Children's Message

Scripture: John 14:15-21

Good morning! I’m so happy to see you today because this week I learned something interesting and really want to share it with you. Share something you learned, no matter how small. Ex: learned about a new bug in your garden, what the moon is made of, or how fast tuna fish can swim (up to 43 miles per hour!).

Did anyone else learn something new this week? At school, at home, or out in the world? Take a few answers. Wow! You all sure learned a lot.

There are lots of different ways to learn. We could sit at our desks and listen to a teacher. Or we could investigate with microscopes. We could read a book or look at pictures. We could even sing to learn - that’s what we do each week when we sing in church! What songs do you love to sing when you come to church? Give time for the kids to think and answer.

Each time we sing a song in church, we learn a little more about God and grow a little closer to one another. God’s love is for each of us (point at kids individually) and for all of us (spread arms wide to encompass everyone).

Do you ever get a warm, fuzzy feeling when everyone is singing, and the whole space is filled with music? The Gospel of John tells us that the Holy Spirit abides in us; that means that God is in you and me, teaching us about love and pulling us towards one another to share that love.

We are all gathered together, even when we can’t see each other, by the Spirit that lives in us and teaches us to love.

Make the shape of a heart with your hands. Let’s share the love of God this week!

Prayer:

God, we thank you for the Holy Spirit that pulls us together and teaches us to love. Help us to share your love with one another this week. Amen.

Between the Sundays Ideas:

Family Activities and Conversation Starters

Add family members’ favorite songs to your car ride or walking playlist.
- What makes those songs special to you?
- What do you think about when you sing these songs?
Spend 5-10 minutes learning something new together by checking out a library book, running a simple experiment, or looking closely at something unexpected.
- How did you feel learning something new together?
- I wonder who else might be interested in this new thing we learned?
Try holding hands while you pray this week.
- Do you feel more connected this way or when you pray alone?
- Brainstorm other ways you could connect during prayer time.

Written by Sammy Waters. Sammy has served in family ministry in the North Georgia and Horizon Texas Conferences over the past 6 years. After receiving her Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology, she moved to Texas where she has enjoyed working with children, youth, and families to design new ways to engage in worship, learn the stories of God, and create space for wonder.