Teaching aid .. Map is good

WOW Week 4 - PCAC G5 Class on 12/25/2016

Hi parents,

Here is the quick update on week #4, 12/25/2016.

This week's theme is "Wise men seek Jesus", whose account is based in Matthew (馬太福音) 2: 1-12, 

where the story unfolds about 幾個博士從東方來到耶路撒冷 (Magi or wise men from the east) seeking a new born King (of the Jews).

生下來作猶太人之王的在那裡。我們在東方看見他的星、特來拜他.

As all of us who are Christians, all need to prepare ourselves for worship on regular basis.

The ruler over the land of Israel at that time is Herod who was known for "jealous", "deceitful", and evil!

Next, we continued with regular scripture reading exercise.

Scripture Reading in 5W exercises

5 W : What/Who/When/Where/Why (with "WHY" being the HIS divine reason)

 I have prepared a few pictures of "WHO"/"Where"/What objects for the 5W session.

Team FOOD and team BACON took turn to answer each "W" category, so that each student gets an opportunity to re-impress himself/herself about the theme of the passages.

It is worth mentioning that one of the students came up with "John 3:16" verse for the "WHY" category, in my opinion, which is very impressive and insightful.

And the gifts that those wise men brought with them to present to Jesus and Mary are,
the gifts of gold and incense and of myrrh. While each gift represents its own meaning:

Gold: kingship, Jesus was the King of kings
Incense: Priesthood,  Christ as our great High Priest
Myrrh: gift of Faith, the Old Testament again and again foretold his suffering.

We learn that Jesus is who we worship  and we ought to live a life to honor God with our words, attitude or possessions.

Then we get to view a short video clip: (available from youtube)

It is much effective to view a video sometimes to vividly convey the messages.

(Here is the URL link :
https://youtu.be/xhD8lG9VDVc )

OK, next is the hands-on time!

Team Project: Christmas!

Both team FOOD and BACON gets to work as a team to create a poster with gospel messages as an evangelical tool.
I have to admit that both teams are much engaged and so creative in their own capacity. I also ask each team to 

present their own project at the end of the session. Each student needs to own certain part of the poster message.

One interesting observation:
Team FOOD (Girls) : showing more artistic creation in their project rendering (see the poster on the left),
while the Team BACON (Boys) demonstrates more "Logic" and "Knowledge"-based messages in their Poster project.

This is so wonderful as we get to see how GOD gives each one of us a special talent or unique capacity. 

I am so proud of your children who have demonstrated so much energy and creativity in and throughout the G5 class; Encourage them to keep up the study and bible-reading!

OK, here is a short video on what's happening during the Project time ...

At last, we enjoy some gift/candy goodies, since it's Christmas time celebration.

Here is the scores from both teams: FOOD and BACON
FOOD: 8 points
BACON: 7 points




Until next time...

KLUP!
-Sam

About "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"

"O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"

Article from John Piper;
here I quote:
"Emmanuel’s Names

And every name for Jesus is full of hope.

• As Emmanuel (Isaiah 8:8) — “God with us” — he will pay the ransom that only a God-man can pay.
• As Rod of Jesse (Isaiah 11:1), springing from a dead stump, he will free his people, by death and resurrection, from Satan’s tyranny, and make them free forever.
• As the Day-spring (Luke 1:78) — the dawn of God’s kingdom — he will be the light of the world, and banish the hopelessness of darkness.
• As the Key of David (Isaiah 22:22), he rescues us from hell, locks the door behind us, unlocks the door of heaven, and brings us home.
• And as the Desire of nations (Haggai 2:7), he will draw the ransomed from every people and make them a kingdom of peace."

WOW Week 3 - PCAC G5 Class on 12/18/2016

Hi parents,

Here is the quick update on week #3, 12/18/2016.

This week's theme is "Jesus Was Born", 

as recorded in the account of LUKE 2: 1 to 20 scripture. The background is around 6 B.C. the Roman Emperor, Caesar Augustus (該撒亞古士督), ordered a census be taken of everyone in his empire.

As Joseph and Mary left Nazareth to travel to his familial home in Bethlehem, while there, Mary gave birth to Jesus!

Our main verse is Luke 2:11

"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord."

"因今天在大衛的城裡、為你們生了救主、就是主基督。"

To encourage students' participation, I divided the class into two teams - Boys and Girls.

Boys' team name: BACON

Girls' team name: FOOD

ICE Breaking

We played a few hymns suitable for the Christmas season; in which we also use it for lesson.

