25 December 2017
JESUS IS THE WORD.
My Christmas children’s message in church on Christmas day.
JESUS IS THE WORD.
My Christmas children’s message in church on Christmas day.
Wrapped a Bible in baby clothes and put it on straw in a
box. The children knew it represented
Jesus. I had them say the name Jesus a few times and told them there is power
in that name.
I put a pen in one little child’s hand and with my hand over
his hand I wrote the words ‘Jesus’ on the white paper. This is to explain how
God wrote the word through people.
We learnt to grow by reading the word, or dad or mom reading it to us, or Sunday school teachers and listening to Jesus in your heart. He is the light that keeps you in the right path.
Used these pictures on powerpoint. 
(J-Zone=Jesus zone)
Plays, puppet shows, craft and games I wrote for the youth of our church.
As everything comes from God, I would like to share it with other churches. You can change and adapt to suit the age group you work with. To contact me:http://glendakempharper.blogspot.com/p/contact.html
http://glendakempharper.blogspot.com/2013/11/joy-magazine-article-dec-2012-jesus.html
Do you have any ideas that worked very well with the children? Would you like to share it? Send it to me with your details and I will put it on this blog.
Actions to John 14:6 https://www.dropbox.com/s/bye87eki9bwow61/John%2014%20Jamie.MP4
GRAVE YARD VISIT THE EMPTY TOMB
(4 chairs are covered with black. The back rests act as grave stones with names and descriptions written on them. On the floor of each chair is a body, except by Jesus’ name)
Two boys stand on side of stage.
Llawdden: Truth or dare?
Xavien: Dare!
Llawdden: I dare you to go to the grave yard.
Xavien: I would, but I must go home.
Llawdden: Scary cat! Scary cat! You are scared!
Xavien: I am not. You come with me.
(The two boys whistle while they walk to the grave yard. They fall over a body and
scream)
Xavien: It is only a dead bbbboddy.
Llawdden: Dead bodies don’t bite. (Both boys are shivering with fear.)
Xavien: Go read his name. Who was buried here?
Llawdden: (Tries to read the name) A George somebody. This oke believed the world
Started with a bang and there was no God.
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| This effect. |
(Xavien finds two pot lids on the body. He bangs them together while saying “big Bang!” Llawdden nearly has a heart attack, he jumps so high and on to Xavien.)
Xavien: You scared hey? We all know God made the world and everything in it.
Llawdden: Who is this guy? Points to
Xavien: (reads from the tombstone) Darwin
Did not believe that God made us.
(They find a monkey puppet or toy on Darwin
Name is Xavien.
Llawdden: Look, here is Elvis!
Xavien: ( Picks up a guitar lying on Elvis and starts singing.J
“You aint nothing but a hound dog.”
Llawdden: Xavien come look! This grave is empty!
Xavien: That is strange. Whose name is written on the tombstone?
Both boys read: JESUS CHRIST
Two angels appear.
First angel:
Matthew 28: 5
…”.Don ‘t be afraid!” ….”I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. ….go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, …..”
Second angel:
Revelation 1: 18
In Revelations 1: 18 Jesus says: “I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore. Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”
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HERE COMES THE BRIDE
Boy meets girl. Madly in love. Play the wedding march as he goes on his knees to propose to her.
She puts on the veil and they march down the isle.
Girl: I love you
Boy: I love you.
Boy: Welcome to your new home.
He then takes out sticky tape and tapes her mouth shut and pushes her in to the cupboard and closes the door.
Goes to his computer. Sits down and types something.
Boy: Now where was I yesterday?
Ahhh, this is good. MMMM what a nice chick.
A girl walks past. Boy jumps up and flirts with her. Whistles at her.
They walk close and they giggle and chat. He blows her a kiss as she walks away.
His friend comes to visit.
Friend: Hey, buddy, I brought some beers.
Boy: Cool. I got some in the fridge too.
They drink and get drunk. Friend leaves.
Another lady passes by. Boy runs after her and they disappear behind the curtain.
Boy comes back and phone rings.
Boy: Oh hallo mother-in-law.
Yes of course my wife is ok.
You want us to visit.
We will be there now.
Takes wife out the cupboard. Dusts her off. Pats her on the back.
