Second Sunday of Advent - A
Materials:
Inexpensive flip-flops (may be purchased at a craft store or a beauty supply store)
Beads -- various styles, including cross beads
Thin ribbon
Glue
Directions:
1. Give each of the children a pair of flip-flops.
2. Allow the children to string their beads on the ribbon, as desired.
3. Help the children glue their beads on their flip-flops.
4. Allow the glue to dry.
Inexpensive flip-flops (may be purchased at a craft store or a beauty supply store)
Beads -- various styles, including cross beads
Thin ribbon
Glue
Directions:
1. Give each of the children a pair of flip-flops.
2. Allow the children to string their beads on the ribbon, as desired.
3. Help the children glue their beads on their flip-flops.
4. Allow the glue to dry.
I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is
coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the
Holy Spirit and fire. (v. 11)
Good morning, boys and girls. Does anyone here wear sandals in the warm weather? (let them answer) Good, many of you wear sandals. We like sandals because our feet do not get as hot as they do when we wear shoes. I also like the way sandals look on my feet. I can see my toes and move my toes around in different ways. I can't do that in my shoes.
Did you know that Jesus wore sandals? (let them answer) Jesus wore sandals most of the time unless he went barefoot. It stays pretty warm in the Holy Land where
Good morning, boys and girls. Does anyone here wear sandals in the warm weather? (let them answer) Good, many of you wear sandals. We like sandals because our feet do not get as hot as they do when we wear shoes. I also like the way sandals look on my feet. I can see my toes and move my toes around in different ways. I can't do that in my shoes.
Did you know that Jesus wore sandals? (let them answer) Jesus wore sandals most of the time unless he went barefoot. It stays pretty warm in the Holy Land where
May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony
with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus. (v. 5)
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you like to sing? (let them answer) I also like to sing, but this morning I have asked some members of our choir to help us with the sermon. I have asked four people to sing different notes. After each person sings his/her note, the next person will sing a new note until we have heard four different notes. (let each person sing his/her note) Now we will ask two people to sing their notes, only this time they will sing them together. (let the duet sing) It sounds good when two people sing two different notes at the same time. Let's add one more note
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you like to sing? (let them answer) I also like to sing, but this morning I have asked some members of our choir to help us with the sermon. I have asked four people to sing different notes. After each person sings his/her note, the next person will sing a new note until we have heard four different notes. (let each person sing his/her note) Now we will ask two people to sing their notes, only this time they will sing them together. (let the duet sing) It sounds good when two people sing two different notes at the same time. Let's add one more note
Leah Thompson
For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. (v. 4)
Leah Thompson
Even now the axe is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. (v. 10)
Leah Thompson
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME
AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Materials:
Blender
Selection of good and bad strawberries (or other fruit the children will eat)
Yogurt
Packet of lemonade mix
Ice (optional)
Disposable cups
Directions:
1. Talk about the difference between good fruit and bad fruit, both literally and figuratively. As a class, select the best fruit.
2. Make smoothies and give some to everyone.
Smoothie Recipe (makes 8-one cup servings)
2 c. vanilla yogurt
1-10 oz. frozen strawberries (or other fruit), thawed
5 c. cold water, divided
1-2 qt. packet lemonade mix
AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Materials:
Blender
Selection of good and bad strawberries (or other fruit the children will eat)
Yogurt
Packet of lemonade mix
Ice (optional)
Disposable cups
Directions:
1. Talk about the difference between good fruit and bad fruit, both literally and figuratively. As a class, select the best fruit.
2. Make smoothies and give some to everyone.
Smoothie Recipe (makes 8-one cup servings)
2 c. vanilla yogurt
1-10 oz. frozen strawberries (or other fruit), thawed
5 c. cold water, divided
1-2 qt. packet lemonade mix
Anna Shirey
Mary Kay Eichelman
Who is brave today and wants to take out the item in my bag? I have to warn you that it isn't the cleanest thing. Maybe you would like some rubber gloves? Oh, how dirty the ____ (item you have in the bag) is/are. It needs a good cleaning or maybe a bath. Something can look so dirty that we often would rather just trash it. But if you just clean it up a little, it can be worth keeping.
Today, I want to talk to you about a spiritual bath. There lived a man named John the Baptist and people went to him being very dirty and sinful in their hearts and attitudes, just like us. It says in Matthew 3:6
Confessing their sins, they were baptized.
Today, I want to talk to you about a spiritual bath. There lived a man named John the Baptist and people went to him being very dirty and sinful in their hearts and attitudes, just like us. It says in Matthew 3:6
Confessing their sins, they were baptized.