Amazing Grace: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zI0vV5mxsxQ 

O Come, O Come Emmanuel , : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdR79P-2ewo 

One of my goals is to train the students the 5 W principles;

Scripture Reading/Study with 5W (What/Who/When/Where/WHY)

This time, we took a Question-and-Answer to encourage the entire class to complete the 5W chart - what took place and who are the main characters in the Luke 2:1-20, and where and when the event was.

The idea is to train each student to practice analytical skills for their own scripture-studying in the future.

When it comes to "WHY" item, it is GOD's salvation plan indeed for all of us.
Next, We play a short video to highlight the Luke 2 scripture content:

Then a quick hands-on exercises by using a bible words puzzle game and Check-the-True-Shepherds Q&A;

Several keywords (Christ, Joseph, Mary, Manger, etc) are hidden in the puzzle (see below) for two teams to race to the final answers;

     Shepherd's   

Thru the exercises, we hope to re-emphasis the point of the Jesus's birth story.

Since this is holiday season, so we enjoy a little sweet treat !! (Skittles)

Final score points for each team (FOOD vs. BACON):

Team FOOD: 7 points
Team BACON: 6 points
OK< boys need to catch up next week.

As far as the next week, we will enjoy a MERRY Christmas party in the class - so make sure your child make plan to attend.

KLUP!

-Sam

WOW Week 11 - G4/G5 Class on 2/21/2016

Hi parents,

Here is the quick update on week #12, 2/21/2016.

This week's theme is "Jesus Teaches about rewards", as noted in the account of Luke 6:17-26.

Similarly, this is the Beatitudes - eight blessings recounted in the Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel of Matthew.

In theses Beatitudes Jesus offers hope to those who suffer;
a kingdom for the poor, (你們貧窮的人有福了．因為　神的國是你們的)
satisfaction for the hungry, (你們飢餓的人有福了．因為你們將要飽足)
laughter for the weeping, (你們哀哭的人有福了．因為你們將要喜笑。)
rewards for those who suffer for Jesus.
For those who put him first and seek his kingdom, all these things will be added.

Ice-Breaking: (scripture reading & index cards matching)

     

We went straight into the scriptures and played "Beatitudes pair" matching game via index cards;
Each team did a wonderful exercise by matching the messages.

Later, we showed a few short-term mission trip video (from YouTube) to bring awareness and faith challenges to the students that it is our Great Commission calling to share the good news to the Lost/the world.

A few examples,

https://youtu.be/g4Fm2e2iHCs

Bihar, India: https://youtu.be/P0oDSAXWXaI 

Our key verse is Colossians 3:2,

"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things" (你們要思念上面的事、不要思念地上的事。)

Next week, it'll be the last class of the semester. I appreciated the opportunities to have a part in your child's bible lessons and faith walk. May GOD bless you and your family for the days to come.

KLUP!

Scripture: Matthew 5:1–12

<Scripture: Matthew 5:1–12 > 

Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are you when men reviled you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you."

WOW Week 11 - G4/G5 Class on 2/14/2016

Hi parents,

Here is the quick update on week #11, 2/14/2016.

This week's theme is "Moses and Elijah Appear with Jesuswn", as recorded in the account of LUKE 9: 28 to 36 scripture. This is typically account on the "Transfiguration" of Jesus, where Peter, James and John saw Jesus transformed into another form.

Both Moses and Elijah represent the Law and Prophets in the Old Testament. In this way, God demonstrated to the bewildered disciples that the coming death of Jesus fit perfectly with the major elements of the Old Testament.

Ice Breaking

We played a quick mask game - it started out with a normal face and you can add decoration to it - whether it is a sunglasses or hat or special badge, those things do not change who you are.

Scripture Reading/Study with 5W (What/Who/When/Where/WHY)

This time, we divided up the class and encourage the students from both teams to step out and write down what they have observed from the scripture passages;

Here is the break-down 5W chart that has their comments and observation.
Each student can either draw or write down what they study from Luke 9 verses 28 to 36.

As you can see, most of them can spot on the "WHAT/WHO/WHEN/WHERE", the "WHY" part often can be tough to grab on the concept; It is often left with God's plan.
One of the key verse is 9:35,
"有聲音從雲彩裡出來、說、這是我的兒子、我所揀選的、〔有古卷作這是我的愛子〕你們要聽他。"
(A voice came from the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.")

Activity and Game:

To emphasis the messages of the lesson, we introduced a word guessing game;
Charades (UK /ʃəˈrɑːdz/, US /ʃəˈreɪdz/), also called charade.