Boy: Are you ok.
Girl: I missed you. Why did you leave me?
But while his wife is talking he starts singing over her voice.
Boy: La la laaa. We are going to visit your mother.
I love you.
They arrive at the parents place and he is all loving to his wife. Has his arm around her while they talk and passes her the food.
They wave good buy.
When he gets home he sticks tape on her mouth and pushes her in to the cupboard again.
(Is this how you treat Jesus and your Bible???)
HERE COMES THE BRIDE Part 2
Boy meets Jesus. Picks up his Bible. Madly in love. Play the wedding march as he goes on his knees to invite Jesus in to his life.
(Put on the veil and march down the isle.
Boy: Welcome to your new home, Jesus. My body is your temple.
Boy wraps tape around the Bible. Puts it in the cupboard.
Goes to his computer. Sits down and types something.
Boy: Now where was I yesterday?
Ahh, this is good. Mmmm what a nice chick.
What happened to Jesus? How come he is still looking at bad things on the computer?
How come he still gets drunk and swears with his friends?? How come he still serves other gods? He lives just as he does before. He is unfaithful to Jesus.
But comes Sunday! He takes his Bible out. Goes to church. Asks for forgiveness and tells everyone how much he loves Jesus.
It is true that Jesus will forgive you but you will be missing out on His blessings. You will never get to know who He really is. And one day (If you did not ask for forgiveness and turn to Him) when you die and you say to him that you knew him, He will say to you “Go away! I do not know you.” And then you could burn in the fire of hell.
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BORN AGAIN: The Play - Based on John 3 - (I also have a version where the narrator tells the story and the children only have to act it out.)
Nick is sleeping on stage. He has a blanket and pillow. He is restless. Suddenly jumps up, puts on his coat and walks down the ‘road’.
Jesus is sitting at a desk, reading. The name tag ‘Jesus’ is stuck to his chair.
Nick walks up and down. He is nervous. Keeps looking over his shoulder to see if anyone is looking. Then he knocks, but hides behind the door when Jesus opens.
Jesus goes back to his desk.
Nick slips in but trips over something and falls down. Jesus jumps up, Nick jumps up.
Nick: Jesus?
Jesus: Oh, it is you Nick!
Nick: How do you know my name? (While dusting himself)
Jesus: I know everyone’s name. I know you. What can I do for you?
Nick: (uncomfortable.) Hey man, you know my mom tells me you healed my aunt.
Another dude got a flat tyre on the way to the airport – missed his plane that fell to the ground. He says it’s you who done it. Some other stuff I hear. Are you real? Is God true?
Jesus walks all around Nick. Checks him out. Nick turns in circles to face Jesus.
Jesus: Nick, you know what?
Nick: What?
Jesus: You must be born again!
Nick: Huh?
Jesus: Not ‘huh’, excuse me.
Nick: Excuse me? Born again!
Nick goes in to the foetal position on the floor. Cries and kicks and sucks his thumb like a baby. Then looks up at Jesus.
Make sense man. I need sense.
Jesus: (while gently lifting Nick up under his arms) You are acting like a baby. And this baby was born from a man and a woman – this baby lay in the water of its mother’s tummy (womb).
Jesus: What happens to your body when you die?
Nick: Dead. Dust.
Jesus: What is your body made of?
Nick: Stuff. Matter.
Jesus: And your thoughts, Nick? That which can feel emotions; love and experience anger? What is that made of>
Nick: I don’t know.
Jesus: Can you touch it?
Nick: Of course not.
Jesus: You have a spirit. God breathed His breath in to the first man. Sin removed you from God. Now your spirit must be born again by accepting Jesus as your Savior. This is a birth that comes from God.
Jesus lovingly holds Nikki’s head to his chest. 3 Angels appear with Bibles. They read:
First Angel: But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn – not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. John 1: 12
Second Angel: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. John 3: 16
Third Angel: Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Romans 10: 13
Jesus: (Handing Nick a Bible) Here Nick, take this book. Read it every day. That is how I talk to you.
Jesus tucks Nick into bed, and sits on a chair on the side of his bed.
