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Champions in Life At-Home PacketSession 1—Get in the Race! 2 Samuel 18:19-32

Contents A Champion’s Prayer .......... 3

Bible and Background ....... 3

Craft and templates ........... 4

Heritage Link .................... 6

Music Activity ................... 6

Coloring Activity ............... 7

Bible Blast Activity ............ 8

Bible Story Reflection ........ 9

Outreach Activities .......... 10

Quick Tips for Parents ..... 10

Champion’s Meal ............. 12

Abingdon Press Faith in Culture (Perfect for VBS)

2020 Covid-19 Sharing GuidelinesDuring this time of crisis when your in-person Vacation Bible School may have been disrupted, Abingdon Press Faith in Culture would like to help you use the resources and media you’ve purchased in new ways to continue to provide a VBS experience, even if you can’t physically be together.

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Sharing Your Video Until your church is free to gather again, we grant permission for you to share your Abingdon Press Champions in Life Videos with groups through livestreaming your VBS sessions, leading VBS sessions on applications like Zoom or Skype, or through Facebook Live in closed Facebook groups as ways to continue study. We are waiving stricter guidelines to allow:

• Livestreaming or Facebook Live “real-time” public sharing for a specific time period or an online VBS group.

• Streaming or Facebook Live in a closed setting, such as a private Facebook group or through a password-protected web location. Here, sessions can be recorded or archived for viewing through the week.

If you post on YouTube or your church’s website, please be sure your settings are such that the videos are only available to those who have the link or are password-protected. We only ask that you remove the videos once your VBS is complete.

For Parents• You have been operating in home bubbles since

March; it may be safe and fun to get into double bubbles with friends and neighbors.

• “A Champion’s Prayer” will get you started. Other than that, there’s no particular order for using these resources. You can start with music, look at and discuss the videos, but stories in the Church Kids Comic Book will give you a firm and fun foundation.

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A Champion’s PrayerI’m a champion. I’m winning at life.I’ll do my best; ready to go in Christ!I’m running ahead to bring good news,The news that God loves me and you.It’s an honor to run, I’m gonna run to win.Lord, guide my feet till I get to the end.I’ve got my eyes on the prize and the prize is high;Beyond what I know, beyond the sky.Reaching for the goal, lifting as I climb;

Help me, Jesus, so I will not fallI’ll give the effort. You gave your all!You reached out to put me on higher ground.I once was lost but now I’m found!I’m a champion. I’m winning at life.I’ll do my best; ready to go in Christ!Help me, Lord! Amen.

Don’t want nobody to get left behind.

Bible and Background 2 Samuel 18:19-32

Absalom assassinates his half-brother, Amnon, and foments a coup of their father’s, David’s kingdom because Amnon had raped his sister, Tamar (2 Samuel 13). When Absalom gains control of Jerusalem, David flees to Hebron leaving behind ten concubines, whom Absalom then rapes (2 Samuel 15-16). Though David requested of his military leaders that Absalom not be harmed (18:5), upon pursuit, Absalom is caught by the hair on branches of a tree and David’s general, Joab, kills him (17-18:18).

Ahimaaz, son of Zadok the priest, wants to bring the news of Absalom’s death to David. Joab does not allow it and sends a Cushite in their service to bring the news. Ahimaaz, however, implores Joab. Joab allows it, but reiterates there will be no reward. Ahimaaz wants to run; he takes a different route and gets ahead of the Cushite.

Meanwhile, David is waiting for news. When a watchman reports the presence of first one runner and then another (who runs like Ahimaaz), David persists in believing that the runners have good news. Ahimaaz arrives and greets the king, saying that God has delivered up those who revolted. When David specifically asks about Absalom, Ahimaaz acts like he does not know. David tells him to step aside. The Cushite arrives, bringing the same news. When asked about Absalom, he tells David the truth about his son’s demise.The presence of a Cushite runner is evidence of the presence of Africans in the biblical record. Cush is an ancient name for a nation inclusive of present-day Ethiopia and Kenya, whose contemporary athletes dominate long-distance running.

