People fishers
Children's Activity
Object:
Teachers or Parents: Act out the story of Jesus calling
Simon (Peter), Andrew, James, and John. These four became very
prominent disciples.
*If your church or a church in your community is named after one of these disciples, point it out. Retell the story of how Jesus called them and how this church still keeps fishing for people after all these years.
*Make a fish bumper sticker. Purchase one-sided sticky paper (such as shelf paper) and photocopy or draw fish figures for the children to color and cut out and take home.
*Make fish invitations that the children can use to invite their unchurched family and friends to worship and Sunday school.
*Set up some "fishing poles" with clips on the end of the "fishing line" and a barrier so that another person can be behind the barrier attaching "fish" as the children fish for people. Have different names of people the children might know on the fish. Such people might include the pastor, the Sunday school teachers, leaders, helpers, and members of the congregation. When through fishing, have a prayer that each of the persons caught might know the good news of Jesus this week.
For very young children:
*Fix a tub of water and put some Styrofoam "fish" in it. Let the children "fish" for them using hair nets. Explain that this is how Simon, Andrew, James, and John earned their living. They were fishermen.
Sunday school assembly opening:
*Read the story using a children's translation or paraphrase and appoint five children to portray the parts of Jesus, Simon, Andrew, James, and John. (Include the girls on this. There is no reason girls cannot portray any of the parts.)
*If your church or a church in your community is named after one of these disciples, point it out. Retell the story of how Jesus called them and how this church still keeps fishing for people after all these years.
*Make a fish bumper sticker. Purchase one-sided sticky paper (such as shelf paper) and photocopy or draw fish figures for the children to color and cut out and take home.
*Make fish invitations that the children can use to invite their unchurched family and friends to worship and Sunday school.
*Set up some "fishing poles" with clips on the end of the "fishing line" and a barrier so that another person can be behind the barrier attaching "fish" as the children fish for people. Have different names of people the children might know on the fish. Such people might include the pastor, the Sunday school teachers, leaders, helpers, and members of the congregation. When through fishing, have a prayer that each of the persons caught might know the good news of Jesus this week.
For very young children:
*Fix a tub of water and put some Styrofoam "fish" in it. Let the children "fish" for them using hair nets. Explain that this is how Simon, Andrew, James, and John earned their living. They were fishermen.
Sunday school assembly opening:
*Read the story using a children's translation or paraphrase and appoint five children to portray the parts of Jesus, Simon, Andrew, James, and John. (Include the girls on this. There is no reason girls cannot portray any of the parts.)
