Curriculum
A Birthday Celebration
Memory Verse:
“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” (Acts 2:4 )
Bible Background
What Kids Will Learn
Pentecost was a Jewish celebration and also when the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles in the Upper Room.
Scripture Summary
Pentecost was one of the three main festivals in the Jewish tradition. Occurring 50 days after Passover, Pentecost celebrated the harvest and gave thanks to God. Jesus was crucified just after Passover, and He ascended into heaven 40 days after His crucifixion. Jews from many nations gathered in Jerusalem for Pentecost, or Feast of Weeks.
The Holy Spirit came to the new believers just 10 days after Jesus’ ascension. The picture seems like it comes straight out of a movie: The apostles were gathered together in the same upper room where they shared a Last Supper with Jesus. They had just witnessed their Lord crucified, buried, raised, and ascended. It was not safe to be a Christian.
As the apostles were in the Upper Room, the Holy Spirit, in the form of a fierce wind, came upon them, and tongues of fire came to rest on each of them. Scholars believe that tongues of fire represented not only communication of the gospel but also God’s purification of mankind.
And the apostles spoke in different languages—they were now able to communicate clearly across multiple languages from different countries. This miracle was truly astonishing; so much so that the apostles were accused of being drunk.
Peter, one of the apostles who displayed inconsistent leadership, spoke boldly to the crowds of Jews from other nations. Peter quoted the Old Testament, from the prophet Joel, to lend credence to his message as he challenged the people to listen to the apostles. God’s timing and plan orchestrated an incredible catalyst of Christianity as it’s believed thousands of people gathered. Then, the apostles took the good news to many countries all at once as they returned home following the festivals.
These “last days” refer to the time between Jesus’ ministry and His second coming. We are currently in the last days, and the Holy Spirit is a constant companion for all who believe.
Why Is This Important
We’re not alone in these last days. The same Holy Spirit who boldly came to the apostles in the Upper Room is a dear companion for all believers every day.
Teacher Devotion
Scripture
“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
When we moved to our new-to-us house, our 4-year-old was afraid to go into the basement. While the unfinished space wasn’t pretty to look at, we knew there were no dangers in the basement. No amount of explanation or coaxing would change our son’s mind.
Months later, my son and I were headed to the basement, and he quickly turned to me and said, “Ladies first, Mommy.” Aww, I was touched. Even at a young age, my heart swelled with pride as my son was grasping some concepts about being respectful to others. He quickly set my thoughts straight by adding, “Really, Mommy, I’m just afraid of spiders.” No chivalry here—just a raw fear of being alone with creepy-crawly spiders.
I’m still much like my 4-year-old son. I don’t like feeling alone— especially in unfamiliar places. And I’m so thankful that I’m not alone. God, in the form of His Holy Spirit, is with me always. He is with me as I sleep, walk the dog, drive carpool, sit at my desk writing, clean the toilet, and have coffee with a friend. He’s also with me as I receive a new diagnosis, find out I’m no longer employed, or navigate a broken relationship with a family member.
But it can be hard for me to remember that He’s with me. I can’t see him sitting in the passenger’s seat or next to me at the table (and I sometimes wish I could). If you struggle with remembering that He’s with you, too, consider one of these ideas:
- Place a rubber band on one wrist (or even purchase a bracelet) to help you remember.
- Write an encouraging message on a sticky note and place it on your bathroom mirror.
- Set your phone alarm for a few times during the day to remind you.
- Ask a friend to text you on a regular basis to help you remember (and you can do the same for your friend).
We’re not alone, and I’m so thankful.
Prayer
Dear God, thank You for being with me—always. I marvel that You don’t need a break from me. Please help me remember that You’re with me in the good times and in the hard times. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Bible Memory Verse
You’ll Need: Bible, Balloons, Small slips of paper, Marker
Get Ready: Before class, write words or phrases from today’s Bible memory verse on small slips of paper. Put one slip of paper inside each balloon and inflate.
“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” (Acts 2:4)
Lead kids in these steps to learn today’s Bible memory verse:
- Open your Bible to Acts 2:4.
- Read the Bible memory verse several times and invite kids to repeat phrases after you.
