Join us for this 9-week BridgeKidz series from The Sunday School Store, beginning September 6, 2026!
Not Just Teaching Character, but Leading Kids into the Freedom of Christ
“The Fruit of the Spirit” curriculum is more than just a Sunday School lesson plan. It’s a rescue mission that guides children away from the constant pressure of the world and into the freedom that Christ gives. Children are constantly pressured to measure up, chasing after something that never satisfies. This curriculum frees them from the burden of always trying to be good enough, by leading them into lasting peace that only Christ can give.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23 (esv)
Main Idea for Kids: The Holy Spirit Sets Me Free to Be Who God Made Me
I don’t have to do it all on my own. God is helping me every day to be more like Jesus. That’s real freedom!
We’ve included clear, simple definitions of each fruit of the Spirit so kids can understand what God is growing in them. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness—these aren’t just good ideas; they are real ways the Holy Spirit changes our hearts.
Everything is tied back to Jesus’ example—not as a comparison that makes kids feel like they can’t measure up, but as inspiration to see what God can do in their lives. When children see how Jesus lived, they realize the Holy Spirit is at work in them too—helping them grow, love others, and live in the freedom of Christ!
GOSPEL CONNECTION
Jesus welcomes us into God’s family and gives the Spirit to shape our character. He sends us into school to shine for Him—doing what’s right, honoring God with our choices, serving others, and standing firm.
FIVE-WEEK LESSON OVERVIEW
WEEK 1
Love
Bible Story
The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)
Main Idea
We don’t have to earn God’s love—it’s a gift through Jesus!
WEEK 2
Joy
Bible Story
The Prodigal Son Returns (Luke 15:11-32
Main Idea
True joy comes from knowing Jesus, not from what happens to us.
WEEK 3
Peace
Bible Story
Paul & Barnabas Make Peace (Acts 15:36-41)
Main Idea
Jesus gives us peace that nothing can take away.
WEEK 4
Patience
Bible Story
Abraham Waits for God’s Promise (Genesis 12-21)
Main Idea
Because God is patient with us, we can be patient with others.
WEEK 5
Kindness
Bible Story
David’s Kindness to Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9)
Main Idea
We show kindness because God has been kind to us.
WEEK 6
Goodness
Bible Story
The Good Shepherd (John 10:1-18)
Main Idea
We don’t do good things to make God love us—He already does! His love helps us do what’s right.
WEEK 7
Faithfulness
Bible Story
The Parable of the Faithful Servant (Matthew 24:45-51)
Main Idea
We can trust God because He is always faithful.
WEEK 8
Gentleness
Bible Story
Jesus Welcomes the Children (Mark 10:13-16)
Main Idea
Jesus leads us gently, and His Spirit helps us be gentle with others.
WEEK 9
Self-Control
Bible Story
Jesus Resists Temptation (Matthew 4:1-11)
Main Idea
We don’t have to let our feelings control us—the Holy Spirit helps us make good choices.
Join us for a new 5-week BridgeKidz series from The Sunday School Store, beginning July 12, 2026!
THE BIG IDEA
God equips us for a new school year. In Jesus we learn courage, dignity, kindness, perseverance, and bold leadership.
MEMORY VERSE
1 Timothy 4:12 “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers…”
THEME HOOK
“Homeroom at Church.” Each week begins with a Gear Check station where kids are introduced to the gear of the week.
GOSPEL CONNECTION
Jesus welcomes us into God’s family and gives the Spirit to shape our character. He sends us into school to shine for Him—doing what’s right, honoring God with our choices, serving others, and standing firm.
FIVE-WEEK LESSON OVERVIEW
WEEK 1
Gear Check: God Helps His People
Bible Story
Judges 4
Key Discovery
God can use ordinary people and ordinary tools for His good plans.
I Can Always
Offer my skills to God and choose courage.
WEEK 2
Good Trouble: Queen Vashti Says No
Bible Story
Esther 1
Key Discovery
Dignity and courage matter—sometimes loving God means saying “no” to wrong.
I Can Always
Honor God with respectful, brave choices.
WEEK 3
Pack Kindness: Tabitha’s Sewing Ministry
Bible Story
Acts 9:36–43
Key Discovery
Kindness leaves a legacy that points people to Jesus.
I Can Always
Use my hands to help and encourage others.
WEEK 4
Don’t Fear the Test
Bible Story
James 1:2-4
Key Discovery
God uses trials to grow strong faith and character.
I Can Always
Ask God for help and keep going with joy.
WEEK 5
Backpack Blessing Sunday: Timothy’s Call-Up
Bible Story
1 Timothy 4:12
Key Discovery
Young believers can lead by example—in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.
I Can Always
Live like Jesus at school and let others see Him in me.
Join us for a new 4-week BridgeKidz series from The Sunday School Store, beginning June 7, 2026!
Kids hear that freedom means “do whatever I want.” This series shows what Scripture says: true freedom comes from Jesus—freedom from sin, fear, and selfishness—so we can love God and people.
THE BIG IDEA
Jesus sets us free—then teaches us to use our freedom to worship, live changed, and serve others in love.
