VCS 2025

Growing
in God’s
Grace
A Teacher’s Manual
for
Middle Elementary
(Grades 3-4)

Prepared by
Sharamae Cea-Carpio
Jemimah Crismo Walinsundin

Edited by
Phebe Gamata Crismo
Copyright©2025
By the Board of Christian Education and Discipleship
Philippines Central Conference of The United Methodist Church
900 United Nations Avenue, 1000 Manila
 CONTENTS
Page No.
INTRODUCTION --------------------------------------------------------------------- i
GENERAL ASSEMBLY --------------------------------------------- ----------------- iii
THE LESSONS

Unit I. God Chose Me

Session 1. God Loves Me ..................................................................... 1

Sharamae Cea-Carpio
Session 2. Jesus Saves Me.................................................................... 10
Sharamae Cea-Carpio

Unit II. God Helps Me Grow

Session 3. I Love Myself ...................................................................... 18

Sharamae Cea-Carpio
Session 4. I Love Everyone ................................................................... 27
Sharamae Cea-Carpio
Session 5. I Can Be Honest .................................................................. 36
Sharamae Cea-Carpio
Session 6. I Can Forgive ....................................................................... 44
Jemimah Crismo Walinsundin

Unit III. God Sends Me

Session 7. God Gave Me Gifts .............................................................. 54

Jemimah Crismo Walinsundin
Session 8. I Can Be a Friend ................................................................. 65
Jemimah Crismo Walinsundin
Session 9. I Can Pray for Others ........................................................... 77
Jemimah Crismo Walinsundin
Session 10. I Can Help My Family and Community .............................. 86
Jemimah Crismo Walinsundin
 INTRODUCTION

The Vacation Church School 2025 theme, “Growing in God’s Grace,”

is a prelude to the quadrennial series 2025-2028, “Know that I am
God.” Our theme invites both children and teachers to learn about
God’s grace and discover how we can grow in it.

This booklet is designed to help you explore what it means to grow in

grace. Children and teachers will find fun activities, stories, and Bible
verses that help us understand how God’s grace works in our lives.
Whether you’re a child eager to learn or a teacher ready to guide,
we can all grow together in God's love.

We are grateful to all our VCS 2025 team members who worked hard
to prepare the materials.

Special thanks to Rev. Dr. Rhoneil M. Arevalo, Translation Consultant at

the Philippine Bible Society, and Rev. Dr. Maritez C. Cruz, Administra-
tive Pastor of Sandmeier United Methodist Church, who led the writers
in Bible studies on the theme.

We also thank VCS art director and current BCED Program Assistant,
Mary Grace Ramos Estacio, who prepared the cover designs, poster
calendar, and laid out the manuals, with the help of Deaconess April
Grace Martinez and Josiah Marielle Villanueva.

Our musicians: Lygen Tabucol, deaconess from Hundred Islands,

Pangasinan, who also served as BCED board member for the
quadrennium 2022-2024, composed the VCS theme song. Althea
Sison, a mission pastor from Angono UMC, transcribed the music.
Micah John Sanchez, Music professor at De La Salle-College of Saint
Benilde, arranged the music, took charge of recording and served as
music director. The recording artists are deaconesses Sharamae Cea-
Carpio and Cathy Lee Pimentel. Aliah Dizon, Mary Grace Arago, Shaira
Grace Ruedas and Thalia Faye De Vera, students at Harris Memorial
College, composed songs for different age levels.

i
The writers for Nursery-Kindergarten: Lovelyn Blanco, deaconess from
the Southern Northwest Philippines Annual Conference, a college
faculty member and preschool supervisor at Harris Memorial College,
who is pursuing Doctor of Philosophy with Specialization in Curriculum
Studies at Far Eastern University, Philippines; and first-time writer
Mariah Jane Bacungan, deaconess at Ilagan UMC in Isabela, and
recipient of the Outstanding Practice Teacher Award when she
graduated from HMC in 2022.

The writers for Younger Elementary: Christine Joy Laguardia, a

deaconess from Bicol who is currently doing graduate studies in
Education at the University of the Philippines, specializing in Teaching in
the Early Grades; and Mary Joyce Villanueva, a deaconess from Bulacan.

The writers for Middle Elementary: Sharamae Cea-Carpio, deaconess at

Bethany UMC in Bulacan and part-time faculty at HMC; and Jemimah
Crismo Walinsundin, preschool teacher turned full-time mom to baby
Raphael.

The writers for Older Elementary: deaconess Jenny Jane Corpuz, who
chairs the Master of Divinity and Bachelor of Arts in Church
Management programs at Aldersgate College in Solano, Nueva Vizcaya,
Northeast Philippines Annual Conference; and deaconess Cathy Lee
Pimentel from the Rizal Philippines Annual Conference East, currently
assigned to Living Word United Methodist Church in Marikina City.

The writers for Youth: Jasmin Crismo, part-time faculty at HMC and
Bible translator at the Philippine Bible Society; and Jessica Cecilio,
Christian Education deaconess at Kamuning First UMC in Quezon City.

The editors: mother and daughter team, retired deaconess Phebe

Gamata Crismo and Jan Joy Louise G. Crismo, both from The Francisco
Homes United Methodist Church in Bulacan.

Praise God for their labor of love and dedication, which produced this
year's VCS materials!

MARY JOYCE VILLANUEVA

Executive Secretary, BCED
ii
 GENERAL ASSEMBLY

The general assembly brings together all the children and adults
involved in VCS at least once a day for common worship and
celebration throughout the duration of VCS. Gather the children
together for the opening worship and orientation on the first day.
Do this at the start of each day, and maybe even at the end of the
afternoon sessions, and have different age levels lead the worship.
Following are suggested activities for the general assembly.

Opening Prayer

Welcome and Introductions

(Welcome all the children and introduce them by age levels.
Introduce also the teachers, VCS staff, and church workers.)

Greetings from the Administrative Pastor, Deaconess

and the VCS Principal
(If you are conducting classes in the barangay hall or any
government facility, it is always good to invite the barangay chair, or
whoever is in charge, to give greetings or words of welcome.)

Teach the VCS theme song

Short meditation on the VCS theme

(Let the children memorize the theme)

Orientation on the schedule of classes and some rules to follow

throughout the duration of VCS

Sharing of lessons and activities

Announcements (if any)

Closing prayer

iii
 ............
Unit I. God Chose Me ....

..

...
Session 1. God Loves Me God

.....

....
Biblical References: 1 John 3:1a; Exodus 1:8-2:10 Loves
Me
Memory Verse: 1 John 3:1a ICB
“The Father has loved us so much! He loved us so much
that we are called children of God.”

CONCEPTS OBJECTIVES
Explain how God loved
1. God loved us even before we were them even before they
born. were born.
2. God's love is a gift given to everyone. Thank God for the gift of
3. We are blessed with people who show love.
God's love to us. Appreciate the people
who love them.

LEARNING EXPERIENCES MATERIALS

Attendance Chart,
nametags
Welcome and Greetings Song Chart, Beach ball
Circle Time Flannel board and
Getting-to-Know-You: Pass the puppets or video of the
Beachball story
Introduction to VCS Theme and For Memory Verse: 8
Unit 1 baskets made of paper
Motivation plate, cardboard, Colored
Story: Mahal ng Diyos si Moses papers, craft basket,
Discussion scissors, marker, popsicle
Memory Verse: 1 John 3:1a or barbeque sticks, glue
Creative Activity: “Love” Basket
Worship

1
Teacher’s Meditation:

My second child was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. We were

advised to have her undergo occupational and speech therapy twice every
week. One hour of therapy costs us 750.00, so in a week, we need 3,000
pesos. My husband and I are both church workers and our salaries from our
church appointments could not cover all the expenses. How can we attend
therapy sessions?

Amazingly, God showed us his love and care to us through people who
helped us pay for therapy. At first, I was wondering why this happened, but
I believe that God has a wonderful plan for my daughter because God
loves her. We are blessed with people who showed us love, not just
through financial help, but for understanding our daughter in her disorder.
Every day, I am deeply moved with how God shows his love to us.

God loves you, too, and shows this love through people who care for us
and helps you. Let us thank God for the lives of these people.

SUGGESTED SESSION PLAN

APPROACH

ASSEMBLY

Welcome & Greetings

As the children arrive, greet them with a warm smile. Invite them to the
attendance corner and write their name on the attendance chart. Give
them blank name tags and let them freely create their own designs.

2
Circle Time
Let everyone stand. Teach the VCS 2025 theme song. Teach also the song,
“Mahal Ako ng Diyos.” After singing, lead the class in prayer.

MAHAL AKO NG DIYOS

By: Aliah Dizon and Mary Grace Arago

Chorus:
Mahal ako ng Diyos (3x) Mahal ako (oh, yes!)
Mahal ako ng Diyos

I.
Pag-ibig Niya'y tunay at totoo
Ang alay ni Hesus para sa tulad ko
Ako'y pinapatawad
Aking laging nadarama...

II.
Sa aking pamilya at sa kaibigan
Pag-ibig ng Diyos aking nararanasan
Mga instrumento ng Diyos
Ng kabutihan Niya...

Getting-to-Know-You: Pass the Beachball

Before the class begins, prepare a beach ball and write questions like the
following:

● If you were a super hero, what power would you want to have?
● What traits do you look for in a friend?
● What makes you super happy?
● Where is your ideal vacation getaway?
● If given a chance, what would you do with one million pesos?

During class, the teacher will pass the ball to the right while singing the
chorus of the VCS theme song. The child holding the ball when the singing
stops will have to answer the question facing him/her. The child may start
by giving his/her name before answering. Afterwards, the child will toss the
ball to another child of his or her choice. The child who will catch the ball
will be the next to answer. Repeat the activity until everybody gets the
chance to introduce themselves.

3
Introduction to VCS 2025 and Unit 1
Introduce this year’s VCS by explaining the theme, “Growing in God's
Grace.”

Say: This year, our VCS theme is “Growing in God's Grace” which is about
God’s love for us that we don’t serve but God gives us anyway. God’s
grace and love help us grow in our faith journey.

This grace will also help us share Jesus with others through our different
gifts. Our VCS theme is divided into three units:

Unit 1: God Chose Me

Unit 2: God Helps Me Grow
Unit 3: God Sends Me

The lessons in sessions 1 and 2 are under the first unit where we will learn
that God loves us and showed us this love through Jesus and through the
people around us.

Motivation
Give each child a copy of the “slam book page” and let them answer it.
When everybody is done, bind their papers together to make it a slam
book of the class.
Then read their answers to the last question: For you, what is love?

Say: Love is a gift from God and, in fact, it is God who first loved us. God
loved us even before we were born. Let us now hear a story that shows
how God shows his love to us.

4
 BIBLE TIME

Story: Mahal ng Diyos si Moses

Exodus 1:8-2:10
Use the flannel board to tell the story. Put the cutouts on the flannel board
as you mention the characters below.

● Flannel Board/Video
● Cut-outs of the following:

○ Pharaoh
○ Jochebed (Moses’ mother)
○ Miriam (Moses’ sister)
○ Princess (Pharaoh’s daughter)
○ Baby Moses
○ Basket

Siya si Pharaoh, dahil sa dumarami na ang mga Israelita ay natakot siya

kaya nagkaroon siya ng evil plan para hindi dumami ang mga ito.
(Ipinag-utos niya na patayin ang mga batang lalaki na ipanganganak ng
mga Israelita.)

Ito naman si Jochebed, isa sa mga Israelita na nanganak ng batang lalaki.