3 Angels: For He longs for all to be saved and to understand this truth; that God is on one side and all the people on the other side, and Christ Jesus, himself man, is between them to bring them together by giving his life for all humankind. (1 Timothy 2:4)
Mother: Wake up Nikki. Wake up you will be late for school.
Nick: (sits up rubbing his eyes, looking at Jesus) Look mom, there is Jesus!
Mother: Looks, but sees nothing. Yes Nick, I know Jesus is everywhere but we can’t see him. Mom shakes her head and walks out.
Nick talks to Jesus but he only smiles at him. Nikki opens his Bible and he and Jesus read together.
Nick and Jesus: “I will never leave you nor forsake you” Hebrews 13: 5
Nick jumps with joy and does a silly dance.
Nick: Yippeeeeeee!!!!!!!
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The puppet who got his facts mixed up.
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DOUBLE EDGED SWORD.
Romans 4: 12 – 13
(4 Boys come marching on to the stage to the song “In the name of Jesus, we have the victory.” They each hold a Bible in their right hand and a sword in the left. March, entering the stage from the side. March to the centre of the stage: “one, two, three four” March on the spot turning head to the audience “One, two , three, four.” Turn, salute by holding the Bible to your head: “One, two, three, four.”
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| Rehearsal |
Boy 1: The word of God is alive and active.
(while saying these words he walks forward holding his bible up
in the air.)
All 4 Boys: The word of God is alive and active (hold up your Bibles.)
Boy 2: The Word of God is sharper than any double edged sword.
(Draw your sword, and walk forward next to Boy 1.)
All 4 Boys: The Word of God is sharper than any double edged sword.
(Draw your swords.)
(Boy 1 and Boy 2 engage in a sword fight. Boy 3 and Boy 4 also engage in a sword fight)
(Boy 2 falls and Boy 1 holds the sword to his head)
(Boy 3 also falls and Boy 4 holds the sword to his head)
Boy 1: The Word of God can cut deep in to our innermost thoughts
and desires.
All 4 Boys: The Word of God can cut deep in to our innermost thoughts
and desires.
(Boy 2 rolls out from under Boy 1's sword, jumps up, grabs Boy 2 from behind and pulls off his mask.)
Boy 2: The word of God exposes us for who we really are!
(Boy 3 now rolls out from under Boy 4's sword, jumps up, grabs Boy 4 from behind and pulls off his mask)
All 4 Boys: The Word of God exposes us for who we really are!
(The boys all dust themselves off, shake hands, then look over their shoulders as if someone is watching them.)
All 4 Boys: Nothing can be hidden from God to whom we must explain all
That we have done.
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The puppet who got his facts mixed up.
(You can use any two puppets. A good way to use what you have if you don’t have the right puppet.)
Dog puppet. The dog who got his facts wrong.
Dog: Woef woef woef.
Me: Hello dog; what is your name.
Dog: Woef woef woef.
Me: Is that your name?
Dog: Woef woef woef.
What is your mothers name?
Dog: Woef woef woef.
Me: How can your mother have the same name?
What did you have for breakfast?
Dog; Woof, woef , woef.
Me: Dog are you reading your Bible.
Dog: Woef, woef woef.
Aunty Eliza, what is wrong with this dog. I don’t understand him.
Eliza: He is talking dog language.
Me: Oh my, do we have anyone here that understands dog language?
Eliza: I will go and get the whispering bird. He speaks every language.
Me: Hello whispering bird.
What is dog saying?
(Bird whispers in my ear)
Me: Dog is saying that he is in the Bible. His great , great… grandfather spoke to
Balaam because Balaam was hitting him. God made him talk to a human.
Me: Dog, where in the Bible does it say that? Show me!
Dog: Looks in the Bible. Reads with his head shaking. Then runs and hides.
Me: Dog got it all wrong. We must always see if what people tell us about the Bible is true. Look here in Numbers 22: 28 “And the LORD opened the mouth of the donkey, and he said to Balaam. “What have I done to you, that you have struck me these 3 times?
Come back here dog. You were not telling the truth. You made a mistake. Jesus forgives you. We checked it up and now we all know the truth.
Dog: Woef, woef, woef.
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If you have a frog puppet or a frog toy or a frog picture, you can teach this:
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Men judge by outward appearance, but I look at a man’s heart” (1 Samuel 16:7)
Matthew 16:23 You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God's.
