Flame: Creative Children's Ministry

This Sunday we are celebrating Candlemas or the presentation of Jesus in the temple. The story of Simeon and Anna is one of my absolute favourites and I love how this simple craft gives the impression of a person holding the light that Jesus represents, just as Simeon takes Jesus in his arms in the story.  You will need: A copy of the templates , glue, scissors, paper (if patterned make sure the pattern is on both sides). Use the templates to cut out a person shape. Glue along edge B and create a circle with edge A. You can colour the shape in as desired or even write the words of the Nunc Dimitis on it: “Now, Lord, you can let me, your servant, die in peace as you said. 30  I have seen with my own eyes how you will save your people. 31       Now all people can see your plan. 32  He is a light to show your way to the other nations.      And he will bring honor to your people Israel.” (Luke 2: 29-32). You can also use the wings ...

 If you're celebrating Candlemas or the presentation of Christ in the temple this Sunday, here is a short stop motion video of the story! Click here for the link to the video.

This is a fun way to celebrate Jesus as the light of the world, especially if you are celebrating Candlemas this Sunday! Traditionally at Candlemas (or the Presentation of Christ), the passage from Luke 2 where Simeon and Anna meet Jesus is read and we hear the famous lines: “Now, Lord, you can let me, your servant, die in peace as you said. 30  I have seen with my own eyes how you will save your people. 31       Now all people can see your plan. 32  He is a light to show your way to the other nations.      And he will bring honor to your people Israel.” (Luke 2: 29-32) Jesus is recognised as the saviour who has come to bring light to dark situations and to show people the way, and this prayer craft helps children to work with this image. You will need: battery operated tea lights, A6 size paper, felt tip pens, glue Put the A6 Paper in landscape orientation and ask children to draw pictures and write the names of ...

The story of Jesus being presented in the temple is full of amazing imagery from Simeon and Anna about light and Jesus' power to set people free.  If you are covering the story this Sunday (and even if you aren't!) here are some ideas to help you... Activities Light of the world Sun catchers Light of the World Play dough Mat Oil and paper sun catchers  The Lord is my Light reflective colouring Prayer activities to bring out the theme of Jesus bringing light and rescue  Light to the world Use print outs of world maps or of the local area and use highlighter pens to mark areas on the map. Pray that Jesus will bring his light and hope to those areas. Candle Prayers Give each child their own candle. Ask them to think of a situation in the world or their life where there is worry or sadness or loss. Ask Jesus to bring his light to those situations Bubble wrap worry prayers Tell God what you are worried about and pop a bubble on the bubble wrap ...

Next Sunday some of us will be celebrating Candlemas or the Presentation of Christ in the Temple.  This is where Simeon and Anna meet the saviour they have been waiting for and Simeon states that he has seen God's salvation-  A light to reveal your will to the Gentiles      and bring glory to your people Israel.  Luke 2: 32 This presents the opportunity of lots of light to be used!  Here is a craft that might come in useful, helping children to explore what it means to reflect the light that Jesus brings. You will need: old Cds, permanent marker pens, a torch or lamp, a dark room Switch off the lights in a dark room and then switch on some torches and lamps. Speak to the children about what a difference it makes when you bring light into a dark place. Scary things don't seem so scary any more. Jesus was the one who came to bring light to the dark places of the world- to help people to feel less afraid and to give them hope.  This...