John 3:16 God so loved the World story video

Last week we were looking at the story of Jesus and Nicodemus and I made this short video about John 3:16 to help with the storytelling. It's got a lot of symbols in it and they have led to lots of wondering and questions!

Doubting Thomas Circles into Square Craft

One of the key elements of the story of Jesus and Thomas after the resurrection is that Thomas finds it hard to believe that the resurrection is possible if he doesn't see it with his own eyes. 

Sometimes people tell us things that it's really hard for us to believe and we want proof. This craft is something that seems hard to believe unless you see it. With two cuts you are going to make two circles into a square. 

Give children some strips pf paper and show them how to make them into circles by gluing the ends together. Then ask them to take two of the circles and, with only two cuts, make a square.

When they have struggled for a while and found it impossible, then show them the steps below!

You will need: scissors, two identically sized strips of paper, glue.

Glue the ends of the one of the strips and make it into a circle

Put glue in the centre of the second strip of paper.

Glue the centre of the paper to the inside of the first ring as shown.

Glue the end of the second strip to make a second circle. The two rings are now joined together.

Cut right down the middle of one of the circles and open it out.

You will now have one long strip with a circle at each end.

Cut right through the middle of the long strip and open the shape out.

You have now made a square!

Talk about: Would you have believed you could do this unless you saw it?

How does this relate to the story of what Thomas was feeling?

How easy is it for you to believe something amazing if you can't see it or touch it?

What does Jesus mean when he says "Blessed are those who believe without seeing me."

Dear God, thank you that you can do amazing, impossible things that we could never do by ourselves. When we are sad, afraid, worried or hopeless, help us to believe that you are with us and can help us, even if we can't see you with our own eyes. This wee, may we see amazing, impossible things happening to help us, help others and to help the world. Help us to know that you are there. Amen.

Candlemas: The story of Anna and Simeon video

 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.

The Baptism of Jesus Story Video and Activities to use at Home

Yet again we have entered into a necessary national lockdown to help with the response to Covid 19.  Some churches are remaining open and some are closing temporarily. Whatever is happening where you are, there are lots of things to help you celebrate faith at home!

This coming Sunday is when we traditionally celebrate the Baptism of Jesus. Here is a video of the story and some extra ideas for exploring it- especially useful if your church is closed and you will be at home with your family.

Make a story spinner

Print off this colouring sheet

Make doves from paper. Click for the video of how to make them.

Think about God saying that Jesus was his son and that he loved him.

• Who is in your family?
• What is a family?
• How do you know that you belong to a family?
• What does it mean to be in God's family?

Light a candle and say this prayer:

God, thank you that we are part of your family and part of a human family. Send the Holy Spirit to help us and be with us in the coming year. Help us to learn more about your love for us and help us to show that love to others. Amen.