Welcome

• Thank kids for coming.
• Just for fun, have children shake hands with four friends using the back of their hands.
• Make announcements.
• Introduce new kids.
• Celebrate birthdays by having preschoolers sing a birthday song off-key.
• Collect the offering.

Introduce the Lesson

• Say: Today we’ll learn God is real. We’ll hear a story about a surprising fire God’s friend Moses saw. Let’s begin today by talking about fires we’ve seen.

Share

• Share about a fire you’ve seen that you thought was neat. It might’ve been a fire in a fireplace that made you feel cozy, a fire while you were camping that you roasted marshmallows over, or fire you saw that came out of a firework.
• In leader-led small groups, have preschoolers share about fires they’ve seen.
• After small groups have discussed, have adult or teen helpers share with the whole group what they talked about in their small groups.

Summarize

            Open a Bible, and say: Fires can be amazing. The fire Moses saw was the most amazing fire ever because God was there in that fire! Let’s find out more about how God showed Moses he’s real when he showed up in a fire.

            Pray, thanking God that he’s real.

Tip

• Don’t have internet in your classroom? That’s okay! You can choose your own worship songs from our Best Of Dig In Music DVD here. 

Sing Songs to God

            Sing the three songs in any order.

Act It Out

            Say: Today we’ll find out God is real. Let’s hear a true story from the Bible about how God showed he’s real. Show the Bible. Say: There was a man named Moses. He was out in a field taking care of his animals. Choose a few preschoolers to be shepherds, and let everyone else be the sheep and goats. Lead “shepherds” in patting and pretending to feed the “animals.” Shepherds can gather the animals and lead them to different areas of the room. Discreetly dim the lights as kids play.

            Have an adult or teen helper turn on the flashlight and fan. Abruptly point out the “fire.” Say: While Moses was watching his animals, he noticed a bush on fire! But the bush wasn’t burning up! Gather the kids around the fan.

            Read aloud Exodus 3:3-4. Say: Wow! God is real, and he talked to Moses from a burning bush!

            Ask: • Tell whether you think how God came to talk to Moses is exciting or scary.

            Say: God is amazing, and he loves you, so we can always be excited to talk to him! When God called to Moses, Moses said, “Here I am!” Stand behind the “fire” and call each child’s name, inviting kids to respond, “Here I am!” If you have more than 10 kids, do this in leader-led small groups.

            Say: Next, God told Moses, “Don’t come too close to the burning bush I’m in.” This was, after all, a really important place—God is real, and he was right there! Since it was such a special place, God told Moses to take off his shoes, kind of like you take off your shoes when you walk into a special home. Lead kids to take off their shoes like Moses did.

            Say: God told Moses he is the real God—Moses’ dad’s God, his grandpa’s God, and the God of all the people who ever lived. Some people back then believed in make-believe gods, but this was the one, real God! Wow! This was a really special experience for Moses!

            Share about a time you had a special moment with God. It could’ve been when you were praying or worshipping, when you were reading the Bible, or even when a friend said something to you that helped you trust God.

            Ask: • Tell about a special time you’ve had in church. All kids don’t have to share; invite only those who want to. They might tell about a VBS activity, a time they were praying at night, or a time they heard a Bible story in your class. As kids share, emphasize God’s involvement in the situations.

            Say: Moses realized what a special thing this was for him to be right there with God—and he got a little bit scared. Have kids show their scared faces.

            Say: Moses covered up his face when he realized the real God was with him! Lead kids to cover their faces with their hands and then peek out a few times.

            Say: But Moses didn’t need to be scared! This was the real God who loved him and who loves you, too! Lead kids to hug themselves.

            Say: Next, God told Moses why he had shown up in that burning bush. He said he’d heard his friends’ prayers and had a plan to rescue them. And he wanted Moses to be the leader who would lead God’s friends into a new, safe place. But Moses was scared because he didn’t know how to be a leader.

            Tell about a time you were nervous about leading something.

