Flame: Creative Children's Ministry

 Tomorrow our all age service will look at the story of Jesus healing the Official's son (John 4: 43-54). We generally have a craft going on on a table at one side of church that people can opt into whenever they want to in the service.  This craft has a scientific basis and is a really creative, visual way to illustrate the healing miracles such as Jairus' daughter, the Centurion's servant and others. The tissue paper figure rises from lying down to dancing, all with the help of static electricity. To print out the instruction sheet, click here .

Recently our all age service explored the story of the miracle of Jesus feeding the 5000 and I drew a reflective colouring sheet for the service- for adults and children to use as one of the optional on table resources. Here's the video of the process, captured by my drawing app. If you'd like to use the sheet, click here to download and print.

 We're launching into Lent with a resource for families to pray through Lent together! This printable resource consists of 40 paper strips, labelled with different things to pray about/for: please, sorry, thanks, friends, family, world and a few blanks for something else.  Print off the pages (click here) , cut out the strips and put them into a box or cup. Each day, take out one of the strips and pray for that thing- there's space to write or draw your prayer if you'd like to. When you've prayed, add the strip to a paper chain of your prayers. Over Lent, you'll hopefully use up all of the strips and be able to look back at all of the things you've prayed for.

Ash Wednesday can often get forgotten in church children's work, as it happens mid week rather than on a Sunday.  If you are observing the day, here is a useful resource for you. Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent and ashes are used to remind us that we are human and that this life is temporary. We also remember the wrong things we have done and take the opportunity to trun back to God. To print the sheet, click here. Make some ashes (i burned some paper in a metal biscuit tin).  Mix the ashes with some oil (not water as this can cause burns). Use a finger to paint the ashes onto the sheet, just as ash crosses are drawn on foreheads. Have a go at making ash crosses on foreheads and hands if this is something you are all comfortable with. The words 'Father forgive' are part of the prayer we pray oon Ash Wednesday, remembering the things we have done wrong. The heart is a symbol of God's forgiving love, which we also remember.

 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!