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  • Palm Sunday Walk with Jesus

    Children's drama for Palm Sunday / Holy Week      

    (Different denominations approach this day in a variety of ways. As young children often don’t come to Good Fridayservices I’m trying to highlight the importance of the cross)

     kids sermon for Palm Sunday
     
    Theme: Journey to the Cross, Holy Week
     
    Children's object lesson Props: “Palm” branches, Bread and Wine symbols, towel and basin, Cross
     
    Children's sermon idea: Consider each of the above items that signify events during the final week of Jesus physical ministry on earth. Physically walking to each of these helps the children (and adults if they are watching) get a feel for the sequence of these important events.
     
    Time:The idea is that this would move quite quickly. It can probably be done in about 6 minutes unless you want to stretch it out to include more teaching.
     
    Full Children's sermon: (Set up 4 “stations” across the front of the church with the various symbols.)
     
    Good Morning Children! This morning is Palm Sunday. This is the day we remember when Jesus came into Jerusalem riding on a donkey. As he came down the hill into Jerusalem all the people welcomed him by shouting “Hosanna” and waving palm branches in the air. This was the beginning of some very important events in Jesus life. I would like you to join me in quickly walking through some of these events. Perhaps you can think of this as “walking with Jesus” on a very important journey. (1-Palm Branches) Please follow me over here and pick up a “palm branch,” pretending we are celebrating Jesus coming as a wonderful King! As they waved the palm branches they shouted out “Hosanna.” (save we pray) Let’s practice shouting that out. (Keep walking towards the next station). (2-Bread and Wine) A little while later Jesus planned to eat a special meal (the Passover) with his disciples. He met with them in a special upper room where they had some very special bread and wine. (Pick up the bread and wine – or get the children to hold it up) He shared that bread and wine with his disciples and he said that from now on they were to eat this simple meal remembering his body and blood. It was a way of remembering that Jesus loved us so much he was willing to give his life for us. (You could quickly sit down with the children in a circle) This bread and wine might look familiar to you because we still use this bread and wine at our communion service to remember Jesus and what he did for us.
    (3 –Towel and Wash Basin) (Pick up the towel and basin) After having this special meal with his disciples Jesus filled a basin with water and washed his disciple’s feet. It was a wonderful example of being a servant. As important as Jesus was he was able to serve others by washing their feet. (You could quickly knell down with the basic and towel as if you were washing one of the children’s feet.) He went on to say that we should show our love to one another by doing the same sort of thing to help others. (4 –The Cross) Let’s keep walking. Later that night Jesus went up on a hill to pray. (Prayer could be a special station) He prayed all through the night and then suddenly some soldiers came and took him away. After an unfair trail he was tortured on a cross where he died for our sins. (Walk the children to the cross) This cross reminds us of Jesus great love. He loved us so much he was willing to suffer and die for us. Let’s all knell down here near the cross. We’ll be very quiet as we think of what happened to Jesus on that Friday 2000 years ago.
    PRAY: Dear God. We are remembering some very important things in the life of Jesus this week. Help us to remember when the children and all the people praised Jesus with palm branches and shouts of “Hosanna.” Help us to remember how he asked us to remember him in the Bread and the Wine. Help us to remember how he washed his disciple’s feet as an example to us of being a servant. Help us also to remember how he died for us on the cross – how he gave his live so that we might have life. In Jesus’ name. Amen
     

    Copyright 2009 Andrew Hewlett SundayChildrensFocus.com  - Please "Like"this if you found it helpful!

    PS - Very Simple idea: (If you use palm crosses) Have the children do a simple processional with palm branches. Sit the children down and then explain how the crowds started out praising Jesus with palm branches but soon after this he was put on a cruel cross. Take a palm reed and fold it into a simple cross. Let them know that this palm cross will remind them of the joyous coming of Christ as King, but also that on Good Friday he died for us on a cross.

