Flame: Creative Children's Ministry

This mat is part of our Ascension celebrations this week.  The Ascension of Jesus has so many themes to pull on, the one one I've chosen to pull for this mat is the theme of waiting- a reminder of the disciples heading back to Jerusalem to wait for the Holy Spirit to come and help them in their new job of going out to all the world as his witnesses. As usual, cover the sheet with a plastic folder and get creating! To print off the page, click here . As you create, here are some questions to chat about: I wonder what the disciples felt when they saw Jesus disappearing in the clouds? I wonder what is was like to go and wait for the Holy Spirit? How does it feel to wait for something you want? What helps you when you are waiting for something?

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 ...

This prayer activity links really well with the story of Jesus calling the disciples but could be used to pray for anyone or any situation! You will need: strips of paper (experiment with length but the ones shown are roughly 10cm x 2cm) Scissors, pens Choose a strip of paper and write on it the name of the person or situation you would like to pray for.  Cut slits near to the ends of the strip as shown below.  Fit the slits together to make a fish shape.  Now comes the fun part! Hold the fish high in the air and let it go.  As it gains momentum you will see it start to spin! Talk about: Discuss the story in the Bible where Jesus calls the disciples and sends them out to make more- turning fishermen into fishers of people (Matthew 4:19) What does it mean to be a disciple? How would people know that you are a disciple? How do you think that the disciples made more disciples? How would you try? Pray Think of people who don't know w...

This Sunday our 5-11s will look at the story of how Jesus chose his disciples and will think about what it means to follow Jesus.  As part of our effort this term to give them a take home activity based on what they learn so that the concept can be carried through the rest of the week here are some things for parents to print off.  We'll give them a paper copy, but you never know where that will end up! Link to printable sheet: Click  here