During the game, each team is to send out a team member to act out the WORD or PHRASE on an index card to his/her own team; Each team has 3 minutes to guess the answer.
Here are some of the words /answers we've prepared for the class.
Since Jesus's true identify - Son of God, is the key message of this scriptures, as depicted in Luke 9:35, hence,
"這是我的兒子、我所揀選的".

("This is my Son, whom I have chosen;)

This is Valentine's weekend, so we shared a few candy bag for each student.

Next week, we'll have some missionary related video to show since we'll talk about the sermon on the Mount.

GTY -

WOW Week 10 - G4/G5 Class on 2/7/2016

Hi parents,

Here is the quick update on week #10, 2/7/2016.

This week's theme is "Jesus is rejected in his own town", as recorded in the account of LUKE 4:22 to 31 scriptures. Ultimately, I would like to bring out the key word "BELIEVE" - at the end, every person needs to make a decision: 

    To Believe or NOT To Believe in Christ.

This week's lesson is an extension from last week (Luke 4:1-21), where Jesus taught at the synagogue; we did a quick re-cap from last week's lesson.

  In the account, Jesus shared his identity and what his "mission" to the world is all about; Mainly, (Luke 4:18) the four proclamation:

1) To proclaim good news to the poor,

2) release to the captives,

3) regaining sight to the Blind,

4) set free to those who are oppressed.

Scripture Reading/In-depth analysis: 5 W (What/Who/When/Where/WHY)

And the people at Jesus's own town rejected HIM!! (as Jesus said)

  -> 我實在告訴你們, 沒有先知在自己家鄉被人悅納的。 (路加福音 4:24)

As most of the people only recognize him as Joseph's son;

  ->並希奇他口中所出的恩言．又說、這不是約瑟的兒子麼?(路加福音 4:22)

A bit of Celebration (Chinese New Year is tomorrow!)

Since the Chinese (lunar) new year is tomorrow, we would like to have a little bit of festivity mood; So each student gets his/her choice of Veggie Straws snack.

  Next, it's our Activity Time;

This time, I ask each team to work on a WebSite project to put their creativity together to give a draft screenshot design for the website they are going to build and finish it before the end of the Quarter. The theme is to proclaim the gospel with the lessons we have learned so far.

Little to my surprise, some of the students have already done afew website work before; welcome to the new 21st century !!!

Here is a video clip on their team work in action. I have to admit - it is impressive how the G5 kids can work up a web design to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

We have their design work below and the scores below; Both teams have done a great job, and score all four categories: (a) website URL name (e.g., www.biblestudy.net), (b) web design, (c) Content, (d) Navigation.
Left One: team, "Bye,  Felish!"
Right One: team "Happy Faces"

  and  

Key verse: 申命記 6:5

你要盡心、盡性、盡力、愛耶和華你的　神.

(Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.)

Until next time, enjoy the Chinese New Year in all your celebration!!

Händel Messiah - Hallelujah Chorus

WOW Week 9 - G4/G5 Class on 1/31/2016

Hi parents,

Here is the quick update on week #9, 1/31/2016.

This week's theme is "Jesus Teaches in a Synagogue", as noted in the account if Luke 4:14-21 scriptures.

The verv tense in Luke 4:15 indicates that Jesus taught in the Synagogue regularly. So this occurrence was not unusual; It was unusual because of what Jesus said when he taught there - revealing His identity, Messiah.

Jesus started out by proclaiming, 

Luke 4:14 (路加福音)

"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor." (主的靈在我身上、因為他用膏膏我) and subsequently, Luke 4:21

"Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."

Scripture Reading/Video

As usual, we emphasis the 5W (What/Who/When/Where/Why) to train the students on bible study preparing for their youth years to come;

Jesus came for all of us - sinners who were of no hope. As indicated in the Luke chapter 4, HE is
1) to preach good news to the poor
2) to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and 
3) to recovery of sight for the blind, 
4) to release the oppressed,

Review/via Activity (Card Board Game piece)

Christian walk in life is a journey; a journey for each one of us who has put our trust in HIM. The idea of the game piece is to relate to students that Life may not be always smooth sailing; From time to time, it comes with hardship or difficulties.

Each team "Bye, Felisha" and Happy Faces is to have three students to present their team to play.

As they walk thru the card board, they will run into road block and test (in the forms of "Community Service" and "Faith Check" cards) and they need to face and solve the tests.

Through the "Faith Check", we get to review all the previous lessons and bible points with the students.

Here is another video of what the activity was taking place.

Key verse: Luke 19:10
"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost".

Stay tuned for more lessons to come.
We'll try to have a Chinese New Year snack time.

