Happy New Year everyone! We have returned! I hope everyone had a relaxing Christmas break surrounded by family, friends, and festivities.
So this week was an easy one to put together. We have a copy of Tomie de Paola’s Book of Bible Stories (http://josephsinspirational.ca/products/tomie-depaola-book-of-bible-stories), which includes the story of the baptism of Jesus. I have used this book before and the kids really like it. As I read the story, I reminded them of the passage from Isaiah,
So this week was an easy one to put together. We have a copy of Tomie de Paola’s Book of Bible Stories (http://josephsinspirational.ca/products/tomie-depaola-book-of-bible-stories), which includes the story of the baptism of Jesus. I have used this book before and the kids really like it. As I read the story, I reminded them of the passage from Isaiah,
A voice of one calling: "In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God."
how that was John the Baptist preaching, and how he was related to Jesus. Some children expected Jesus to be a baby when he was baptized, and were surprised that he was an adult. I explained that Catholics usually receive baptism as babies, but sometimes they get baptised as adults. I also explained that in some Christian faiths, baptism only happens to adults. Many of them seemed shocked by this. I started talking about “Rites of Initiation” but decided that I would leave that for another day.
Once I finished the story, we worked on our craft. I found the perfect craft on Flame Creative Children’s Ministry: http://flamecreativekids.blogspot.ca/2016/01/printable-baptism-of-jesus-spinner.html.
Once I finished the story, we worked on our craft. I found the perfect craft on Flame Creative Children’s Ministry: http://flamecreativekids.blogspot.ca/2016/01/printable-baptism-of-jesus-spinner.html.
This craft was excellent on several levels: it perfectly suited the age group (aged 3-7), could be completed in the time period available to us (about 30 minutes), dried quickly and supplied huge wow factor! Several older children stared enviously at the younger kids when they came back!
Supplies
crayons, markers, pencil crayons, etc.
straws (not the bendy kind)
scissors
tape
glue (white or stick)
Essentially, it is a spinner with Jesus on one side and the Holy Spirit on the other. Once assembled, the straw is quickly rolled between the palms and it looks like the Holy Spirit is over the head of Jesus. A little optical illusion for just the right amount of dazzle. Definitely one to use again in the future.