Flame: Creative Children's Ministry

One of the themes that runs through accounts of the birth of Jesus is that of 'journey'. Mary, Joseph, the wise men and the shepherds, all make their own journey towards Jesus and his birth.   This 'colour-in' reflection on the journey theme takes children through a labyrinth maze to the nativity star at the centre.  While they are thinking about the journeys the various characters take, children might also be able to explore their own journeys towards finding out more about Jesus. Click here to print the page. Talk about: Why do we go on journeys? What is it like to go on a journey? How might these people have felt as they travelled? What does it feel like to reach the end of your journey? Which 'journey' character do you think you are? Pray: As you trace the path, pray for people who are on a journey, far from their homes. Pray that they will get to their destination safely.  Pray for all those who are on a journey, trying to fi...

Advent is nearly here and Christmas is coming!  Here are my top 10 ideas from the Flame archive to help you with your preparations... Printable Nativity Character Prayer Cards Jesse Tree Advent Journey Play Dough Mat Emmanuel Reflective Colouring Sheet 24 Things to do in Advent: Printable Booklet for Families Nativity Story Bag Advent Hope Ribbon Prayer Christmas Card Snow Globes Nativity Discovery Box for Under 5s Nativity Story Cube (Full Colour or Colour-in versions)

This is one of our most popular crafts at last week's Messy church and was a hit with all ages- from adults down to the youngest children.  These sun catchers are great to colour and display in your window.  Let the light shine through! You will need: Clear acetate, Sharpies or permanent markers, copies of the picture sheet. To print the sheet click here .  Print off the picture sheet and either  1:Photocopy it onto clear acetate, cut out the individual pictures and let children colour them with markers or  2. Lay clear acetate over the top of the picture sheet so that children can trace over the outlines of the pictures with black marker before cutting out the picture and colouring the rest of it in. Have fun!