Bethany Peerbolte
Matthew introduces John the Baptist, the person who God has sent to prepare the people for Jesus. John’s teaching is the first sign that the Messiah is coming, everyone should be listening closely. John’s fashion choices make it hard for some people, though. His dirty camel hair toga and general unkempt appearance is not what we expect a great teacher to look like. This is a warning to us all that God’s voice may not always come from the people from whom we expect.
John Jamison
Object: You need just a few pieces of clothing to dress six children. A fancy scarf and fancy hat for a “star”, a suit jacket and phone for a successful businessperson, a crown or tiara for a king or queen, a huge book for a super intelligent person, a sword and shield for a fighting person, and an old piece of burlap and rope belt for a powerless, “nobody special” person.
If you can dress each child as you introduce them, or if time is short, you could select and dress them before the message, and have each child stand as you introduce them.
If you can dress each child as you introduce them, or if time is short, you could select and dress them before the message, and have each child stand as you introduce them.
I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. (v. 11)
Good morning, boys and girls. Today we are going to talk about a man chosen by God to introduce Jesus to the world. His name was John the Baptist. Has anyone heard of John the Baptist? (let them answer) What did he do? What was he like? (let them answer) Very good! John was a preacher who lived alone in the desert and baptized people. He wore a camel hair suit with a leather belt and he ate fruit from a locust tree with some wild honey made by bees.
Good morning, boys and girls. Today we are going to talk about a man chosen by God to introduce Jesus to the world. His name was John the Baptist. Has anyone heard of John the Baptist? (let them answer) What did he do? What was he like? (let them answer) Very good! John was a preacher who lived alone in the desert and baptized people. He wore a camel hair suit with a leather belt and he ate fruit from a locust tree with some wild honey made by bees.
I brought with me today a poster of a candidate who ran for
office. Can any of you tell me who this person is? (Let them
answer.) Can you tell me what office he ran for? (Let them
answer.)
People who run for office want you to know who they are. They print thousands of posters and bumper stickers. What else do they do? (Let them answer.) They advertise on radio and television. They try to meet as many people as possible. They want to do everything they can to make sure that people know who they are so that people will vote for them and so they might get a job in government service. In other words, they want to be popular.
John the Baptist was a very popular man. Did he run for public office? (Let them answer.) No, he did not. Why do you think he
People who run for office want you to know who they are. They print thousands of posters and bumper stickers. What else do they do? (Let them answer.) They advertise on radio and television. They try to meet as many people as possible. They want to do everything they can to make sure that people know who they are so that people will vote for them and so they might get a job in government service. In other words, they want to be popular.
John the Baptist was a very popular man. Did he run for public office? (Let them answer.) No, he did not. Why do you think he
May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus. (v. 5)
Good morning, boys and girls. This morning I would like to introduce you to (a pianist, an organist, or some choir members) who will share with us a very important lesson. (introduce the person or persons)
Good morning, boys and girls. This morning I would like to introduce you to (a pianist, an organist, or some choir members) who will share with us a very important lesson. (introduce the person or persons)
Today we are talking about "hope" which is one of those words
we use a lot, but about which we seldom stop to think what it
means. Today I wanted to point out the Advent candles as a sign
of hope for me. Why do you think the Advent wreath candles might
be a sign of hope for me? (Let them answer.)
The Advent candles count down to Christmas. I like Christmas and I look forward to celebrating the birth of Jesus. I have hope in looking forward to the Christmas lights and cards and candles and parties and gifts and wrappings and all the activities. I love Christmas! I hope I have a good one -- and I hope you have the best Christmas of your life! What kinds of hope do you have about Christmas? (Let them answer.)
The Advent candles count down to Christmas. I like Christmas and I look forward to celebrating the birth of Jesus. I have hope in looking forward to the Christmas lights and cards and candles and parties and gifts and wrappings and all the activities. I love Christmas! I hope I have a good one -- and I hope you have the best Christmas of your life! What kinds of hope do you have about Christmas? (Let them answer.)
Good morning! What do I have here in my hand? (Show the
apple and let them answer.) That's right. This is an apple. Where
do apples come from? (Let them answer.) Again you're right.
Apples come from apple trees. Do any of you have an apple tree or
any other fruit trees at home? (Let them answer.)
Let me ask you a question. If you had an apple tree and it
never gave you any apples, what would you do with it to help it
produce some apples? (Let them answer.) We could water it and
fertilize it and give it some kind of plant food to help it, but
what if, after we did all that, it still didn't give us any
apples? What would you do then? (Let them answer.) If it were my
apple and let them answer.) That's right. This is an apple. Where
do apples come from? (Let them answer.) Again you're right.
Apples come from apple trees. Do any of you have an apple tree or
any other fruit trees at home? (Let them answer.)