Dahil sa pagmamahal niya sa kanyang anak ay gumawa siya ng espesyal na
basket na hindi mapapasukan ng tubig. Inilagay niya ang kanyang baby
dito at ipinaanod ang basket sa ilog.

Siya naman si Miriam, kapatid ng baby boy ni Jochebed. Nang nasa ilog na
ang basket, nagtago siya sa talahiban at binantayan ang kanyang kapatid
upang masiguro na ligtas ito.

5
Siya naman ang anak ng Pharaoh Nakita niya ang basket na inaanod sa ilog
kaya ipinakuha niya ito sa kanyang mga servants. Nakita niya ang baby na
nasa loob. Naawa siya kaya naisip niyang ampunin ang bata. Pinangalanan
niya itong Moses.

Nagpakita si Miriam sa anak ni Pharaoh at inalok ang prinsesa na

hahanapan niya ng tagapag-alaga ang baby. Pumayag ang prinsesa. Si
Jochebed ang nag-alaga kay Moses.

Ito naman si Moses… lumaki na siya pagkatapos ng mahabang panahon.

Naligtas siya sa evil plan ng Pharaoh at naging anak ng Prinsesa. Sa mga
sumunod na panahon ay naging lider siya ng mga Israelita.

Discussion
1. Why did Jochebed put Moses in a basket?
(To keep Moses safe from the bad plan of the Pharaoh.)

2. What did Moses' sister do to make sure he was safe? Why did she do it?
(She stood a short distance away and kept watch over her baby brother.
She wanted to see what would happen to the baby and male sure he was
safe. She did this because she loved her baby brother.)

3. Who saw the basket? What did she do to the baby?

(The Pharaoh’s daughter saw the basket and looked for someone to care
for the baby. She adopted the baby as her own son.)

4. How did God show his love to Moses?

(By sending people to keep Moses safe and cared for.)

Say: Moses was saved from the evil plan of the Pharaoh because of
Jochebed’s love for him. His sister also loved him and she made sure that
Moses would be safe in the basket while floating in the river.

The Pharoah’s daughter adopted him and loved him as her own. All of
them who loved Moses were instruments of God to make us feel his love to
us.

In the same way, God’s love to us is being shown through our families,
friends, teachers, classmates and everyone who cares for us.

6
Memory Verse:
Before class, make eight paper plate baskets (see sample in the picture).
Cut cardboard/papers into rectangles that will fit inside the basket.

Write the phrases of the verse in the papers you cut (see division of
phrases below). Put the rectangle papers with written phrases inside each
basket.

“The Father/has loved us/ so much!/ He loved us/ so much/

that we are called/ children of God.”/ 1 John 3:1a, ICB

Pin the baskets on the board. Pull the papers out of the
basket one by one and let them read the verse. Return
the sheets of paper into the baskets to help them
memorize.

Say: God’s love is a gift to all of us. God is our father and
we are all his children. God always cares for us and hears us when we pray.

Commitment

Creative Activity: “Love Basket”

Materials:
● Craft paper basket
● Popsicle or barbeque sticks
● Colored papers
● Markers
● Scissors
● glue

Give each child a popsicle stick and a colored paper. Let them draw a
flower and cut it. In the middle of the flower, write, “Thank You, Lord,
for...”

In the petals, let them write the names of the people God used to show
them love. Paste the cut-out flower to the popsicle/barbecue stick.

When they are done, let them share what they have written on the flower
petals, then place their flowers in the craft basket you made.

7
Worship

Sing the song, “Halina, Purihin si Jesus” while calling the children to
prepare for worship.

“Halina, Purihin si Jesus”

Sharamae Cea-Carpio

Halina, halina, awitan si Jesus.

Halina, halina, purihin Siyang lubos.

Say: Today, we have learned about God’s love for us, and we are blessed
that God uses other people to show his love for us. Let us always thank
God for the lives of the people whose names are written.

Sing the song, “Mahal Ako ng Diyos,” and close the session in prayer.

Dismissal Song: Paalam, Paalam

Paalam, paalam, sa’yo kaibigan ko
Paalam, paalam, ingatan ka ng Diyos

8
 ............
SESSION 2. Jesus Saves Me ....
Jesus

..

...
.....

....
Biblical References: John 3:16; John 8:1-11
Saves
Memory Verse: Romans 5:8 Me
"But God has shown us how much he loves us, it was
while we are still sinners that Christ died for us."

CONCEPTS OBJECTIVES
1. All have sinned and need
forgiveness. 1. Ask forgiveness for the
2. Jesus gave his life so we can be wrongs that they have
saved and forgiven. done.
3. We are unworthy, but Jesus chose 2. Explain why Jesus gave
to love us anyway. his life for us.
3. Express how they feel
that Jesus chose to love
them despite their
unworthiness.
4. Thank Jesus for saving
MATERIALS and forgiving us.

Attendance Chart, nametags

Song Chart
Picture Board for the story
2 transparent glasses/cups, Learning Experiences
pamintang durog (ground pepper),
pitcher of clean water, food dye Welcome and Greetings
Circle Time
Memory Verse Chart: long
Review of the Past Lesson
transparent envelope, black marker, Motivation: Salvation Poem
black colored paper, white paper Story: Niligtas ni Jesus ang
Bond papers, pencils, coloring Babaeng Nagkasala
materials Visual Presentation of Salvation
Memory Verse: Romans 5:8
Creative Activity
Worship

9
Teacher’s Meditation

Salvation Poem
(OST of SuperBook)

Hesus sa krus, Ika'y namatay

Nabuhay muli para mundo'y iligtas,
Kasalanan ko ay patawarin Mo
Maging Panginoon, kaibigan ko

Tulungan Mong magsimula muli,

Buhay ko'y alay sa Iyo.
Tulungan Mong magsimula muli,
Buhay ko'y alay sa’Yo
Alay sa’Yo

I always cry whenever I hear this song. This song, as simple as it is,
always reminds me of what Jesus has done for me- dying on the cross
to save me. The song always made me reflect that even if I do not
deserve the love of God, he offered his life for me.

The verse “Tulungan Mong magsimula muli, Buhay ko'y alay sa Iyo” is
always my prayer. I really cannot change with my own strength so I ask
God to help me change my life for the better.

10
 SUGGESTED SESSION PLAN

APPROACH

Welcome and Greetings

As the children arrive, greet them with a warm smile. Invite them to the
attendance corner and let them paste the icon for today’s session. Give
them their name tags, too.

Circle Time
Let everyone stand. Sing the VCS 2025 theme song and “Mahal Ako ng
Diyos” from the previous session. After singing, lead the class in prayer.

Review of the Past Lesson

Show the basket of flowers (creative arts) from session 1.

Ask: What do you remember from our past session?

(Let the children share.)
Call some children to recite the memory verse.

Motivation
Ask the children to sing the “Salvation Poem,”
OST of SuperBook.
(See Teacher’s Meditation for the lyrics.)

Ask: What words or lines in the song struck you? What does this song
mean to you? (Let the children share.)

Say: This song is about Jesus who died on the cross to save us
from our sins.

What does it mean to be saved? Let us hear today’s story.

11
 BIBLE TIME

Story: Niligtas ni Jesus ang Babaeng Nagkasala

John 8:1-11

Si Jesus ay nagtuturo sa loob ng templo. Napakaraming tao ang nakikinig

sa kanya. Habang siya ay nagsasalita, pumasok ang mga tagapagturo ng
kautusan na may kasamang babae. Iniharap nila ang babae sa mga taong
naroroon at sinabi kay Jesus, “Guro, nahuli naman ang babaeng ito na
nagkasala. Mabigat ang kanyang naging kasalanan kaya ayon sa kautusan
ay nararapat siyang batuhin hanggang sa mamatay. Ano ang sa tingin
ninyo?

Yumuko si Jesus at may isinulat sa lupa gamit ang kanyang daliri.

Muli nilang tinanong si Jesus kaya sinagot sila ni Jesus at sinabing, “Kung
sino ang walang kasalanan ang syang unang bumato sa kanya.” Bumalik si
Jesus sa kanyang ginagawang pagsusulat sa lupa.

Nang marinig nila ang sinabi ni Jesus ay isa-isa silang umalis--- lahat sila.

“Nasaan na sila? Wala bang bumato sa iyo?” tanong ni Jesus sa babae.

“Wala po,” sagot ng babae.

“Hindi rin kita hahatulan. Umuwi ka na at huwag nang magkasala pa,” sabi
ni Jesus sa babae.

12
Discussion:
1. Why did the law teachers want to throw stones at the woman?
They wanted the woman to be stoned to death because she was caught
committing a sin which is punishable in their law.

2. How did Jesus save the woman?

Jesus told the people that those who have no sin may start throwing
stones at her.

3. What did Jesus tell the woman to do when no one punished her?
“Go and sin no more.”

Say: This story showed us Jesus saving the woman. Though the woman
sinned, Jesus did not punish her; instead, he saved her from the
punishment awaiting her.

In the same way, Jesus saves us from the punishments of our sins, too.
Romans 6:23 (ICB) says, “The payment for sin is death. But God gives us
the free gift of life forever in Christ Jesus our Lord.

A Visual Presentation of Salvation

Materials: 2 transparent glasses/cups, pamintang durog, dark food color,
pitcher of clean water.
(Get two transparent glass/cups, pour water of the same level)

Say: (Get one cup, show it to them) This cup represents us. Sins are those
we do that do not make Jesus happy.

Ask: What are things you do that you think make Jesus sad? (Let the
children answer. For every sin they mention, put a pinch of cracked
pepper into the cup)

Say: All those you have shared are called sins. Because of our sins, we look
like this cup of water now (add food dye to the cup). Romans 6:23a (ICB)
says, “The payment for sin is death.” Oh no! We don’t want that, do we?
We do not want to be punished.

Ask: Can we clean this cup of water that is all black? Can you try to clean
the water? (You may ask a child to try scooping the cracked pepper from
the cup.)
13
Say: No, we could not clean this up. (Try to scoop out the peppers.) Even
if we do good deeds, we cannot clean this up. When we are about to be
punished, God sent Jesus. (Bring the other cup.) This cup represents
Jesus--- he is blameless. He did not sin even a bit. God sent him to take
the punishment from us. When Jesus died on the cross, he took our place
and suffered for our sake (switch the cups).

When we accept Jesus as our friend, as our Savior, he will immediately

switch our cups.

Jesus took away our sins and we walk free with the cup of clean water that
we don’t deserve to keep.

Romans 6:23b, “But God gives us the free gift of life forever in Christ
Jesus our Lord.”

Ask: The question is, “Do you want to switch cups with Jesus?”
Say: Jesus will willingly switch cups with people who will recognize that
they have sinned and that they could not fix the dirty cup themselves.
If you want to switch cups with Jesus, recognize that it is only Jesus that
can help you. Trust in him, and he will take care of the punishment for us
(Romans 10:9).

(At this point, you may lead the children in a prayer of acceptance.)
Dear Jesus, I need you in my life. Please forgive all my sins and help live
my life following you. I accept you now as my Lord and Savior. Please be
with me every day and lead me to the right path. Help me to obey and
trust in you always. Amen.

Memory Verse

Before class, write the verse using a black permanent marker on a long
transparent envelope. Put a black colored paper inside the envelope to
hide the verse written. Make sure to hide all letters.

During class, reveal the verse by putting white paper inside the envelope.
Once revealed, let the children read the verse.

"But God has shown us how much he loves us,

it was while we are still sinners that Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

14
Say: God loves us so much and doesn’t want us to be punished. Because
of his great love, God sent Jesus to save us. Though we are sinners, God
loved and will always love us.

Ask: How do you feel about Jesus loving us and willingly died for us?
(wait for answers). Help the students memorize by putting black colored
paper inside to hide parts of the verse.

