God. It is with God help, that we will win the battle! 
Read Ephesians 6:10-18

Samuel Speaks for God and anoints Saul as King

God is King over all the earth. Israel had had judges but they wanted a king like the other nations. Samuel was God’s representative, his priest. God was not happy that the people wanted a king, but he chose Saul. Saul looked like a king. Would he be strong and brave? Would he obey and honor God? Samuel relayed God’s message: “22 But the Lord will be true to his great name. He won’t turn his back on his people. That’s because he was pleased to make you his own people. 23 I would never sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you. I’ll teach you to live in a way that is good and right. 24 But be sure to have respect for the Lord. Serve him faithfully. Do it with all your heart. Think about the great things he has done for you. 25 But don’t be stubborn. Don’t continue to do what is evil. If you do, both you and your king will be destroyed.”

Jonathan Fights in Faith — Winning With God

The Israelite army was far outnumbered. Saul and his army were scared to death. Jonathan and his armor bearer decide to go forward and see if God was willing to give the Philistines into their hands. With God they won the victory! How can we win against the evil and temptation that assail us each day? We can put on the armor of God! We don’t win by our strength, we win with God as our strength and shield. This presentation includes a fun game of Simon Says, and an umbrella shield activity along with the Bible story, songs and a craft. Have fun!

Continue the story of David >>> David, a Shepherd Boy, Becomes a King

David the Shepherd Boy; Anointed to be king; Slays Goliath!

This presentation covers a lot of ground. We review the Armor of God while reading about David. David is anointed then is invited to play the harp for Saul. The lesson culminates with David having the victory over Goliath. God is with him each step of the way as all along he portrays what it means to wear the full armor and fight a fight of faith, tho our fight is against evil.

Ziklag Raided and Burned, but David, with God, gains the Victory — 1 Samuel 30

David and his men are stuck in a hard place. They have sought refuge from the Philistine king, Achish, in the city of Ziklag, but now all the Philistines are going to go fight Israel. Must they fight their own people? God gives a way out. However now their city is burning and people have been taken away by the Amalekites. David seeks God and gets the victory after a long chase and fight with two thirds of his men. The others watched the baggage. Should they get a share of the loot? Learn that God is with us during hard times and that we work together as a team doing what we can. All will get the reward. Join in with songs, activities, and snack.

David gets a Crown, a City, and a Kingdom — 2 Samuel 5

God had promised David he would be king. David waited patiently and honored King Saul. After Saul died, there came a time when the people were ready and they crowned David king! In this presentation we get to make a crown and learn more about King David. We learn God gave him many victories and established his kingdom. David conquered Jerusalem and made it his capitol. There he built a palace. We’ll have fun going thru tunnels and building too. God is strong! He strengthens us!

David brings the God’s Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem —

David honors Jonathan and Mephibosheth —


by Leave a comment

Jacob Becomes Faithful

Jacob received the same promises from God that Abraham did. They were promised the land of Canaan and that Jesus would be born through their lineage. Jacob wasn’t perfect and neither are we. God works His purpose through us even though we are totally imperfect. He IS perfect. His plan is perfect. And it will all come to fruition in His perfect time.

Jacob, Isaac’s Son — find the stories of Jacob’s early life here.

Jacob’s Ladder — Genesis 28

This slide presentation includes a video of the story, Jacob’s Ladder, songs, memory text, a reading of the story from scripture while the kids pretend to be Jacob, and a craft.
Jacob’s Ladder updatedDownload

The Lord’s messages to Jacob for activity

Jacob Meets Rachel — Genesis 28

God was with Jacob. He had a safe trip. When he was near Harran, he found shepherds who knew Laban and then met Rachel. Later Jacob arranged to work for Laban so that he could marry Rachel. Jacob was a shepherd too. What do shepherds do to take care of sheep? Jesus said that He is our shepherd. He takes care of us. He takes care of us, even when bad things happen. What happened next was not fair. When it was time for Jacob to get married to Rachel, Leah was the secret bride. Jacob was tricked!