            Ask: • When have you been scared to try something new? Kids might share about riding a bike or swimming.

            Say: God said, “I’ll be with you! I’ll even tell you what to say!” And God gave Moses some words to say about how God is the real God and how God would rescue them. Pause. But Moses still felt worried. Then God said, “I’ll give you a sign that I am real.” He told Moses to throw his stick on the ground, and when he did, it turned into a snake! Then God told Moses to pick up the snake, and when he did, the snake turned back into his stick!

            Lead kids in pretending to have a staff and throw it down. Place a rope on the floor, and slither it around like a snake. The kids can pretend to be scared and hop around so the “snake” doesn’t get them. Invite kids to share whether they’d want to pick up a snake by its tail.

            Say: Even after all that, Moses still felt unsure about leading God’s friends. But finally he agreed when God said he’d be with Moses, he’d tell Moses what to say, and Moses could bring his friend Aaron. And Moses and Aaron did just what God told them to do because they knew God is real and he had a great plan! Invite kids to pair up and journey to a new place like Moses and Aaron did. Turn off the fan and flashlight, and turn on the lights.

Talk About It

            Say: Moses hadn’t seen God before, but God showed he’s real by talking to Moses through that burning bush. You probably haven’t talked to God while he was in a burning bush, but that doesn’t mean he’s not real! God is real, he loves you, and he wants to be your friend. Think about this:

• You can’t see the air around us, but you can breathe it in. Invite kids to take several deep breaths. We have to have air to live!
• You can’t see wind, but you can feel it on your skin. Turn on the fan and blow it on kids. We can see what wind does, like make our hair fly. Invite kids to share other ways they can see that wind is blowing, such as rustling trees or branches.
• You can’t see what I’m saying, but you can hear it with your ears! Invite kids to make silly noises, and observe that they can’t see them but they can hear them.

            Say: God is real, even though we can’t see him. We can talk to him, and sometimes we’ll hear an answer back in our hearts and minds. We can read about him in the Bible, and we’ll learn about him. God is real, and he loves you!

To use this feature, please ask your DIG IN Director to create a One Room classroom. For instructions and tips on creating a classroom for at-home lessons, click here.

Tips

• Talk-About Videos may work for preschoolers, but they’re geared more toward elementary kids. If you find that the videos aren’t hitting the mark for your preschoolers, try using the Preschool Puppet Skit activity block instead.

• Don’t have internet in your classroom? That’s okay! You can download the videos before class using the “download” button at the link provided, or purchase DVDs here.

Discuss and Watch “Fact or Fiction?”

            Say: We’re learning that God is real.

            Ask: • How do you know God is real?

            Say: Let’s watch a video that will test how well you can tell what’s real and what’s not! Let’s play Fact or Fiction?

            Watch “Fact or Fiction?”

            Ask: • Which things sounded really real…but they were fiction?

            • How can you tell the difference between what’s real and what’s made up?

            Say: We may not always be able to tell the difference between fact and fiction when it comes to silly animal facts, but we can always know God is real. God showed up for Moses in a very real way, and he’s real today, too!

Tip

• You may find it helpful to highlight your part and set the script on a music stand nearby during the skit.

Leader: It’s time for our puppy friend, Theo, to come for a visit. Let’s call him to our class with a “woof, woof.” Ready? (Leads kids to bark until Theo is brought into view.)

Theo: It’s good to see you! (Pants.) I really, really want a good scratch. Will you give me a scratch on the head? (Circulates among kids so each child can pet him.)

Leader: Thanks for giving a friendly welcome to Theo, kids! (Looks to Theo.) What did you bring with you today?

Theo: (Looks around anxiously.) Where’s the fire? I’ve come to put it out.

Leader: Fire?

Theo: Someone said there was a burning bush at church. I came quickly to rescue my friends…

Leader: (Pats Theo on the head.) Theo, don’t worry. There’s no fire. You can put that spray bottle down. (Helps Theo put down the spray bottle.)