Let me ask you a question. If you had an apple tree and it
never gave you any apples, what would you do with it to help it
produce some apples? (Let them answer.) We could water it and
fertilize it and give it some kind of plant food to help it, but
what if, after we did all that, it still didn't give us any
apples? What would you do then? (Let them answer.) If it were my
Good morning! I brought this instruction manual with me this
morning. This manual shows me how to ________________. Without
this manual, I would have a tough time working with
_________________ because it is complicated. When I first got
_________________, I read this manual very carefully and tried to
follow it to the letter, but after I got more familiar with the
__________________ I didn't have to refer to it as much. But you
know what? I will never throw this manual away no matter how
familiar I get with ______________ because this was written by
the people who made the ____________ and they know how it ought
to work. When I have any kind of problem, I go back and read this
manual.
morning. This manual shows me how to ________________. Without
this manual, I would have a tough time working with
_________________ because it is complicated. When I first got
_________________, I read this manual very carefully and tried to
follow it to the letter, but after I got more familiar with the
__________________ I didn't have to refer to it as much. But you
know what? I will never throw this manual away no matter how
familiar I get with ______________ because this was written by
the people who made the ____________ and they know how it ought
to work. When I have any kind of problem, I go back and read this
manual.
It's the second Sunday in Advent! There are only two more weeks until Christmas! Are you getting ready? What are some things you see people doing to get ready for Christmas? (get their responses) There's a lot going on all around us as people get ready. I've brought some decorations with me today. See? (show what you brought) I'll put these around my house to help me get into the holiday mood. They help me get excited!
In the reading today we hear, "Prepare the way of the Lord." Get ready for him, because he's coming! This is what Advent is all about: waiting and getting ready. We see people getting ready in lots of different ways. We get our houses ready with decorations like the ones I have, but we also should spend time getting our hearts ready.
In the reading today we hear, "Prepare the way of the Lord." Get ready for him, because he's coming! This is what Advent is all about: waiting and getting ready. We see people getting ready in lots of different ways. We get our houses ready with decorations like the ones I have, but we also should spend time getting our hearts ready.
See what I brought today? (hold up the mat) This is a welcome mat. It has the word "welcome" on it. People put mats like this one on their front porches so that visitors will know they are welcome. We welcome others by letting them know we are glad to see them and eager to spend time with them.
Our scripture reading this morning talks about this very thing. The writer reminds us to be welcoming to each other, because Jesus Christ has been so welcoming to us. When we welcome each other we are sharing God's love and spreading kindness. Do you remember the Golden Rule? "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Treat people like you'd like to be treated. Welcome others.
Our scripture reading this morning talks about this very thing. The writer reminds us to be welcoming to each other, because Jesus Christ has been so welcoming to us. When we welcome each other we are sharing God's love and spreading kindness. Do you remember the Golden Rule? "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Treat people like you'd like to be treated. Welcome others.
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Materials:
Bread
Knife
Peanut butter
Jelly
Paper plates
Napkins
Directions:
Review the children's message from today with the children.
Have enough bread, peanut butter, and jelly for each child to make his/her own sandwich.
As the children are making their sandwiches, remind them that Jesus is like the peanut butter.
(You may need juice or Kool-Aid on hand to wash down the peanut butter and jelly sandwich.)
Materials:
Bread
Knife
Peanut butter
Jelly
Paper plates
Napkins
Directions:
Review the children's message from today with the children.
Have enough bread, peanut butter, and jelly for each child to make his/her own sandwich.
As the children are making their sandwiches, remind them that Jesus is like the peanut butter.
(You may need juice or Kool-Aid on hand to wash down the peanut butter and jelly sandwich.)
Teachers or Parents: John the Baptist warns us that
unproductive trees are cut down and thrown into the fire. As
God's trees, we are expected to produce the fruit of good works
(Ephesians 2:10). The outward good works of a believer are the
evidence of saving faith within. Failure to do good works,
therefore, would indicate that we do not have saving faith. Let's
remind our children of this important truth.
* Have the children draw a picture of the fruit tree of
their choice: apple, pear, orange, and so forth. When completed,
have them show the picture and ask how they know that it really
IS an apple, a pear or whatever tree. When they identify the
unproductive trees are cut down and thrown into the fire. As
God's trees, we are expected to produce the fruit of good works
(Ephesians 2:10). The outward good works of a believer are the
evidence of saving faith within. Failure to do good works,
therefore, would indicate that we do not have saving faith. Let's
remind our children of this important truth.
* Have the children draw a picture of the fruit tree of
their choice: apple, pear, orange, and so forth. When completed,
have them show the picture and ask how they know that it really
IS an apple, a pear or whatever tree. When they identify the
We are busily preparing our homes. The schools are putting up decorations. The retail stores have been getting ready for quite a while; some began getting ready before Halloween was even over! There's a lot to prepare, and it's easy to get caught up in all the hustle and bustle of the season. Advent takes four weeks, but not because it takes that long to decorate!
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