Legends

July 6

This Week’s Bible Story

The people rebuilt the temple (Ezra 2-6). God’s people rebuilt the temple so they would have a place to worship God. Years later, God sent His Son, Jesus, to be with His people. Now, God does not dwell with His people through the temple. Instead, God dwells directly with His people through His Spirit. Jesus provided something better than the temple; He gives us Himself.

Check-in + Free Play

8:30-9:00 10:30-11:00

As kids check in, invite them to choose an activity around the room. Activities may include: bracelet making, legos, board games, and card games. All board and card games should be officially “checked out” by the child.

Worship

9:00-9:15 11:00-11:15

Have your kids line up and lead them to worship. The Legends team will stop by the Dreamers classroom and buddy up with some of the older 2 year olds and take them to worship.

Group Game

9:15-9:25 11:15-11:25

Choose a few positive role models to compete in the group game on stage.

Bible Story + Prayer

9:30-9:45 11:30-11:45

Look up Ezra 2-6 and teach the Bible passage in your own words. (Optional: Use the story cards provided if you would like visuals.)

Story Overview:

A man named Zerubbabel (zuh RUHB uh buhl) led God’s people to start rebuilding God’s temple. First, the priests made the altar. They gave offerings to God. Then workers made the foundation, or the bottom, of the temple. When the foundation was complete, the people sang songs to God.

The people kept working, but after a while, their neighbors said, “Stop building the temple!” So God’s people stopped. God sent prophets to talk to the people. The prophets said, “Keep building. God is with you.” So God’s people started to work on the temple again.

At this time, Darius (duh RIGH uhs), the king of Persia ruled over the land where God’s people lived. Darius put a helper in charge of the land where God’s people lived.

The king’s helper saw God’s people working. He asked their leader Zerubbabel, “Do you have permission to rebuild this temple?”

“Yes,” said Zerubbabel. The helper sent a letter to King Darius to find out if Zerubbabel was telling the truth.

King Cyrus had been king before Darius. When a king made an important decision, someone wrote it on a scroll. So Darius looked for the scroll. His servants found it! The scroll said, “Let God’s people rebuild the temple.”

King Darius wrote a letter back to his helper. He said, “Do not try to stop the workers at the temple. Give them anything they need.” The king’s helper obeyed Darius. God’s people kept building, and soon the temple was finished! The people celebrated the Passover and thanked God.

God’s people rebuilt the temple so they would have a place to worship God. Years later, God sent His Son, Jesus, to be with His people on earth.

Prayer: Close your story time by praying with your kids. This week’s prayer focus is on PLEASE PRAYERS. Ask the kids in your group, “Where in your life do you need God’s help?” Take time to pray for each of the things that were shared.

Discussion + Snack

9:45-9:55 11:45-11:55

1st-2nd Grade

In your small group, pass out snacks to each child and encourage small group discussion around this week’s questions.

Why was it important for the people to rebuild the temple? (Encourages kids to think about worship, obedience to God, and the meaning of God's house.)

What challenges did the people face while rebuilding, and how did they keep going? (Helps children reflect on perseverance and trusting God when things are hard.)

How can we be like the people who helped build the temple? (Invites personal application—helping at church, working together, obeying God.)

How did the people show that they were thankful to God after finishing the temple? (This helps children notice the importance of worship, praise, and thankfulness.)

What do you think God felt when He saw His people rebuilding the temple and obeying Him? (Encourages kids to think about God's heart and how our actions matter to Him.)

3rd-5th Grade

Why do you think it was important for the Israelites to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem? (Encourages kids to think about the temple's significance in worship and God’s presence.)

What obstacles did the people face while rebuilding the temple, and how did they stay motivated to finish? (Encourages critical thinking about perseverance and faith in the face of challenges.)

How can we follow the example of the people in Ezra by helping to build God’s kingdom today? (Encourages personal application, such as helping in church or serving others.)

After the temple was finished, the people celebrated and gave thanks to God. Why is it important for us to thank God for the good things He does for us? (Helps kids connect worship and gratitude in their daily lives.)

How do you think God felt when He saw His people working together to rebuild the temple? What does that teach us about God’s heart for His people? (Deepens their understanding of God’s love for obedience and unity.)\

Craft

9:55-10:10 11:55-12:10

Bring all of the kids back together.

CRAFT: Invite kids to take a seat at the table to work on this week’s craft. Supplies will be provided, as well as an example of the craft.

Rebuilding the Temple: Have kids cut out the 11 sections of the worksheet and assemble the pages into a flip book. Hand a brad to each kid to secure the top of the flip book.

Group Game + Check Out

10:10 12:10

Lead the entire class in a group game to end the time together. During check out confirm each parent tag and check out each child on the iPad at the door. The storyteller in the room will give each parent a quick debrief on their child’s morning. Remember to hand all of the child’s personal items back to their parent.

Group Games of The Week:

Categories Clap: Go around the circle naming items in a category (ex. animals, Bible characters, foods), but each person only has 2 seconds to answer or they’re out!

4 Corners: Define four corners of the room with the colored flags. One kid stands in the middle closes their eyes and counts to 10 while others pick a corner. The counter calls out a color- anyone in that corner is out. Continue until there is 1 kid left and then they get to be the caller.

Want to print your doc?
This is not the way.

Try clicking the ⋯ next to your doc name or using a keyboard shortcut (

CtrlP

) instead.