Flame: Creative Children's Ministry

Ok,  I'm going to admit that this was largely just for fun during our Joseph Themed Messy Church! We wanted an unusual activity that would appeal to all ages and would tie in loosely with the theme.  This worked perfectly... You can use the colour explosions to think about the various things that at first seem to go wrong in Joseph's life but then God uses for something amazing (the wonderful, crazy artwork that is produced).  There's also so much in this activity about the power of God that can't be contained. Or alternatively just use it to help create a coat of many colours! DO THIS OUTSIDE BECAUSE THE PAINT WILL FLY!!!  This was part of our wall at the end and I won't even talk about the floor.  It was amazing fun though! You will need: A large sheet of white paper or a sheet to paint on, paint, clear vinegar, bicarbonate of soda (baking soda), small ziplock bags (I used 2.75x4" bags as bigger sandwich sized bags produced WAY too much liquid). ...

This is a fun, visual way to pray, and illustrates God's power and desire to hear our prayers.   You will need: small pieces of tissue paper, pens, a balloon, hair or a woolly jumper! Ask children who or what they would like to pray for and then ask them to choose a colour of tissue paper to reflect that person or thing.  They can write or draw on their tissue piece if they want to.   Either in pairs or small groups, take it in turns to rub the balloon on a woolly jumper or on (their own!) hair.  This will build up some static on the balloon! Talk about giving our prayers to God and asking Him to show his power in each situation.  Children can hold their tissue prayer close to the balloon and watch as it is pulled onto the balloon and sticks there.  Pray that, as the paper sticks to the balloon, God will hold all of our prayers and that we will see his power at work.