Flame: Creative Children's Ministry

This Sunday's Gospel is about God's provision for creation- the birds of the air, the flowers of the field, and us.  Here's a printable colouring sheet to download and colour in, inspired by the passage.  Click here to download:  Link this to the activity here for more exploration of the text.

This is a striking way to think about God being with us in our worry and whatever we are facing in life and is a useful activity if you are looking at 'do not be afraid' passages or the 'do not worry' passage in Matthew 6. Here is a short video (1 minute 20 seconds) to show you the simple art activity: For those who prefer written instructions: You will need : small pieces of paper (I used A7 size), wax crayons, watercolour paints, paint brush, water. Cover the whole of the paper with wax crayon. Screw the paper up tight and then unscrew it and flatten it out. Paint over the wax with a contrasting colour of watercolour paint. The paint will get into the creases you created when screwing up the paper. Let the paint dry and it will become more pronounced. Scrunching up the paper is symbolic of the feeling of worry and anxiety we often get inside us. Filling the creases with paint is symbolic of God being with us in those worries. Talk about How does worry make you feel? ...

Worry is something that affects us all- no matter how old we are! In Matthew 6, Jesus talks about God’s care and provision for us, comparing it to the provision he makes for the birds and the flowers of the field. He tells us not to worry. If God can provide for the birds, he will give us everything we need too.   This craft is something that children can take home (or do at home) and hang outside. Every time they see a bird feeding from it it will hopefully remind them that God has got them covered. Be warned- it can get a bit messy and, if you are using peanut butter, you will need to be aware of any allergies!  You will need: pipe cleaners or string, Cheerios (or hoop shaped cereal), Toilet roll or paper towel tubes, peanut butter, knives, bird seed, a plate With a knife, carefully coat the outside of the toilet roll tube with peanut butter. Cover a plate with birdseed and then roll the tube over the plate so that the seed sticks a...