Jacob meets Rachel updatedDownload

Jacob — Work, Wages, and a Witness Pile — Genesis 30-31*

Jacob worked for 14 years for Leah and Rachel and then made an agreement with Laban. The streaked, spotted, mottled goats and sheep and black lambs would belong to Jacob. The plain colored would be Laban’s. Despite 10 wage changes, Jacob’s mating techniques were successful, thanks to God’s blessing and Laban and his sons became jealous, creating tensions. Jacob and his family decided to leave secretly, this didn’t resolve any difficulties. What can we do to resolve conflict? They made an agreement and a rock pile. The kids have an opportunity to do the same and make a Modge Podge rock with the a key verse. Through it all God watched over Jacob. (Genesis 31:49) God has plan to prosper us and give us hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Jacob and Laban Work, Wages, and Witness PileDownload

Memory verse Modge Podge Rock Craft

Jacob and Esau are Reunited — Genesis 32-33

Jacob ran because of his own lies and deceit. Then he ran because of Laban’s deceit. Now God told him to go home. He must face his brother, Esau. How will he make peace? How can we be peacemakers? First he prayed and humbled himself before God. He came to be at peace. Secondly, He humbled himself before his brother. He spoke and acted with humility. He was kind and gave gifts. This lesson includes an object lesson, craft, and a time in a tent.

Jacob and Esau Reunited updatedDownload
Jacob and Esau reunited Action CardsDownload

Jacob worships the LORD God Almighty — Genesis 35

In the midst of lies and deceit, God showed Himself to be Faithful and True. This lesson focuses on our Almighty God and how He is faithful even when we aren’t. He is merciful and always keeps His promises. The lesson also includes a review of Jacob’s life in the form of a Tic Tac Toe game.

Jacob Worships God Almighty Gen 35Download

______________________________________

* Previous Power Points

These 2 Power Points are combined and included in the above “Jacob — Work, Wages, and a Witness Pile” PowerPoint. I’m leaving them here because they focus on particular themes.

Jacob Works Faithfully — Genesis 30

This 15 slide slide presentation goes through the story of Jacob working to pay the dowry for Rachel, only to get Leah. He loves Rachel so much he works faithfully another 7 years for her. Jacob worked hard even when life didn’t seem fair.
We too should faithfully do our work.
JacobWorksFaithfully updatedDownload

Jacob Runs Away — Genesis 30:25-43

Jacob ran, but Laban catches up. God helps them to solve their disagreement and make a peaceful agreement. In this slide presentation we look at how to solve disagreements.
Jacob Runs From LabanDownload


by Leave a comment

Noah and the Flood

Right now we are in the midst of disasters. Even though it may not always be apparent, God is with us. He will give us strength, peace, hope, and faithfully bring us through this time. Noah experienced the same thing.

I hope you find these PowerPoint presentations helpful as you tell the children in your ministry the stories of the Bible. You will find the Bible texts, pictures, activities, and songs.

Noah Builds the Ark — Genesis 6

This presentation tells the true story of Noah building the ark found in Genesis 6. It also includes photos of our visits to the Ark in Kentucky and tar pits in LA which I enjoyed sharing with the kids.
Noah’s Ark pt1Download

Noah and the animals enter the Ark — Genesis 7-8

This presentation includes songs and the true Bible story of Noah and the animals entering the ark found in Genesis 7. Did you know that they were on the ark for a full year! How did they take care of the animals? What was it like?
Noah’s Ark 2 Genesis 7 Animals comeDownload
Noah’s Ark part 2 All Aboard!Download

Rainbow Reminder of God’s Promise — Genesis 9

This presentation finishes the story of Noah and the Ark. God kept Noah safe. He made a covenant to never destroy all life nor the earth with a flood ever again. God always keeps His promises. He is faithful and we can have faith in Him.

Noah’s Ark 3 Gen 7v11 to 8v14Download
Noah’s Ark 4 Gen 8v14 to 9 v17Download

Evidences of the Flood

Under Construction

A Skyscraper and Confusion at Babel — Genesis 11

The people wanted to build a huge city, a tall skyscraper, and make a name for themselves. God knew that would just create problems, so He put a stop to it by making many languages. The people spread out through-out the earth just as God wanted them to.

In this presentation, we look at how God cares for everyone in this world. We explore the many languages and affirm that God cares for us no matter what our color or nationality. God love me. God loves you!

Get out your Lego’s or building blocks. Let’s build a tower as we learn the story of the tower of Babel.

Babel Tower of Confusion (1)Download