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Is there any way that any of us could make this little bug live again? Can we bring this bug back to life? (Let children comment.) No, this isn’t something anybody on Earth can do. We aren’t stronger than death. In reading the Bible, we learn about two sons who died. One son lived back in the time of Elijah the prophet, and the other lived while Jesus was walking around on Earth. Both of these boys were their mothers’ only children. And both of the mothers were widows—their husbands had died. These mothers and sons had only each other in the world. When their sons died, the mothers had no one left. The pain of losing their only children was causing the mothers’ hearts to break.
Continue reading Stronger than Death
Holy Trinity Sunday; 1st Sunday after Pentecost From “Scolding the Snakes” Scripture Reference: Rom. 5:1-5
Preparation: Bring in a tree branch—preferably one that has fallen in a storm or been trimmed—to illustrate your talk.
I brought a tree branch with me this morning. (Hold up branch and let children guess where it came from.) After a big windstorm, you might find a lot of branches scattered around on the ground. Have any of you seen the mess that strong wind can make of
Continue reading Strong Wind, Strong Branches
7th Sunday of Easter From “Scolding the Snakes” Scripture Reference: Acts 16:16-34
Preparation: Find or draw a large picture of a jailer standing outside a jail cell with a prisoner inside behind bars.
Can anyone tell me which of these two persons is in prison and which one is free? (Hold up picture so children and congregation can see it. Let child point out the prisoner and the jailer.) That was pretty easy to tell, wasn’t it? Do you think the one who is outside the
Continue reading Freedom for the Jailer
6th Sunday of Easter From “Scolding the Snakes” Scripture Reference: John 14:26 Preparation: Tie colored yarn around three of your fingers as visual reminders. You may cut extra lengths of yarn and bring these to hand out to children at the end of the sermon.
Why do you suppose I have these colored strings tied around my fingers? (Hold your hand up and let children guess.) Sometimes people tie strings around their fingers to remind them of something. Let’s say you have to bring your turtle
Continue reading The Reminder
5th Sunday of Easter From “Scolding the Snakes” Scripture Reference: John 13:31-35 Preparation: Bring along an example of a talent you possess or a special piece of art you’ve made or an unusual object that you own. For example, you could bring balls to juggle or a painting, a sculpture, or a piece of stitchery you’ve made.
Have any of you ever heard the expression, “The proof is in the pudding” or “The proof of the pudding is in the eating”? Let’s say that your friend
Continue reading Proving It to the World
4th Sunday of Easter From “Scolding the Snakes” Scripture Reference: John 10:25-30 and Ps. 23
Following the Shepherd’s Voice
How many of you answer the telephone in your home? (Let kids raise their hands.) Now, tell me this: how many of you have answered the phone and guessed who was calling, just by his or her voice—before the person on the other end told you who it was? Are you good at recognizing voices? (Let kids respond.) If we hear a voice that we’ve heard
Continue reading The Shepherd’s Voice
Second Sunday of Easter From “Scolding the Snakes” Scripture Reference: John 20:19-31
Preparation: Bring a paper fan (one you’ve purchased or made yourself) and a small whistle.
How many of you have heard the expression, “I’d have to see it to believe it”? Maybe some of you have used that expression yourselves. Let’s say your brother is learning how to skateboard, and one day he comes running in to tell you that he can do an amazing trick on the skateboard. You might say, “I’d have
Continue reading Not Seeing but Believing
Easter Sunday From “Scolding the Snakes” Artwork by Elsa Ingulsrud Scripture Reference: 1 Cor. 15:20-26
Preparation: Bring a bouquet of colorful spring flowers and a vase in which to place them on the altar or at the foot of the cross.
Happy Easter everyone! Do you know the words to the Easter greeting that has been used in the Christian church for almost two thousand years? When I say to you, “The Lord is risen!” you answer back, “He is risen indeed! Hallelujah!”
You should sound
Continue reading The Last Enemy
Palm Sunday From “Scolding the Snakes” Scripture Reference: Luke 19:28-40
Preparation: Bring in palm branches and several large, smooth rocks to pass around or enough small stones to distribute to all the children.
Hold up the rocks. Who can tell me what these are? (Let children answer.) I’m going to pass around these rocks. As soon as you get one, I want you to hold it up to your ear and listen carefully. Tell me if you hear anything. When you’re finished passing around the rocks,
Continue reading Shouting Stones
3rd Sunday in Lent From “Scolding the Snakes” Scripture Reference: Isa. 55:1-9
Snow Monkeys; photo by Kiyoshi Ookawa
Preparation: Bring brief, favorite Bible verses printed on cards or bookmarks—enough to give one to each child. If possible, also bring a flipchart and marker to jot down kids’ responses.
What do all people and animals need to survive? (Let children share thoughts. If you have a marker and chart, note their answers.) We need food and water. We also need to stay warm. Animals have fur
Continue reading Food for the Soul
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