  • Children's Sermon -Take up your Cross



    Sunday Lesson – Children’s sermon: Take up your Cross

    Show the children a small cross. Show them a full size cross and remind them of how hard it would be to carry a real life size cross. Taking up our cross and following Jesus is sometimes hard and sometimes it hurts. Mark 8: 27-38 Trinity 14
     
    Object lessonprops: small ornamental cross or necklace, large cross (made out of old 2x4s, 4x4s, or even better 6x6s!)take up cross
     
     
    Children’s sermon: Good Morning Children. This morning one of our bible readings is from Mark chapter 7 where Jesus told his disciples to “take up their cross” and “follow him (Jesus).” (Consider reading the text out loud.) Hmmm. I wonder what he meant?
    Look at this cross I have here in my hand. This would be pretty easy to “take up and carry.” Hold this cross in your hands. Do you agree that this cross would be easy to carry around? If this is the type of cross that Jesus was taking about when he said “take up your cross and follow me,” then following Jesus would be pretty easy. But of course this is just a small cross. The cross that Jesus suffered and died on was a very big cross.
    (Carry out the life size cross) Look at the size of this cross. Even this one was not as big as the real cross that Jesus had to carry before he died. Feel how heavy it is. (Let some of the children pick it up.) Do you think this cross would be harder to carry around than this little one? When Jesus said we needed to “take up our cross and follow him” he was trying to tell us that following him would sometimes be hard and would sometimes hurt.
    These small crosses are to remind us of the big cross that Jesus had to carry and also remind us of how he suffered and laid down his life for us in love. Crosses also remind us that when we follow Jesus it will sometimes hurt – it may even sometime feel like we are dying! So, when you think of the cross, think of the big heavy cross that Jesus had to carry. Think of his love. And remember that following him is not always easy and is even sometimes painful. (Idea: If you had time you could discuss some examples of how following Jesus is sometime inconvenient and sometimes painful.)
     
    Pray: Thank you God that Jesus loved us so much he was willing to take up his cross and suffer for us. Help us to be willing to “take up our own cross” and suffer for Jesus. Thank you God for your great love and for your Holy Spirit who will give us strength and joy even when following you is hard to do. – In Jesus’ name, Amen!
     
    (Consider getting the children to leave the room, helping one another carry the large cross)

    Copyright 2009 Andrew Hewlett sundaychildrensfocus.com   Feel free to use this story on Sunday morning but please give credit to sundaychildrensfocus and consider linking to this site. Thank you. A.H.

     

     

  • Children's sermon for Palm Sunday

     

    Palm Sunday Children’s sermon     Luke 19:28-40   Sunday of the Passion 

     For Sunday School or Children's Church -

    Lectionary

    Palm Sunday Kids
    Children’s Sermon Idea: Talk about the excitement around the recent Olympic Games land show how many people waved flags in the air when the athletes entered the stadium. Explain how Jesus came down into Jerusalem and all the people waved Palm branches in celebration. (You could also use the idea of players entering as stadium at the superbowl or an NHL hockey game playoff) 
     (PS - Don't forget to check out the home page for other ideas or go here -> a list of Palm Sunday ideas.)
    Objects lesson props: 1. Some flags or banners you can wave. (Use an Olympic flag if you have one or make one out of paper.) 2. A palm branch or some facsimile.
     
    Children’s Sermon for Palm Sunday: Good morning children. How many of you watched the Olympic Games on T.V.? Great. Our whole family watched them on T.V. What was your favourite event? (Interact with the children) Do you know what my favourite part was? It was the opening ceremonies when the athletes entered into the stadium with all the people cheering. Many of the people waved flags as they cheered the athletes. (Give a demonstration or ask some of the children to help you out.)
    It was a great celebration. The people were so excited that the athletes were getting reading to compete in all the events. There was so much excitement.
    In our bible reading today we are remembering a very special event in the life of Jesus. Today is called Palm Sunday and we remember the day when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. The people were so excited that King Jesus was coming to the city. They didn’t have flags but they cut down palm branches and waved them in the air. They shouted out “Hosanna in the highest” as Jesus rode into the city. It was so exciting. Today (Palm Sunday) we remember that special when all the people celebrated and cheered on Jesus with Palm branches in the air.
     
    (Consider placing a robe on one of the children (as Jesus) and have the other children wave palm branches as you process down the church isle. At our church we also sing the song “Hosanna in the highest” as we process.)
     