From Jesse Owens to Usain Bolt black athletes have dominated sprinting, winning Olympic gold since 1936 despite racism or physical challenges. Who knew that Owens was a sickly child whose mother performed a home surgery on him, removing a growth that was press-ing on his lungs; or that Bolt, an 11-time world champi-on, suffers from a significant spinal curvature (scoliosis). And yet, they allowed nothing to keep them from getting in the race. With faith in their abilities and in God, they ran to win!

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Craft: Tortoise and Hare Puppet BoxSharable versions of these files can be found at https://rebrand.ly/Championsinlife, select Champions MP3 Video Files, Craft Demo Tortoise & Hare Puppet Box

Supplies• Tortoise/Hare templates and directions (below and on page 13 of Arts & Crafts leader book)• Wrapping paper or brown package paper• Scissors• Pencil• Black marker• Ruler• Invisible tape or double-sided tape• Duct tape (4½" x 2" per project)• Boxes (cake or pasta boxes)• 8.5" x 11" white paper (3 per project)• Straws (2 per project)

Instructions—To prepare the box:1. Open both ends of the box.2. Cut wrapping paper 1"to 2" larger than the box.3. Wrap and tape paper around the box with the ends open.{Option: Rather than using wrapping paper, turn the box inside out and tape it back together.}4. Mark all corners of the box ½" from the side and front.5. Use scissors to poke holes where marked. 6. Use a ruler and marker to draw a line that connects these dots from top to bottom.7. Insert straws from top to bottom through the holes.8. Wrap the ends of the straws with duct tape to prevent the straw from slipping out of the box.9. Use scissors to cut the slits on left and right front of the box.

To prepare the scroll1. Cut white paper 3" x 8½" (3 per project).2. Overlap paper ½" and tape end to end.3. Trace and color the tortoise and hare templates.4. Place the two templates on the scroll in this order:

• Hare shown ahead of the tortoise• Tortoise still behind but closer to the hare• Tortoise shown ahead of the hare

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Assemble1. Thread the scroll from the left inside of the box to the box front.2. Then insert the scroll from the outside right to the inside of the box.3. Tape the end of the scroll to the straw.4. Roll the scroll of paper around the straw on the right until the end of the paper on the left

is even with the straw on the left.5. Tape the end of the scroll to the straw on the left.6. Close and tape the ends of the box closed.7. Fold and tape the paper at the ends of the wrapping paper.

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Heritage Link

• Tortoise and Hare Story Sharable versions of these files found at https://rebrand.ly/Championsinlife, select Champions MP3 Music files, track #5. Also on Champions Music CD (Track #5, plus Teaching Track #12).

• Comic Book “Get in the Race” Podcast. Champions in Life Comic Book, Vol. 2, pages 1-5.

• Mary McLeod Bethune Story Sharable versions of these files found at https://rebrand.ly/Championsinlife, select Champions MP4 Video Files, scroll down to Bethune mp4 file. Also on Champions DVD.

Music Activity: “Champions” “Champions” Tutorial and DemoGo to https://rebrand.ly/Championsinlife,Click on MP4 Video Files. See Champions Tutorial and Demo. Also on Champions DVD.

________ will get in the race.

MEMORY VERSE: SO RUN TO WIN.

(1 CORINTHIANS 9:24B)

Write your name in the blank space above.

Underline the Memory Verse.

7Color the runners. Color both medals gold.

Coloring Activity

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Bible Blast Activity

In the Olympics and other world championship games, there are three top honors. First place is a gold medal, second place is silver, and third place is copper or bronze. Find the Scripture. Write either gold, silver, or copper in the blank. Decorate with gold, silver, and bronze markers.

1. Genesis 13:2—Abram was very wealthy in livestock, silver and ______________.

2. Exodus 35:5b— Whoever freely wants to give should bring the Lord’s gift offerings: gold,

______________, and ______________.

3. 2 Chronicles 1:15— In Jerusalem, the king made ______________ and ______________ as

common as stones.

4. Psalm 12:6— The Lord’s promises are pure, like ______________ that’s been refined in an oven,

purified seven times over!

