Welcome

            Thank kids for coming.

            Just for fun, have kids shake hands with four friends using the back of their hands.

            Make announcements.

            Introduce new kids.

            Celebrate birthdays by having kids sing “Happy Birthday” off-key.

            Collect the offering.

Introduce the Lesson

            Say: Today we’re going to learn about everything God created, including us. God created us for a reason. Let’s talk about what we would create and for what reason.

Share

            Tell kids what you would create if you could create anything. Explain the reason you’d create that item. For example, maybe you’d make a machine that finds all the dirty dishes and loads them into the dishwasher because you don’t like doing dishes.

            Have kids form pairs and tell what they would create if they could create anything. Have partners explain the reason they’d create their items.

            After partners have discussed, ask two or three kids to share with the whole group what they talked about with their partners.

Summarize

            Open a Bible, and say: We’d make some really cool things, but we’d need supplies. God made the whole world out of nothing! And he had an important reason for making people. Let’s see what the Bible says about that. The Bible isn’t an ordinary book; it’s God’s special book. The Bible is one way God talks to us. God is here right now, ready to talk to you.

            Pray, thanking God for creating us for a reason.

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.

Create a Habitat

            Set out random classroom supplies.

            Say: Your small group is going to make a zoo habitat for an animal. Decide what animal you want to make a habitat for, and then think through everything your animal would need in a home. You’ll use your creativity and anything in this classroom to design a model of the perfect habitat for your animal. For example, you might use a tape dispenser on its side to make a food dish or markers to build a fence. You’ll have just three minutes to make it!

            Allow three minutes for kids to make their habitats. Then have groups tell everyone about their animals and habitats.

            Ask: • What does your animal need to have a perfect home?

            • Why would you care about making sure your animal had what it needed?

            • How did you use creativity to make your habitat?

            Say: Today we’re going to learn that God created us for a reason. But before God created people, he created a special home for us. We had to use supplies to create our habitats, but God started with nothing! Let’s see what God created and why it helped make a good home for us.

Talk About It

            Say: In the beginning, there was nothing. But God is creative! So God made light and darkness. Darken the room as much as possible. With the lights off, have kids find a partner and discuss this question.

            Ask: • Why would humans need light and darkness?

            Turn the lights back on. Say: After he made light and darkness, God made the sky. Have kids crouch down and hold a blue bedsheet over their heads while they discuss this question.

            Ask: • What does the sky do for humans?

            Say: After he made the sky, God made the land and sea. Have kids run in place like they’re on land and then pretend to swim in the sea.

            Ask: • Why are both of those important for humans?

            Say: After he made the land and sea, God made plants, like fruit and trees. Give everyone a fruit slice to eat as kids discuss this question.

            Ask: • What are your favorite plants to eat?

            Say: Remember the light and darkness and the land? Those things all help plants live and grow. And humans need plants to eat. God was setting up everything just right.

            After he made plants, God made the sun, moon, and stars. Have kids sing “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” as fast as they can.

            Ask: • Why are the sun, moon, and stars important to humans?

            Say: Did you know that the moon is related to the seas? The moon actually controls when the tides in the ocean come in and go out. If the tides didn’t come in and go out like they’re supposed to, the land would flood and people would lose their homes! And the sun, in addition to providing us with light, is just the right distance from the earth so that humans and animals can survive. God made everything just right for a home for us.

            Then God made fish and birds. Have kids try to answer the next question while making a fish face.

            Ask: • What benefits do fish and birds bring to humans?

            Say: Next, God made animals. On the count of three, have all the kids make the sound of their favorite animal. Then have kids discuss these questions in their small groups.

            Ask: • What’s your favorite animal?

            • What’s your favorite thing about animals?

            Say: After God made all these things, God said it was good. It was kind of like your habitats. Everyone did a good job! But there’s something missing from your habitats, right? God had made the whole world, but he had one more job. So God made the best thing yet. God made people!

            Read Genesis 1:26-27 and 1:31.

            Say: Notice that God said it was very good when he made humans. He created us for a reason! We were the best part of his creation. He made us in his image because he wanted to be friends with us.

Breathe Life

            Have small-group leaders distribute a balloon to each child.

            Say: The Bible also talks about how God created people. It’s pretty amazing! Listen.