Matthew 16:23 You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God's.
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| Please kiss me. |
The frogs story:
“Booo hooo…!” The frog is crying his eyes out. He does not want to be a frog! He hates his life. He hates his skin! He is too fat! His feet are too big. He wants to be a prince. So you try to comfort frog and tell him that God made him and there is a special reason for him to be here.
But frog knows better.
What happened to the frog in the story books when a princess kisses him? Yes, he turns in to a prince. So now frog points to a girl to come and kiss him. We belong to the King of kings so we are all princes and princesses. We bring a girl up to kiss the frog. Nothing happens. He cries his eyes out again. The girl tells him she loves him anyway and he is a special frog.
What happened to the frog in the story books when a princess kisses him? Yes, he turns in to a prince. So now frog points to a girl to come and kiss him. We belong to the King of kings so we are all princes and princesses. We bring a girl up to kiss the frog. Nothing happens. He cries his eyes out again. The girl tells him she loves him anyway and he is a special frog.
This makes frog very happy. We tell him we love him because Jesus made him.
He can croak and we cant.
We are all unhappy about something on our bodies or who we are. We often want to be something or someone we are not. The children would give anything to be famous and have lots of money (Did I say the children?) Point out to them the end of so many famous people. (Michael Jackson and now Whitney Houston.) Without Jesus we are without God and our lives are empty. Fame and money does not bring happiness.
I had just read Ecclesiastes. Without God everything is meaningless and like chasing the wind. (See Eccl 7:14)
Then Matt 13:17 “..many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, but they didn’t see it. They longed to hear what you hear, but they didn’t hear it.”
The author, Solomon, did not know God’s plan with Jesus. We do.
Then read Psalm 139:13-18 to the children. God has ordained every day of my life even before I was born. That is why my life has meaning.
God has good plans for my life. He plans Jesus for my life! Some people die for Jesus, some people are rich for Jesus (to give it away for His glory). Always His plan for you is to have Jesus, and that is a good plan in all circumstances. We are only visitors here. Our true home is heaven. If you are a frog, be a frog for Jesus.
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| Jesus loves me! |
How to explain!
The Trinity- God, Jesus and Holy Spirit.
Get three children dressed in white.
One represents almighty God, the creator of everything, Who made us in His image.
One represents Jesus who came to earth to die for our sins.
And one represents Holy Spirit who teaches us all things and puts Jesus in our hearts.
Now throw a white sheet over the three. “This is who God is. He is Jesus, Holy Spirit and God in one.”
Get a child who represents us and Adam and Eve. Put a white sheet or cloak over this child. This child stands next to the sheet which covers ‘God’ ‘Jesus’ and ‘Holy Spirit’.
God made Adam and Eve in His image. They were in God’s presence. There was nothing separating them.
Then they sinned. They disobeyed God.
Take the white jacket off the child. Move him away from ‘God’ (the white sheet with God, Jesus and Holy Spirit underneath)
Place a chair between God and the child. He is separated. He cannot stand in the presence of God any more. God is Holy.
“God sent Jesus to earth to die for our sins, so that we can know how to live and to get back to God.”
Jesus comes out from under the ‘God’ sheet and sits on the chair. Jesus holds his hand out with the white jacket to the child.
“If you believe that Jesus is the Son of God and died for your sins and invite Him to live in your heart, then you are back with God.”
Jesus puts the white jacket or cloak on for the child.
Jesus reaches out with his hand to the sheet and holds God’s hands.
You now have the child holding Jesus’ hand, Jesus holding Gods hand.
“You are connected to God through Jesus.”
Only those who believe in Jesus are back with God. Those who do not accept Him are still cut off from God. When the believer dies he will be totally united with God.
Now we see partially, but one day we will see fully.
Remove the chair and stand the child with God, Jesus and Holy Spirit .
Remember these verses:
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God
Eph. 2:8 “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
John 1:12 “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name; who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”
How to explain
God in Jesus, Jesus in God, and us in Jesus.