    Children’s Prayer: Dear God, as we celebrate on this Palm Sunday help us to remember that day when all the adults and children waved palm branches and cheered as Jesus entered Jerusalem as King. We know Jesus rose from the dead and is alive. Help us to remember that he is our wonderful King and that we can praise him everyday! In Jesus’ name – Amen.

    Copyright Sundaychildrensfocus.com Andrew Hewlet  - Feel free to use this on Sunday morning but please give credit to sundaychildrensfocus.com and consider placing a link on your church web site. Blessings, A.H.


     

  • Children's sermon for Valentines Day


    Valentines Day Children's Sermon   



    Children’s Sermon idea for Valentines Day / Sunday: Show the children how to say “I love you” in sign language. (One handed (see above) or Point to yourself (I), Cross your arms across your chest (Love) and then point to the other person (You). Show them a cut out paper heart with the words “I love you” written inside. Explain how we could also give a Valentines heart to people as a way of telling them we love them.

    Remind them how God showed his love by sending us his son Jesus. Remind them that it is important to tell people closed to us that we love them.
    -- (You might also want to tell them about Saint Valentine who demonstrated his love by helping people who were being persecuted for their faith in Jesus.)
    Or....try this Valentines Day kids sermon - 
     
    Object lesson items: A red paper valentines heart (with the words “I love you.”)
     
    Full Valentines Day message: Good morning children! What special day does this heart remind you of? That’s right- Valentines Day. Saint Valentine was a real person who showed his wonderful love by helping people in need. Valentines Day is a great day to tell people how much we care about them and love them. This morning I want to show you a very interesting way of saying, “I love you.” I’ll show you how to say “I love you” in sign language. (Get the children to copy the hand motions for “I love you.” You could also show them the one handed method (Hand outstretched with 2 middle finger folded down.) What are some other ways we can tell people we love them? (Discuss the importance of demonstrating love and telling people with love them.) Those are all very good ideas. (Hold up a red paper heart) When I was young we would sometimes hand out red Valentines Day hearts to people. It was a simple way of telling people how much we cared about them. Do you see these words here? This says, “I love you.” There are many ways of showing people our love. Valentines Day is a good day to tell people and show people we love them. God showed his love to us by sending his son Jesus. It’s important that we pass on that love to others too.
     
    Children’s Prayer: Thank you for St. Valentine who showed his love by helping people in need. Help us to show love to others by our words and by our actions. In Jesus’ name – Amen!
     
    (Please overlook typos and other grammatical mistakes. It’s almost midnight and I can barely keep my eyes open!)
     
    Copyright 2012 SundayChildrensFocus.com 

  • Childrens Sermon - The Cost of Following Jesus

     

    Children's Sermon: The Cost of Following Jesus    Luke 9:51-62

     For Sunday School or Children's church

    Follow Jesus sign
    Children’s Sermon idea:
    Hold up various items and ask the children how much they think the item cost. Pull out your wallet and place the money on a chair or table. Hold up a cross as a sign of following Jesus. Ask the children how much money it costs to follow Jesus. Explain that following Jesus costs us everything; much more than money. Step on to the chairor table (where you’ve been laying down the money) and explain that following Jesus means giving our whole lives to Jesus. 
     
    Full Children’s sermon:
    Good morning children. Are you good a guessing how much things cost? How about this chocolate bar? How much do you think it costs? I’ll put down 50 cents here on the chair. Is that enough? No. How about if I add another 25 cents? That makes 75 cents and that’s about right I’d say it costs about that much. How about this ticket to a baseball game? How much do you think it costs? (Go through a similar routine as before placing money on the chair beside the ticket or whatever item you use.)
    (Hold up a cross or tape a picture of a cross onto the back of a chair) Now here is a tricky question. How much does it cost to follow Jesus? I’ll use this cross as a sign or symbol of following Jesus. Does it cost 5 dollars? (Place 5 dollars down on the chair) Does it cost 20 dollars? (|Add that to the money)
    Let’s just stop there. I want you to know that we can’t become a follower of Jesus by paying a bunch of money. We don’t have to pay money to follow Jesus. He paid everything for us already. However, Jesus said to follow him would cost us everything. (Stand up on the chair where you have been putting down the money) Jesus said we need to give our whole lives to Him. That’s why I’m standing here. I’m not just giving money; I’m giving my whole life. Some may think the cost is too high but Jesus loves us and wants us to discover his wonderful life. When we give our whole selves to Jesus we begin to discover his life, power and love. Following Jesus costs us everything but it is really worth it.
     