- Invite kids to stand in a large circle.
- Start with one balloon and bump it around the circle, slowly adding more balloons. The goal is to keep the balloons from landing on the ground.
- When each balloon does fall to the ground, it must be popped.
- Have kids collect the slips of paper and then work together to assemble the Bible verse once all of the balloons have been popped.
SAY: Great job learning today’s Bible verse! Today we’re celebrating the birth of the church on the day of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit filled the people of the early church just as He fills us today.
Interactive Bible Experience
You’ll Need: Bible, Large poster board, Markers, Tape
Get Ready: Before class, draw a large outline of a church on the poster board and tape it to the wall.
- Open your Bible to Acts 2:1-21.
- Read the passage aloud.
- Give each child a marker and invite kids to write words from today’s passage inside the church. (Examples: church, Pentecost, gifts, Holy Spirit, languages, tongues, etc.)
ASK:
- What are some of the gifts the Holy Spirit gives us?
- How would you feel if your friends were suddenly able to speak different languages?
SAY: The Holy Spirit came on the day of Pentecost, and the church was born. But He didn’t stop there; the Holy Spirit is still alive in each and every person who believes today.
Snack
Pentecost Cupcakes
You’ll Need: Unfrosted cupcakes, Frosting, Sprinkles, Birthday candles, Lighter, Plastic knives, Paper plates, Napkins
Get Ready: Before the snack, have kids clean their hands.
Follow these steps for the “Pentecost Cupcakes” snack:
- Give each child a plate, a napkin, a plain cupcake, and a plastic knife.
- Invite kids to use their knives to frost the cupcakes.
- Remind kids that today we’re remembering the day of Pentecost, which was the day the church was “born.”
- Have kids decorate their cupcakes with sprinkles and finish off with a candle.
- Light each child’s candle and sing “Happy Birthday” to the church.
- Enjoy!
ASK:
- What happened on the day of Pentecost?
- What gifts does the Holy Spirit give us today?
Game
Rushing Wind Race
You’ll Need: Ping-pong balls, Straws, Masking tape
Get Ready: Before the activity, tape a starting line and a finish line at each end of the classroom.
To play the “Rushing Wind Race” game, have kids follow these steps:
- Form two teams and have each team line up at one end of the room.
- Give kids each their own straw, and give each team a ping-pong ball.
- Explain that when you say “Go,” the first person in line will have to set their ping-pong ball on the starting line and blow it to the finish line using only their straw.
- When they get to the finish line, kids can pick up their ping-pong ball and run back to their team for the next player to go, then have a seat at the back of their line.
- The first team to have all its members complete the race wins.
ASK:
- Explain how you were feeling during this game.
- How do you think this game was like or unlike what happened during Pentecost?
SAY: When the Holy Spirit filled the disciples on the day of Pentecost, “a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.” Even after He left earth and ascended into heaven, Jesus was still working miracles through the power of the Holy Spirit, who dwells in each of us today!
Craft
Pentecost Birthday Candle
You’ll Need: Paper towel tubes, Construction paper, Glue sticks, Tape, Markers
Follow these steps to make the “Pentecost Birthday Candle” craft:
- Give each child a paper towel tube.
- Invite kids to wrap their paper towel tubes with construction paper and seal with tape or glue.
- Tear small pieces of red, yellow, and orange construction paper for kids to glue inside the paper towel tube to look like a flame.
- Invite kids to finish their “Pentecost Birthday Candles” by decorating the outside with markers.
SAY: When the church was first formed on the day of Pentecost, God sent the Holy Spirit as a helper to the disciples. Today we still receive the gift of the Holy Spirit when we place our faith in Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Church Birthday Prayers
You’ll Need: “Pentecost Birthday Candle” craft
Follow these steps to lead kids in prayer.
- Have kids spread out around the room with their “Pentecost Birthday Candle” crafts.
- Invite kids to pray silently, thanking God for the gift of the Holy Spirit and for the church we get to be a part of.
- Close in prayer.
PRAY: Dear Jesus, we thank You for breathing life into us and life into the church on the day of Pentecost. Thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit. In Your name, amen.