John 17 It talks about Jesus saying God in Him and He in God and us in Him. Jesus often talks about this 'being in' each other and it always fascinates me and I often draw this 3 layer person in my diaries. To explain this to J-zone I was wishing I had one of those Russian dolls that have lots of dolls inside each other. Then I thought of 3 cups fitting in to each other. I took two solid plastic cups and one paper cup and made holes in the paper cup. God and Jesus are the solid cups and we are the ones with the holes in and only when Jesus and God are in us can we have the Holy Spirit and retain anything that is of eternal value. I will pour water in to the paper cup and it will run out (because we are broken) then when God in Jesus and Jesus in us (in the paper cup) I can pour water in Jesus who is in me and it is retained and I am able to function through him in his righteousness. I think the children will understand the oneness with God and Jesus in this way. I found so many other things I want to talk to them about when I went through my diary and the verses written in the front and back of the Bible.
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Puppet workshop (as I prepared it for a talk at a Chatsworth
combined church meeting of Sunday school teachers. January 2012)
How to explain
God in Jesus, Jesus in God, and us in Jesus.
John 17 It talks about Jesus saying God in Him and He in God and us in Him. Jesus often talks about this 'being in' each other and it always fascinates me and I often draw this 3 layer person in my diaries. To explain this to J-zone I was wishing I had one of those Russian dolls that have lots of dolls inside each other. Then I thought of 3 cups fitting in to each other. I took two solid plastic cups and one paper cup and made holes in the paper cup. God and Jesus are the solid cups and we are the ones with the holes in and only when Jesus and God are in us can we have the Holy Spirit and retain anything that is of eternal value. I will pour water in to the paper cup and it will run out (because we are broken) then when God in Jesus and Jesus in us (in the paper cup) I can pour water in Jesus who is in me and it is retained and I am able to function through him in his righteousness. I think the children will understand the oneness with God and Jesus in this way. I found so many other things I want to talk to them about when I went through my diary and the verses written in the front and back of the Bible.
TO EXPLAIN
That God’s thoughts are higher than our thoughts. That His ways are higher than ours. We won't always understand why things are as they are in our lives but we must trust God because He has the full picture.
First you only hand out these parts. Children must cut it out and see what they can make out of it. (Some unusual shapes emerge.)
Then after seeing how they try, give them the outline of an elephant and let them stick the parts in there.
Another activity:
We may throw the dice, but the LORD determines how they fall (Proverbs 16:33).
“We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.”
Need: 2 or more dice. A chocolate slab or sweets or better, jelly babies.
The children sit in a circle, or around the table. They say a number and then throw the dice. If the number they said comes up, they get a sweet.
(Hand out the above verses to them to take home. They may stick the verse on a paper and decorate or draw their plans of what they want to be around it.)
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Puppet workshop (as I prepared it for a talk at a Chatsworth
combined church meeting of Sunday school teachers. January 2012)
Puppet workshop
How special to be here; standing before my sisters and brothers in Christ. I believe you are Sunday school teachers. That means you have all stood before Jesus and said “Here I am Lord, use me!”
To teach Sunday school is not a light decision. The Bible says we will be judged more harshly.
We have blank pages in front of us in children, and we are writing on them. (Children.)
It is a Friday evening and you are here at the church, seeking the Lord because you love him and love the children He has put in your care.
“Love the Lord your God…..” Because of this, the Word of God burns in our hearts and we have to share it.
We have Jesus and we want others to have Jesus!!
“What do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? (Matthew 16:26)
“I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings. (1 Cor. 9:23)
“I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some.” (1 Cor. 9:22)
This is where the puppets, plays, acting, songs come in because they are being used as the means to win children to Christ. The great commission!
One thing that is always most important with whatever means I use, is that the word of God is being used. For it is the word that will not return empty and not anything I say or do.
Therefore it is vital, of the utmost importance that I live intimately with Jesus and in His Word. By living and knowing and obeying His word I know that He will direct my steps.
NB We must pray for our children. Intercede for them. Plead for them! For it is God’s will that all be saved and when we pray for the children’s salvation; God will answer!
Most of my plays and puppet shows are based on salvation.
Puppets and props- What is Christianity. Kids should know!
A must for every puppeteer: practise in front of the mirror!!!!!