    Children’s Prayer: Dear God, help us to give our whole lives to you. We know that following Jesus will be hard sometimes but we also know that you will keep us in your love and will help to make our life a wonderful and exciting adventure.
     
    Copyright Sundaychildrensfocus.com Andrew Hewlett Feel free to use this story in Sunday morning but please give credit to Sundaychidrensfocus.com and consider linking to this web site. Thank you A.H.

  • Christ the King Sunday

    6 Minute Children's sermon - Christ the King Sunday  - The Reign of Christ the King
       

    Jesus is a King        Lectionary: John 18: 33-37   
    Jesus our King   
     
    Children’s Sermon idea: Help the Children understand that Jesus is a King. Have 2 or 3 members of the congregation bring the hat that they wear on the job as part of a uniform. (Police hat, fireman’s hat, hard hat, etc.) Explain that although these individuals look like anyone else they have a special role to play signified by the hat they wear. Hold up a crown and explain that although Jesus looked like a normal human being he was actually a King. Also emphasize that as followers of Jesus we are children of the king.
     
    Object Lessonitems: (1) Some hats the children will recognize (brought by a few members of the congregation).  (2) A crown. This can be made from cardboard and covered with tinfoil.
     
    Full Children’s Sermon / Object Lesson:
    Good morning children. Do you see this hat? (Hold up a police officers hat) What person would wear a hat like this? That’s right, a police officer. Did you know we actually have a police officer who is part of our church family? It’s true. Mr Johnstone is a police officer. Would you please come forward Mr. Johnstone? You look like a pretty normal person, but we know that this is the hat you wear at work and that you are really a police officer. (Put the hat on their head). (Have them remain up front and hold up your next hat and go through a similar explanation. Then hold up the crown). Do you know what this is? Yes, it’s a crown. What sort of person would wear this? Yes, a King! Do we have a King of a foreign country here? No, I don’t think so. However, we are all followers of Jesus and he is a King. When Jesus walked upon the earth he looked like a normal human being, however he was really a King. Although we can’t see Jesus with our eyes we know that he is alive and that he is still a King. As followers of Jesus we are in his Kingdom. In fact we are “Kids of the Kingdom.” We always want to do our best to follow him and come under his Kingly rule. We also believe that he is with us this morning as we worship.
    (Thank your guests and then lead the children in prayer)
    Children’s Prayer: Thank you God for sending Jesus to be our saviour and our friend. Thank you also that he is a King. Help us always to follow him, honour him, and serve him in his Kingdom. Thank you God that we are “kids of the kingdom.” In Jesus Name, Amen

    Copyright 2009 Andrew Hewlett and SundayChildrensFocus.com  Feel free to use this on Sunday morning but please give credit to SundayChildrensFocus and consider linkng to this web site.  Thanks!  A.H.

  • discipleship going against the flow

    Title: Going against the flow  -                   

    (for use as a children's story or a lead in for a sunday school lesson)

    Themes    : Christian courage, living differently than others,    taking a stand for Jesus

    Props:     Members of the congregation / Time 5-7 minutes
     
    Children's sermon Summary: Get the children to experience what it is like to follow Jesus and “go against the flow.” Gather members of the congregation into the center isle where they stand close together facing one direction. Get the children to experience the difficulty of pushing through the crowd to get to where they are going.
     