MEMORY VERSE
John 8:36 “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
THEME HOOK
Kids discover the true meaning of freedom.
GOSPEL CONNECTION
Jesus broke the chains of sin by His death and resurrection. When we trust Him, He gives new life and the Spirit’s power to worship in every circumstance and to serve others.
FOUR WEEK LESSON OVERVIEW
WEEK 1
Free Indeed!
Bible Story
Jesus Sets Us Free (John 8:36)
Key Discovery
Only Jesus can set me truly free from sin.
Takeaway
I can admit my sin, trust Jesus, and follow Him.
WEEK 2
Locked Up but Still Free
Bible Story
Paul & Silas in Jail (Acts 16)
Key Discovery
Worship brings breakthrough—God is with me in hard places.
Takeaway
I can pray and praise God no matter what.
WEEK 3
The Unchained Girl
Bible Story
The Servant Girl Set Free (Acts 16:16–19)
Key Discovery
Jesus’ power sets people free and changes communities.
Takeaway
I can ask Jesus for help and share His freedom with others.
Easter is all about the Resurrection of Jesus, but the story doesn’t stop with the empty tomb. It’s the beginning of the most exciting mission we can ever join. In this life changing series kids will learn how Jesus’ resurrection gives us power to obey Him—even when no one notices.
THE BIG IDEA
Because Jesus is alive, we can join his mission to save the world.
MEMORY VERSE
Philippians 4:13 (NIrV) “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
THEME HOOK
Spy HQ. Every lesson begins with a sealed “TOP SECRET” file. Leaders brief the agents, reveal the Bible case, train with a “Spy Tool,” and assign a covert home mission—no bragging, all for Jesus. The only additional materials this requires are optional manila envelopes and printouts of the top-secret missions, which we should create.
GOSPEL CONNECTION
Week 1 announces the good news—Jesus defeated sin and death. Weeks 2–4 show how His agents live it out: carrying God’s message, speaking up for what’s right, and doing good in secret—with strength only He provides.
FOUR WEEK LESSON OVERVIEW
WEEK 1
Operation Resurrection
Bible Story
Matthew 28:1-10
Key Discovery
Jesus is alive — He makes our mission possible
Takeaway
I can trust Jesus and share the Good News
WEEK 2
Mission Classified — Phoebe Delivers the Letter
Bible Story
Romans 16:1-2
Key Discovery
God’s agents carry His message with care and courage.
Takeaway
I can do the right thing even when no one’s watching.
WEEK 3
Agent Esther: Secret Identity, Bold Faith
Bible Story
Esther 4:14
Key Discovery
God placed me here “for such a time as this.”
Takeaway
I can speak up for what’s right with God’s help.
WEEK 4
Code: Be Kind in Secret
Bible Story
Matthew 6:1-4
Key Discovery
Jesus rewards secret kindness done for God, not applause.
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
THEME HOOK
Discovering true love despite the Valentine’s Day hype.
Kids hear about “love” everywhere in February—candy hearts, crushes, and silly movies—but those messages are confusing and don’t last. Sometimes, “love” sounds like it’s just about feelings or gifts, and that can leave kids feeling left out or unsure what real love is.
The LOVE of God 4-week series helps children look past all the Valentine’s Day hype to discover what real love looks like in the Bible. Each week, we’ll investigate a new story that spells L-O-V-E and shows why God’s love is the best love of all.
GOSPEL CONNECTION
Across L-O-V-E, children trace the storyline of redemption: humanity’s fall, God’s rescuing pursuit, Christ’s victorious sacrifice, and the promise of eternal life. Each week points beyond “try harder” to trusting Jesus’ finished work.
FIVE WEEK LESSON OVERVIEW
WEEK 1
God’s Love is (L) Long-Suffering
Bible Story
Adam & Eve Disobey but God Still Cares (Genesis 3)
Key Discovery
Even when I mess up, God still loves me and wants to forgive me.
Takeaway
I can always ask God for forgiveness and know He will still love me.
WEEK 2
God’s Love is (O) One-of-a-Kind
Bible Story
The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Matthew 18:10-14)
Key Discovery
I am so important to God that He will always come looking for me.
Takeaway
I can remember that I matter to God and help others know they matter too.
WEEK 3
God’s Love is (V) Victorious
Bible Story
Jesus and Nicodemus (John 3:1-21)
Key Discovery
Jesus loves me so much that He gave His life so I can live forever with Him.
Takeaway
I can always trust Jesus to save me and give me hope for forever.
WEEK 4
God’s Love is (E) Eternal
Bible Story
David’s Song & John the Baptist’s Birth (Psalm 139:13-18; Luke 1:39-45)
Key Discovery
God’s love for me never ends—He has loved me since before I was born.
Takeaway
I can always trust that God will love me no matter what, every single day.
WEEK 5
LOVE is for Sharing
Bible Story
The Early Church Shares Everything (Acts 2:42–47)
Key Discovery
God’s love grows stronger when we share it with others through kindness and community.
Takeaway
I can show God’s love by sharing what I have and helping others know about Jesus.