COMMITMENT

Creative Activity
Give each child a bond paper, a pencil, and coloring materials. Ask them
to make a poster, a poem, or a song on the theme, “Jesus Gave His Life
for Me”. Let them share briefly about their work afterwards.

Worship
Sing the song, “Halina, Purihin si Jesus” while calling the children to
prepare for worship.

Say: Let us close our session by thanking Jesus for saving us. One by one,
let us say “Thank You, Jesus, for loving me. Thank You ,Jesus, for saving
me.”

Sing the song, “Mahal Ako ng Diyos” and close the session in prayer.

Dismissal Song: “Paalam, Paalam”

Paalam, paalam, sa’yo kaibigan ko

Paalam, paalam, ingatan ka ng Diyos.

Reference:
https://www.thesimplehomeschooler.com/explanation-salvation-kids/

15
 ............
UNIT 2. God Helps Me Grow ....

..

...
SESSION 3. I Love Myself l love

.....

....
Bible References: Matthew 4:19; Matthew 14:28-31;
John 18:10; Matthew 26:35; John 21:15-17
myself
Memory Verse: Ephesians 4:24 (ICB)
You were taught to become a new person. That new
person is made to be like God—made to be truly good and holy.

CONCEPTS OBJECTIVES

1. God loves us and accepts us just as Thank God for loving

we are. and accepting them
2. God wants us to love and accept just as they are.
ourselves too. Identify their unique
3. Loving myself makes me want to characteristics.
become a better person. Name ways on how
4. God helps me love myself and they can become
become better. better persons.

MATERIALS
LEARNING EXPERIENCES

Attendance Chart, nametags Welcome and Greetings

Song Chart Circle Time
Picture of Peter, strips of Review of the Past Lesson
paper, marker Motivation
Memory Verse Chart Story: Si Peter
Template of Graphic Organizer Discussion
Pencils and markers Memory Verse: Ephesians
4:24
Creative Activity: Graphic
Organizer
Worship

16
Teacher’s Meditation

When I was in my middle adolescence, I felt so ugly because of my frizzy

hair. I envied those who had straight and soft hair. So when people
commented about my hair, or how thin I was, I felt so insecure and less
confident. Now that I am older, I learned to love myself--- my hair, my
body.

I always remind myself of the verse in Psalm 139:14, "I praise you
because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful,
I know that full well."

I learned that every person is different and everybody is beautiful in

their own way. I embraced who I am because I know that God accepts
me just as I am. Instead of being jealous of other’s appearance, I
learned about my uniqueness and my skills and decided to develop
them so I could be a better version of myself.
What about you makes you feel less confident? Stop thinking you are
less. Start seeing your worth just as God sees you worthy.

SUGGESTED SESSION PLAN

APPROACH

Welcome and Greetings

As the children arrive, greet them with a warm smile. Invite them to the
attendance corner and let them paste the icon for today’s session. Give
them their name tags, too.

Circle Time
Sing the VCS 2025 theme song. Teach the song, “I am Unique, I am
Wonderful.” After singing, lead the class in prayer.

17
 I am Unique, I am Wonderful
Sharamae Cea- Carpio

Refrain:
I am unique, I am wonderful
I am unique and God loves me so.
I am unique, I am wonderful
I am unique, and I love myself.

My skin is brown, my hair is curly

God loves me so.
Some teeth were gone and I have some moles
I love myself. (refrain)

I can sing but I can’t dance

God loves me so
I can paint but I can’t act
I love myself. (refrain)

God wants me to love myself

As He loves me so
God wants me to be myself
Because He loves me so. (ref)

Review of the Past Lesson

Let the children remember what they have learned from the past session
by completing the statement: Jesus is ____________.

Motivation
Go back to the lyrics of the song “I am Unique and I am Wonderful”
again. Read the underlined words.

Ask the children to think of words that will describe to replace the
underlined words in the song. Let them write their version on a piece of
paper. Ask them to sing their version once done.

Say: We are all different but God loves us so. The song also tells us to
love ourselves, too.

18
In our story today, let us learn about a man who was loved by Jesus.
How did he learn to love himself? Let’s find out.

BIBLE TIME

Before class, prepare a picture of Peter. Print the boldfaced words in the
story on strips of paper. While discussing Peter’s life. Paste the strips of
paper around Peter as you say the words in the story.

Story: “Si Peter”

Ito si Peter (Show Peter). Ang tunay niyang pangalan ay Simon at isa
siyang mangingisda na tinawag ni Jesus upang maging isa sa kanyang
mga disipulo (Matthew 4:19). Sa kabila ng kanyang pagiging isang
mangingisda ay may tumawag sa kanyang pangalan at may nais na
makasama siya sa paggawa ng mga kamangha-manghang bagay.

Si Peter ang disipulo ni Jesus na nakalakad sa ibabaw ng tubig pero

lumubog din nang biglang nakita ang mga malalaking alon (Matthew
14:28-31).

Isa sa mga katangian ni Peter ay ang pagiging mapusok o pabigla-bigla,

na minsan ay nagiging dahilan ng kanyang kamalian tulad na lamang ng
pagtaga niya sa tainga ng isang alipin ng Pinakapunong pari (John 18:10)

Isa rin sa pinakamasakit na pagkakamaling nagawa ni Peter ay ang

pagtatwa o pagkaila niya kay Jesus. Bago mahuli si Jesus ay may
pagmamalaki niyang sinabi kay Jesus, “Kahit na ako'y patayin kasama
ninyo, hindi ko kayo ikakaila” (Matthew 26:35). Subalit nang dumating na
ang araw na dinakip si Jesus ay tatlong ulit niyang sinabi na hindi niya
kilala si Jesus (Luke 22:54-62). Dahil sa hiya at sa guilt ay lumabas siya at
umiyak.

19
Pagkatapos ng muling pagkabuhay ni Jesus, nagpakita siya sa kanyang
mga alagad. Kasama rito si Peter. Sa kanilang pag-uusap ay tatlong beses
siyang tinanong ni Jesus, “Simon, anak ni Juan, iniibig mo ba ako nang
higit sa mga ito?” (John 21:15-17). Tatlong ulit rin na sinagot si Peter ni
Jesus, “Opo, Panginoon.”

Ang kanilang pag-uusap ay masasabi nating pagbibigay ni Jesus ng

panibagong pagkakataon at ng bagong misyon na pakainin ang
kanyang mga tupa.

Maaring na-realized ni Peter ang kanyang halaga dahil sa pag-ibig at

habag ni Jesus. Sa kabila ng kanyang pagkakamali ay muli siyang
tinanggap ni Jesus.

Dahil dito ay nakitang muli ni Peter ang kanyang halaga bilang disipulo ni
Jesus at pinili niyang maging mas mabuti. Siya ay naging isa sa
pinakamasigasig na leader ng early church. Hinarap niya maging ang
pag-uusig ng may katapangan.

Discussion
1. Who is Peter?
He was a fisherman; a disciple called by Jesus.

2. What was Peter’s greatest mistake?

He denied Jesus three times because he feared that he would be
arrested, too.

3. How did Jesus show his love for Peter?

Jesus forgave Peter, accepted him again to be his disciple, and gave him
a mission to do.

4. How do you think did Peter show his love for himself?
He accepted his failure but he accepted the restoration Jesus offered him.
He also tried to be a better person. which is evidently seen when he
became a good leader of the early church.

Say: Jesus called Peter and accepted him for who he was---a simple
fisherman. Though Jesus knew his weaknesses, Jesus still called him to be
his disciple. Jesus also accepts us and loves us for who we are, whether
we have brown, fair, or dark skin (morena or maputi or maitim); whether
20
we have long, short, or no hair; whether we are tall or short. Jesus accepts
and loves us just as we are.

Ask the children to describe themselves. (Teacher will start and then let
the children have a turn.)

Say: We are all unique. We are all different and we are all loved by God.
God wants us to accept ourselves, too.

Memory Verse
You were taught to become a new person. That new person is made
to be like God—made to be truly good and holy.
---Ephesians 4:24 (ICB)

Say: When we love ourselves, we want to be the best version of ourselves.

We can do that by becoming a better person--- a person who does what
is good, what is right, and what is holy. The Bible teaches us how to be
like Jesus. Let us try to be like him and become a better person everyday
by asking his help.

COMMITMENT

Creative Activity

Give them the template of a graphic

organizer. Let them write or draw
inside the boxes ways to
become a better person.

21
Worship
Sing the song, “Halina, Purihin si Jesus” while calling the children to
prepare for worship.

At this point, ask the children to share their work. (Let everybody share.)
Say: Let us remember these:
● God loves us and he wants us to love ourselves, too.
● When we love ourselves, we want to become the best. We can ask
God’s help to change us for the better.
Don’t forget the things you have written or drawn.

Sing the VCS 2025 theme song and close the session in prayer.

Dismissal Song: Paalam, Paalam

Paalam, paalam, sa’yo kaibigan ko

Paalam, paalam, ingatan ka ng Diyos.

22
 ............
....
SESSION 4. I Love Everyone

..

...
.....
l love

....
everyone
Bible References: Galatians 3:28; James 2:1-4;
Ephesians 4:32; Romans 15:7
Memory Verse: Matthew 22:39b (GNT)
“Love your neighbor as you love yourself.”

CONCEPTS
OBJECTIVES
1. Jesus loves everyone, and so Commit to love and
shall we. accept all people.
2. Jesus wants us to love everyone Share experiences
with all our differences, including when they found it
those who have special needs, difficult to love
disabilities and are gifted. someone.
3. With God's help, we can show Demonstrate ways to
our love by being compassionate love all people in the
and welcoming to all people in community.
our community.

LEARNING EXPERIENCES

Welcome and Greetings

Circle Time
MATERIALS Review of the Past Lesson
Attendance Chart, nametags Motivation
Song Chart Story: The Good
Pictures for the Story Samaritan
Drawing of a large tree trunk, cut- Discussion
outs of leaves Memory Verse:
Pencil, coloring materials and Matthew 22:39
scotch tape Creative Activity: “Tree of
Love”
Worship

23
 Teacher’s Meditation

I remember a song I learned in VCS that I really like. My favorite line

is, “Ako’y hindi namimili ng mga taong mapuputi, kahit damit tagpi-
tagpi, kahit ano ang ugali.” I learned that Jesus loves me just as I am--
- even if I am not good enough--- and so I should also do the same. I
should love people for who they are and not choose whom to be
friends with. Until now, especially at church, if there are new faces, I
really try to make them feel welcome and know that they belong.

Today’s lesson reminds us that Jesus wants us to love everyone- no

exceptions!

SUGGESTED SESSION PLAN

APPROACH

Welcome and Greetings

As the children arrive, greet them with a warm smile. Invite them to the
attendance corner and let them paste the icon for today’s session. Give
them their name tags, too.

Circle Time
Let everyone stand. Sing the VCS 2025 theme song and “Jesus Went
About Doing Good.” After singing, lead the class in prayer.

Jesus Went About Doing Good

Jesus went about doing good,

The Bible tells me so!

24
 He healed the sick, He healed the blind,
To little children He was kind.
He gave some hungry people food,
He said, "To all be kind and good!"
Jesus went about doing good,
The Bible tells me so!

Review of the Past Lesson

Fill in the blank: I can be a better person by ______________.

Motivation
Write the word neighbor (kapwa) on the board.

Ask: What comes to your mind when you hear the word neighbor
(kapwa)? Who is your neighbor?

Say: Our neighbor is not just the one who lives next door, our kapitbahay
or our closest friends. Our neighbors include everyone who is in need. In
our story today, we will learn about who our neighbor is and what we can
do to our neighbors.