    Full lesson: Good morning girls and boys. We all wish it would be easy following Jesus and doing the things he wants us to do. But did you know the Bible says that following Jesus can be very hard. Sometimes we know what Jesus wants us to do but other people want us to do what everybody else is doing. If Jesus is leading us one way in life and other people are going the opposite way we can feel very alone and it can be very hard for us. I’ll show you now a little bit what it is like. (At this point ask members of the congregation nearest the isle to stand up and gather in the center isle. It’s best to have at least 20 or 30 people and get them to stand 4 or 5 abreast. Ask them to stand in one direction and pack in tightly.) Now children, lets see what it’s like going against a crowd when they are headed in the opposite direction that we are. (Ask children to follow you as you push your way through the crowd. If you are afraid the adults in the isle might giggle too much ask them to be a little grumpy as you’re going through). Push your way through the crowd with the kids coming out the other side. Ask the congregation to give them a round of applause for coming through victoriously! Ask the congregation to quickly sit down.  (TRANSITION) How did you find that? Was it a little hard going through? (Take time to listen to a few responses) Well, as I said before, that is what it is like following Jesus sometimes. Sometimes it can be hard going in the right direction when so many others are going in the wrong direction.  The Good News is that we are never really alone because Jesus promises to be with us always.
     
    Prayer: God, we know that it sometimes very lonely following Jesus especially when many others don’t care. Through your Holy Spirit help us to have the power and courage to stand up and follow Jesus even when it’s lonely or hard. Thank you that Jesus said he would be with us no matter what. In Jesus name. Amen
     
    --Odds and ends: You could also discuss how it was helpful having some others with you as you pushed your way through the crowd. Or perhaps how some of the bigger kids helped the smaller ones go through. You could also flesh this out by giving specific “playground” scenarios of what it means to follow Jesus.
     
    Copyright 2008 Sundaychildrensfocus.com    If you use this at your Sunday service please give credit to sundaychildrensfocus.com and consider linking your church to this web site. Thank you! A.H.

     

     

     

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  • If I am Lifted up - John 12

    Title: Ministry to Children - Kids talk - The Cross is like a Magnet      

    Theme: (Lent 5) The Cross, The Crucifixion,Being drawn to Jesus  
    Bible Text: John 12:20-33 “When I am lifted up I will draw all people to myself”
    Basic Children's Sermon Idea: Demonstrate how a magnet has the power to draw or pull items to itself. Explain that when Jesus gave his life on the cross it was like a magnet drawing all people to God.
    Object lesson Props: Magnet, various metallic and non metallic items, small cross you can hold up
    Full Children's sermon: Good Morning Children. Does anyone know what this is? (Hold up magnet) Yes, it’s a magnet. Magnets attract or pull certain types of metal. Look at these items here. How many of you think that a magnet will attract this piece of wood? You’re right! It doesn’t. What about this piece of metal? Yes, it obviously attracts or draws this piece of metal to itself. What about this item? (Test various items as this is pretty fun and interesting) Does it work with people? Let’s see if this pulls you. No – it doesn’t seem to work with people.
    TRANSITION: This magnet is a pretty amazing thing. Although you can’t see it there is some invisible force or power that pulls or draws metal objects to itself. (Now hold up a small cross) Do you see this cross? It doesn’t look like a magnet but Jesus said that if he gave his life for us on the cross it would be like a magnet pulling all people to himself.
    (Read the words of Jesus in John 12) “If I be lifted up…” Somehow, Jesus giving his life for us on the cross would be like a magnet for people. Let’s act out how this works. I’d like all you children to spread out from me here. (If you are in the front of a church get them to disperse about 20 feet in all directions) Now, when I hold up the cross that reminds us of Jesus dying for us in love, come towards it like you are being pulled by a magnet. (Hold the cross up high for all to see). That’s right; pretend it’s a magnet pulling us in. That was great. (To the congregation) Let’s give the children a hand.  Now children, I’m going to keep holding up the cross but I’d like you to bow your heads and I will lead us in prayer.


    Pray: God, thank you that Jesus loved us so much he was willing to give his life and die for us on the cross. Thank you for his amazing love. Thank you that when he died for us on the cross it was like a magnet drawing us and the whole world to you and your son Jesus.
     
