Flying

Sunday School Lesson Plan for the Month Theme for the Month: The Power of Forgiveness “If you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in Heaven may forgive you your sins.” – Mark 11:25 Week 1: The Weight of Guilt  Key Verse: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins.” 1 John 1:9 – Story Source: Flying is for the Birds (Carpie, Lashley, and Hartlie) – Supporting Bible Story: Adam and Eve Hide from God (Genesis 3:1-10) – Story Connection: Lashley swallowed the minnow by mistake and hid it, carrying guilt for years. Like Adam and Eve hiding from God, guilt weighed him down until it stole his joy. Supporting Verses: Psalm 86:5, Proverbs 28:13, Psalm 32:3-5 Week 2: Choosing Repentance Key Verse: “Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13 – Story Source: Flying is for the Birds (Carpie goes back to the minnows) – Supporting Bible Story: Zacchaeus Changes His Heart (Luke 19:1-10) – Story Connection: Carpie realized his mistake and went back to apologize to the minnows, just like Zacchaeus repaid those he cheated. Repentance means turning from wrong and making things right. Supporting Verses: 1 John 1:9, Psalm 103:8, Mark 11:25 Week 3: God’s Forgiveness Frees Us Key Verse: “When you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them.”- Mark 11:25 Story Source: Flying is for the Birds (Hartlie comforts Lashley) – Supporting Bible Story: The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-24) – Story Connection: Hartlie listened and reminded Lashley of God’s forgiveness, lifting his sadness. Like the Prodigal Son, Lashley learned God’s love restores us when we return. Supporting Verses: Psalm 103:12, Ephesians 4:32, 1 John 1:9 Week 4: Soaring in Grace (Forgiving Ourselves) Key Verse: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32 – Story Source: Flying is for the Birds (Lashley forgives himself and flies again with rosy pink glow) – Supporting Bible Story: Jesus Forgives Peter (John 21:15-17) – Story Connection: Lashley finally forgave himself and was free to fly again, glowing with joy. Peter, too, had to forgive himself after denying Jesus. Forgiveness isn’t complete until we accept God’s grace and forgive ourselves. Supporting Verses: Romans 8:1, John 3:16, Psalm 86:5

FOURTH SUNDAY LESSON Theme for the Month: THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS “If you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in Heaven may forgive you your sins.” – Mark 11:25 Lesson 4: Seize the Day — Living Free in Forgiveness Definition- Carpie Diem- “seize the day-“a latin phrase used to urge someone to make the most of the present time. Key Verse: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24 Story Source: Flying is for the Birds (Lashley forgives himself, flies again with rosy pink glow), Supporting Bible Story: Jesus Forgives Peter (John 21:15-17) , Memory Verse: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” – Romans 8:1 Opening Prayer “Dear Lord, thank You for this new day. Please help me not to waste time feeling sad or stuck in the past. Teach me to forgive, to smile, and to live free in Your love. Amen.” Lesson Objectives By the end of today’s lesson, children will: Understand that regret (feeling sad over past mistakes) can steal our joy. Learn from Lashley’s story that forgiving ourselves brings freedom. See that Peter also had to forgive himself to move forward with Jesus. Know that “seize the day” means making the most of today with joy, love, and forgiveness. Story Exposition In the story Flying is for the Birds, Lashley carried guilt for a very long time. He always thought about the minnow he had swallowed, and it made him feel heavy inside. His feathers turned gray, his heart grew sad, and he no longer enjoyed flying like the other birds. Why? Because Lashley kept looking back instead of moving forward. He wasted many years living in regret instead of living in joy. But when Hartlie came alongside him, he reminded Lashley of God’s forgiveness. Lashley finally forgave himself. 21Then something amazing happened—his feathers turned rosy pink, his heart grew light, and he soared into the sky again! This part of the story teaches us two things: If we refuse to forgive ourselves, regret will weigh us down. It’s like trying to fly with a heavy stone tied to your wings. If we forgive and let go, we can truly live free. We can “seize the day” and enjoy the time God gives us. The Bible gives us the same lesson through Peter. After Peter denied Jesus three times, he was full of regret. He cried bitterly because he thought he had failed. If Peter had stayed stuck in regret, he would never have been able to serve Jesus again. But Jesus forgave him and gave him new work: “Feed my sheep.” (John 21:15–17). Peter had to forgive himself too, so he could move on and live boldly for God. God’s Word reminds us: “God is forgiving and good, abounding in love.” (Psalm 86:5) “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son.” (John 3:16) “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24) How We Can Seize the Day in God’s Forgiveness Forgive Quickly – Don’t hold on to hurt or guilt. Live Joyfully – Remember each