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