Theo: But why did I hear about a burning bush?

Leader: Today we’re learning about a time God showed up in a burning bush—way back when his friend Moses was alive.

Theo: (Wipes forehead.) Phew. I was so worried. (Pauses, as if thinking.) But why would God talk to Moses through a burning bush?

Leader: I’m not sure. The Bible doesn’t say, but I might ask God about that one when I get to heaven. (Chuckles.)

Theo: So what did God say from the bush? (Listens to kids and responds to their answers.)

Leader: God had an important job for Moses. And everyone learned God is real.

Theo: Well, of course he’s real! God made us!

Leader: You sure do know your stuff, Theo!

Theo: I wonder if God will ever show up in a burning bush and talk to me… (Looks to kids.) Has God ever talked to you through a burning bush? (Listens to kids’ responses.)

Leader: God hasn’t ever talked to me that way, but I know God is my friend and tells me things in my heart.

Theo: It’s so good to know God is a friend! (Looks to kids.) What do you like about knowing God is real and he’s your friend? (Listens to kids and responds to their answers.)

Leader: We can trust that God is real!

Theo: So neat! Well, I think I better get this spray bottle home. Mom was going to use it for something… (Gets leader’s help to reattach to his paw.)

Leader: Okay, Theo! Friends, let’s give Theo a big “woof, woof, goodbye”! (Leads kids to say “woof, woof, goodbye,” and then places Theo out of sight.)

Tips

• Use regular party balloons, not water balloons. Water balloons are thinner and may not work as effectively.
• If you have any kids with known sensory issues who are sensitive to loud sound, and you have noise-canceling ear protection available, have those ear protectors ready for use.
• Have adult and teen leaders keep lighters and candles in their possession the entire time.

Watch Heat From a Candle Pop a Balloon

            Say: Today we heard about a way God showed Moses that God is real. God got Moses’ attention by setting a bush on fire, and it was amazing because the bush didn’t burn up! That’s not usually what happens with fire. Let’s take a look at what hot fire can do.

• Form leader-led groups sitting at tables, and give each leader a balloon inflated with air, a balloon filled with water, and a candle. Have groups adjust how they’re sitting as needed to make sure kids are safely out of reach of the candle.
• Use the lighter to light each candle.

Ask: • What do you think will happen if we hold balloons over the hot fire of the candles? Why?

• After kids have shared a few ideas about what will happen to the balloons, explain that it’s possible the heat from the fire will cause the balloons to pop, and invite kids to tell about times they’ve heard and seen a balloon pop. This will help prepare kids for the coming sound.
• Allow kids to cover their ears or step back a few steps to prepare for the pop (or distribute noise-canceling ear protectors for sensitive children). Coordinate leaders holding their air-filled balloons over their candles so all kids are ready for the sound. They’ll hold the balloons a few inches from the flames until they pop. It won’t take long for the heat from the flame to warm the air in the balloon so it quickly expands, popping the balloon.

Watch as Water Keeps a Balloon From Popping

            Say: Wow, the heat from the fire made the balloons pop! Your group has another balloon we’re going to try, but these are a little different.

• Have leaders hold up their water-filled balloons where their preschoolers can see well and shake the balloons so kids can hear the water moving inside.
• Invite kids to share in their groups what they think will happen this time when the leader holds the balloon over the candle and why.
• Allow kids to cover their ears again if they’d like, and then have leaders hold the water-filled balloons over and near the candle flames. The balloon can get within about a half inch of the flame but not directly in the flame.
• After kids can see that the balloons aren’t going to pop or burn up, have leaders hold the balloons in their laps.

Talk About It

            Say: The second balloons are filled with water, and water can put out fires. Pour some of the water from the cup over a few of the candles so everyone can watch the water extinguish the flames. Leaders can blow out any remaining lit candles. So the water in the balloons protected the balloons from burning up or getting hot and popping from the fire of the candles!

