The New Year often brings with it new goals and resolutions for self-improvement, but for kids and adults alike, those aren’t easy to keep. Fortunately, we know that Jesus offers new life and fresh opportunities, and we can take hold of those and rejoice in our forgiveness. These crafts remind children of the blessings found in Baptism, and how we can remember who we are in Christ. Both of these ideas are variable and adaptable, but the main goal is to make decorative elements to recall and celebrate Baptism.
“New Life in Baptism” Sunday School Craft Ideas from Mark 1:4-11 and Acts 19:1-7 to Celebrate the New Year
Verses or Captions to Consider…
9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” -Mark 1:9-11
And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” -Acts 19:4
Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him. -1 Peter 3:21-22
Washed in HIS blood…made new in Christ!
Baptism brings new life through the Holy Spirit
God does the work; we receive the blessings!
Baptism + repentance = Freedom in Jesus!
God washes us clean and makes us new!
Adopted into God’s Family…saved by the Holy Spirit’s work!
Baptism blessings; new life in Him
More Teaching Ideas on Simeon and Anna at the Temple
- Watch our video demonstration of this children’s sermon on YouTube
- Don’t miss the related craft ideas and full Sunday School Lesson on Mark 1:4-11
Craft one: “Baptism Water Drop” Decoration
You will need:
- Hole punch
- Paper Plates
- Scissors
- Glue or tape
- String or pipe cleaners
- Crayons or markers
- Stickers or other decorations
Procedure:
- Decorate a paper plate (large or small) with “watery” themed décor: blue colors, glitter, stickers, etc.
- Add a verse or caption reminder of what Baptism is and means.
- Carefully cut out a water drop shape from the plate.
- Add additional decorations as desired. Punch a hole near the top of the plate, and attach a string or pipe cleaner to hang it in a visible spot, or use as a door hanger.
Craft Two: “Baptism Balloon” Reminder
You will need:
- Coffee filters (large)
- Balloons
- Markers
- Stickers, glitter, or other decorations
- Pipe cleaners or string
- Scissors
- Spray bottle
Procedure (use one of these ideas or adapt and do others):
1. Decorate your coffee filter using markers to make designs or color schemes.
2. Spray a small amount of water on the coffee filter, enough to be damp but not dripping.
3. Hang the coffee filter to dry, or spread it on a flat surface until dry.
4. Blow up a balloon to attach to the colorful tie-dye and increase the “water” and “fun” factor.
5. Add verses or captions on the balloon or near the filter. Use a string to connect the balloon and coffee filter. Have fun celebrating baptism with the decoration, or hang it up. Alternatively, leave the balloon off and simply hang the colorful coffee filter with a caption.