Faith Formation Journeys

Walking Together in Grace

Tag: John

  • Children’s Sermon Reformation John 8:31-36

    Children’s Sermon Reformation John 8:31-36

    Scripture: John 8:31-36

    Preparation: symbols of freedom like: flag, Bible, peace signs, statue of liberty, cross, hymnal (the old red hymnal was a sign of freedom in Namibia, Africa as it was given to them in a time of occupation and war but was used to declare their freedom to have english as a common language when the country gained independence)

    Faith+Gather: Gather the children with you and welcome them. Say, “I have some items with me today… let’s see if we can figure out what they have in common” Have items in a bag or hidden and pull them out one at a time. Save Bible and/or cross for last. Ask kids to see if they can come up with their common element. Give them hints like, “What does this symbol mean?”

    Faith+Share: After you have explored items for a minute say, “All these things are a little different and they do have different meanings, but one thing they have in common is that they bring to mind the word ‘freedom’. See the flag is a symbol of freedom for our country and the statue of liberty is a symbol of welcome and freedom not only for us in the United States but to those who come from other places. I also have the Bible here that is a different kind of symbol of freedom–this Bible is in English and did you know that a long time the Bible was only written in Greek and then in Latin? So people who didn’t know those languages could not read the Bible. Today we are talking about the day of reformation which is a day we remember a part of the history of our church but also a day that we look forward to how we are always being made new by Jesus. Part of the history of reformation is that a man named Martin Luther thought it was very important for everyone to be able to read the Bible and to teach their children what it says. So he translated the Bible and that is how the Bible is now like a symbol of freedom because it means that we can all read and know the stories of God. I also have a cross here–in today’s gospel Jesus says, ‘The truth will make you free–you all sin and are not perfect and cannot be without sin, but I have come to make you free.’ (paraphrase, you can read the scripture directly). Jesus went to the cross for you and for me and for all people, so this cross is a symbol of that freedom that we have through Jesus. It is freedom to love one another and help one another and tell the stories of the Bible to show God’s love for the world.”

    Faith+Prayer: Let’s pray together. Jesus, you make us free. Thank you for your love. Thank you for the Bible which tells us your story. Amen.

    Faith+Blessing: Make the sign of the cross and say + May you know God’s love and freedom today and always.

    **Additional Idea: You could also do a children’s message that simply explains parts of reformation and how the Bible got translated. You could show many Bibles and talk about how we use scripture all throughout worship. Then use stickers as suggested by Worshipping With Children at this link to have kids find places in the bulletin where there are words from the Bible.

    ~LB

    Permission to use for nonprofit. When printing give credit to Faith Formation Journeys. Intellectual property rights apply

  • Children’s Sermon Aug 19, 2012 Pentecost 12B John 6:51-58

    Scripture: John 6:51-58 “Bread of Life Theme”

    Preparation:  Print up strips of paper with a Bible verse, suggested to use John 6:51a “I am the bread of life come down from heaven.” Or John 6:35 “I am the bread of life, whoever comes to me will never be hungry and whoever believes in my will never be thirsty.” or you could use a verse that speaks about the word of God or another verse you want the children to know.

    Cut these strips a part and put them in baggies with a little candy

    Make a plate or basket of healthy foods and a plate or basket of junk food

    Faith+Open: Gather the children to you. Show them the two different baskets of food. Say, “What do you notice about these baskets? How are the same? How are they different?” Take answers and lead the discussion in a direction that shows that both baskets offer food, a way to get full or not be hungry. But one basket has food that is good for us, that helps nourish our bodies and give us good, lasting energy. The other basket is food we like as well, but this food is more of a treat food or junk food. It’s not the kind of food that helps us grow and be healthy.

    Faith+Share: Say, “Jesus says he is the bread of life. What do you think this means?” Take answers. Say, “Which basket of food do you think Jesus is for us?” (healthy food–but maybe also the sweet food as the word of God be like honey–Ezekiel said that once!) “Jesus says he is the bread of like it’s like saying that Jesus is good food for our minds and our spirits. The words of Jesus are something that we can learn and that will stay with us. The promise of Jesus that he will last, he will be with us all the time and that our basket/plate from God will not run out.”

    “Now, Ezekiel was a prophet who once said the word of God tastes like honey on his lips. So a little sweetness is sometimes good as well. I have a baggie here for you with a word from God in and a little sweetness for you as well. (pass out now or pray and pass out). I want you to take this piece of paper home and put it in your Bible or on a mirror or in the car or on the fridge, someplace where you will see it and read it and remember that Jesus promises God’s love and care for you always.”

    Faith+Prayer: Jesus, Thank you for food that is good and food that is sweet. Thank you for promising to be like bread for us to help us grow in you. Amen

    Faith+Blessing: May your eyes be opened to see all the amazing works of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

    ~LB
    Use with permission for non profit. Intellectual property rights apply