    Copyright 2009 SundayChildrensFocus.com     Andrew Hewlett     (Please "Like" this on the left side of the page if you found this helpful)

     

     

  • Jesus understands - rejected by friends and family

     Children's sermon - Jesus is rejected by his friends and family at Nazareth    

     
    Basic idea: Help children understand the humanity of Jesus and that he understands when we feel sad or rejected.  Have a small group of individual prepared to say negating comments to Jesus. Dramatize how it must have been very painful for Jesus to be rejected by his friends and family at Nazareth, his home town.
    Dramatic Children’s sermon:
    (Ask a small group of volunteers to represent the friends and family of Jesus in Nazareth. Suggest that they be ready to give comments such as; “That’s just Jesus – he’s not so special, “ or “I’ve seen him before, who cares about him?” Have them walk away from you (Jesus) when they are finished insulting and criticizing you.
    Good morning children! This morning our bible reading is about Jesus returning to his home town of Nazareth. Do you think all the people would be excited to see him? Yes, you would think so. Jesus had been doing many wonderful things, he healed many people and was showing his love to many people. However, when he went back to his home town of Nazareth it wasn’t as he had hoped. Now, I have some people that are going to come forward and pretend to be the family and friends of Jesus at Nazareth. (Thank you, please stand just over here)
    Now kids, I’m going to pretend I’m Jesus returning home to Nazareth. Watch closely.
    (Walking towards the group of volunteers with arms outstretched): “Hello Friends! Remember me? It’s Jesus. I used to live here!” (Members of the group respond with disparaging comments and insults. Jesus keeps trying to be friendly but they reject him. Eventually the crowd of “friends” walks off leaving Jesus all alone and downcast.)
    Children, it was so sad that even his friends and some members of his family rejected him. How do you think Jesus felt? (Allow the children to respond) That’s right. Jesus would have been so sad to be rejected by people in his home town. Jesus knows what it’s like to be insulted and hurt. Sometimes people say things to us that make us sad. Perhaps they say something unkind or hurtful. Perhaps they just say they don’t want to play with us. That hurts us inside and can make us sad. If that ever happens to you I want you to remember that Jesus knows what it feels like. He knows what you are feeling inside because he was treated that way too. The good news is that He loves us all the time. He will never leave us or forsake us. 
    Children’s prayer: Dear God, thank you that Jesus knows what we are feeling and he understands because he suffered and was rejected by his friends. Thank you that He will always love us and will never leave us. In Jesus’ name – Amen!

    Copyright 2015 Feel free to use this on Sunday morning but please give credit to Sunday Children's Focus and "Like" this page and consider linking to this web site. Thank you! A.H.


     

  • Let the children come unto me

     

    “Let the children come unto me” A skit for the Children’s

    Sermon or Sunday school class   

    Jesus with children    
    Children’s Sunday school lesson on Humility:This children sermon is a bit more complicated than usual – but I do think it is effective. I did this lesson right in the church sanctuary as an interactive children’s sermon. It takes some set up so it would also lend itself well for a group Sunday school lesson (As a alternate simply use the "Kingdom fort" as an object lesson and demonstrate how we have to humble ourselves to enter.)
     
    Basic idea: Make a “Kingdom fort” out a card table and blanket. Arrange to have a big, rich “important” person ask to enter the fort. Explain that they have to humble themselves and get down on their knees to get inside. When they explain that this is beneath their dignity invite the children to easily come through the small entrance. Discuss Mark 10:15 “anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
     
    Props: Card table, blanket, (option: use a big piece of cardboard to make a small entrance)
                Dark sunglasses, cigar and hat for the “proud” person. (They will need a quick private briefing before the story starts.
     
    Full Story: Good Morning children. I’d like you to come over here this morning. This morning I have a special fort here. I call it the “Kingdom Fort.” Who wants to come inside? (Have your big important person come up from the congregation and interrupt you.) ”Excuse me; my name is Blade Steele – the millionaire movies star. I think it is only appropriate that I go first before these children./Hmm. Nice to meet you. However, not just anyone can come into this Kingdom fort, you see…/ But you don’t understand who I am, I’m Blade Steele the rich…/ But Mr. Steele the only way you can get inside is if you get down on your knees and crawl…/ Well, I could never do such a thing, however perhaps this money might make things easier (flash some bills)…/No, I’m sorry Mr. Steele… but you can certainly try.
    (Pull back the blanket revealing a very small entrance. Mr. Steele tries unsuccessfully to get in.)
    Hmmm. That’s too bad it doesn’t look like you can get in without kneeling down. Please stand back Mr. Steele. I think some of these children would like to come in. (Show the entrance to the young children. They easily enter the Kingdom fort.) Hey! All the children made it. Let’s give them a cheer. I’m glad you like the fort. You were all small enough to enter. I’d like you to come back out here for a moment because I have something important to say to you. Listen to this passage in the Bible. (Read Mark 10:13-16) The disciples didn’t think Jesus wanted to be with the young children but Jesus said they were wrong. He reached out and held the children and said that unless we were like a little child we could not enter the Kingdom of God. That is what our little play was about. Mr. Steele thought that he could get into the Kingdom fort because he was so important and had so much money. But he was so full of selfish pride that he wasn’t willing to get on his knees and make himself small. Jesus said we could only enter his Kingdom if we were willing to humble ourselves like little children.
     