            This gives us a picture of how amazing it must have been for Moses to see a burning bush that wasn’t being burned up by the fire. But it wasn’t water that was keeping the bush from burning up; it was God! And God spoke to Moses through the burning bush, too!

            God used his power to do something amazing to show Moses—and us—that God is real.

Tip

• If you use the Theo puppet in your class, consider hiding it for kids to find.

Look for Clues

            Say: Today we’re learning that God is real, even if we can’t see him. Speaking of not being able to see God, we have a special friend visiting us today, (look around) but I can’t see the friend right now. Let’s look for clues to figure out who it might be. Pretend to search for clues as you lead kids to the area where you’ve left the dog toy.

            Point out the toy, and say: That doesn’t look like one of our toys. I wonder who it belongs to.

            Ask: • Who do you think it could be? Listen to a few guesses, but don’t tell kids whether their guesses are correct. Just respond with things such as “That’s a good thought,” “Maybe,” or “You might be right.”

            Say: Those are some great guesses. But let’s keep looking for more clues to be sure. Lead kids around the room searching for clues again, ending in the area where you’ve placed the dog food. Give kids a minute to spot the food on the floor. If they don’t notice it, point it out to them.

            Say: What’s this? It sure doesn’t look like any of our snacks.

            Ask: • Who eats food like this? Allow kids to call out some possible answers.

            Say: Friends, you’re really smart. You may be right. But we’re still not sure who our special friend is. Let’s see if there are any more clues. Continue searching the room until you’re near the dog leash.

            Say: Is there anything over here that doesn’t really belong in this room? If kids don’t spot the leash right away, point them in the right direction.

            When they’ve identified the leash, say: So we have a dog toy, some dog food, and a dog leash. Encourage kids to shout out who they think the special friend is.

            Say: I think I heard something over there. Let’s find our special friend and see if we’re right. Lead kids to where you’ve hidden the stuffed dog, and bring it out to greet the kids and give each child a hug.

Talk About Clues

            Say: We found things that showed us our special doggy friend was here, even before we could see him. The Bible tells us that God put things all around us to show us he’s real, even if we can’t see him. Listen to this. Read aloud Acts 14:17.

            Share some things you’ve seen around you that show you God is real. It may be a beautiful sunset, a bird soaring through the air, or even the kids in your class.

            Ask: • What are some things God made that show you he’s real? Encourage kids to think about things in nature or special people in their lives.

            Say: Even before we saw our doggy friend, we saw clues in our room that he had come to visit. Someday we’ll get to see God in heaven. But today we can see clues all around us that God is real and he’s with us. We just need to look for them. Lead kids to pray and thank God for some of the things they listed.

Tip

• You can purchase downloadable music and other items to enhance your DIG IN program here. 

Play Snakes and Sticks

            Say: Today we heard that God did something amazing and turned Moses’ stick into a snake. That helped Moses know that God is real! Let’s play a game where we pretend to be sticks and snakes.

• Form groups of five or six. Help kids line up with their groups behind the starting cones so they’re holding on to the shoulders of the kids in front of them.
• Once kids are lined up, encourage them to freeze like a stick.
• Yell: Snake! Lead groups to pretend to be snakes as they weave in and out of their rows of cones. Kids will go around the last cone and weave in and out of the cones back to the starting cone.
• Periodically yell: Stick! Encourage groups to freeze in place as if their snake has turned back into a stick. Then yell: Snake! Encourage them to run like a snake again.
• When kids reach the starting cone, the first person in line will run to the back to become the tail of the snake, and the next child in line will become the head. Then they can run through the cones again.
• If groups become disconnected, encourage them to stop and reconnect their snake before running again.
• Continue as time allows, alternating between snakes and sticks as kids weave back and forth through the cones.
• If you’d like, play upbeat music while kids play.

Talk About Snakes

            Say: We pretended to be snakes in our game.

