"Let the children come to me;
do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to
such as these. "
This week's gospel reading are the well know verses from Mark 10: 2-16, in which Jesus is tested by the pharisees on his understanding of the ten commandements. Children are also brought forth to Jesus, and the disciples rebuke them for doing so. But Jesus invites the children to him and blesses them, for "whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it."
Accompanying Activity
Ask the children for examples of what God created – emphasize how much God loves us and how amazing He is for creating all these things. If the kids mention that God created us, explain how we are the most precious creation to God.
Supplies
- black construction paper (one for each child)
- tissue paper (assorted colours)
- scissors
- white glue or glue sticks
Prep
- cut out random shapes in the black pieces of paper.
- cut out different sizes of tissue paper, making sure some are big enough to cover the biggest shape in the black paper.
Instructions For Carrying Out the Activity
To go from the discussion to the craft, [Lyse] held up a piece of black paper (no holes) and asked the kids what they saw. They answered “black” and I agreed, saying there was nothing there. Then I held up my sample ‘stained glass’ to a window and showed them how they could see the colours, especially when the light shone through it. This is like how God gave light and life to the world – before creation, there was nothing there. If you think the kids are old enough to understand, you could compare the stained glass to Jesus shining through each of us.
I then handed out the pre-cut black paper and glue, putting piles of different coloured tissues paper on the table for the kids to pick from. Using my sample, I showed them that they could be a bit messy with glueing on the tissue paper pieces because it wouldn’t show on the other side (see pictures). Remind the kids that it’s easier to put the glue on the construction paper than the tissue paper (which will break).
I then handed out the pre-cut black paper and glue, putting piles of different coloured tissues paper on the table for the kids to pick from. Using my sample, I showed them that they could be a bit messy with glueing on the tissue paper pieces because it wouldn’t show on the other side (see pictures). Remind the kids that it’s easier to put the glue on the construction paper than the tissue paper (which will break).
Idea for this activity courtesy of: http://mylittlesonbeam.blogspot.ca/2013/09/september-week-2.html#comment-form