day is God’s gift; be thankful. Love Others – Show kindness, like Hartlie did to Lashley. Forgive Yourself – Don’t waste your life in regret; move forward with God’s love. Conclusion Regret is like carrying a heavy backpack every day—it makes life hard and tiring. Lashley wasted years stuck in guilt. But when he forgave himself, he was free to soar. Peter too was restored and went on to do great things for Jesus. God calls us to seize the day—not to waste time in sadness, but to live free, happy, and full of love. Lessons Derived Forgiving ourselves is part of living in God’s grace. Regret steals our joy, but forgiveness gives us freedom. Every day is a gift from God—live it fully! Questions What happened to Lashley when he finally forgave himself? What does “seize the day” mean? How did Peter move on after denying Jesus? (Reflection) Can you think of something you need to let go of, so you can live with joy today? Prayer Focus “Lord, thank You for forgiving me. Help me not to waste my days in guilt or regret. Teach me to forgive myself and others, and to live each day with joy. Amen.” Weekly Devotional Reading Day Scripture Topic Monday John 21:15–17 Jesus forgives Peter.   Tuesday Psalm 86:5 God is forgiving and full of love.   Wednesday John 3:16 God’s love saves us.   Thursday Romans 8:1 No condemnation in Christ.   Friday Psalm 118:24 Rejoice in today.   Saturday Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always.   Assignment This week, don’t waste time looking back with regret. Write in your devotion journal one way you will seize the day—live with joy, forgive, or show love. Then share it with your class next Sunday.

THIRD SUNDAY LESSON Theme for the Month: THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS  “If you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in Heaven may forgive you your sins.” — Mark 11:25   Lesson 3: God’s Forgiveness Frees Us Key Verse: “When you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them.” — Mark 11:25 Story Source: Flying is for the Birds (Hartlie comforts Lashley) Supporting Bible Story: The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-24) Memory Verse: “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our sins from us.” — Psalm 103:12 Opening Prayer “Dear Lord, thank You for loving me and forgiving me. Please help me forgive others and also forgive myself, so my heart can be happy and free. Amen.” Lesson Objectives By the end of today’s lesson, children will: Understand that guilt (the sad, heavy feeling when we do something wrong) makes us unhappy. See how Hartlie reminded Lashley that God forgives. Learn that when God forgives us, we are free and full of joy. Story Exposition In the story Flying is for the Birds, Lashley had carried guilt for a long time. Guilt is the sad and heavy feeling we get when we do something wrong and try to hide it. Lashley remembered the day he swallowed a little minnow by mistake; he never told the truth and never forgave himself. Because of this, Lashley became sadder every year, His feathers turned gray. He lost the joy of flying. One day, while Lashley was crying by a log, his friend Hartlie comforted him. Lashley finally confessed the secret about the minnow. Even though he had asked God for forgiveness, he still felt too bad to forgive himself. Hartlie kindly reminded him of 1 John 1:9: “When we confess our sins, God forgives us.” He told Lashley that if God has already forgiven him, he doesn’t need to keep punishing himself. Upon hearing this, Lashley felt the heavy load lift. His feathers even started to shine pink again, and he felt ready to fly with joy. Bible Connection: The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-24) The Bible shows us this same freedom in the story of the Prodigal Son. The son made many bad choices and wasted his father’s money. He felt so guilty that he believed his father would never take him back. However, when he returned home, his father ran to him, hugged him, and forgave him completely. Just like Lashley, the son was freed from his guilt to live in joy again. How We Can Receive and Share God’s Forgiveness Believe God’s Word: Trust that when you confess, God has truly forgiven you. Forgive Yourself: Do not keep feeling guilty after God has provided forgiveness. Forgive Others: Show kindness and forgive your friends and family. Conclusion Forgiveness is powerful because it makes heavy hearts light. Guilt grows heavier when we hide it, but accepting God’s love brings freedom. When we accept that we are forgiven, we can live in peace and joy. Lessons Derived God’s forgiveness takes away guilt and brings joy. We should forgive ourselves and others because God forgives us. Guilt grows heavier when we hide it, but forgiveness makes us free. Questions Why was Lashley so sad in the story? What did Hartlie remind him about God’s forgiveness? How did the Prodigal Son’s father show forgiveness? (Reflection) Have you ever found it hard to forgive yourself? What helped you? Prayer Focus “Lord, thank You for forgiving me. Please help me forgive others and forgive myself, so I can live with peace and joy.”   Weekly Devotional Reading Day Scripture Topic Monday Luke 15:11–13   The son makes wrong choices.   Tuesday Luke 15:14–16   He suffers because of his mistakes.   Wednesday Luke 15:17–19   He decides to go back home.   Thursday Luke 15:20   The father runs to forgive him.   Friday Luke 15:21–24   The son is restored with joy.   Saturday Psalm 103:12   God removes our sins far away.     Assignment Hartlie showed love by listening and reminding Lashley of God’s Word. This week, find a friend or family member who feels sad or guilty. Be kind to them, remind them that God loves and forgives them, and write about it in your devotion journal.