            Read Genesis 2:7. Then have kids use permanent markers to draw faces on their uninflated balloons and blow them up. Help kids tie off the balloons as needed.

            Say: Not only did God make the perfect place for humans to live, but he used the ground he’d made to make something even better!

            But he realized making one person wasn’t enough. He realized the man needed a friend. So here’s what God did.

            Read Genesis 2:21-22.

            Say: God made us for a reason. He made us so unique and special! The Bible says God made us in his own image and that he breathed life into us. He didn’t do that for anything else he made. God made you for a reason. He made you unique and special. He has a purpose for your life. You may not know what that specific purpose is yet, but whenever you worship or honor God, you’re already fulfilling God’s purpose for you.

            Think about special things God put into you. Maybe he made you good at math or soccer. Maybe he made you kind or encouraging. On your balloon, write words about the unique ways God made you.

            As kids finish writing on their balloons, have small-group leaders help you hang the balloons up with tape. If your ceiling is low enough, you can put rolled pieces of tape on the top of the balloons and stick the balloons to the ceiling so they look like floating helium balloons. If your ceiling is too high, put rolled pieces of tape on the side of the balloons and attach them to a wall.

            Say: Our room was good before you came today. But now it’s very good! It’s full of people God made for a reason! Just as your balloons are full of something that came from you—your breath—you are filled with something that came from God. You’re made in his image, made alive by his breath! He made people special, and he made us for a reason.

Tip

• 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 “God’s Creation”

            Say: We’ve been learning that God made us for a reason. We can praise God in a special way. But the Bible talks about how everything God made can praise him. Let’s watch a video about that.

            Watch “God’s Creation.”

            Ask: • How could the skies or stars praise God?

            • How could elephants and whales praise God?

            Read Luke 19:40. Say: If we don’t praise God, nature can.

            • What’s special about the way humans can praise God?

            Say: It’s kind of a mystery how animals and nature could bring praise to God. They can’t use words to say kind things about him. Even though everything God created can praise him, nothing can love or praise him quite like we can. God made us for a reason—to love him, praise him, and be in a relationship with him.

Tips

• This works best when you use at least 90% alcohol.
• Try tipping the glass when you pour the alcohol in so as not to break the DNA.

Make the Extraction Mixture

            Give each small group a strawberry, a resealable plastic bag, two 5-ounce clear cups, a coffee filter, tweezers or a toothpick, and a paper plate.

            Say: DNA contains a special code. In people, our DNA decides if we have blond or brown hair, and green or blue eyes. It controls many other tiny details about us. Plants have DNA, too. Today we’ll remove a string of DNA from a strawberry and take a closer look at the detail of God’s creation.

            Pour 3 ounces of water into one of each group’s cups. Have kids add 2 teaspoons of dish soap and ¼ teaspoon of salt to the water and mix thoroughly with a spoon until the salt dissolves. Remind kids to look at the mixture through the side of the cup rather than the top as they stir so liquid doesn’t splash in their eyes.  

            Say: Now we’ve made the extraction mixture. It’ll help pull out the strawberry’s DNA.

Smash a Strawberry in the Mixture

            Have each group place the strawberry in the resealable bag and pour the extraction mixture into the bag with the strawberry. After removing as much air as possible, kids should seal the bag and then take turns smashing the strawberry inside the bag with their fingers, making sure there are no large pieces.

Strain the Mixture Into a Container

            Have one group member hold a coffee filter over the other 5-ounce cup while another carefully pours the strawberry liquid into the coffee filter. Kids can squeeze the mixture through the coffee filter to get as much liquid as possible into the cup, straining out the chunks.

Add Alcohol and Separate DNA

            Distribute 2 teaspoons of the refrigerated alcohol to each group, and have one group member hold the cup at eye level while another adds the alcohol. Kids should see the liquid separating. The DNA is the white layer that shows up at the top of the mixture.

            Have kids use tweezers or a toothpick to carefully pick up the DNA and place it on a paper plate to examine with a magnifying glass if available. When pulled out, the DNA will be a mucus membrane about an inch or two long, about the width of a piece of yarn.

Talk About It

            Say: Who would have thought that a simple strawberry would have so much detail and design?

            Ask: • What did this experiment show you about God’s creation?

