SERIES DESCRIPTION
Cooperation is a spiritual concept that originates with God. God created us to work together in community. Throughout the Bible, we see how God brought people together to accomplish something big for Him. When we work together, we reflect what Jesus envisioned for His followers. Our love for one another can point people to Him.
November Curriculum:
Week One (November 4)
Come Together
Bottom Line: God wants us to work together.
Key Question: Why would God want us to work together?
Memory Verse: “Two people are better than one. They can help each other in everything they do.” Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NIrV)
Life App: Cooperation—Working together to do more than you can do alone
Basic Truth: I can trust God no matter what.
Key Question: Why would God want us to work together? Through school, sports, and activities kids are learning how to work together. More often than not, they may not get to choose who they work with. They may feel frustrated by or even dread the moments when they have to work with others, but we hope this story helps them realize that working together is part of God’s plan for us.
We kick off the month looking at how God’s people cooperated to build the tabernacle. We read throughout Exodus 28, 31, 35, and 39 how God chose people to work together because of how He gifted them. They combined their skills to create a beautiful place to worship God.
Bottom Line: God wants us to work together. Sometimes we think it’d be better if we didn’t have
to rely on anyone else to get a job done, but this isn’t how God created us. God created us for community, to work together, and do more than we can do on our own. We hope that kids see the value in cooperation because cooperation starts with God.
Worship Videos
Week Two (November 11)
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We Could Be Heroes
Bible Story: We Could Be Heroes (Joshua Wins the Battle Over the Amalekites) • Exodus 17:8-13
Bottom Line: Work together to help someone succeed.
Key Question: Who could you work with to help someone succeed?
Memory Verse: “Two people are better than one. They can help each other in everything they do.” Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NIrV)
Life App: Cooperation—Working together to do more than you can do alone
Basic Truth: I should treat others the way I want to be treated.
Key Question: Who could you work with to help someone succeed? A big part of cooperation is figuring out who you can work with. We want kids to start thinking about the people in their life they can partner with to help someone else.
Next, we look at Exodus 17:8-13, at a time where Joshua was leading the Israelites in a fierce battle against the Amalekites. When Moses held up his staff, the Israelites were able to win the battle. When Moses got tired, Aaron and Hur came to the rescue and helped hold up his arms. The Israelites win the battle because of how they all cooperated together.
Bottom Line: Work together to help someone succeed. Just like Hur and Aaron, it’s important for a child to realize that working together isn’t just about doing something for yourself. You can work with other people to help them win at life too.
Worship Videos
Week Three (November 18)
Stand By You
Bible Story: Stand By You (Jesus Heals the Paralytic/Four Friends) • Luke 5:17-26
Bottom Line: Work together to help someone in need.
Key Question: Who do you know who needs help?
Memory Verse: “Two people are better than one. They can help each other in everything they do.” Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NIrV)
Life App: Cooperation—Working together to do more than you can do alone
Basic Truth: I should treat others the way I want to be treated.
Key Question: Who do you know who needs help? Before you can meet someone’s need, you need to see that a need exists. We hope that our preteens become aware of the needs of people around them. Once they see those needs, they can cooperate with friends and trusted adults to help meet them.
In week three we head to a story found in Luke 5:17- 26. We discover a paralyzed man who just happened to have some really good friends. When His friends heard that Jesus was in town, they tried everything to get their friend to Jesus. In fact, as friends, they cooperated, tore a hole in a roof, and dropped their friend down in front of Jesus while He was teaching. And as a result of their faith and cooperation a miracle happened.
Bottom Line: Work together to help someone in need. When we see others with needs that seem huge and overwhelming, we too often think they’re too big for us to help and end up doing nothing. However, if we cooperate with others to meet their need, we have a better chance making a difference in their life and point them to God.
Worship Videos
Week Four (November 25)
All Together Now
Bible Story: All Together Now (One Body but Many Parts) • 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
Bottom Line: Work together to point others to Jesus.
Key Question: What part do you think you can play?
Memory Verse: “Two people are better than one. They can help each other in everything they do.” Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NIrV)
Life App: Cooperation—Working together to do more than you can do alone
Basic Truth: I can trust God no matter what.
Key Question: What part do you think you can play? The preteen years are the perfect time for kids to explore the role they can play in the church. We hope to give kids the chance to figure out how God has uniquely gifted them to help point their friends and family to Jesus.
We wrap up our study on cooperation with 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 in a letter Paul wrote to the church at Corinth. The people who make up the Church are part of the Body of Christ. Paul talks about how God has given each of us a unique part to play as we share God’s love with others. When we cooperate, we can help others know more about Jesus.
Bottom Line: Work together to point people to Jesus. Our kids can learn how to be the church even at a young age. Just think about the impact they could have on the world when they realize that how they work together could impact a person’s relationship with Jesus.