BIBLE TIME

Story: The Good Samaritan

Luke 10:25-37, MBB

Isang dalubhasa sa Kautusan ang lumapit kay Jesus upang siya'y subukin.
“Guro, ano ang dapat kong gawin upang magkamit ng buhay na walang
hanggan?” tanong niya.

Sumagot si Jesus, “Ano ba ang nakasulat sa Kautusan? Ano ba ang

nababasa mo roon?”
25
Sumagot ang lalaki, “‘Ibigin mo ang Panginoon mong Diyos nang buong
puso mo, buong kaluluwa mo, buong lakas mo, at buong pag-iisip mo;’ at
‘Ibigin mo ang iyong kapwa gaya ng pag-ibig mo sa iyong sarili.’”

Sabi ni Jesus, “Tama ang sagot mo. Gawin mo iyan at magkakamit ka ng

buhay na walang hanggan.”

Upang huwag siyang lumabas na kahiya-hiya, nagtanong pa ang lalaki,

“Sino naman ang aking kapwa?”

Sumagot si Jesus, “May isang taong naglalakbay mula sa Jerusalem

papuntang Jerico. Hinarang siya ng mga tulisan, hinubaran, binugbog, at
iniwang halos patay na. Nagkataong dumaan doon ang isang paring
Judio. Nang makita ang taong nakahandusay, lumihis siya at nagpatuloy
sa kanyang paglakad. Dumaan din ang isang Levita, ngunit nang makita
niya ang taong binugbog, lumihis din ito at nagpatuloy sa kanyang
paglakad. Ngunit may isang Samaritanong naglalakbay na napadaan
doon. Nang makita niya ang biktima, siya'y naawa. Nilapitan niya ito,
binuhusan ng langis at alak ang mga sugat at binendahan. Pagkatapos,
isinakay niya ang lalaki sa kanyang asno at dinala ito sa bahay-panuluyan
upang maalagaan siya doon. Kinabukasan, binigyan niya ng dalawang
salaping pilak ang namamahala ng bahay-panuluyan, at sinabi, ‘Alagaan
mo siya, at kung higit pa riyan ang iyong magagastos, babayaran kita
pagbalik ko.’”

At nagtanong si Jesus, “Sa palagay mo, sino kaya sa tatlo ang naging
tunay na kapwa ng taong hinarang ng mga tulisan?”

“Ang taong tumulong sa kanya,” tugon ng dalubhasa sa kautusan. Kaya't

sinabi sa kanya ni Jesus, “Kung gayon, humayo ka at ganoon din ang
gawin mo.”

Discussion
1. What happened to the man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho?
He was robbed and beaten badly.

2. What did these men do upon seeing the man who was hurt?
a. Priest - he saw the hurt man but walked away
b. Levite - he also saw the hurt man but walked away
c. Samaritan - he helped the man.

26
3. Who among them showed love to the hurt man? How?
The Samaritan. He helped the man, tended to his wounds and put him
into an inn and hired someone to take care of him.

4. Why do you think the priest and the Levite walked away and did not
help the hurt man?
Say: Sometimes, it is difficult for us to love others, especially those who
have hurt us, those whom we do not know or have never me before, or
people who are different from us. But let us always remember that God
wants us to love everyone without exceptions. We can always ask God to
help us be like Jesus who loves everyone.

During the time of Jesus, the Jews and the Samaritans were enemies. But
in the story, we could see that even if the man who was hurt was a Jew,
the Samaritan still helped him. Maybe it was not easy for the Samaritan to
help the man, thinking he was a Jew and therefore was an enemy; but he
helped him anyway. He showed him love and kindness.

Ask: Do you have experiences when it’s hard for you to love others?
(Let the children share.)

Memory Verse
“Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’”
Matthew 22:39b (GNT)

Say: The second greatest commandment of Jesus is to love our

neighbors. Who is our neighbor? Jesus said that our neighbor is anyone
who needs our help. Our neighbors can be our friends or classmates. Our
neighbors can also be those people who need our help, love, and
acceptance like those who are sick or hurting, those who have special
needs like those with Autism or Down Syndrome; or who have disabilities
like handicapped people, the deaf, the mute, the blind; and those who
think differently from the way we do.

Ask: How can we show love to the people we mentioned? (Let the
children answer.)

Say: These are some of the ways we can share our love to everyone,
which we can find in the Bible.
27
Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)- "Be kind and compassionate to one another,
forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

Hebrews 13:16 (NIV)- "And do not forget to do good and to share with
others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."

Hebrews 13:2 (NIV)- "Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers,

for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without
knowing it."

Say: There are other ways we can show love as written in the Bible. But
above all, let us always think of this commandment of Jesus, “Love your
neighbor as you love yourself” (Matthew 22:39b, GNT).

Let the children read the verse again until they memorize.

COMMITMENT

Creative Activity: “Tree of Love”

Bring out the large drawing of tree trunk, leaf cutouts, and other
materials. Post the large drawing of a tree trunk on the wall.

Give each child a leaf cutout and ask them to draw ways they can show
love to their neighbors. Once done, let them show their work to the
class and paste their work to the trunk until the whole class completes
the “Tree of Love.”

Worship
Sing the song, “Halina, Purihin si Jesus” while calling the children to
prepare for worship.

Say: Jesus went about doing good to everyone. In the same way, he
wants us to love everyone, too, with no exceptions.
28
Once again, sing the song “Jesus Went About Doing Good”. Sing the
original verse and this additional verse:

Jesus Went About Doing Good

(Additional Verse)

Jesus went about doing good,

The Bible tells me so!
He loves everyone including me,
With special needs, and disabilities
We are all worthy in his eyes
Even those who have gifted minds
Jesus wants me to love them, too
The Bible tells me so!

Close the session in prayer.

Dismissal Song: Paalam, Paalam

Paalam, paalam, sa’yo kaibigan ko

Paalam, paalam, ingatan ka ng Diyos.

29
 . ..........
.... .
SESSION 5. I Can Be Honest

..

...
l can be

.....

....
honest
Bible References: Luke 19:1-10,
Proverbs, 8:7; Ephesians 4:25
Memory Verse: Psalm 119:29, GW
“Turn me away from a life of lies. Graciously provide me
with your teachings.”

OBJECTIVES
CONCEPTS Describe an honest
1. Being honest is the right thing to person.
do. Share experiences
2. An honest person tells the truth, when it is difficult to be
does not lie, does not cheat. honest.
(Honesty is about being truthful Ask help from God to
in what you say and do. be honest in every
3. God helps us to be honest at all way.
times. Commit to be honest
at all times.

LEARNING
MATERIALS EXPERIENCES
Welcome and Greetings
Attendance chart Circle Time
Nametags Review of the Past Lesson
Song chart Motivation
Picture of Pinocchio with his Story: “Nagbago na si
long nose Zaqueo”
Pictures for the story Discussion
Memory Verse chart (Drawing Memory Verse: Romans
of Pinocchio, bar of clay, strips 5:8
of cartolina) Creative Activity: Role
Colorful markers Playing
Worship

30
Teacher’s Meditation

One of the lessons my mother taught me was to always speak the truth
and not lie, or else she will light a candle and drop melting candles onto
my tongue. I always tried to tell the truth because I was afraid of the
punishment. Later on, I obeyed her teaching because I realized that it
was the right thing to do. Until now, I really try my best to tell the truth
and I pass on this teaching to my kids (without the punishment of
melting candles). I tell my kids that Jesus will be happy if they always
speak the truth.

It is really difficult to be honest at all times, but we can pray that God
will help us be honest in every way.

SUGGESTED SESSION PLAN

APPROACH

Welcome and Greetings

As the children arrive, greet them with a warm smile. Invite them to the
attendance corner and let them paste the icon for today’s session. Give
them their name tags, too.

Circle Time
Let everyone stand. Sing the VCS 2025 Theme Song. Also, teach the
song, “Ang Nais Mo.” After singing, lead the class in prayer.

Review of the Past Lesson

Let the children answer the question below. Then call some to recite the
memory verse from the past session.
Jesus wants me to love those ____________.

31
Motivation
Show a picture of Pinocchio (long nosed) and ask the kids if they knew
him.

Ask: Who is Pinocchio? Why does he have a long nose? (Let the children
answer.)

Say: Pinocchio is actually a puppet made of wood who got a chance to

be a real boy. Every time Pinocchio told a lie, his nose would grow
longer, and longer.

Ask: What if every time we tell a lie, something happens in our face, or
in our nose like Pinocchio? How long would your nose be? Why? (Let
the children share.)

Say: Our lesson today is about honesty. Let us learn a story in the Bible
about a man who was dishonest. What happened to him? Let us see.

BIBLE TIME

Story: Nagbago na si Zaqueo

Luke 19:1-10

May isang lalaki na kinaiinisan ng marami. Siya ay isang mandarayang

tax collector. Ang pangalan niya ay Zaqueo. Dinadagdagan niya ang
mga taxes na binabayad ng mga tao--- ang sobra niyang nasisingil ay
napupunta sa kanya.

Isang araw, narinig niya na papunta si Jesus sa kanilang bayan. Naririnig

niya ang tungkol kay Jesus, na isa siyang mabuting guro at marami ang
sumusunod sa kanya, kaya na-curious siya. Sa dami ng tao na

32
sumusunod kay Jesus, hindi niya ito makita. Naisip niyang mauna sa
daraanan ni Jesus at umakyat sa puno ng sikamoro.

Pagtapat ni Jesus sa puno ay tinawag siya nito, pinababa at sinabing

pupunta siya sa kanyang bahay. Nagtaka ang mga tao dahil pupuntahan
ni Jesus ang isang sinungaling at mandaraya. Si Zaqueo naman ay
tuwang-tuwa at sinabi kay Jesus na ipamimigay niya ang kalahati ng
kanyang kayamanan sa mga mahihirap at ibabalik sa sinumang kanyang
dinaya ng maka-apat na beses ang kinuha niya sa kanila.

Natuwa si Jesus at sinabi na ang kaligtasan ay dumating sa sambahayan

ni Zaqueo.

Discussion:
1. What bad thing did Zacchaeus do to people?
Zacchaeus cheated the people by collecting much taxes from them.

2. How did Zacchaeus decide to change his dishonest ways?

When Zacchaeus met Jesus and felt that Jesus cared for him (Jesus even
knew his name!), he promised to share his wealth with poor people and
to pay back those whom he had cheated.

3. What was the reward of Zacchaeus' transformation?

Jesus said that salvation has come to Zacchaeus and his family.

Say: In our story, we learned that Zacchaeus was not an honest man. He
cheated people by collecting more taxes than what is due.

Ask: Do you know an honest person? Who is an honest person? (Let the
children share their answers.)

Say: An honest person tells the truth, does not lie, and does not cheat.
As children, we can show our honesty by telling the truth, and not
spreading lies about other people. In school, we can show honesty by
not cheating during exams. Honesty is also when we give the right
“sukli” (change) to our parents when they ask us to buy something.

Ask: When was the time you found it difficult to be honest? (Let the
children share their experiences.)

33
Say: It is really hard to be an honest person every day. We are not
perfect, so there will be times when we could not resist lying about
something, especially when there are consequences to our action. But
being honest is always the right thing to do. The good news is, even if it
is hard, we can always ask God to help us be honest all the time.

Memory Verse
Say: Our verse, “Turn me away from a life of lies. Graciously provide me
with your teachings. Psalm 119:29,” is a prayer asking God to help us
turn away from lying and cheating. The teachings of God found in the
Bible can be of help to us.

(Before class, draw a big Pinocchio (side view). Make Pinocchio’s long
nose using clay. Write the phrases of the verse on strips of cartolina and
hang each strip on the long nose of Pinocchio.)

Let the children read the verse again and help them memorize by
cutting Pinocchio’s part of the nose (with the hanging strips), one at a
time, until the nose is shortened and the children memorize the verse.

COMMITMENT

Creative Activity
Divide the class into groups and ask them to think of scenarios that
show honesty and demonstrate it to class. Give them time to practice
before role playing.

Worship
Sing the song, “Halina, Purihin si Jesus” while calling the children to
prepare for worship.

34
Say: Proverbs 8:7 (CEV) says “I always speak the truth and refuse to tell
a lie.”

May these words be our commitment to God. Let us try to do our best
to always speak the truth and give our best efforts to refuse lying.
Everybody who wants to do this commitment may come forward and
write this verse on Pinocchio’s shirt and your name in front.
Sing the song, “Ang Nais Mo” and close the session in prayer.

Dismissal Song: Paalam, Paalam

Paalam, paalam, sa’yo kaibigan ko

Paalam, paalam, ingatan ka ng Diyos.

35
 ............
SESSION 6: I Can Forgive ....

..

...
l can

.....

....
BIBLICAL REFERENCES: Genesis 37-50;
Matthew 18:21-35
forgive
MEMORY VERSE: Ephesians 4:32b ICB
“Forgive each other just as God forgave you
in Christ.”

OBJECTIVES
CONCEPTS
Share experiences when
1. Forgiveness is letting go of the it is difficult to forgive.
hurt which others brought us. Identify actions that
2. When we forgive, we learn to be show forgiveness
kind and loving to people who Thank God for forgiving
hurt us. them.
3. We can forgive because God first Ask God to help them
forgave us. forgive.
4. God will help us forgive others.

MATERIALS
LEARNING EXPERIENCES Name tags, Attendance chart
Song chart, CD/flash drive
Welcome and Greetings
for songs
Community Singing & Opening
· memory verse written in
Prayer, Review
handshake illustration
Motivation: Tight Heart
· storyboard
Introduction to the Lesson
· a cross, with forgiveness
Singing: “Mundo ng Biblia”
gestures
Storytime: “Joseph Forgives His
· “I Can Forgive” dice
Brothers”
printout
Discussion
· scissors, crayons, pens,
Memory Verse: Shake-hand Verse
glue/tape
Learn a New Song: “Forgive One
· materials for worship (cross,
Another”
candle, lighter)
Art Activity: I Can Forgive Dice
Worship: Sharing Time

36
Teacher’s Meditation

“Jemimah!” someone called my name as I stood in the waiting shed

outside a mall. I looked at the guy intently, trying to remember who he
was. He happily introduced himself. Then I exclaimed as I remembered
him, “You were the one who made me cry back in Grade 5!”

He was shocked as I told him how it happened. He couldn't remember it

anymore. He said sorry; I told him it's okay. It happened more than a
decade ago, and I didn't expect my reaction. Maybe, it was because of
the hurt I felt when I was a child that triggered it.

On that day, I let go of the hurt and released forgiveness. That made me
feel lighter. Days later, we bumped into each other in the mall and I was
happy to see him again. God turned the story of hurt into a story of
forgiveness.

Are there experiences in your life that make it hard for you to forgive? As
you teach today, may you remember how God forgave us no matter how
undeserving we are.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for your love and grace. Please help me to
forgive as you forgave me. As I let go of the hurt and anger that others
caused, may my heart feel free and peaceful again. In Jesus' name.
Amen.

Teacher’s Preparation

1. Practice what you will say and do in the motivation part.

2. Print Forgiveness Dice template on a thick paper.
3. Prepare visual aids for handshake verse, and forgiveness dice.
4. Prepare all other materials needed for the session.

37
 SUGGESTED SESSION PLAN

APPROACH

Welcome and Greetings

Greet the children with a handshake when they enter the class. Ask
them to chart their attendance and sit down while waiting for the others
to arrive. Then, gather them in a circle. Say, “Good morning, children!
I’m glad to see you again.”

Sing, “Welcome, Welcome Everyone!” and the VCS theme song. After
that, lead the opening prayer.

“Welcome, Welcome Everyone!”

Welcome, welcome everyone

We’re glad you're here
Let's have some fun
Songs and stories, games and play
Help us learn to live God’s way
Welcome, welcome everyone
We’re glad you're here
Let's have some fun

Review
In the last session, we discussed how we can choose to be honest with
God’s help. Ask the children to raise their hands if they have memorized
the memory verse. Call three children to recite. Give a clap for each
child who can recite.

38
Motivation: Tight Heart

Show the children a sad, hurting and angry emoji. Ask, “Have you ever
experienced being so hurt or so angry that it became difficult for you to
forgive?” Let them recall their experiences. Then, call some children to
share.

After that, invite the children to close their fists tightly. After a few
seconds, tell them to squeeze it tighter. Pause for a while, allowing the
children to focus on the tension in their hands. As they squeeze, ask,
“How does it feel?” Let them answer.

Tell them to continue squeezing their hands. Then say, “Just like our
fists, our hearts feel tight when we hold on to hurt and anger. And the
longer we hold on to those feelings, the more we feel tense, heavier
and upset. It makes us tired and stiff, and we could not do anything
else. It even causes us pain and makes it harder, if not impossible, for us
to feel happy.”

Then say, "Now, open your fists slowly and gently. Take a deep breath,
and feel how much lighter your hands feel when you release that
tightness." Encourage the children to take a few deep breaths, letting
go of the tension in their hands and bodies. Ask, “How does it feel?”
Let them answer.

"This is how it feels when we choose to forgive. It's like opening our
fists and letting go of hurt or anger. Forgiveness doesn't mean what
happened is okay, but it helps us feel free and peaceful again."

Introduction to the Lesson

Today is our last session in UNIT 2, and we are going to talk about how
God helps us grow by forgiving those who hurt us. Let us read the title
together, “I Can Forgive.”

39
 BIBLE TIME

Sing:
Mundo ng Biblia
Jemimah G. Crismo

Halina’t maglakbay sa mundo ng Biblia

Tuklasin ang hiwaga ng Kanyang mga Salita
Halina’t maglakbay sa mundo ng Biblia
Halika na’t sumama na!
Tayo’y magkuwentuhan na!

Story: Joseph Forgives HIs Brothers (Genesis 37-50)

Tell the story using a story board.

In the land of Caanan, there once lived a man named Jacob. Among his
12 sons, Joseph was the one he loved the most. He even gave him a
special robe with many colors.

Joseph and his brothers took care of their flock. And Joseph would
report to their father if they did anything bad. His brothers saw that he
was their father’s favorite so they hated him and wouldn't speak to him
nicely.

One time, Joseph told his brothers about his strange dream. “I had a
dream. We were in the field tying bundles of wheat together. All of a
sudden my bundle stood straight up and your bundles circled around it
and bowed down to mine,” he told his brothers.

His brothers said, “So you think you will be king over us? Do you truly
think you will rule over us?” And they hated him more because of his
dreams which he had no control of.

40
Then Joseph had another dream of the same kind and told his brothers.
Now, his brothers were jealous of him, but his father thought about
what the dream meant.

One day, when Jacob sent Joseph to see if his brothers and the sheep
were alright, his brothers planned to kill him. But his eldest brother,
Reuben, said, “Just throw him in the well without water.” He said this as
he was planning to save him and return him home later. So they ripped
off his colorful robe and threw him in the well.

While Reuben was away, some traders came by and the other brothers
decided to sell Joseph for 20 pieces of silver. “Please, don’t do this to
me. Please don’t sell me,” Joseph cried. But they did not listen. Then,
they dipped his torn robe in a goat’s blood so their father would think
that he was killed and eaten by an animal.

Meanwhile, Joseph was taken as a slave in Egypt and was put into
prison because of wrong accusations. But in those times of hurt and
sadness, God has still been good to him. Years later, he became the
ruler of Egypt next to the King because God helped him interpret the
King's dream.

Just as Joseph has said, they experienced seven years full of good
crops. Then, seven years of hunger began. There was no food anywhere
except in Egypt who had prepared for the famine.

Ten of his brothers came to buy food. They didn't recognize Joseph,
and they bowed down to him. At first, Joseph pretended that he didn't
recognize them either and didn't talk to them nicely. His brothers felt
guilty and afraid. They said to each other, “Maybe, God is punishing us
because of what we did to Joseph many years ago.” When Joseph
heard this, he cried in secret.

In spite of what his brothers did, Joseph still did good things for them.
He gave them food, secretly returned their payment in their sacks, and
told them to bring their youngest brother with them the next time they
come back. One of his brothers was left in Egypt to make sure they
would return.

41
When they came back, Benjamin, the youngest brother, was with them.
And they all bowed down to Joseph. Joseph was nicer to them this
time. He invited them to have lunch with him at his house, and they
were served with the best food. Then, when Joseph couldn't contain it
any longer, he told them, “I am Joseph.”

His brothers couldn't say anything because they were afraid of him. But
he told them, “Don't be afraid. I have forgiven you. You sold me as a
slave, but God has sent me here to save people's lives. There will be five
more years without food, and I’ll make sure we will not go hungry. God
made me the highest officer here next to the King. Come here. Live
near me together with our father and your wives and your children.
Bring everything that you own and settle in the best land here in Egypt.

Joseph explained how God turned the bad thing they did to him into
something good. He forgave his brothers even when they had not yet
asked for it, and it was hard to do so. He let go of his hurt and anger.
And they all lived with peace in their hearts.

Discussion
1. What did Joseph’s brother do to him?
2. How do you think Joseph felt when they sold him and did not listen
to his cry?
3. Do you think it was easy for Joseph to forgive his brothers? Why/why
not?
4. How do you think did Joseph feel after forgiving his brothers? How
about his brothers?
5. If you were Joseph, would you forgive your brothers for what they
have done? Why, or why not?
6. How did Joseph show that he had forgiven his brothers?

Forgiveness is letting go of the hurt and anger that others brought us.
It makes us and the people who hurt us be at peace with each other
again. Just like Joseph, we can also learn to be kind and loving to those
who hurt us.

Sometimes, it will be hard for us to forgive… and that is okay. We need

time to process our emotions. We can cry or express how we feel in
ways that do not hurt people. What is important is that we move
forward and learn to forgive.
42
Memory Verse: Shake Hand Verse
Invite the children to read aloud the verse written in this illustration:

Have them memorize the verse by reading it several times. Then, cover
the verse by closing the hands in shake hands position. After that, let
them recite the verse again. Give the children a clap for memorizing the
verse.

Ask the children to recall a time in their lives when they have done
something wrong but was forgiven. Call a child or two to share how it
felt. Then, say, “It feels good to be forgiven, isn’t it? Well, all of us have
sinned and have done something wrong at least one time in our lives.
But God forgave us even though we do not deserve it. And we felt
good. Now, God wants us to do the same for others. As children who
were forgiven by God, we must also learn to forgive.”

Learning a New Song:

Forgive One Another
Lygen Tabucol

Forgive one another, As I forgive you

Forgive one another, Jesus said (2x)

Chorus:
I can forgive
I can forgive
I can forgive
I can forgive
‘cause God forgave me first

43
 COMMITMENT

Art Activity: “I Can Forgive” Dice

Ask the children to share ways they can show that they have forgiven
someone who had hurt them. After that, show the children a cross with
gestures or symbols of forgiveness drawn inside. Point to the pictures
one by one and let them identify each gesture. Then, give them a sheet
of paper with that cross illustration.

Let them color the pictures and write below each picture what it means
for them.

