Theme: Confession
Materials needed: Copy machine transparencies (one for each
child), a permanent magic marker, crayons, dry paper towels.
Preparation: On each of the transparencies draw a large heart
with the permanent magic marker.
Hi, kids! I have something interesting to show you. I'd
like each of you to take one of these hearts. Now, lets look
through them at each other. We can see pretty clearly, can't we?
I can see your beautiful brown eyes, your sparkling smile, your shiny
hair. (At this point I pretended to look at the congregation)
And I can see Mr. Smith yawning, and Mrs. Jones wriggling in her
seat.... etc.
Now, let's use our imaginations for a moment. Imagine something
that you might do that would not be right. Something that might
hurt someone else. Some sin that you have done. (Have children
make suggestions... Hit my brother; say hurtful things; disobey
parents, etc. For each sin that the children name, have them put a
mark on their heart with crayon. After many marks have been put
on their hearts, have the children hold up their transparencies and
try to look through them now. Point out how hard it is to see
one another when there are so many dark spots on our hearts)
Ask children what we can do about this. Bring the conversation
around to the idea that when we confess our sins, Jesus forgives us
and we can forgive each other. Have children wipe their
"hearts" clean with paper towels. Have them look
through their transparency hearts again. They will be able to
see each other clearly once more.
Idea: Sin causes us to view the world, each other, in a skewed
manner. When we confess our sins, our hearts are wiped clean.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, we sometimes do things which are wrong.
We are sorry. Forgive us so that we can see clearly. AMEN.
Copyright
2005 Pastor Em
Eflorio5@aol.com