Women of Faith-Dorcas (or Tabitha)

2/29/2024

Copy of Paul and Silas in Prison by Jennifer Tolbert

Biblical faith if more than just belief; it is also what we DO with that faith. God's story is filled with people of faith who DO the things God calls them to do. Noah demonstrated his faith by building an ark. Abraham demonstrated his faith by moving to a new home. Men and women of faith fought giants, faced lions, moved to foreign lands and fought foreign armies. The heroes of the early church are also known for what they did to demonstrate their faith in God. In this story, Silas and Paul face persecution when they share the gospel.

Dorcas demonstrated her faith by caring for others the same way Jesus did.

Key Themes:
1. We demonstrate our faith by what we do!
2. Faith gives us courage to live for Jesus.
3. People will know we are Christians by how we serve others.

Memory Verse

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have-not heard?” Romans 10:13, 14

Songs

Books of the New Testament
Apostles Song
Every Move I Make
I Am a C
Jesus Loves the Little Children
Jumping Up and Down
Roll The Gospel Chariot
Said I Wasn't
Sing and Be Happy
Stand Up and Shout It
This Little Light of Mine

Story

Begin Class with Songs, Games, Table Activity, or Sharing Time

Open Class in Prayer

Introducing the Story Ideas
1. Sharing Time
Ask the children to share a time when someone was kind to them. Ask the children how they would feel to remembered for being kind. Today, we are talking about a woman who was remembered for being kind.

2. Famous People
Show the children pictures of famous people they may know. Famous athletes, singers, cartoon characters. Ask them to describe what they are famous for doing. Then, SAY, today we are going to talk about a woman who is famous for being kind to others. Her name was Dorcas, and sometimes she was called Tabitha.

3. Clothing or Blanket Drive
Let the children help you fold and package clothing or blankets to donate to your church's food pantry or local charity. Younger children may be most helpful decorating brown grocery sacks and folding a few items and putting them in. Older children could make simple tied blankets to donate. Note: If you plan ahead, you can even ask kids to bring in their own donations of clothing or fabric. SAY: We demonstrate our faith by serving others. These items will go to children who need them. We are following the example of Dorcas (also known as Tabitha) in the Bible. We are going to talk about her today!

Story: The book of Acts is filled with lots of people who followed Jesus, built the church and spread the Gospel. There were lots of men like Peter, Paul and Silas, who travelled and shared the story of Jesus far and wide. However, there were also women, like Dorcas who shared Jesus with others by serving the people in her very town. Dorcas was so kind and giving the all of the people loved her very much. Let's read about Dorcas

READ the story of Dorcas or read Acts 9:36-43 in the Bible.
EMPHASIZE that: