Preparation: Fill a plastic gallon jug, such as a milk container, with water. Write on a chalkboard or newsprint the following: 1 gallon = 4 quarts = 8 pints = 16 cups. Have 16 paper cups ready to use in the discussion.

We have heard that many people do not have enough water to drink or to use each day because the source of water is far away from them or because it is not clean. It is good for us to think about how it is to live without enough water. One pail might hold three gallons of water, to be used by several people in the household. Suppose you have one third, or a whole gallon of water, to use in one day. How would you use it? (Talk about the chalkboard showing the breakdown of 1 gallon into 16 cups. To aid the discussion, set out the 16 cups, but they need not be filled with water.)

Example:

* How many cups of water will you drink each day? (Set aside those cups.)
* How many cups to wash your face and hands?
* How many cups to cook food?
* How many cups to wash clothes, wash dishes, flush the toilet, wash the floor, water plants, or take a bath?

We use a lot of water every day without even thinking about it. That's not wrong. But let's remember who created water ... God did! We read in Genesis that God created everything. Water is precious because God created it. We take care of God's gifts by not wasting them. Let's think -- and talk -- about ways that we can save on water and still be healthy. (For example, not leaving a faucet on while we brush our teeth.) One way we show our love to God is by using what He has given us wisely and by helping others with their needs.

Our offering today will again go to help other people dig wells for safe water so that they can be well. Let's see how far the water has risen in our "well."

Memory Verse

And God said, "Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place and let the dry ground appear." -- Genesis 1:9

Water is precious because God created it!

Offering

Have the children place their offering in the "well."

Prayer

Thank you, God, for the water in which we were baptized and became your children. Thank you for the water we drink and use each day. Help us to be thankful for it and not waste it. Amen.

Song

See Appendix for suggestions.

SMALL GROUP ACTIVITY (OPTIONAL)

Give the children an opportunity to draw pictures of ways to save water, such as turning off faucets or pouring used water on plants, or to make signs that would help to avoid wasting water.

Session 4

Lesson Index

Session 6