Sunday 26th April 2020 - Joseph

Joseph

Worship

A newly written worship song called ‘Hope’ by Allstars Kids Club

Word

How did Joseph have hope, despite his circumstances?

This week we’re going to look at the character of Joseph.  His story is found in Genesis, we are going to focus on chapters 37, 39-45.  With younger children you might want to read the story of Joseph from a children’s Bible story book which gives an overview or retell it yourself in your own words.  With older children, it would be great to read different parts of the story from a children’s Bible over this week. 

(If you don’t have access to relevant books at home; a child-friendly re-telling can be found here by L. Guenther: http://www.dltk-bible.com/genesis/story_of_joseph-cv.htm)

Some things to talk about and reflect on together:

Joseph’s story has been made famous by the musical and it can be easy to get stuck with his fabulous ‘coat of many colours’ and forget the faith and hope in God that he displayed over many years. 

- What were Joseph’s eleven brothers jealous of?  What do you think Jacob saw that was different about Joseph?

- Joseph went from a place of favour, to rock bottom.  What happened to him?

- During Joseph’s unpleasant circumstances, how did Joseph behave/react?

- How do you think Joseph ended up in Egypt as a slave and later as second in command of the whole nation?

- I wonder how Joseph felt when he saw his brothers all those years later?

- I wonder how we react when we feel we have been treated unfairly or someone has done something unkind to us?

- How did Joseph have hope, despite his circumstances?  What can we learn from the character of Joseph?

Optional Videos to watch

For the younger ones - a song version of Joseph’s story:

For older children - a video with the key parts of Joseph’s story to reinforce:

Activity suggestions

Under 5’s Decorate the cloak with lots of bright colours - you might use colours, finger prints, cut up pieces of coloured paper.  As you decorate it, listen to some hopeful, fun music!  

(Cloak Outline available below)

5-11’s Design a coat / item of clothing that you think shows / gives hope.  Who are you designing it for? 

Reflect

It is great to use props for these different colours to aid with this reflective activity.  You could use skittles, m and m’s, smarties, jelly beans or different coloured fruits for a healthy alternative.

 Use the colours to represent different types of prayers.  Eg:

Red – a sorry prayer (think of something that you would like to say sorry to God for from this last week and ask Him to forgive you).

Purple – prayer for the sick (think of someone you know who is unwell and ask God to heal them and to be close to them).

Yellow – prayer for the church (think of all your friends in Splash, Dive or Jump and pray for them and their families).

Green – prayer for the world (think of somewhere in the world that needs God’s help right now).

Orange – a thank you prayer (think of what you are thankful for right now in this time of lockdown and that you can place your hope in).