SECOND SUNDAY LESSON Theme for the Month: THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS “If you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in Heaven may forgive you your sins.” — Mark 11:25 Lesson 2: Choosing Repentance   Key Verse: “Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” — Colossians 3:13  Story Source:Flying is for the Birds (Carpie goes back to the minnows) Supporting Bible Story: Zacchaeus Changes His Heart (Luke 19:1-10) Memory Verse: “Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” — Colossians 3:13 Opening Prayer   “Dear Lord, when I do something wrong, help me to be honest. Teach me not only to say ‘I’m sorry’ but also to show it with my actions. Amen.” Lesson Objectives   By the end of today’s lesson, children will: Understand that repentance means saying sorry and showing it by doing right. See how Carpie showed repentance by going back to the minnows. Learn from Zacchaeus that a changed heart leads to changed actions. Story Exposition   In the story Flying is for the Birds, Carpie and Lashley made a terrible mistake while playing a game with the little minnow. Lashley swallowed the minnow by accident. The two friends were so shocked and afraid. When the other minnows came looking, both Carpie and Lashley lied and pretended they didn’t know anything. But things didn’t stay the same. Carpie’s heart felt heavy, and he cried when he got home. He later told his mother the truth. That was the beginning of his healing. Still, he felt in his heart that he needed to do more. He couldn’t just keep quiet—he had to face the minnows and make things right.   So Carpie went back to the minnows. He admitted what he had done wrong. He didn’t hide it anymore. He asked for their forgiveness. This was not easy; saying “I’m sorry” takes courage. But when he confessed, the minnows forgave him, and Carpie’s heart became light again.   That is what repentance looks like. It is more than just words. It is turning away from wrong and making a change. Carpie didn’t just feel bad—he went back to fix what he could.   Bible Connection: Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10)   The Bible gives us another example in Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus was a tax collector who took money unfairly from people. Everyone disliked him. But when Jesus came to his town, Zacchaeus climbed a tree just to see Him. Jesus looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, come down. I must stay at your house today. That love changed Zacchaeus’ heart! He said, “Lord, I will give half of my money to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will pay them back four times as much.” Just like Carpie, Zacchaeus showed his repentance by action. He didn’t just say “sorry”—he changed what he was doing wrong. How We Can Show Repentance   Say “I’m Sorry” Honestly – Repentance starts with truthful words.  Fix What You Can – If you broke someone’s toy, help repair it or replace it. 44If you hurt someone, show kindness to make it right. Change Your Ways – Decide not to do the wrong thing again. Conclusion   Repentance is like turning around when you are going the wrong way. Carpie turned around when he went back to the minnows. Zacchaeus turned around when he gave back money and helped the poor. When we truly repent, our hearts change, our actions change, and God forgives us. Repentance brings freedom, peace, and joy. Lessons Derived   Repentance is more than words—it is actions that show change. When we repent, God forgives and gives us peace. Questions   What did Carpie do to show repentance in the story? How did Zacchaeus prove that his heart had changed? (Reflection) Can you think of a time when you not only said “I’m sorry” but also tried to make things right? Prayer Focus   “Lord, help me to always repent when I do wrong. Teach me to be honest, to make things right, and to walk in Your forgiveness.” Weekly Devotional Reading Day Scripture Topic Monday Luke 19:1–4 Zacchaeus wants to see Jesus. Tuesday Luke 19:5–7 Jesus calls Zacchaeus. Wednesday Luke 19:8 Zacchaeus repents and makes things right. Thursday Luke 19:9–10 Jesus brings salvation to his house. Friday Psalm 103:8 God is merciful and forgiving. Saturday 1 John 1:9 God forgives when we confess. Assignment This week, if you do something wrong, don’t just say “sorry.” Find one way to make it right. Write it in your devotion journal and bring it next Sunday. Would you like me to help you draft a response to the reflection question or create a template for the devotion journal assignment?