5. Psalm 119:72— The Instruction you’ve given me is better than thousands of pieces of

______________ and ______________!

6. Proverbs 20:15— Much ______________ and many pearls exist, but wise speech is the most

precious jewel.

7. Proverbs 22:1— A good reputation is better than much wealth; high esteem is better than

______________ and ______________.

8. Proverbs 25:11— Words spoken at the right time are like ______________ apples in a

______________ setting.

9. Matthew 10:9— Workers deserve to be fed, so don’t gather gold or silver or ______________ coins for your money belts to take on your trips.

10. 1 Peter 1:7b— Your faith is more valuable than _______, which will be destroyed even though it is itself tested by fire.

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Bible Story Reflection

Put the story in order.

1. David told Ahimaaz to step aside.

2. Absalom was angry with his father David and went to war with him.

3. Kukimbia, the Cushite, ran to bring the good news of the win.

4. Ahimaaz won the race and told King David that his army had won.

5. When David’s army went after Absalom, he was caught and killed.

6. Kukimbia told King David that his son was dead.

7. Ahimaaz got in the race.

8. At first, Joab would not let Ahimaaz run to tell King David his army had won.

9. When Kukimbia arrived, he told King David that his army had won.

10. Ahimaaz did not tell King David what happened to Absalom.

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Outreach ActivitiesRace to CommunicateChampion Project—Thank-you NotesChildren will affirm others by composing affirmations or short notes and mailing them.

• Use the directions and templates for making the Get-in-the-Race Shoe Card. Go to https://rebrand.ly/Championsinlife. Click on MP4 Video Files, select Get-in-the Race Shoe Card craft. Also see pages 10-12 in the Arts & Crafts leader book.

• Instead of using program themes, have the children to write in their own hand heartfelt messages of gratitude.

• Recipients of these notes might include parents, teachers, public service providers (like first responders, health care providers, trash collectors, grocers, barbers/beauticians). Provide physical addresses, purchase stamps, and mail them. This may be a learning experience for some kids who have never mailed anything.

• Discuss how bad news often travels fast, but good news is slow to make the cycle. In what ways may we share less than pleasant news?

Champion Project—Letter-writing Campaign• Sponsor a letter-writing campaign to policy-makers

surrounding a community issue like making free lunch for school kids during challenging times a common practice in society; or equal pay for people who provide services that keep communities safe and healthy.

• Provide physical and email addresses of politicians so participants can direct their correspondence accordingly.

Champion Project—Social MediaInvite participants to share their interests or passions regarding justice, health, or current events.

• Have students use their cell phones or other technology to research topics.

• Have them write, design, and produce a social media post, blog or vlog about their particular interests.

• Consult with church leadership about posting it on the church’s various media sites.

Quick Tips for Parents#1 Be an Encourager for Your Child

• Remember, your child learns from watching you. Pay attention to how you run the race of life and faith.

• It takes faith in God and confidence in oneself to withstand the voice of discouragement. Help your child to know that he or she is loved and valued by God and by you, for who he or she is–not what she or he does. Let your children know that they are loved and valued by you and by God because they are here and they are wonderfully and marvelously made.

• As we adjust to current- and post-pandemic changes, church can be a vital part of the supportive community that loves and values your child. Take the time to engage with church and family groups. Children will gain confidence from connectedness and the affirmation of their church family.

• Show faith in your child.

§ Trust your child with responsibility, carefully choosing chores and responsibilities that are appropriate for your child’s knowledge and skill level. Expecting more than a child is capable of as well as assigning tasks that are much too easy can lead to frustration and discouragement.

§ Do not do for your children what they can do for themselves. We show a lack of confidence in a child’s competency when we take over a task he or she could do with appropriate time or support.

§ Avoid rescuing your child from disappointment or consequences for misbehavior.

§ Invite children to say grace and participate in family worship.

§ Share stories of faith, biblical and contemporary stories about family members, community members and children who went against the odds and won the race.

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Developing Health Changes in 2020COVID-19 has brought many changes in our lives; when it comes to health, many changes are welcome: schools and restaurants are stepping up their sanitation game, doctors are using telephone services to manage problems without an office visit, and information on how quickly germs travel has taught us to adapt more healthy behaviors in public.