            Share about a time you saw a snake. It may have been on a hike, on a nature program on TV, or a friend’s pet.

            Ask: • Tell about a snake you’ve seen. Kids may have seen a snake in the zoo, on a camping trip, or in a picture book.

            Say: God showed Moses that he’s real by turning a regular old stick into a snake. That’s amazing! God shows us he’s real, too. We can see God is real when we see a beautiful sunset or a really cool animal he made. We also know God is real when he helps us if we’re afraid or sick. There are things all around us to show us God is real. We just have to look for them.

Tip

• You can purchase downloadable music and other items to enhance your DIG IN program here. 

Use the Wind

            Say: Today we’re learning that God is real. When we see something, it’s easy to believe it’s real. But there are things, like God, that we can’t see even though they’re real, too. Let’s think about that some more with a game.

• Form groups of five or six. Direct each group to a table or plastic tablecloth, and spread a large pile of cotton balls in front of them.
• On your cue, encourage kids to work with their group to blow all their cotton balls off the table.
• As kids play, say: Wow! That’s amazing! The cotton balls are moving, and I can’t see anything touching them. Look on in wonder as kids continue blowing the cotton balls.
• After all the cotton balls have been blown off the table, encourage kids to gather them and return them to their original place.
• Continue playing as time allows, expressing wonder at the movement of the cotton balls.
• If you’d like, play upbeat music while kids play.

Talk About the Wind

            Say: You used your breath to move the cotton balls. We can’t see your breath, but we know it’s there because we see what it does. We can’t see God either, but God is real. We can see things God does all around us, like helping us get better when we’re sick or making a beautiful sunset. That’s how we know God is real.

Make Puzzles

            Say: Today we heard that God made a bush that was on fire but not burning up! Seeing the bush helped Moses know that God is real. Let’s make something to remind us of the amazing things God can do.

• Give each child six craft sticks and a 4-inch piece of tape. Help kids lay their craft sticks side by side on the tape to create one solid surface.
• Encourage kids to use green markers to draw some grass along the bottom of the craft sticks.
• Ask adult and teen helpers to assist kids in using ink pads to put a green handprint in the center of their craft sticks while kids are drawing the grass. Have kids clean their hands.
• Set the plates of paint in front of kids, and give each child a fork. Show kids how to use the fork to add fire to their handprint bushes. Encourage kids to put the paint on thinly so it will dry quickly.

Assemble Puzzles

            Say: Even though the bush Moses saw was on fire, it didn’t burn up. That’s amazing!

            Share about something amazing you’ve seen. Maybe you were amazed at the sight of your newborn baby, the view from a mountain you’ve climbed, or the way God answered a prayer.

            Ask: • Tell about something amazing you’ve seen. Kids may share about seeing an elephant at the zoo, their cousin do a cool trick on his bicycle, or a special toy.

            Say: Those are amazing things. But God does the most amazing things. He makes beautiful flowers, interesting animals, and all our wonderful friends. These things help us know that God is real.

            Let’s try out our puzzles. They can help us remember to look for amazing things God does every day. Help kids remove the tape from the backs of their craft stick puzzles and work to reassemble the pictures on the sticks. Give each child a resealable plastic bag to put the puzzle in when heading home.

Feel a Fan

            Say: Today we learned that God is real. We felt the wind from a fan to remind us that even though we can’t see God, we can feel his friendship in our hearts. Turn on the fan, and allow a moment for kids to feel it.

Pray

            Leaving the fan on, say: We can’t see the wind, but we know it’s there because we can feel it. We know the wind is real, and we know God is real even though we can’t see him with our eyes. We can talk to him, and we can feel his love and friendship in our hearts. Lead kids to hug themselves as you thank God that he shows you he’s real, and then close in prayer.

            Say: I’m so happy you came to church today to find out God is real and he loves you so much! Please come back again to learn more about our loving God.

            Distribute a copy of the “Dig In @ Home” handout to kids as they leave, or email it to parents during the week.