Example:
● shake hands - helping when in need
● hug - being friends again
● smile - not being angry
● talking lips - speaking nicely
● thumbs up - doing good
● heart - loving

Have them cut the outline of the cross and glue the sides to make a dice
out of it.

After everyone finished, say, “The cross symbolizes that God is the one
who forgave us first. Now, it's time for us to do the same. May this dice
be a reminder of how we should forgive.”

44
Worship

Gather the children in the worship area. Play a soft music. Call someone
to recite the memory verse. Say, “Today we have learned about
forgiveness and how it feels to forgive and be forgiven.”

Ask, “Who among you today still find it hard to forgive?” Let them raise
their hands. Some children might feel shy doing so. Assure them that it’s
okay. Say, “Sometimes, it's really hard to forgive. But the good thing is
God showed us the best example of forgiveness, and we can ask him to
also help us do the same.”

Sing, “Forgive one another.” After that, invite them pray silently
thanking God for forgiving them and asking him to help them do the
same. Then, lead the children in prayer.

Dismissal
Remind the children to memorize the memory verse. Assign a child to
lead the opening prayer for the next session. Sing, “Shalom, Paalam!”
as you bid each other goodbye.

Shalom, paalam, kaibigan

Shalom, shalom
Kapayapaan ng Diyos ay sumaiyo
Shalom, shalom.

Evaluation
1. Were the objectives achieved in the session?
2. What were the challenges you encountered?
3. How were you able to overcome those challenges?

45
UNIT 3: GOD SENDS ME ............
....
SESSION 7: God Gave Me Gifts

..

...
.....
God gave

....
BIBLICAL REFERENCES: 1 Peter 4:10, Romans 12:6-8,
1 Samuel 16:14-23
me gifts
Memory Verse: 1 Peter 4:10 GWT
“Each of you as a good manager must use the gift that
God has given you to serve others.”

CONCEPTS OBJECTIVES
1. Our talents and abilities are Acknowledge that God
God's gifts to us. is the one who gave
2. Each of us is given gifts that them gifts.
complement each other. Identify the different
3. We must use our gifts to talents and abilities
glorify God and to help that God gave them.
others. Name ways on how
their gifts can glorify
God and help others.

LEARNING EXPERIENCES
Welcome and Greetings MATERIALS
Community Singing and Prayer
Attendance chart, Song
Review: Fill in the Blocks
chart, CD/flash drive for
Motivation: What’s in the Gift Box?
songs, Visual aids for
Introduction to the Lesson
review, Gift box
Singing: “Mundo ng Biblia”
Strip of paper with the
Story: “David Plays Harp for Saul”
words talents and abilities,
Discussion
Accordion gift, 8 drawings
God’s Promises in the Bible
of gift box with the words
Memory Verse: Arrange the Gifts
of the verse, My Gift to
in Order
God printout, Crayons,
Learn a New Song: “Many Gifts,
pens, puncher, yarn
One Spirit”
· materials for worship:
Activity: My Gift to God
cross, candle, lighter,
Worship
potted plants

46
Teacher’s Meditation

Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-26.

God has given us different gifts, talents and abilities. Those gifts do not
compete with each other, but complement each other instead.

I remember my college roommate who asked me to illustrate big books

for her. She said she was not good in drawing, so she asked for my help.
Now that we are both working, I asked her to write songs that I can use in
VCS. She is gifted in the field of music. We both have different gifts and
abilities, but we helped each other in the ministries God gave us.

What are your gifts, talents and abilities? As you teach today, take time to
thank God for those gifts. Use them well to serve others and give God
the glory.

The Lord be with you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Teacher’s Preparation

1. Cover a shoe box to make it look like a gift. Place the paper with the
words “TALENTS AND ABILITIES” inside. Make sure that the box can
easily be opened.

2. Print and cut enough copies of the “My Gift to God” template.

3. Put a potted plant in front.

4. Make sure all the materials are ready for the session.

47
 SUGGESTED SESSION PLAN

APPROACH

Welcome and Greetings

Greet the children with a high five as they arrive. Ask them to chart their
attendance and sit down while waiting for their classmates and friends.
Then, gather them in a circle. Say, “Good morning, children! I’m glad to
see you again.” Sing, “Kumusta?” with the children echoing the lyrics.

Kumusta?
Kumusta? (Kumusta?)
Mabuti. (Mabuti)
Mainam. (Mainam)
Magkita. (Magkita)
Aawit. (Aawit)
Kay sigla. (Kay sigla)
Tayo’y magkasama ngayon

Sing also the VCS theme song, then ask the assigned child to lead the
opening prayer.

Review: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks to complete the session and unit titles.
UNIT I: God _____ Me
Session 1: ___ Loves Me
Session 2: Jesus _____
UNIT II: God Helps Me ____
Session 3: I Love ______
Session 4: I ____ Everyone
Session 5: I Can Be ______
Session 6: I Can _______
48
Motivation: What’s in the Gift Box?
Show the children a gift box. Say, “Look at this. It is a gift from God,
and all of us have it. Can you guess what is inside?” Give the children a
few tries then reveal what's inside. You may recite this rhyme before
opening the box:
What's in the box? What could it be?
Do you want to see? Let's count 1, 2, 3.

Open the gift box and reveal the words: TALENTS AND ABILITIES. Let
them read it aloud. Then say, “Wow! God gave each of us talents and
abilities. And for us to know what talents or abilities we have, we have
to think of what we are good at or what we can do, or enjoy doing.

Ask, “What talents and abilities did God give you?” Let the children
share one by one. After that, invite them to thank God for their gifts by
saying, “Thank you, God, for giving me talents and abilities.”

Introduction to the Lesson

Say, “We are now in Unit III of VCS: God Sends Us. Why do you think
does God send us?” Let them answer. Then, say, “Yes, God sends us
into the world to be a blessing and to honor God. God gave us gifts so
that we can do this.” Say the session title together, “God Gave Us
Gifts.”

Ask, “What should you do with the gifts that you mentioned earlier?”
Let them answer. Then, say, “Yes, we should use it to bless others and
glorify God.”

Today’s story will talk about how a young man helped someone by
using his talent.

49
 BIBLE TIME

Sing:
Mundo ng Biblia
Jemimah G. Crismo

Halina’t maglakbay sa mundo ng Biblia

Tuklasin ang hiwaga ng Kanyang mga Salita
Halina’t maglakbay sa mundo ng Biblia
Halika na’t sumama na!
Tayo’y magkuwentuhan na!

Story: David Plays Harp for Saul

Use the accordion gift as you tell the story.

Once, there was a King named Saul. He disobeyed God so he was
feeling very sad and anxious. He could not sleep and think well. He
always felt troubled. So he told his servants, “Find someone to play the
harp for me.”

One of the servants said, “I know someone who is an excellent

musician. He is the son of Jesse from Bethlehem, and I’ve seen him
myself. He is also brave, handsome, well-spoken, and a good soldier.
The Lord is with him.”

The boy he was talking about was David, a young shepherd boy who
played the harp very well. The music he played brought peace to those
who listened --- even to his sheep.

David came to Saul and played his harp. This made Saul feel better.
Saul liked him so much that he asked David's father to let him stay in his
service. David's father agreed. So whenever Saul felt anxious or
50
troubled, he would play soft music with his harp. And Saul would feel
better and be alright again.

Discussion
1. How did Saul feel since he disobeyed God?
2. What was David's talent?
3. How did David’s talent help Saul?
4. How do you think did David become a good musician?
(God’s gift, plus practice!)
5. What would happen if David felt shy or did not want to share his gift
of music?

Memory Verse: Arrange the Gifts in Order

Let the children read the verse aloud. Then, play a game to help the
children memorize the verse. Call for eight children to come in front.
Have them stand next to each other, facing the class. Give each of them
a gift box with the words of the verse. Let them arrange themselves in
the correct order. Then, have their classmates read what they have
formed. Repeat until they stand in the right order.

Each of you / as a good / manager must / use the gift / that God /
has given you / to serve others. / --- Peter 4:10

Then say, “God gifted us with different talents and abilities. Some of us
are good at singing, some in dancing, some in writing, some in acting,
some in drawing, and others in things I haven’t mentioned. And these
gifts aren’t given to know who is better but to help each other. They
should all be used to serve others and to glorify God. Therefore, we
shouldn't brag or boast about them. Just as David used his gift of music
to help Saul feel better, we can also use our talents and abilities to help
others. In this way, we become good managers of the gifts given to us.”

Learn a New Song: Many Gifts, One Spirit

Many gifts, one spirit, one love known in many ways
In our difference is blessing, from diversity we praise
One giver, one Lord, one Spirit, one Word
Known in many ways, hallowing our days
For the giver, for the gifts,
Praise, praise, praise!
51
 COMMITMENT

Activity: My Gift to God

Say, “Our talents and abilities are God’s gift to us. How we use those
gifts is our gift to God.” Give the children a gift cutout. Have them write
their gifts and how they will use them to glorify God and to serve
others. Let them complete the following sentences inside it. Then, let
them color it lightly. Then, put a hole on top of the paper and tie a yarn
on it.

Examples:
● My gift is singing. I will use my gift by singing songs of praise
to God.
● My gift is dancing. I will use my gift by dancing the
tambourine in church.
● My gift is drawing. I will use my gift by making a card for the
sick.
● My gift is gardening. I will plant flowering plants and
evegetables.

After everyone has finished, invite them to share what they have
written.

52
Worship

Gather the children in the worship area. Play the song, “A Gift to You”.
After the song, say, “We gather today thanking God for the gifts He has
given us. And as we give thanks, let us offer our gifts back to God. One
by one, let the children share what they have written. Then, invite them
to hang their gifts on the plant’s stems in front.

After that, sing “A Gift to You” with the children echoing the lyrics of
the verse and close in prayer.

A Gift to You

Everything I am (Everything I am)

Everything I'd be (Everything I’d be)
I give it to You, Lord (I give it you, Lord)
And do it thankfully (thankfully)

Chorus:
Every song I sing
Every praise I bring
Everything I do
Is a gift to you

Everything I have (Everything I have)

All You've given (All You’ve given me)
I give it to You, Lord (I give it to You, Lord)
And do it thankfully (thankfully)
(Repeat chorus)

Dismissal
Remind them to memorize the memory verse. Sing, “Shalom, Paalam!”
as you bid them goodbye.

Evaluation
1. Were the objectives achieved in the session?
2. What were the challenges you encountered?
3. How were you able to overcome those challenges?

53
 ............
....
SESSION 8: I Can Be A Friend

..

...
l can be

.....

....
BIBLICAL REFERENCES: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12,
1 Samuel 18-20 a friend
MEMORY VERSE: 1 Thessalonians 5:11
"Therefore, encourage one another and build
each other up.

CONCEPTS OBJECTIVES
Identify people who
1. God calls us to care for the
needs encouragement
discouraged and sad.
and comfort.
2. God enables us to encourage and
Share how they can
comfort others.
encourage and comfort
3. We can encourage others by
others.
being a friend to them.
Be willing to be a friend
to others.
Thank God for enabling
them to encourage and
comfort others.

