Flame: Creative Children's Ministry

This is a really effective and fun way to help children to think about God being with them, guiding and helping them, even when they can't see Him.  Be warned that it might get a bit messy! You will need: Paper plates or sheets of paper, cupcake wrappers, paint, bar magnets, magnetic metal objects e.g. safety pins, hooks, paper clips, small cookie cutters, brings, allen keys (i have many of these thanks to IKEA!)   Squirt some paint into the cupcake liners and put a metal item in each colour.  Put the paint covered item on the plate and put the bar magnet underneath the plate.  Move the magnet around and this will move the object and paint around on top!  Create some artwork! Think About:   Times you have felt God's presence, even though you can't see Him When have you known that God is with you and is helping you? What would you like God to help you with? Pray: Choose an object to represent a person you know.  Put ...

Here is a reflective colouring sheet to go with the story of Jesus walking on water (Matthew 14). The  picture shows the reassuring words of Jesus and a foot stepping out into the water.  Click here  to print off the sheet! Talk about:  What might the disciples have been thinking/ feeling when they saw Jesus? When have you needed to have courage to step out? How does it make you feel? Who helps you when you feel like you might sink? Leaders give testimonies of times when Jesus has helped you to have courage Pray: Draw around feet and cut out the shapes.  Draw or write situations on them where you would like Jesus to help you not to be afraid. Pin the shapes to some blue fabric to make it look as if the feet are walking on water

It can be really amazing when children have the opportunity to respond to Bible stories in completely their own way, without the structure of planned crafts and questions.  I have always been blown away by the depth of what even the youngest children come up with!  Here are some easy ways to help children tell you exactly what they think and feel about a story... 1. Speech and thought bubbles Laminate A4 or A3 speech and thought bubbles and let children write or draw what their favourite characters from the story might be thinking or saying at given points.  Use dry wipe markers for continued use and sellotape a pencil on the back so that children can hold them up to their mouths or heads and pretend to be the character! 2. Feelings cards Think about how characters in the story might feel about events and/ or what the events of the story make the children feel.   Click here to print off the cards.  I have cut, laminated and punched holes in them to...

I was inspired by a photo I saw on Pinterest recently of a sensory pathway and it got me thinking about how we could use the idea to help children to connect with God.  I had some fun putting this together and it can potentially be used on several different levels- plus I had to take a trip to IKEA to get a few things!!   I used: A glue gun and glue sticks, plastic trays, plastic mats, rope, stones, pom poms, giant bubble wrap, scourer sponges (with the sponge and scourer part separated), a bath mat. Do this either in socks or in bare feet. In terms of risk assessment- it's probably best to get the children to stand one at a time on any mat and to make sure there is no fast movement that will cause trippage!!! Under 5s- Jesus walks on the water.  Think about what it feels like to step out onto various different materials.  You could include a tray of water and some towels as well! Jesus sends out the 72 disciples - feel the different ...

Here is a play dough mat to help children to explore and respond to the story of Jesus walking on water and Peter's attempt to walk towards him.  It's especially useful to help children explore themes of bravery in life and looking to Jesus for confidence. As usual, the play dough mats work best if you laminate them as they are then easier to wipe clean and you can use them again and again! To print the mat,  Click here . Have fun!