1. They don’t have to be fancy. (Think of the advertisement “More ching-ching, less wara- wara where two bare hands are used) Here I have two rulers and two plane cardboard people
Something concrete to explain with.
Adam and Eve in perfection with God. (hold the two rulers together as one. Move a torch (represents God)from the top of the ruler which is heaven, to the bottom of the ruler where the 2 cardboard figures are. No separation
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| No separation between man and God. |
Sin. (Now turn the one ruler across the other to form a cross. The cardboard figures cannot pass the crossbar to get to God. They are separated.)
Cut off from God.
Restoration: Jesus.
Restored to God. (When Jesus dies the cross bar returns to form one ruler.) "It is done."
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| Jesus, the visible image of the invisible God. Colossians 1:15 |
Restored to God. (When Jesus dies the cross bar returns to form one ruler.) "It is done."
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| "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved,..(Acts 16:33) |
2. Socks. Black and white. (Verses:
Black sock:
Colossians 1: 21
This includes you who were once far away from God.
You were His enemies, separated from Him by your evil thoughts and actions.
White sock:
Colossians 1: 22
Yet now He has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in His physical body.
As a result, He has brought you into His own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before Him without a single fault.
:23 But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News.
Philippians 4:8
Fix your thoughts on what is true, and Honourable,
and right, and pure, and lovely and admirable.
Think about things that are excellent and worthy
of praise. Keep putting into practice all you have
learnt and received….
Think of Siamese twins.
Black sock is the old nature.
White sock if you have Jesus: new nature.
Only at death do these two natures separate totally.
If you don’t read your Bible and obey, watch ungodly movies or play ungodly games, swear etc the black sock is up. (arm wrestling.)
Abide in the Lord, read your Bible and obey what it says and the white sock is up.
3 A white cloth, a torch: represents God who is Spirit and cannot be seen.
Turn the cloth over and we have ‘Jesus’ (A puppet head with the white cloth as body.). This is to bring home the oneness of Jesus and God. See photos above with rulers.
4 Hand puppets (Do dog who got his facts wrong.) Dog and Bird puppets.
The pointer finger goes in to its head, the thumb and the middle finger becomes its arms.
Look at your puppet in the mirror.
Puppets can hook arms together and dance. Work out a dance. They can lean heads against each other. Pull back and forward.
(Let queen and king puppet dance to music.)
They can scratch their heads. They can hold both arms behind their heads.
Practice and see for yourself what emotions they portray when doing certain things.
Every puppet show must lead the children to the Bible and they must walk away with a verse.
Some puppets operate by putting hands in to the beak or mouth..
5. Children can be used as puppets.
If I touch your head I want you to open your mouth. If I take my hand off your head, I want you to close your mouth.
You can use a voice or song and ‘maneuver the child’s mouth as if he is a puppet talking.”
Never use a child who is shy and does not want to be used as puppets. They are normally very happy to use a hand puppet which takes the lime light off them.
6.. Marionettes: (Let ‘Savie’ dance)
The reason his name is ‘Savie’ is because he is saved.
The reason his face is white and his nose is red and he is a clown.
The red is for the blood of Jesus. The white for being cleansed. The clown is because of the joy Jesus gives. He wants others to be happy too. (You can use this concept with any clown puppet or even while painting the face of a child or a picture of a clown.)
I love these puppets. I have one with verses pinned on him, ready for “take off”. He is “looking” at me as I write. They can be made to portray so many emotions just by hanging their heads, or bending their knees. A delight to get them to dance.
My best memories of this puppet is while teaching at Bluff Christian Academy
Each puppet of course has its own history and character.
The verses stuck to Savie can be used with any of the puppets. They are answers to the most common problems the children came up with repeatedly.
We kept a prayer box with pen and paper where the children were invited to deposit their prayers in to so that we would pray for them.
The idea is to bring to the children’s attention that every problem we have is answered in the Bible. Jesus is not a Sunday occurrence. He walks with you every step of the way and He cares for you and He loves you. The Bible is God’s word and it was written for our every day lives.
Most asked questions and answers: What does God’s Word say?
I have someone I know whom I really do not like. This is a horrible person and makes life very hard for me.
Matthew 5:44
But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven.
What must I do if someone starts trouble with me? They say ugly things about me and to me?