In the midst of increased infections, news of an effective vaccine continues to be promising. As the challenges to stay safe continue and the newness of staying home has worn thin, adults and kids experience anxiety. When that happens, use that time to have a conversation.

Family Deep Breathing Activity—

1. Take a deep breath and relax. Let the youngest person start holding his/her breath.

2. Time the child to show how long he/she lasts.

3. Then everyone take turns individually and compare times.

4. Begin the conversation about whatever anxiety exists.

5. Answer questions to be best of your knowledge. Consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for updates.

6. If you have a friend or relative who is a health care professional, ask them what has been the most profound or important thing they’ve learned during this pandemic. Talk about it with your family.

7. Check out “Coping with Stress,” a guide for how families can reduce stress: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html

Say-It-Loud Signs—Many in communities have been working longer hours to make our lives safer. Use this opportunity to make colorful signs (or banners) of appreciation for people who serve your community: mail carriers, trash collectors, grocery store workers. Post your banner or sign in a prominent place in your community. Ask for permission to post your signage at different churches, parks, other friendly places in your community. Let people know their service is needed and appreciated, especially now as the world has endured this health challenge for several months now.

Swim Safety

Athletes commit to rigorous training in their particular sports. Christian champions are also charged to care for our bodies as God’s beloved creation. One of the ways we can do that is to have each other’s backs and promote good health. During summer many people choose swimming to cool off. Research shows that 64 percent of African Americans and 45 percent of Latinx don’t swim. Because swim lessons and swim safety reduces childhood drowning by 88 percent, provide opportunities for your family to learn to swim (if necessary) and to practice swim safety. With your family, read and discuss the story about Black kids and swim safety on pages 28-29 of the Champions Teen Student Book.

Quick Tips for Parents#2 Focus on Your Child’s Strengths

• Let your child lead you.

§ Affirm your child’s capacity to contribute to your life by asking for her or his opinion or advice.

§ Acknowledge what your children already kno; ask them to teach you something that they consider important (like a game or a subject he or she is studying in school).

• Give more attention and conversation to your child’s right behavior than to mistakes. Recognize and proud of what your child does well.

• Praise your child for progress and improvement. Do not wait until you see perfection or completion. Celebrate steps in the right direction.

• Create a video message or write a letter of appreciation for your child that lifts up your child’s unique qualities, details the ways he or she has progressed or improved, how the child has served others.

Parents, consider these resources:

• “The African American Literature Book Club’s List of 134 Important Children’s Books,” https://aalbc.com/books/children-list.php

• “How to Raise Strong Girls,” www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/how-to-raise-strong-girls

See more tips for parents in the Parent Empowerment Pages, found in the kit. Feel free to photocopy or order 9781501892448, $3.99.

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Champion’s Meal

Polish Sandwiches with kielbasa, coleslaw, and French-fries with barbecue sauceLike Ahimaaz in the Bible story, Sports Spotlight personalities and gold-winning Olympians Jesse Owens and Usain Bolt did not hesitate to get in the race. When Jesse Owens moved with his family from segregated Alabama to Cleveland, Ohio, he not only received a change in name due to a teacher’s misunderstanding (J. C. to Jesse), he was faced with different European ethnicities and cultures. A sandwich served up with coleslaw, French fries, and barbecue sauce on top of a Polish sausage (kielbasa) in a large bun sets Cleveland apart.

Ingredients—adjust quantities per your needs• 4 hoagie buns toasted• 4 Polish sausages• 1 24-ounce bag of frozen French fries, cooked according to package directions• 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite)• 2 cups sweet & sour coleslaw

DIRECTIONS1. Heat skillet over med-heat.2. Add 5 tablespoons of oil and heat until it just starts to simmer.3. Cook sausages in oil turning frequently until heated through.4. Place each link in a toasted bun.5. Place barbecue sauce on top of sausage, add fries, and then slaw.6. Serve immediately. You may need a fork and you will definitely need lots of napkins.