Hide And Seek Group
Group Activities

BLACK BALLOON POPPING: Fill the classroom with black balloons and as children enter for their class time (or another room for this balloon popping event), have them pop their balloons and tape the little piece of paper they find IN the balloon to the Ps. 139 poster board. Each piece of paper will have verses or phrases from Ps 139, that we will be discussing in our lesson today! Tell children that they will be learning that even in the black of night darkness, we cannot HIDE from God! Ask children why would we WANT to hide from God when HE wants to love and bless us? (A. ONLY when we disobey)

TIN CAN ART: Give each child a tin can to wrap some construction paper around and tape. Decorate the can with the Bible verse or parts of the Ps 139 passage, as well as sequins, glitter, etc. Children can use the can to remind them of the lesson today, while they store pens/pencils in the can or give to someone as a gift to let "them" know that God loves them!

'BLACK' ME: Let children trace their own body on a large piece of rolled out paper, or just draw a picture of themselves. Color ONE side of 'themselves" ALL BLACK (to remind them of Ps 139:11-12) and then color the other side of themselves more colorful as they're dressed today, if desired. Tape a typed out Bible verse on the BLACK side for Ps. 139:11-12.

PSALM 139 BANNER: Let children decorate and sign their names to a large banner that has Ps. 139 typed out in big letters, OR, if time permits, children can write parts of the Ps. 139 passage on their own banner in various colored markers and then decorate the banner around the edges, etc. Ask children which verse do THEY especially like and then draw a picture of that verse on their banner (ex: heaven, strength, darkness/light, oceans, traveling)!!!

"GOD IS THERE" HUNT: Let children HUNT for black squares, circles or other black items and when they find one, they turn it over or remove it and will find the words GOD IS THERE! Everytime they find another black paper or item, they shout out loud -- GOD IS THERE!!

BLACK TREATS: Give children black licorice and ask them what our lesson is about today that has to do with black and darkness. If children do not care for licorice, have other snacks for the children to receive that are wrapped in black tissue paper.

LITTLE BLACK BOOK: Give children small quarter-sheets of colored construction paper and an equal amount of black quarter-sheets of construction paper to tape over the top of each colored sheet (only tape at the top of each sheet so the black paper can be lifted up and looked under for the following words). Have children write GOD IS THERE, or GOD IS EVERYWHERE, on each colored sheet of paper. Staple the little booklet together and let children tape portions or ALL of Psalm 139 on the cover of their booklet today.

FOAM FRAMES: Give each child a foam frame and glue their picture inside of the frame and write I CANNOT HIDE FROM GOD, etc.

PSALM 139 CHORUS: Give each child a phrase or verse from Ps 139 and have them RECITE this Psalm together. If the children enjoy doing it, they could recite the Psalm in the worship service to follow, if desired, or could go to another SS classroom and recite it to another class, for encouragement.

Song:  "Search Me, O God" Maori Melody & Psalm 139:23-24

Words and music (pdf)