Who is in your family? What does it mean to be in God’s family? The Gospel focus here looks at a remark that Jesus made when confronted by His skeptical and critical family. Jesus proclaimed that those who do the Will of God are His true brothers and sisters. Well, that means us!
These crafts celebrate the importance of family and the comfort that we are in God’s family. A handmade picture frame can surround a photo of family or friends. A special “lumpy pillow” reminds kids that on the outside we may all have different dynamics, but we take comfort that we are inwardly family in Christ!
More Teaching Ideas:
- Watch the video demonstration of this children’s sermon and related craft ideas
- Compare our full Sunday School Lesson on Mark 3:20-35
- Compare the “God’s Family United” message from rfour.org
Verses or Captions to Consider… (Main Text: Mark 3:20-35)
And he answered them, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” 34 And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 35 For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.” -Mark 3:33-35
We are in God’s Family!
Brothers and Sisters in Christ…
Jesus Calls us His Family!
What’s Inside is Important!
I rest assured I am in God’s Family!
Craft one: “Comforting Lumpy Pillow”
You will need:
- Felt or fabric
- Cotton
- Glue, tape, or staples
- Construction paper
- Markers or crayons
- Scissors
- Fabric markers or puffy paint
- Other decorations (jewels, stickers, etc.)
Procedure:
- Cut out two pieces of fabric, roughly the same size and shape.
- Decorate the fabric with markers, jewels, or puffy paint.
- Decorate a cardstock or paper caption to explain/accompany your pillow.
- Stuff cotton filler between the two pieces of fabric.
- Use hot glue, fabric glue, staples, or pins to attach the fabric together. Enjoy your “not so beautiful, but comfy” pillow as a reminder that things inside matter more than outer appearances.
Craft Two: “Family Photo Frame”
You will need:
- Popsicle sticks (Large recommended)
- Paper (construction)
- Markers or crayons
- Glue and/or tape
- Stickers
- Scissors
- Jewels (and other decorations)
- Pipe cleaner, magnet or string
Procedure:
1. Glue the popsicle sticks onto the paper or cardstock, either in the shape of a square or a more pentagon-style shape like a house.
2. Decorate the popsicle sticks with jewels, stickers, or markers.
3. Add captions and decorations within the frame, if room allows.
4. Once dry, carefully cut out the shape around the popsicle sticks.
5. Place a photo of family or friends inside the frame.
6. If desired, add a magnet, string or pipe cleaner for hanging.