Until next time, KLUP!

thousand voices!!

WOW Week 8 - G4/G5 Class on 1/24/2016

Hi parents,

Here is the quick update on week #8, 1/24/2016.

This week's theme is "Jesus performs His first miracle", as noted in the account if John 2:1-11 scriptures.

約翰福音 2:11

• "This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him."
• 這是耶穌所行的頭一件神蹟、是在加利利的迦拿行的、顯出他的榮耀來．他的門徒就信他了.

Miracle - the word is often interpreted as "Sign".

Or the seven signs in the Gospel of John commonly refer to seven miracles reported in the first twelve chapters of John gospel.

1. Changing water into wine in John 2:1-11
2. Healing the royal official's son in Capernaum in John 4:46-54
3. Healing the paralytic at Bethesda in John 5:1-18
4. Feeding the 5000 in John 6:5-14
5. Jesus' walk on water in John 6:16-24
6. Healing the man born blind in John 9:1-7
7. Raising of Lazarus in John 11:1-45

We showed different "traffic sign" game to let students figure what those are;

  For examples, (1) School Zone, (2) Split Road ahead, (3) Farm road.

The intent is to relate the idea of "Sign" in the book of John gospel is to point people to God's Kingdom as Jesus is able to transform people's life!

Scripture Reading (5W - What/Who/Where/When/Why and How)

Changing water into wine in John 2:1-11

What - miracle by Jesus (Changing water into wine)

Where - Cana wedding occasion

When - During the daylight/featival

Hands-On Activities

It's puppy show time - or this time we encourage each team (all the students) to make a MOVIE using the stuffed animals provided to share the biblical messages;

 As each team prepares the movie skit, we require each team to have roles of 

1) Screen writer, 2) Make-up crew, 3) On-site decoration, etc. It is such a delight to see the teamwork demonstrated by all the students.  I am personally so proud of the final work that came out of each team. See some of the video below for the team play as they go through their interpretation of the John 2:1-11 account.

To 

To excite the activity, we ask helpers to score based on the following categories: Content, Art Rendering, Teamwork.

Team: Bye, Felisha - score 5 + 8 = 13

Team: Happy Faces, score 5 + 3 = 8.

Our key verse of the week is John 20:31,

"But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name."

(要叫你們信耶穌是基督、是　神的兒子．並且叫你們信了他、就可以因他的名得生命)

See you next week.

You never let go ~~

WOW Week 6 - G4/G5 Class on 1/10/2016

Hi parents,
Here is the quick update on week #6, WoW Class on 1/10/2016.

The theme is "The Word Became Flesh", as demonstrated in the account of Gospel of John 1: 1-18. 
Firstly, we clarify that the writer of John's gospel was the Apostle John, one of Jesus's disciples, who is not to be mistaken for John the Baptist.

This Gospel of John is also called (by some) the "Light" of the Gospel;

John 1:5
  "光照在黑暗裡、黑暗卻不接受光。" - as Jesus is the Light of the World.



In addition, Jesus (the WORD) became flesh via the the Word (LOGOS in greek)
John 1:1
  "太初有道、道與　神同在、道就是　神。"

Our key verse is John 1:12,
  "凡接待他的、就是信他名的人、他就賜他們權柄、作　神的兒女"

Intro/Hands-on activitity
As we received HIM as our savior, it is our desire to build up the Body of Christ.
We instill the message by playing a wood/building block game; Each team was given the same amount of wood blocks to build a symbolic "body" - it needs to be strong, tall, and in an unity figure to relate to believers who are called to build up the Body of Christ.


Each team did their best to finish the work. It is encouraging to see the team work.

Since this is week 6, we would like to do a quick summary to refresh all the lessons we have taught and shared with the class so far; We played a "memory game" to let two teams to compete finding match pair of cards with the scripture messages;

We have 26 envelopes taped on the wall, with one index card in each envelop; Each team is to pick two envelops at a time trying to locate the matching pair with the same scripture message;  Some examples are,
1) Light of the World
2) God with US.
3) The Word was God.
4) Children of GOD
  As you can imagine, the competition is intense!

Both teams now change their name;
PinkNose is now called "Bye! Felisha", whose score is 10 matching pairs.
Bob's House becomes "Happy Faces", whose score is 3 pairs.

As we went through each card's message, it is the opportunity to refresh the lessons from week 1.

OK - our memory verse: John 1:12
  "凡接待他的、就是信他名的人、他就賜他們權柄、作　神的兒女".

One of video on the crafting/hands-on activity :

Wish you a great week!