MATERIALS
LEARNING EXPERIENCES
Welcome and Greetings Attendance chart, Song
Community Singing and Prayer chart, CD/flash drive for
Review
songs, Visual aids for
Motivation: Word Web
review, strip of paper with
Introduction to the Lesson
the words friend, Colored
Singing: Mundo ng Biblia
Story: “Best Friend Forever: the story paper, scissors, tape,
of David and Jonathan” (1 Samuel 18) marker/crayon, Memory
Discussion verse puzzle, Different
Memory Verse Game: Find the Verse colors of yarn, buttons,
Learn a New Song: I Want to be Your manila paper, Materials for
Friend worship (cross, candle,
Art Activity: Friendship Bracelet lighter)
Worship: Litany of Friendship

54
Teacher’s Meditation

Alone in the darkness

Nothing to see
No one to talk to
Thinking of all the things that I’m going through
I don't know if I can still survive
The pieces of my heart
Who’s gonna fix it
Who’ll make it whole
Crying so loud but no one hears my voice
I want to get out
I want to be free

Chorus:
Then you came
Into my life
You gave me hope
You made the sun to shine
I can't explain your love me
Oh, Jesus, Jesus.

These were the lyrics of the song I composed as I was alone in the
dormitory, contemplating life during college. I read the whole book of
Job that morning and realized that Jesus is the best friend that we can
have. He always listens, and he always cares. His love is unconditional and
there's no one as faithful as he. Some people may leave us, but he is a
friend forever.

Do you find yourself in sadness or discouragement? Cheer up! Tell

everything to Jesus in prayer.

Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank you for being the best friend that I can have. And thank
you for listening to my prayers. May my heart be light as I become a
friend to the children whom I will teach today. In Jesus' name. Amen.

55
Teacher’s Preparation

1. Write “FRIEND” on a strip of paper.

2. Cut out hearts from colored paper.
3. Prepare two sets of memory verse puzzles in different colors. Hide the
pieces of the puzzle inside the classroom.
4. Write the litany of friendship on manila paper.
5. Make a sample of the friendship bracelet.

SUGGESTED SESSION PLAN

APPROACH

Welcome and Greetings

Greet the children with a high five as they arrive. Ask them to chart their
attendance and sit down while waiting for their classmates and friends.
Then, gather them in a circle. Greet them warmly, and make them feel
that you are happy to see them again.

Sing, “Kumusta?” Sing also “A Gift to You” and the VCS theme song.
Then, lead the opening prayer.

Review
Encircle the best answer.
1. Our talents and abilities are gifts from…
a. God b. parents c. myself

2. We should use our talents and abilities to…

a. brag b. be famous c. glorify God and serve others

56
Motivation: Word Web
Post the word “friend” on the board. Ask the children to think about
their friends. Give the children heart cutouts. Ask them to write the
good qualities they like with their friends on the hearts and post them
on the board.

Say, “Good friends are trustworthy, loyal, kind, caring, loving and
helpful. They stick with us in good and bad times.” Ask, “Have you ever
felt sad or discouraged? What did your friend do to make you feel
better?” Encourage responses from the children.

Introduction to the Lesson

Say, “Today’s lesson is about friendship and caring for the people who
need a friend.”

Show a picture of a sad David. Say, “In our story, David is very sad.
What do you think would his best friend do to make him feel better?”
Let them guess but do not reveal the answer yet. Say, “Let us find out in
the story.

BIBLE TIME

Sing:
Mundo ng Biblia
Jemimah G. Crismo

Halina’t maglakbay sa mundo ng Biblia

Tuklasin ang hiwaga ng Kanyang mga Salita
Halina’t maglakbay sa mundo ng Biblia
Halika na’t sumama na!
Tayo’y magkuwentuhan na!

57
Story: Best Friend Forever: the story of David and Jonathan
1 Samuel 18

David has been staying with King Saul for a time when he met Jonathan.
They became close to each other and soon became best friends.
Jonathan showed his love for David by giving his royal robe, including
his sword, armor, bow and belt. They promised to always protect and
care for each other.

Time came when King Saul got jealous of David’s victories in his
battles. He feared that David would replace him as King so he planned
to kill him. When Jonathan learned this, he felt worried for his best
friend. He warned David, “Go into hiding. My father is planning
something bad for you.”

David felt so scared and sad, but Jonathan stayed with him and
comforted him. Jonathan also encouraged him and helped him escape.
As David went into hiding, Jonathan continued to protect his friend
from his father. They stayed loyal to each other and promised to be
friends forever. Because of Jonathan, David felt God’s presence and he
felt that he was not alone.

Years later, Saul and Jonathan died in a battle. David mourned. Then,
to honor his friendship with Jonathan, he took care of Jonathan's son
and treated him as a family.

Discussion
1. Why did David feel scared and sad? (King Saul wanted to kill him.)
2. How did Jonathan comfort and encourage David? (He stayed with
him, comforted him, encouraged him, helped him escape, protected
him, assured him of God’s presence and kept his promise.)
3. How do you think David felt because of Jonathan?

Say, “Being a friend means bringing comfort and encouragement to

those who need it.

4. Do you know someone who is sad or discouraged? Who are they and
how are you going to comfort and encourage them?

58
Memory Verse: Find the Verse Puzzle

Group the children into two. Assign a color for each group, and ask
them to find parts of the verse hidden in the classroom according to the
color assigned to them. Then, let them arrange the puzzle to form the
verse. The group who finishes first wins.

Let the children read the verse aloud.

“Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11

We can do what the verse says by being a friend to the people around
us. And being a friend is listening, sharing, caring, being present, and
doing good to them. Are you willing to be a friend to others? If yes, let
us sing this song.

COMMITMENT

Learn a New Song: “I Want to be Your Friend”

Let the children choose a partner whom they want to be friends with
and shake hands as they sing this song.” Let them exchange partners
and repeat the song a few times more. Use rhythmic movements or
actions for variation.

I Want to be your Friend

I want to be your friend a little bit more (3x)
A little bit, a little bit, a little bit more

Maging kaibigan mo ang aking nais (3x)

Kaibigan mo, kaibigan mo, ang aking nais

59
Art Activity: Friendship Bracelet

Materials: yarn, button, tape

1. Cut 3 strands of yarn of about 2-3 feet long, depending on your wrist
size.
2. Gather all the strands together.
3. Fold the strands in half to form a loop.
4. Secure the loop by tying a knot near the folded end. This will be used
to secure the bracelet in the end.
5. Tape the end with a loop on a flat surface.
6. Divide the stands into 3 sections.
7. Braid the strands by taking the rightmost cross over the middle then,
taking the leftmost strands cross over the middle.
8. Continue braiding until the desired length is reached.
9. Secure the bracelet by tying a knot.
10. Divide the strands into 2 then insert the yarn in the buttonholes.
Secure with a knot.
11. Remove the tape.
12. To wear the bracelet, insert the button through the loop at the
beginning.

Worship
Gather the children in the worship area. Play the song, “What a Friend
We Have in Jesus” and invite everyone to listen to the lyrics. Then, say,
“As we go out into the world, let us remember the one who showed us
the best example of being a friend to everyone. He always listens and
always cares. He loves unconditionally. He’s a friend forever. He is
Jesus.”

Say the litany of friendship.

Teacher: To the people who are sad,
Children: Help me, Lord, to make them glad.
T: To the people who are discouraged,
C: Help me, Lord, to give them courage.
T: To those whom no one seems to hear,
C: I will lend my listening ear.
T: To someone who is alone,
C: I will be a friend of his own.

60
T: Thank you, Lord, for always being there,
C: Thank you, Lord, for teaching me to care.
T: Thank you, Lord, for being my friend,
C: And for teaching me to be a friend till the end.

After that, invite the children to give the friendship bracelet that they
have made to someone whom they want to be a friend as they sing, “I
Want to be Your Friend”. Then, sing the VCS theme song and close in
prayer.

Dismissal
Sing, “Paalam, paalam” as you bid each other goodbye.

Paalam, paalam, sa’yo kaibigan ko

Paalam, paalam, ingatan ka ng Diyos.

Evaluation
1. Were the objectives achieved in the session?
2. What were the challenges you encountered?
3. How were you able to overcome those challenges?

61
SESSION 9: I Can Pray For Others ....
............

..

...
.....
l can pray

....
BIBLICAL REFERENCES: Romans 8:26-27, James
5:13-16, Acts 3:1-10, 1 Timothy 2:1-2
for others
MEMORY VERSE: 1 Timothy 2:1 (ICB)
“First, I tell you to pray for all people. Ask God for the
things people need, and be thankful to him.”

CONCEPTS OBJECTIVES
Enumerate situations
1. We can help other people by when they can pray for
praying for them. others.
2. God helps us to pray when we Share their hesitations
don't know what to say. when praying, and how
3. As we grow closer to God, we to overcome them
pray for others more. Explain the importance
of praying for others.
Say a prayer for others.

MATERIALS
LEARNING EXPERIENCES
Welcome and Greetings Attendance chart
Community Singing and Prayer Song chart
Review: True or False CD/flash drive for songs
Motivation: My Prayer List Visual aids for review
Introduction to the Lesson Blank papers,
Story: “Peter and John Prayed for a Scissors, Crayons, pens,
Lame Man” (Acts 3:1-10) puncher, yarn
Discussion Materials for worship (cross,
Learn a New Song: “Silver and Gold candle, lighter)
Have I None”
Memory Verse: Group Memorization
Five Finger Prayer
Activity: Praying hands
Worship

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Teacher’s Meditation

When I was in college, a friend told me over the phone about her family
problem. She was very sad and heartbroken. I was also sad for her, but I
couldn't help her with her problems.

That time, I just came from the Night of Praise, an evening of fellowship,
worship and prayer with my fellow students. I felt so empowered by the
Spirit that it led me to pray for her.

After praying, she told me that she felt something overwhelming and it
made her cry. She said she felt lighter and better. At that moment, I knew
that the Spirit was working in her.

Before you teach today, pray for the children and your fellow teachers for
the things that they need. Sometimes, we can't really solve other
people's problems, but we can help them through prayers.

Teacher’s Preparation

1. Prepare all other materials needed for the session.

2. Prepare yourself, too, physically and spiritually.

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 SUGGESTED SESSION PLAN

APPROACH

Welcome and Greetings

Gather the children in a circle. Greet them warmly, and make them feel
that you are happy to see them again. Then, guide the children in
charting their attendance. After that, lead the opening prayer.

Sing, “I Want to be Your Friend,” and the VCS theme song.

Review: True or False

1. David's best friend is Jonathan. (True)
2. Jonathan doesn't want to help David. (False)
3. Being a friend means being ready to encourage and comfort in times
of need. (True)

Motivation: My Prayer List

Hand a sheet of paper to the children and ask them to list the things
that they pray for. After everyone finishes, have them count in their list
their prayers for themselves and their prayers for other people.

Ask:
1. Who among you listed a prayer for other people?
2. Who among you have NOT listed a prayer for others?
3. Why do we need to pray for other people? (To ask for the Lord's help
to give them what they need and to make them feel that God cares.)

Introduction to the Lesson

Prayer is a means of thanking God and communicating our needs to
him. Sometimes, find ourselves praying only for the things we need, or
just hurriedly thanking God for the food we eat.

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But as we grow closer to God, our prayers change. We become
sensitive to the needs of the people around us, and we start to pray for
them more. This is how we grow in grace. And this is another thing that
God wants us to do aside from using our talents and being a friend: to
pray for others.

Let the children read the session title aloud: I Can Pray for Others

BIBLE TIME

Today's Bible story talks about how Peter’s prayer changed a lame
man’s life. Are you ready to listen?

Sing:
Mundo ng Biblia
Jemimah G. Crismo

Halina’t maglakbay sa mundo ng Biblia

Tuklasin ang hiwaga ng Kanyang mga Salita
Halina’t maglakbay sa mundo ng Biblia
Halika na’t sumama na!
Tayo’y magkuwentuhan na!

