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 back, everyone! Today is the second lesson of our Superbook adventure, “Nehemiah.” In the story today, we will learn about being prepared and ready for challenges that come our way. Now, are you ready to give thanks to God who gives us the courage and wisdom to meet every challenge? Our music video today is called “Trust and Obey.” Let’s stand and worship God together!
Play Video 11: (Song) Trust and Obey (2.5 minutes)
Be sure to preview the song so you can sing along with the children.
Trust and Obey
SuperTruthnand Discussion (2 minutes)
Let’s say today’s SuperTruth together: “I will be prepared and ready for challenges.”
Can someone share a challenge that you or someone in your family faced this week?
We all face challenges every day. Challenges come in many different forms. Some challenges are fun, like friendly competition with friends. Others are more serious and difficult like temptations or people mocking us for our faith. Can you guess a powerful and effective way to prepare for any challenge? Prayer.
If you were here for our video last time, who wasn’t ready to face a challenge at school? Chris wasn’t ready for the challenge of tutoring two misbehaving boys.
It’s important to be ready for challenges that we know about—and also to be prepared for any challenges that may surprise us.
Introduce Condensed Bible Story (1 minute)
If all children watched the Bible story video in the previous lesson, you may skip it here and go straight to the Bible Background Video.
If you saw the full video last time, what did Chris stop the two boys from doing to Gizmo? Pouring a chemical from a science class beaker into Gizmo.
Yes, Chris faced a big challenge dealing with those two unruly boys! He was ready to quit until he was whisked away by Superbook!
For those who haven’t seen our Superbook video yet, we are going to watch a short version of “Nehemiah.” If you have already seen the full video, look for different challenges that Nehemiah faced as he worked for God.
Play Video 4: Condensed Bible Story (11 minutes)
Condensed Bible Story
Superbook takes Chris, Joy and Gizmo to meet Nehemiah. He 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.
Discussion (1 minute)
What was the news that Nehemiah’s brother brought that made him so sad? The people in Jerusalem were having all kinds of trouble, and they were disgraced. Jerusalem’s walls were broken down, and the gates had been burned.
Who wrote a letter to help Nehemiah on his journey? The king of Persia.
Nehemiah really faced some unexpected challenges when he arrived in Jerusalem. God gave Nehemiah wisdom to organize the work and prepare for anything that might stop his work!
Introduce Bible Background Video (1 minute)
In the Bible Background video, we’ll learn more about Nehemiah and the challenge of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. We will also learn about the king of Persia. When Gizmo asks a question in the video, wait for him to suggest some answers, then call out the one you think is right!
Play Video 5: Bible Background (9 minutes)
Bible Background
Play Video 10B: SuperVerse Graphic 2
Graphic loops 2.5 minutes without audio; turn off or freeze video after children repeat the verse.
SuperVerse Graphic 2
SuperVerse Discussion (1 minute)
Let’s say our SuperVerse together. Nehemiah 4:17:
The laborers carried on their work with one hand supporting their load and one hand holding a weapon.
The workers who were rebuilding the wall did not stop when they were threatened by Sanballat and Tobiah. It is easy to just give up and quit when things get difficult. No one can stop God’s work from being completed when we focus on God’s work and trust Him to help and protect us! If we rely on God, He will give us the wisdom and strength to continue with His plan.
Children will have more time to learn the SuperVerse in Small Group. If younger children are not able to memorize the entire verse, be sure they understand its meaning.
Prayer and Send-Off (1 minute)
Let’s pray: Heavenly Father, help us follow Nehemiah’s example and always come to You in prayer when we face challenges. You gave Nehemiah courage, favor and wisdom to be prepared for the challenges he faced. Help us to stand up for You and to complete the work that You give us to do, no matter what happens! In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Let’s go to Small Group where you will play a game called Up in Arms. Do you have any idea what that could mean? Let’s go and find out now!
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.