A gentle answer deflects anger,
but harsh words make tempers flare.
(Proverbs 15:1)
A gentle answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger.
(Proverbs 15:1)
I am so tired of my mother complaining about my room that is in a mess, why can’t she just leave me alone. It is my room!
For God is not a God of disorder but of peace,..
(1 Corinthians 14:3)
“Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord. (Colossians 3:20)
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I won’t get married one day. How will I know if it is the right person for me?
Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers.
How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness?
How can light live with darkness?
(2 Corinthians 6:14)
Some subjects are so boring and so hard. I don’t like doing them. Why should I?
Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.
(Colossians 3; 23)
Life is not fair!
In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing so that no one can speak a word of blame against you.
(Philippians 2:14)
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Swearing; is it so wrong? Surely it is just words?
Dirty stories, foul talk and coarse jokes – these are not for you. Instead, remind each other of God’s goodness and be thankful.
(Ephesians 5:4)
“Not what enters into the mouth defiles the man, but what proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the man.”
(Matthew 15: 11)
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Workshop with the puppets for adults
Each of you will be presented with a puppet. (If there is a shortage of puppets then use socks (clean ones, obviously) or your hand.
Have a good look at your puppet. Study it’s character. Name it. Decide on a voice for it.
Now I want you to pretend that you are at an ‘AA’ meeting. Your puppet will introduce himself with his name you have chosen for him and speaking with your puppet voice. Now I want your puppet to confess a problem you have with your walk with Jesus.
(This exercise will be based on James 5: 16 “Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.”)
E.g. Sometimes it is hard to be loving and patient at home and we need prayer to help us be better examples of God’s love at home. Or you are too busy and not spending enough time at the feet of Jesus. Whatever the Spirit moves you to share, share.
The other puppets react Word based.
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Another idea for spreading the Word among children:
I am always asking for donations of soft toys. I put verses on the toys necks, ears, waists and heads. These toys are handed out as birthday presents or as rewards in games or taking part in activities on stage. Also handed out at church to visitors with children.
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Another idea for spreading the Word among children:
I am always asking for donations of soft toys. I put verses on the toys necks, ears, waists and heads. These toys are handed out as birthday presents or as rewards in games or taking part in activities on stage. Also handed out at church to visitors with children.
Some of my favourite verses to put on the toys:
“Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.”
(1 Timothy 4: 12)
“Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your heart.” (1 John 5:21)
“Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor;
only fools insist on quarrelling.” (Proverbs 20:3)
“You must love the Lord your God
with all your heart, all your soul,
all your strength, and all your mind.
and, ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.”
(Luke 10:27)
“The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)
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THE ARMOUR OF GOD
Big dolls cut out of cardboard. Discussed the Armour of God Ephesians 6:13-17 Wrote each Armour at the back of the dolls. Collected lots of bits of fabric, wool, leather, buttons etc.
Kids had great fun.
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MY GIFT TO JESUS (Make a Christmas card for Jesus or a gift wrap paper and box, or decorate toilet roll as cracker with this note inside.)
My gift to Jesus
Dear Jesus,
This is my gift to you:
5 minutes of every day this year;
I will give to you.
With lots of love,
From ……………………
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Getting ready for J-Zone. On the left hand side of the picture there is a box with writing on it. (Not very clear on this picture) It is a shoe box covered with verses on prayer. We put the box on one side with pencil and papers. The children can write down any prayer request they have for the week. We leaders then get together during the week and hand the prayers over to Jesus and intercede for our children. I am sure many churches do this but I just thought to give the idea to you if your are not doing it.
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THE ARMOUR OF GOD
Big dolls cut out of cardboard. Discussed the Armour of God Ephesians 6:13-17 Wrote each Armour at the back of the dolls. Collected lots of bits of fabric, wool, leather, buttons etc.
Kids had great fun.
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PAINT FUN
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Psalm 28: 7 (written on large paper so all can read and do actions.)
The Lord (Lift up your hand and point to heaven) is my strength (make muscles as in weight lifting) and my shield (hold hands next to each other ,open but fingers together to form a shield in front of you);
My heart (Touch your heart) trusted (hands as if in prayer) in Him (point up to heaven) and I am helped (thumbs up sign with both hands)
Therefore my heart (touch heart)greatly (show wideness with arms) rejoices ( throw hands up happily)
And with my song (touch your lips) I will praise Him. (Lift hands in praise.)