            Say: God is a God of detail. He created each part of this strawberry for a reason. The DNA determines that this strawberry is red, that its stem is green, and if it’s big or little. God figured out every part before it grew to become a tasty snack.

            Ask: • In what ways has God uniquely designed you? Share an example about you, such as hair color and freckles. Have kids talk with their small groups about some of their unique characteristics.

            Say: God created us for a reason. We got to see God’s detailed design for a strawberry. If he made a simple fruit so special, just imagine how much detail and design he put into creating you! God created us for a reason, with special things about each of us coded into our DNA.

Tip

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

Run a Clothing Relay

            Put on the accessories in silly or unexpected ways, such as an upside-down hat, a scarf tied like a bracelet or a tie, and sunglasses dangling from one ear. Show kids your new image and allow time for laughs.

            Say: Today we’re learning that God created Adam and Eve in his image—to be like him. Let’s play a game where you work together in teams to look like me as you think more about why God created us.

            Place the sunglasses, hats, and scarves in a pile at the opposite side of the room. Ask each team to pick one team member to be the model. (They might enjoy having the small-group leader be the model.) Have the other team members line up. Explain to kids that they’ll race one at a time to the other side of the room and pick one accessory. They’ll then race back to the team model and place the accessory on the model exactly as it is on you. Once the accessory is on, the next team member will race to get another accessory. The game ends when one team’s model has all three accessories styled exactly like you do.

            Once kids understand the rules, begin playing. If you’d like, play music while kids play.

            If time allows, play again. Have teams pick a new model, adjust your silly accessories, and have kids race again. Make sure any kids who didn’t get a turn to run the first time can run in the second round.

Talk About It

            Have small groups discuss these questions.

            Ask: • In this game, how was your model like me? different from me?

            • We’re made in God’s image. What about people is modeled after God?

            Say: God made us in his own image. This means we can see glimpses of who God is in each other and in ourselves. That shows we’re very special to him. God created us for a reason—to reflect who he is!

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.

Not available for this age level.

Introduce

            Say: We’re learning that God created us for a reason. It’s interesting that when God created Adam and Eve, he didn’t create them as babies. He created them as adults. And he told them that they had a purpose. Here’s what he said.

            Read Genesis 1:28.

            Ask: • Do those sound like things kids do? Explain.

            Say: God made adults. Does that mean God created adults for a reason but not kids? Let’s dig in to that.

Make a List

            Have kids form two teams. Give each team a piece of paper and a pen. Team 1 will list things adults can do that kids can’t. Team 2 will list things kids do that adults don’t do. Give teams two minutes to make their lists as long as possible.

            After two minutes, call time. Have teams take turns reading their lists.

            Say: There are a lot of things adults can do that kids can’t do. You can’t drive a car, buy a house, vote, or make a lot of decisions your mom and dad make. You probably don’t get to decide how late to stay up at night or whether you should eat ice cream for dinner.

            But there are also a lot of things you do that adults usually don’t. Most adults don’t go to school or play on soccer teams.

            When God told Adam and Eve to rule over his creation, he was giving them tasks that bring him joy and glory. By taking care of God’s creation, they could grow in their relationship with God, and that’s our purpose.

            As you go through life, your purpose may change. But right now you have special opportunities to be in relationship with God that I, as an adult, don’t have. You can relate to him as you play on a soccer team, but I can’t. That’s an awesome purpose!

            Ask: • What can you do to be in relationship with God when you’re doing things kids get to do but adults don’t do?

Dig Deeper

            Say: You have a very special purpose at your age. Let’s look at some young people in the Bible who had a purpose. Listen to a message for a young guy named Timothy, and think about what his purpose was.

            Read 1 Timothy 4:11-13.

            Ask: • What do you think Timothy’s purpose was?

            • How can you set an example for adults?

            Say: Let’s look at someone else—Jesus. When we learn about Jesus, we often think of him as an adult. But did you know he did something pretty important when he was a kid? Let’s read about something Jesus did when he was 12. As I read, think about what Jesus’ purpose was in this story.

            Read Luke 2:46-47.

            Ask: • What do you think Jesus’ purpose was when he was a kid?

            • What’s something you know about that you could teach me?

            Say: Now let’s look at some verses that talk about just how specially God made us.

            Read Psalm 139:13-16.

