How can we demonstrate our faith? As Christians, it’s important to live out who we say we are through love and service to others. When we genuinely share and care for those around us, it shows the fruit of the Holy Spirit at work within us. Saying we love the Lord doesn’t mean much if we don’t shine His light. These crafts remind students of the importance of authentic Christianity. A “let your light shine lantern” serves
As Christians, it’s essential to live in a way that shows others who we are. We want to not only call ourselves Christians, but act like it by demonstrating love and sharing with others. John the Baptist admonished people to share their faith authentically, and the same message speaks to us. While we are saved by faith alone, we should act in a manner that reflects the Holy Spirit within us. This message uses a disappointedly empty
Epistle passages can sometimes seem more challenging to teach when working with young children. After all, an instructional letter can have encouraging words, but doesn’t always contain the same excitement or “craft-ability” as a story of miracles or battle victory. However, there is much to learn and to offer when we consider Paul’s letters. The book of Philippians is full of amazing and joyful instruction for our Christian lives. In this passage, it is evident that we
As the Advent season progresses, we look to the example of John the Baptist, who prepared the hearts and minds of people and proclaimed the coming of the Messiah. John called people to repent and turn from their sins. He pointed to and announced Christ. In the same way, we should tell others about Jesus, how He came and will come again. We prepare for His return by making our hearts ready and by proclaiming the good
This message reminds students of the importance of giving Jesus the priority in our hearts. It can be easy, especially during the holidays, to get busy with preparations of various kinds. The most important thing we can prepare for is Jesus! How do we do that, and why should we? Preparing our hearts means that we pray, give thanks, and read God’s Word to understand who He is and give thanks for His presence now and always.
The season of Advent is a time of joyful anticipation and hope. How do we celebrate what Jesus has done, and what He has yet to do? These crafts encourage children to serve God and to wait, hope, and pray as we rejoice in His birth and await His Second coming. A “Look to the Clouds” mobile hanger serves as a decoration and reminder to wait for Christ. A “Serving Acts Stocking” uses a traditional Christmas decoration
During the season of Advent, we celebrate the coming of Christ. We think back to His birth in Bethlehem, but we also look forward to His Second Coming one day. This message encourages children to consider things that they might have to wait for. Great things are worth the wait, and sometimes we can increase patience by doing other things to pass time. In the same way, Jesus is well worth the wait, and while we look
Crown Him Lord…on the last Sunday of the “church calendar” year, we celebrate that Jesus Christ is the King. This may not be a widely honored holiday, but is a special time to remember that Jesus rules over all things, and that we want to put God first in our lives. Jesus came to lead as a humble servant. He continues to lead us and should be made authority over our hearts. Lesson focus: This lesson explores
The final week in the “Church Calendar” celebrates that Jesus is the king, not of an Earthly kingdom, but of Heaven and our lives. These crafts honor Christ as King, as well as the “New Year” joy of the church. A homemade “party cracker” and “pinata” celebrate the new church year, and a crown recalls our Savior and King. Bible Verses or Captions to Consider… (John 18:33-37) Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?”
