Week 2: First Stop - Antioch!

We learned that Barnabas & Saul spent a year in Antioch, preaching and teaching. The Holy Spirit told the church that Saul & Barnabas were chosen to carry the message of Jesus abroad as the first missionaries. We learned that Saul began using the Greek version of his name, Paul. We discussed that a missionary's task is to travel somewhere to tell others about Jesus and help them become Christians. Paul & Barnabas traveled from Antioch to Cyprus, up to Perga and Pamphylia. Where ever they went, they treated everyone with respect, even if they didn't agree with their message.

The kids stamped their passports for their first stop on the journey. They made their wallets to keep their med money in throughout the quarter. They will get money for coming to class, bringing their bible and saying their memory verse. Nathaniel earned an extra buck for listening closely and correcting me when I said that God spoke to Abraham at the burning bush! ("Didn't you mean Moses?")

The children read sections of the story from Acts 13 and drew a picture to describe what was happening. We shared the pictures with each other and learned how Paul & Barnabas traveled around and told the story of how Jesus came to the earth, died on the cross, was buried and raised from the dead. We learned that many people responded to the message by being baptized into Christ and believing the message that was brought to them.

Memory Verse:

"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." 1Peter 3:15