Flame: Creative Children's Ministry

 If you are looking at the Transfiguration Sunday, this is a resource that may come in handy.  Simply download ( click here ), print off and colour! Use the colouring time to chat and think about the story. Where else in the Bible do we hear God's voice saying 'this is my son'? What is your favourite part of the story? What does it mean to 'listen' to Jesus? If you're looking for another Transfiguration activity, try this scientific illusion .

There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.  Matthew 17: 2 This is a really easy illusion, using a little bit of water science, that actually turns the Jesus figure dazzling white. Take a look :-) You will need: a colour picture of Jesus ( click here to download my picture), permanent marker pens (e.g. Sharpies), a plastic food bag, a long glass or jug of water. Put the picture inside the food bag. Use a pen to draw the outline of the picture on the outside of the food bag. Slowly drop the picture bag into the water and watch what happens!

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? ...

Across the world we are seeing violence, war and unrest and it is understandable that children will have questions about what they see and feel. Giving the opportunity to discuss and explore questions and prayers for peace is important and this is a resource to help in a hands on way. While using the play dough, children will have space to think and talk if that is what they would like to do. To print out the play dough mat, click here. Cover with a plastic sheet protector for multiple uses and give children space to explore. Talk about: what is peace? what is a 'peacemaker'? How would you recognise a peacemaker? What could you do to be a peacemaker? Where in the world will you pray for?  

This is a fun scientific activity to explore the theme of hidden things being revealed that is a key to the story of Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus. You will need: A sheet of red cellophane, red colouring pencils, blue or green pencils, white paper Here is a video of what you need to do: On Paul's journey to Damascus he encounters Jesus in a way that transforms him.  Even though he is temporarily struck blind, Saul/Paul's eyes are opened to who Jesus really is. Write words about or draw a picture of Jesus with your non-red pencil and then hide it with red squiggles. Use the red cellophane to reveal the hidden words! The red cellophane acts as filter for the red light so only the non-red words or pictures will be seen.