Jesus did a lot of remarkable things and fulfilled many roles while on Earth. He continues to hold tremendous power and authority over all things, especially our lives. This message considers some of the titles that describe Jesus, such as Good Shepherd, bread of life, and Lamb of God. Most importantly, though, Jesus is the king. He is God made flesh, ruling not over an Earthly kingdom but an eternal one. It’s important to remind children that
There are a lot of conflicting messages we are bombarded with daily. How do we know who or what to trust? Jesus reminded His disciples that there would be a lot of hardships to face, and a lot of people who might try to deceive. We know we can rely on the Lord for ultimate truth. If we know someone, we recognize we can trust them. Focusing on the Bible helps us to know God’s heart, and
In a world of confusion and mixed messages, what can we rely on? The focus of this lesson is how we trust the Word of God and the truth of who Jesus was. We place our hope in Him and believe the words of the Bible. The two crafts here involve valuing people and valuing Scripture. A special picture frame is set up to commemorate important people. A “Bible study chart” assists in reading God’s Word by
God wants more than just “leftovers”! As servants of the Lord, we want to give Him our best. Sometimes this means monetary tithing, but even more importantly, we offer God our time and talents, and give Him our love and the love we share with others. The Bible promises that when we offer what we have to God, we will be blessed richly in return. Lesson focus: This lesson looks at the story of the widow’s mite
God wants all of who we are. Giving Him our first offerings is about more than money. We should use our time, talents, and all of who we are to the Lord. In return, God promises to bless us and provide for us. He has already given us great things with His grace and salvation through Jesus. These crafts remind children of the importance of giving. A homemade coin purse is meant to save monetary offerings. A
What’s the most valuable gift? This children’s message tells the story of the widow’s mite to remind kids that God wants all of us. The woman in the passage gave just a few cents, but offered all she had. In the same way, we should offer all of who we are to the Lord. Money isn’t all that we can give God. With our time, talents, prayers, and praise, we devote ourselves to Him, just as He
All of the most important guiding rules in our Christian life come back to the basics: we are called to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. We are to love one another. These crafts remind children of those beautiful foundational principles. A bookmark reflects the “best commandments” and the “JOY” acronym (“Jesus, Others, Yourself”). A hanging wind sock illustrates how we love God with all of our being. Don’t miss our complete
First things first…all things in life require a solid foundation before work or building can be accomplished. This message reminds students of the importance of this basic principle, using the alphabet as an analogy. We need letters to communicate through language, just as we need rules or guidelines to do anything. What is the most important foundational rule? We are reminded several times in the Bible of the true “Greatest Commandment”: Love God with all of who
Jesus Hears Our Call! Call out to Jesus…He wants to help and heal! This lesson uses fun noise makers and the healing of a blind man to remind children that they can go to Jesus with any need. Bartimaeus trusted Jesus and knew He could do anything. He did not let anyone deter him from approaching the Messiah. We can rejoice that Jesus does want us to reach out to Him. We also recognize that Jesus is
“Your faith has healed you”… Jesus healed many during His Earthly ministry. The story of Bartimaeus is a wonderful reminder that we can be bold in our faith and cry out to the Lord. Bartimaeus knew Jesus was powerful and able to help him, and was willing to ignore those who tried to turn him away. These crafts celebrate the story of the blind man’s healing. A noisemaker encourages children to cry out. An interactive puppet “opens
There are many miracles of healing that we learn about in the Gospels, all of which can teach us wonderful truths about the love of Jesus. The story of Bartimaeus reminds us that Jesus cares for all people, regardless of social status or physical ability. It also gives us the comforting message that we can call out to God and be heard and known. As with any story of healing, it’s also important to remind children that
A calling into ministry is not to be taken lightly, and is one of the most significant things that can be responded to. God gives all of us special tasks to carry out His work. He appoints church leaders to guide and guard His people and teach them to understand His word. In the Bible, priests are described as being specially selected to serve God’s people. That is no less true today! Yet our pastors have a
Pastors do so much for us, and we hardly know the challenges and stresses they face daily. Those in ministry guide us in understanding God’s Word and in a sense speak for Him in they spiritually lead their congregations. It is important to support our pastors with prayer, encouragement, and words of appreciation. If you are looking for a creative way to express gratitude to pastors, try a variation on one of these simple but heart felt
Who’s in charge? Wherever they go, kids recognize those in leadership roles. In the church, that usually means looking to the pastor for guidance. Serving in ministry is an immense and challenging calling. Pastors work very hard, and too often we don’t provide them with quite the appreciation and gratitude that they deserve. Scripture reminds us of the importance of church leaders as God’s chosen instruments to guide us and teach us in faith matters. This message
Use this coloring page when teaching about the story of Abigail for kids. This is another illustration in our Bible Heroes Coloring Book. This line art illustration shows Abigail and themes from her story in the Bible. Download the PDF coloring page below or click on the large image to directly print the JPEG image. This coloring page features the name “Abigail” in block letter and the following scripture quote from her prayer. And she was a woman
