David and Jonathan

Art Workshop

Summary of Lesson Activities:

Children practice loving each other by making a friendship bracelet to give away to a friend.

For scripture, see above.

Lesson Objectives:

• Children know that David and Jonathan loved each other.
• Children know that Jonathan expressed his love for David by giving him gifts.
• Children know the memory verse: 1 John 4:7 

Supplies for elementary-age children:

• Thread: Embroidery floss is the most common type of thread used for making friendship bracelets. Other thread such as hemp or yarn could be used.
• • Gold thread, cut into 28 inch pieces (2 per child)
  • Purple thread, cut into 28 inch pieces (2 per child)
  • White thread, cut into 28 inch pieces (2 per child)
• Binder clips (one per child) for holding thread in place. Clipboards could be used instead of binder clips.
• Fabric glue for an added touch of security for the loose ends.
• Scissors. These need to be fairly sharp to cut the embroidery thread. 

Supplies for preschool-age children:

• Yarn
• • Gold purple or white yarn, cut into 24 inch lengths (1 per child) (Yarn should easily slip over child’s head when tied.)
• Binder clips (one per child) for holding yarn in place. Clipboards could be used instead of binder clips.
• Scissors. These need to be fairly sharp to cut the embroidery thread.
• Cereal with holes such as Cheerios, Fruit Loops, etc.

Room Set-up:
Table and chairs. No special decoration needed.

Leader Preparation:

• Gather the materials.
• Read the scripture ahead of time.

Presentation

Opening-Welcome and Lesson Introduction:

Greet the children and introduce yourself.

Open with a prayer.

Dig-Main Content and Reflection:

Story Review:

After David killed Goliath, he was brought to King Saul. Saul was happy that David had defeated the Israelites’ enemy. From that day on, Saul had David live with him in the palace, and did not let him return to his father's house. Saul’s son, Jonathan became very best friends with David. The Bible says he loved David like he loved himself. They were like brothers. Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him so much. Jonathan wanted to be best friends with David for his whole life, so Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt.

David became a great warrior. But as he grew more and more respected and loved by the people, Jonathan’s father, King Saul began to hate David. Saul determined to kill David and secure the throne for Jonathan. Several times Saul tried to kill David, but Jonathan talked him out of it. For a while there was peace, but Saul’s anger and jealousy flared again, and he determined again to kill David.

This time Jonathan could not talk his father out of wanting to harm David. Jonathan knew that his father intended to kill David. The Bible says Jonathan got up from the table in fierce anger; on that second day of the month he did not eat, because he was so upset at his father's treatment of David.

He took his bow and arrow and warned David. When it became clear that David had to go into hiding and that they might never see each other again, Jonathan said, "Go in peace! We have vowed friendship in GOD's name, saying, 'GOD will be the bond between us, and between my children and your children forever!'"

Discussion:

David and Jonathan could have been enemies and rivals, yet they set aside jealousy, resentment, bitterness and competition, choosing instead to become the closest of friends. They were real men, able to show the love of a brotherly friendship, willing to lay down their lives for one another.

We learn a great lesson in friendship from the story of David and Jonathan. They were loyal friends throughout their lives.

Are you a true friend? Do you take up for your friend if someone starts saying bad things about him or her? Do you come to their defense?

What are some special things you have done for a friend?

Have you ever given a friend a gift? Today we are going to make a gift you can give to a friend.

Friendship Bracelet Activity:

Choose your design based on student age before class and have all children use one design. Even though there are samples, it is best to make one yourself beforehand so you can guide the children. (Refer to instructions for the type of bracelet you are making.)

Note:  Preschoolers will be making necklaces.

We are making friendship bracelets. 

1. Pass out gold thread. Remember, Jonathan said, “'GOD will be the bond between us.” So we will use gold thread to remind us of God.
2. Pass out purple thread. Jonathan was a prince. He was royalty. So we will use purple thread to remind us of Jonathan.
3. Pass out gold thread. David was a shepherd, so we will use white thread to remind us of David.

See instructions below for making bracelets and necklaces.

Older Elementary:

 Use the striped friendship bracelet instructions.

 friendship bracelet instructions: http://www.makingfriends.com/j...y/bracelet_klutz.htm

 Younger children (ages 5-7):

a twist or braid is easiest. Use a thick yarn as the stands will be easier to control.

braid instructions: http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-...and-Braided-Bracelet

  Preschoolers:

 thread cereal with a hole (such as Fruity Cheerios or Fruit Loops) onto yarn to make an “Edible Friendship Necklace.”

 Have them make two – one for them, one to give away. http://www.repeatcrafterme.com...-loop-necklaces.html

Closing:

End with a prayer and have the children assist with the cleanup.

A lesson written by Staci Woodruff from: Jenks Church

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