Story: Peter and John Prayed for a Lame Man

Acts 3:1-10

One day, at three o’clock in the afternoon, Peter and John were on
their way into the Temple for a prayer meeting. At the same time, a
man lame from birth was being carried in the Temple gate called
Beautiful. Each day he was put beside the gate to beg from the people
going into the Temple. Lots of people entered the gate, but most of
them didn't even bother to look at him.
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When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some
money. Peter and John looked straight at him and said, “Look at us!”
The man looked at them, expecting them to give him some money. But
they knew from the start what the lame man really needed. It was
healing. Maybe, he even has forgotten it for a long time.

Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold, but I do have something else
I can give you: By the power of Jesus Christ from Nazareth—stand up
and walk!” He declared this prayer in the name of Jesus. Then, he took
the man’s right hand and helped him get up.

Immediately, the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped up,
stood on his feet, and began to walk. He went into the Temple with
them, walking and jumping, and praising God. All the people
recognized him. They knew he was the lame man who always sat by the
Beautiful Gate begging for money. Now they saw this same man
walking and praising God. The people were amazed. They could not
understand how this could happen.

Questions:
1. Where were Peter and John going? (prayer meeting in the Temple)
2. How do you think Peter and John felt when they saw the lame man
begging for money?
3. What does the lame man really need? (to be healed)
4. How did Peter and John respond to the lame man’s need? (They
prayed for him and helped him get up.)
5. In what other situations when you can pray for others?
Sometimes, we want to help others but cannot do so. We may not have
the money to give, we can’t solve their problems or we can’t make
them well. But we can pray to God to help them and to give them what
they need. By doing so, it will make them feel that God cares for them.
6. What would happen if Peter and John hesitated to pray for the lame
man?
7. Was there a time when you hesitated to pray for others? How did you
overcome it?

When we pray, it is God whom we are talking to. And God helps us
pray when we don’t know what to say. Our prayers don’t need to be
loud. We could whisper softly as we declare things in the name of our
Lord Jesus.

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Learn a New Song: Silver and Gold Have I None
Peter and John went to pray;
they met a lame man on the way.
He asked for alms and held out his palms,
and this is what Peter did say:
"Silver and gold have I none,
but what I have I give to you.
In the name of Jesus Christ
of Nazareth, rise up and walk!"
He went walking and jumping and praising God,
walking and jumping and praising God.
"In the name of Jesus Christ
of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”

Memory Verse: Group Memorization

Read the verse by group.
BOYS: “First, I tell you to pray for all people.
GIRLS: Ask God for the things people need,
ALL: and be thankful to him.” --- 1 Timothy 2:1
Tell them to memorize their parts. Then, have them recite without a
copy.

Five Finger Prayer

Ask the children:
1. According to the verse, who should we pray for? (all people)
For the children to remember who these people are, invite the children
to fold their hands as in prayer.

Say, “Each finger represents people whom we should pray for. They are
the following …
● thumb (closest finger) - our family, friends and ourselves
● point finger - our teachers
● tall finger - our leaders, government officials, class president, or
pastor
● ring finger (weakest finger) - the weak, sick and needy
● pinky (farthest finger) - enemies or those who don’t like us or we
don’t like much

2. What should we pray to God for them? (the things that they need)

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 COMMITMENT

Activity: Praying Hands

Give each child a sheet of paper, and then have them follow the
instructions below:
1. Fold the paper in half.
2. Trace one hand with the pinky finger on the side with fold.
3. Cut along the lines without cutting the fold.
4. Write “I Can Pray for Others” and your name in front.
5. Open the Praying Hand.
6. Think of someone you want to pray for and for the things he or she
needs.
7. Write your prayer by changing the underlined words.

Worship
Gather the children in the worship area. Let the children read and
declare their prayers in the name of Jesus. After that, recite the memory
verse together, and then sing the VCS theme song. Close in prayer.

Dismissal
Remind the children to memorize the memory verse. Sing, “Paalam,
Paalam!” as you bid goodbye.

Evaluation
1. Were the objectives achieved in the session?
2. What were the challenges you encountered?
3. How were you able to overcome those challenges?
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 ............
....
SESSION 10: I Can Help My Family

..

...
l can help

.....
and Community

....
my family and
BIBLICAL REFERENCES:
community
Matthew 5:16; Mark 6:30-44
MEMORY VERSE: Matthew 5:16 (GNT)
“In the same way your light must shine before people, so that they
will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.”

OBJECTIVES
CONCEPTS
Name ways on how they can
1. God wants us to help our help their family and
family and community. community
2. We can help by being Commit to be a responsible
responsible and caring. and caring member of their
3. God's grace enables us to family and community
help one another. Ask God to strengthen them
to help one another.

LEARNING EXPERIENCES
Welcome and Greetings MATERIALS
Community Singing and Prayer attendance chart, song
Review chart, CD/flash drive for
Game: E, Ikaw? songs, visual aids for story
Introduction to the Lesson paper bag with bread
Story: “The Boy Who Shared His (pandesal), memory verse
Food” chart, crayons, pencils,
Discussion pens, barbeque stick,
Memory Verse tape, materials for
Learn a New Song: Ordinary People worship (cross, candle,
Art Activity: Slogan Making lighter)
Worship

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Teacher’s Meditation

Read Luke 10:38-4.

“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may be
innocent and pure as God's perfect children, who live in a world of
corrupt and sinful people. You must shine among them like stars lighting
up the sky, as you offer them the message of life.” - Philippians 2:14-16a

When Jesus came to Mary and Martha's home, both sisters had been very
excited. Martha, wanting to please Jesus, busily prepared their dinner
while Mary spent time with Jesus and listened to his teachings. Both were
serving Jesus, but in different ways.

Perhaps, Martha got tired and thought to herself, “Why am I the only
one doing all these works?” She felt resentment towards her sister. Her
heart was filled with negative emotions as she did her way of serving. Her
thoughts centered on how her sister should be helping her instead of
doing everything with love.

Sometimes, we become like Martha - being too busy with all the work
that we become tired and angry. We become so distracted doing our
“ministry” that we forget the most important thing --- to sit at Jesus’ feet.
Today, Jesus is inviting you to spend time with him and listen to his
Word. Rest in his presence, and let him empower you. Then, you can
serve him again with gladness.

Teacher’s Preparation

1. Read the Teacher’s Meditation.

2. Buy pandesal enough for all the children.
3. Prepare the visual aids for the story and all other materials needed for
the session.

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 SUGGESTED SESSION PLAN

APPROACH

Welcome and Greetings

Gather the children in a circle. Greet them warmly, and make them feel
that you are happy to see them again. After that, lead the opening
prayer.

Sing, “Kumusta?” and “I Want to be Your Friend.” Sing also the VCS
theme song.

Review
Say, “Yesterday, we talked about praying for others.” Ask, “Who
among you prayed for other people today?” Let the children raise their
hands if they did. Commend them for this good deed, and then ask
them to recite yesterday's memory verse together.

Game: Eh, Ikaw?

Join the children as you stand in a circle. Ask, “How can you help your
family?” Let the children say and act out their answer followed by
saying, “E ikaw?” (Example: Nagwawalis ako. E, ikaw? Or Naghuhugas
ako ng plato. E, ikaw?) The child on the right will then say or act out his
or her answer, and then say, “E ikaw?” Their answers shouldn't be
repeated. The child who can't answer will sit down. Do this until
everyone ran out of answers.

Introduction to the Lesson

As a member of our family, it is our duty to help in ways that we can.
Doing a simple household chore, keeping our things in order and
obeying our parent’s requests mean that we care for them and the
other members of the family. It will make them feel better and the tasks
easier.
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Today, we are going to talk about how God wants us to help not only in
our family but also in our community. Let us say the session title
together: “I Can Help My Family and My Community.”

BIBLE TIME

Sing:
Mundo ng Biblia
Jemimah G. Crismo

Halina’t maglakbay sa mundo ng Biblia

Tuklasin ang hiwaga ng Kanyang mga Salita
Halina’t maglakbay sa mundo ng Biblia
Halika na’t sumama na!
Tayo’y magkuwentuhan na!

Story: The Boy Who Shared His Food

Jesus had been travelling everywhere doing miracles, healing the sick
and teaching people about God's love. And every day, a lot of people
come to him that he and his disciples didn't even have time to eat.

One day, Jesus decided to go somewhere quiet to rest. As he and his

disciples sat down on a hill, they saw a lot of people coming towards
them. So he began teaching them lots of things.

There was a little boy who was with those people. With food packed in
his bag, he didn't mind walking far from home. Just like the others, he
had seen Jesus perform miracles, and he wanted to see more of those
and listen to his stories.

It was almost dinner time, and the people were getting hungry. The
disciples said, “Send the people away so they can go and buy food.”
But Jesus answered, “Let's feed them.”
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There were about 5,000 men and many more women and children. The
disciples were confused because even if they work for months, they
wouldn't have enough money to feed all those people.

When the little boy learned that Jesus was looking for food, he willingly
shared what he had. (Bring out the paper bag filled with pandesal).
“There is a boy here who has five loaves of barley bread and two fish,”
said the disciple named Andrew. “But these will not be enough for all
these people,” he added.

“Jesus said, “Tell the people to sit down.” So the people sat on the
grass in groups. Then, Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked
up to heaven, and blessed them. (Pray for the food then distribute
pandesal to the children). Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he kept
giving the bread to the disciples so they could distribute it to the
people. He also divided the fish for everyone to share. Amazingly, there
was enough food for everyone to eat.

When they were all full, Jesus said to his disciples, “Gather the
leftovers. Do not waste anything.” So they gathered them all and filled
twelve baskets with the pieces that were left of the five barley loaves.
The people were amazed with this miracle.

Discussion:
1. Why did the people follow Jesus everywhere he went? (they saw him
perform miracles)
2. Why did the disciples want to send them away? (so they could buy
their food)
3. How did the boy help the people in his community? (He shared his
food)
4. How do you think the five loaves of bread and two fishes become
enough for the people to eat?
5. If you were the boy, would you share your food with the people?

The boy’s simple gesture made a big impact in the community. The
food he shared may not be that much, but God made it more than
enough to feed the people.

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Memory Verse:
“In the same way your light must shine before people, so that they will
see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16 (GNT)

Post the verse on the board. Give the children time to memorize it.
Cover the verse by parts. Then, call for volunteers to recite the verse.

Learn a New Song

Ordinary People
Danniebelle Hall

Just ordinary people

God uses ordinary people
He chooses people just like me and you
who are willing to do what He commands
God uses people that will gave Him all
No matter how small your all may seem to you
Because little becomes much
as you place it in the Master's hand

COMMITMENT

Art Activity: Slogan Making

Say, “Aside from sharing our food, we can do more things to help our
family and community.” Ask the children to think of ways they commit
help, then let them make a slogan stating their answer.

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Examples:
● Tumulong sa gawaing-bahay para gumaan ang buhay.
● Magpulot ng kalat. Ito ang dapat.
● Kapwa’y ipanalangin na sila ay pagpalain.

Have the children tape a barbeque stick at the center lower back of the
paper. Then, invite them to fall in line and march around the community
while holding their slogans. Sing the VCS theme song as you do this.

Worship
Gather the children in the worship area. Let them read their slogans and
post them in front. Say, “As we do these things, may we remember to
do them without complaining and murmuring. Everything we do must
be done with love. When we do this, people will see God's goodness
and praise him.”

After that, sing the VCS theme song and close in prayer.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for teaching me how to care and be a
responsible member of my family and community. May you give me
strength to do what I’ve committed so that you may be praised through
my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen

Dismissal
Sing, “Paalam, Paalam” as you bid the children goodbye.

Evaluation
1. Were the objectives achieved in the session?
2. What were the challenges you encountered?
3. How were you able to overcome those challenges?

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