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THE FIVE FINGERS
(An idea I got from Radio Pulpit’s children’s program many years ago)
Hand out a koki colour pencil to each child (or a variety of colours).
Tell them that they are very precious to God. We are going to draw on the front of our fingers (inside of the hand) so that we can remember what God says about us.
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| THE FIVE FINGERS |
1. Did you know that God paid a ransom price for you? You have been bought with the blood of Jesus.
1 Corinthians 7:23 All of you, slave and free both, were once held hostage in a sinful society. Then a huge sum was paid out for your ransom.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son So that anyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Now hold up your thumb. I want you to draw a coin on the back of your thumb. The section behind your nail. Just a round coin. This coin is as a reminder that you have been bought with a price. You are worth more than money can ever buy.
2. Lift up your pointer finger. I want you to draw an eye. (draw on your own finger so they can see.) This will remind you that God says you are the apple of His eye! You are very special to Him.
Zechariah 2:8 ..For he who touches you, touches the apple of His eye! (anyone who strikes you strikes what is most precious to Me.”)
3. Now the middle finger. Draw some hair on it.
Luke 12:7 And He knows the number of hair on your head!
God knows everything about you and cares about every part of your life. He made you and understands you and loves you.
4. Yes He loves you!
Isaiah 43:4 (from The Message Bible) That’s how much you mean to me! That’s how much I love you! I’d sell off the whole world to get you back; trade the creation just for you.
5. You know how much you love music and how happy it makes you? God gave us all good things and He knows how music makes us happy. Now hear what He says about you.
Zephaniah 3:17 He will sing and be joyful over you!
Now let the children draw the outline of their one hand (as in illustration). Hand out the verses to stick in front of each finger. They can decorate the page and hang it on their walls.
(I had wanted to have this done on wood but never got around to it. If it is possible to paste the verses on to wood and then paint a special paint over it to give it a varnished look? I tried wood varnish but it did not work. You can always experiment with ideas. The idea is always that children will want to hang the Bible verses on to their wall so that it can be part of their lives.)
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PRAY FOR THE CHILDREN
This prayer is taken from Prayers that Avail Much by Germaine Griffin Copeland.
I personalized it. We stuck it in to a special mother’s day addition New Testament and gave it to the children to give to their mothers or grannies as a Mother’s Day gift.
I personally prayed this prayer for my daughter for many years and still do.
Put your child’s name in the lined space and start praying. Hand it out to others to pray for their children.
PRAYERS FOR MY CHILD
Father, in Jesus name, I confess Your Word
this day, concerning ______ as she/he pursues her/his
education and training at school.
You are effectively at work in her/him, creating in her/him
the power and desire to please You.
_____ is the head and not the tail, above and not beneath.
I pray that ______ will find favour, good understanding
and high esteem in the sight of God and teachers and
fellow students. I ask You to give ______ wisdom and
understanding as knowledge is presented to her in all
fields of study and endeavor.
Father, thank you for giving ______ an appreciation for
education and helping her to understand that the source
and beginning of all knowledge is You!
She/he has the appetite of the diligent, and she/he is
abundantly supplied with educational resources, and
her/his thoughts are those of the steadily diligent, which
tend only to achievement.
Thank you that ______ is growing in wisdom and
knowledge.
I will not cease to pray for her/him, asking that she/he will be
filled with knowledge of Your will, bearing fruit in
every good work.
Father, I thank You that my child has divine
protection since she/he dwells in the secret place of
the Most High.
______ shall not be led astray by philosophies of
men and teaching that is contrary to truth.
You are ______’s shield and buckler, protecting
her/him from attacks or threats. Thank You for
angels whom You have assigned to accompany,
defend and preserve her/him in all her/his ways
of obedience and service.
______ is established in Your love, which drives
all fears out of doors.
I pray that all the teachers of my child and her
friends, will be godly men and woman of
integrity.
Give the teachers understanding hearts and
wisdom in order that they may walk in the
ways of piety and virtue, revering Your holy name.
Amen
