Leader Guide
Video Leader Guide
Select a video to have playing as children enter the Large Group room. Videos are under Resources on the top menu bar.
Have Small Group leaders greet the children as they enter the Large Group room and engage them in a game or conversation until time for Large Group to begin.
Welcome (1 minute)
Welcome back for the last lesson of our Superbook adventure, “Nehemiah.” Today, we will learn about God’s joy. God gives us joy when we follow Him. It doesn’t matter where we are or what we are doing, we can experience the joy of the Lord! Now, it’s time to worship God, who sent His Son to save us and fill us with His joy! Let’s all stand and sing The Salvation Poem!
Play Video 7: (Song) The Salvation Poem (3 minutes)
Be sure to preview the song so you can sing along with the children.
The Salvation Poem
SuperTruth and Discussion (2 minutes)
Our SuperTruth for today is: “God gives me joy as I follow Him.” Let’s say it together. “God gives me joy as I follow Him.”
Following God is exciting!
Frown and act sad. Some people think that to be a Christian, you have to give up doing anything fun, and you must walk around with a frown on your face. Is that true? No!
The truth is that we have more joy and happiness when we follow Jesus than anything the world can ever give us! Our hearts are full of joy because Jesus gives us love, peace, forgiveness, mercy, grace, and eternal life—just to name a few things!
The joy God gives us isn’t based on things or situations. God’s joy comes from the Holy Spirit, who lives in all believers. God’s joy comes from inside—not from the outside! Because of that, our joy cannot be taken away from us! So even when we go through hard times, we can have the joy of the Lord.
Introduce Condensed Bible Story (1 minute)
If most or all children watched the Bible story video in a previous lesson, omit it here and go straight to the SuperVerse.
If you saw the full Superbook video in Lesson 1, you’ll remember that Chris had a hard time trying to tutor two rambunctious boys who kept mocking him and causing trouble. After Superbook took Chris to meet Nehemiah, how did he finally connect with those rowdy boys? He had an idea to engage them in testing his science fair project using their skateboards to ride on air.
Yes, Chris learned from Nehemiah how to deal with mockers and do the work he was given to do. For those of you who haven’t seen our Bible story yet, we are going to watch a short version now. And if you’ve already seen it, watch for ways that Nehemiah displays God’s joy and encourages his workers.
Play Video 4: Condensed Bible Story (11 Minutes)
Condensed Bible Story
Superbook takes Chris, Joy and Gizmo to meet Nehemiah,who creates a daring plan to rebuild Jerusalem’s ruined walls, even though wicked men mock him—and plot to kill him! The children discover how to find courage to overcome every challenge.
Play Video 10C: SuperVerse Graphic 3
Graphic loops 2.5 minutes without audio; turn off or freeze video after children repeat the verse.
SuperVerse Graphic 3
SuperVerse (2 minutes)
Let’s say our SuperVerse together. Nehemiah 8:10:
“The joy of the Lord is your strength!”
Raise your hand if you like to feel weak!
Now raise your hand if you like to feel strong!
That’s what I thought—we like to feel strong, not weak! The SuperVerse tells us that we can be strong because of God’s joy! Now, this kind of strength doesn’t mean we will suddenly grow big muscles so we can lift heavy objects. No, this is an inner strength God gives us to keep going even when we are weary or want to give up.
When you are filled with joy, do you just want to sit there with a sad face? No, you want to jump for joy! When I count to three, let’s all jump up and shout the SuperVerse. Ready? 1-2-3!
Yes, it is so wonderful to be filled with joy! You may sit down again.
Children will have more time to learn the SuperVerse in Small Group.
Introduce Signposts Video (1 minute)
Now let’s watch our Signposts Video to see how Nehemiah points us to Jesus. Nehemiah was a man of prayer and a faithful and compassionate leader. Like Jesus, Nehemiah submitted to God’s plan and finished the work God gave him to do!
Play Video 6: Signposts Video (5 minutes)
Signposts Video
Prayer and Send-Off (2 minutes)
Let’s pray before we move to Small Group.
Dear God, thank You for the joy You give us as we follow You. Your joy is our strength in good times and in difficult times. Help us to share the joy we have with others so they may experience Your love and grace, too. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Today in Small Group, you will play a game where you will receive joy as you follow God. Now, you might be surprised with some of the places or situations you can discover God’s joy! Are you ready? Great, let’s go!
Teachers take children to Small Group classes for Grades 1–3 and 4–6. If the combined group is small, all children may stay together for Small Group time.