Faith Formation Journeys

Walking Together in Grace

Author: Leta

  • Zacchaeus! Children’s Sermon Luke 19:1-10 Pentecost 24C October 30, 2016

    Zacchaeus! Children’s Sermon Luke 19:1-10 Pentecost 24C October 30, 2016

    20130822-223454.jpgGather the children up front. Ask them if they have ever had to climb up on something in order to see. Take responses, share when you have had to use a ladder or other device to help you see or do something. Bring in a step stool or ladder for an added illustration. You could mention here as well that a great place for kids in worship is to sit up front so they can see and be engaged in what is going on!

    20130822-223633.jpgToday we heard a story about a man named Zacchaeus who had to climb a tree in order to see Jesus. Does anyone know the song? Let’s sing it together because it tells us the story! Sing Zacchaeus song:

    Zacchaeus was a wee little man and a wee little man was he
    He climbed up in the sycamore tree for the Lord he wanted to see
    And as the savior passed that way he looked up in the tree
    and he said, “Zacchaeus you come down, for I am going to your house today…
    For I am going to your house today.”

    (you can also read the story from the children’s bible and skip the song)

    Now Zacchaeus must have really wanted to see Jesus! He was trying to look over the crowds and be able to see Jesus for himself, not just hear that others had seen him. And then, not only did he see Jesus, but Jesus saw him! And Jesus not only saw him in the tree, but knew who he was and knew that he had not been an honest man-he had taken tax money from people that wasn’t his. But Jesus did not say anything other than I am going to your house. Why would Jesus do that, pick a man who he knew had done wrong things? (take answers)

    This story is about Jesus and how Jesus welcomes and loves and forgives all the things that he can see. The other people, they felt jealous and even angry that Jesus had picked someone they did not like. But Jesus love is so big and wide it includes everyone. And Jesus knows that we all do wrong things at times and wants to show us grace that we be included too, just like Zacchaeus.

    What are ways that you try to see Jesus? (take answers) However and whenever we see Jesus, Jesus sees us back and loves us just as we are.

    20130822-224425.jpgJesus, we want to see you in our life. Help us when we are unsure or have a difficult time knowing you are there. Help us remember you always see us and love us. Amen

    20130822-223908.jpgMay you see Jesus from above and below and all around you +

     

    FaithCross_WorshipMake a tree that can stand on the table or one that is bigger. You can just draw on paper or do one that is 3D.  Write “Jesus sees you and Loves you” on the tree. Then have people either write their name, or color in a Zacchaeus with their name, or color on plain cut out person, or have a camera and take their photo and print it. Whichever method you choose, place your ‘people’ on the tree.

  • Get up and Go! Children’s Sermon Luke 17:11-19 Pentecost 21C October 9, 2016

    Get up and Go! Children’s Sermon Luke 17:11-19 Pentecost 21C October 9, 2016

    20130822-223520.jpgGather the children up front with you and welcome them. Say, “I am wondering.. what do you think faith looks like?” Pause for a moment. “Like maybe it looks like folded hands in prayer? (show with hands) Or maybe it looks like showing the I love you in sign language? (who with hands pinky, index and thumb fingers up with the middle and ring down) I wonder if we can come up with a posture that shows faith?” Then say, “Let’s all strike a pose, move your body into a position that you think looks like faith.”  Do this experiment together a couple of times. Comment on ones that stand out, ask questions of ones you do not understand.

    20130822-223633.jpg“In our story today from Luke, Jesus heals 10 lepers-10 people who were sick and being healed meant they could return to their homes and families. And as they ran off to do this, one of them turned back and prostrated himself and gave thanks. What does it mean to ‘prostrate’?” See if anyone knows and if not show them a bowing down. “This man showed faith with this bowing action. And then Jesus says something else, he says Get up! and Go! Sometimes we think of faith as praying or bowing or sitting quietly and those are all true. They help us connect with God, to hear God and to talk to God. And Jesus gives us another way to show faith. Get up and Go!”

    There is a song about this that I really like. It’s called “Go!” I want to teach it to you now (or just sing if your setting knows this song. This part can also be skipped to shorten and you can just move to the prayer).  This song is by Eyewitness

    Lyrics: Go Out and Pray

    Go out and pray like it all depends on prayer.
    Go out and work like it all depends on work.
    Go out and love ‘til the final day ‘til he comes.
    Go out and sing the greatest song you know.
    Go out and study His word so we all can grow
    Into the fullness of the likeness of His Son.

    Words and Music by Eyewitness

    20130822-223749.jpgFor our prayer, we are going to get up and Go. So let’s stand in a circle together. Everytime I say Go! raise your arm in the air and say Go! Back
    At the end I will say Amen, Let’s Go! And you say “Let’s Go!”

    Jesus, you tell us to Go! And pray, and work and sing and study and grow! Help us to Go and live and act in faith knowing your love Goes with us.

     

    20130822-223908.jpg+May you know God GOes with you always+

     

     

    FaithCross_WorshipGoogle images of ‘postures of prayer’ and put them on a large poster.   Set down a rug or some yoga mats and invite people to try out different postures. You can go a step farther and have cards for them to take home to try out there as well.