            Ask: • What’s wonderfully complex about you?

            • How does it feel to know God knew what would happen in your life before you were born?

            Say: God made you wonderfully complex. And when you believe in Jesus, God gives you something called a “spiritual gift.” It’s something you are uniquely good at that you can use to grow in your relationship with God. It’s something wonderfully complex about how God made you! I’m going to read some verses that list some spiritual gifts. Listen for one you think fits you.

            Read Romans 12:6-8.

            Ask: • Which of the gifts on the list do you think might be your spiritual gift?

            Say: God created Adam and Eve as adults. But everyone he made since then has started out as a baby. And God created us for a reason. We can worship him and use our spiritual gifts no matter how old we are, and that helps our relationship grow!

Pray

            Say: Let’s pray about how we can live for the reason God made us.

            Have kids form pairs. Have partners share what they think their purpose might be and then pray together about that.

            After partners have finished, pray: God, thank you for making everyone here for a special reason. Help us use our gifts and talents in everything we do so that we live for the reason you made us! In Jesus’ name, amen.

Recommended for 10 or more kids.

Find a Reason

            Have kids gather around tables. Give each person a pen and an “All About You” card.

            Say: Today we heard how God created Adam and Eve. We’re also learning that, as he did with Adam and Eve, God created each of us for a reason. Let’s think more about those reasons as we play a game.

            Your goal is to find people who match the squares on your card. For example, if a square says “I play piano,” you’ll find someone who plays piano to sign that square. Your goal is to have someone different sign each square, if possible. And no signing your own squares!

            Allow time for kids to mingle around the room and find kids who match each description. More than one child may qualify for each square. For example, you might have three kids who play piano. Kids can find any one of the pianists to sign that square.

Talk About It

            Ask: • Which of the things on the card feels like the most important purpose to you? Explain.

            • How could you use the descriptions on the squares you signed to worship God?

            Say: Look at your card again. Before you were even born, God created every one of these unique things about the people who signed. God created us for these reasons and many more.

Make Dough

            Have kids form groups of four. Give each group one mixing bowl. Also have kids put on gloves if you have them.

            Have one child in each group add 1½ cups flour, one add 1 cup of cornstarch, and a third add 1 cup of salt to the bowl. Have kids work together to mix these dry ingredients with their hands. Finally, have the fourth child add 1 cup of water a little bit at a time as the others stir and knead the dough with their hands. (As kids stir, walk around with a cup of warm water in case groups need a little bit more.)

Make a Sculpture

            Give each child a plate with a sheet of wax paper on it. Have kids each take one quarter of their group’s dough.

            Say: When God created the world, he didn’t have ingredients like we did to make our dough. When God created people, he created us for a reason. Now that you have your dough, make something that has a purpose and a reason. For example, you might make a bowl, a paper-clip tray, or something decorative that will make you smile when you see it.

            Allow time for kids to sculpt. As kids work, have them talk about what they’re making and what the purpose is.

Talk About It

            Ask: • What was it like trying to think of something you could make that has a purpose?

            • How was sculpting with your clay like the way God made people? How was it different?

            Say: You might not have known what you were going to make until you started playing with the dough. But God knew what he was doing when he made people. God created us for a reason. He knows just why he made you!

            Encourage kids to take their crafts home and show their friends and families the purpose of what they made, explaining that God created us for a reason. The clay will take a couple of days to completely dry, and then kids can paint it with acrylic or tempera paint if they want.

Write Your Skills

            Distribute paper and markers.

            Say: God created us for a reason. He created you with special talents and interests that you can use to bring him glory. Write or draw one of your talents or interests on your paper. Then fold it up. Allow a minute or two.

Pose and Pray

            Say: Now strike a pose that represents what you wrote or drew. If you wrote “soccer,” you might pose like you’re kicking a ball. If you wrote “singing,” you might pretend to hold a microphone.

            As kids pose, pray: God, thank you for creating everyone here for a reason. Thank you for creating us with different talents and interests we can use to worship you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Give It to God

            Say: As a promise to use our talents and interests to worship God this week, put your paper in this offering basket. Allow time for kids to put in their papers as an offering.

            Thank kids for coming, and encourage them to find ways to use their skills and interests to worship God this week. Also invite them to come back next week.

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