FIRST SUNDAY LESSON Theme for the Month: THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS
“If you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in Heaven may forgive you your sins.” – Mark 11:25 Lesson 1: The Weight of Guilt Key Verse:
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins.” – 1 John 1:9 Story Source: Flying is for the Birds (Carpie, Lashley, and Hartlie)
Supporting Bible Story: Adam and Eve Hide from God (Genesis 3:1–10) Memory Verse:
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive us.” – 1 John 1:9 Opening Prayer “Dear Lord, when I do something wrong, help me not to hide. Teach me to come to You, to say I’m sorry, and to receive Your forgiveness. Amen.” Lesson Objectives By the end of today’s lesson, children will: Know that guilt feels heavy and makes us sad. See how Lashley carried guilt for a long time. Understand that God forgives us when we confess our sins. Story Exposition In the story Flying is for the Birds, Carpie and Lashley played a game with a tiny minnow. But something went wrong—Lashley swallowed the minnow by mistake! Both of them were afraid. When the other fish asked about the missing minnow, they lied and said they didn’t know. From that day, things changed. Carpie cried and later told his mother the truth. He found peace when he turned to God. But Lashley kept the secret inside. His heart grew heavy with guilt. Over the years, he became sad, his feathers turned gray, and he even lost the joy of flying. This shows us something important: guilt grows heavier when we try to hide our mistakes. But God doesn’t want us to hide—He wants us to come to Him. We see the same truth in the Bible. Adam and Eve disobeyed God and then tried to hide among the trees (Genesis 3:1–10). But God called out, “Where are you?” He already knew what they had done. God wanted them to come to Him, not stay hidden. How We Can Obey God When We’ve Done Wrong   Tell the Truth Quickly – Don’t hide. Bring it to God and, if needed, to others. Say You’re Sorry – Use honest words to show you mean it. Accept God’s Forgiveness – Believe that when you confess, God makes your heart clean and light again. Conclusion Guilt is like carrying a heavy backpack everywhere you go. It slows you down and makes you sad. But when we confess to God, He forgives us and takes the heavy load away. Carpie confessed and found peace. Lashley carried guilt for years—but we don’t have to. God invites us to come quickly and be free. Lessons Derived Hiding sin only makes guilt heavier. Confession brings forgiveness, peace, and joy. Questions What mistake did Lashley and Carpie make in the story? How can we get rid of the heavy feeling of guilt? (Reflection) Tell of a time you did something wrong and admitted it. What happened? How did you feel? Prayer Focus “Lord, help me to confess quickly when I do wrong. Take away the heavy feeling of guilt and give me peace.” Weekly Devotional Reading   Day Scripture Topic Monday Genesis 3:1–6 Adam and Eve disobey God. Tuesday Genesis 3:7–10 They hide from God. Wednesday Psalm 32:3–5 Confession brings forgiveness. Thursday Proverbs 28:13 Hiding sin brings trouble. Friday 1 John 1:9 God forgives when we confess. Saturday Psalm 86:5 God is forgiving and full of love. Assignment   Hartlie as careful to notice Lashley was crying and alone. He helped his friend by listening and sharing God’s Word about forgiveness. This week, look for one friend or family member you can help the same way — by showing love and encouragement. Write about it in your devotion journal and bring your story next Sunday.