W&W Story: Deborah - The Palm Tree

Deborah: The Palm Tree[i]
Using the Children’s Worship and Wonder format open with:
·         Welcoming the children
·         Explaining the space
·         Singing “Father, We Adore You” and “Be Still and Know”

Story[ii]

Once there was a woman named Deborah. She lived out in the desert. She was a very wise woman. She talked with and listened carefully to God. She spent most of her time sitting under a palm tree, in the desert, so she could listen and talk with God.

People came to her for advice. They would tell her their problems. Deborah would go and talk and listen to God and then come back and tell people what God had said. She was a very special woman and many people asked her for advice, even kings.

Wonder Questions

·         I wonder what it was like to live in the desert?
·         I wonder how Deborah felt having people come to her for advice?
·         I wonder what it was like to live a life devoted to talking and listening to God?

Activity

Have the children find a chair around the table.
Explain to the children that they are going to make a sculpture of the palm tree, with Deborah sitting under it, so they can tell others who Deborah is at home.
Have the children clean up their supplies and make sure that their names are clearly placed on their artwork.
Have the children sit back in the circle.
Continue with the Children’s Worship and Wonder format and light the Christ candle, read scripture, pray, and sing the goodbye song.

Scripture Reading: Judges 4:4-5

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[i] Activity from Bible Story Activities, Volume 1 edited by Terry P. Rothermich, Christian Board of Publication St. Louis, MO, 1998.

[ii] Story and Wonder questions written by Kate West 2005.