    Children’s Prayer: Thank you God that you love us so much. Thank you that even though we might be very young and small you still welcome us into your family. May we always be willing to humble ourselves and make ourselves small to enter your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name – Amen!

  • Valentines Day & Cross

     

    Children's Sermon for Valentines Day     



    Children’s Sermon idea: When we give a valentine it reminds the person of our love for them. We have a crossin our church and that reminds us of God’s love for us.
     
    Objects: A valentine heart, a large visible cross in the church that you can point to and/ or a small cross you can hold up.
     
    Children Sermon: Good morning children. Do you know what special day it is? Here is a hint. (Hold up your valentine heart.) That’s correct. It’s Saint Valentines day. Saint Valentine was a Christian bishop who lived a very long time ago. He was well known throughout his country for the great love that he had for people in need. When we think of St. Valentineand Valentines day we are reminded about love. When we give a Valentines day heartto someone it reminds them of our friendship and love that we have for them. God doesn’t send out Valentines cards to people but did you know that there is something that always reminds us of God’s great love for us? If you look around you can see that reminder right here in this church. Do you know what it is? Look right over there. It’s the cross. The cross is a symbol / reminder that Jesus loved us so much that he was willing to suffer and die for us. Where ever we see a cross it should be a reminder that Jesus loves us so very much. He suffered and died on the cross which might make us sad. However, the good news is that he rose again and he is alive. If you are ever tempted to doubt how much God the Father and Jesus love you, look at a cross. It reminds us that we are deeply loved and very precious to God.

    Children’s Prayer: Heavenly Father. We pray that when we give Valentine cards to our family and friends they would know that we really do care about them and love them. We also thank you so much for sending Jesus to save us. We know that he loved us so much he was willing to suffer and die for us. That is amazing. Whenever we see a cross help us to remember your great love.Amen!

  • Valuable to God

    Theme: We are precious to God  - 

    (The basic idea of this story comes from an object lessonI saw someone do at summer camp 20 years ago)

     
    Children's Sermon idea: Take a 20 dollar bill and bend it, fold it, throw it on the floor and step on it. Would you still want this 20 dollar bill? If course you would. It’s still valuable no matter what shape it’s in.
    Objects needed: Ten or twenty dollar bill
    Full Object Lesson: Good Morning Children. Do you know what this is? (Hold up the 20 dollar bill) That’s right. It’s a twenty dollar bill. Who would like to have this nice twenty dollar bill? I bet you would, but I’m sorry to say I don’t know if I want to give it away because it’s valuable. Now what if I took this twenty dollar bill and folded it us like this. (Fold it in half a few times) Would you still want it? (Let the children respond) What if I scrunched it up very small like this? Would you still like to have it then? (Let children respond) Really? You’d still want it? How about if I scrunched it up and threw it on the floor and stepped on it? Would you want it then? (Let them respond again) Why would you still want this old bill? (Let them respond again.) That right! Even if this bill is scrunched up, folded up, banged around and stepped on it is still valuable.
    TRANSITION: I hope you know children that each one of us is precious / valuable to God. We may feel a bit like this poor twenty dollar bill. Sometimes we feel we have been beaten up, scrunched up, stepped on and kicked around. But no matter what, we are still valuable to God. The Bible says that God loves us and we are always valuable to Him.
    Children's Prayer: Thank you that we are valuable to you God. Sometimes others may make fun of us and hurt us and sometime we make mistakes and hurt ourselves. Thank you God, that we are always valuable to you.