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Nourishing Seeds of Faith
26 Children’s Sermons
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Virginia H. Loewen
Nourishing Seeds of Faith
26 Children’s Sermons
Copyright © 2016 Virginia H. Loewen. All rights reserved. Except for brief quotations in critical publications or reviews, no part of this book may be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission from the publisher. Write: Permissions, Wipf and Stock Publishers, 199 W. 8th Ave., Suite 3, Eugene, OR 97401.
Resource Publications
An Imprint of Wipf and Stock Publishers
199 W. 8th Ave., Suite 3
Eugene, OR 97401
www.wipfandstock.com
paperback isbn: 978-1-4982-9228-3
hardcover isbn: 978-1-4982-9230-6
ebook isbn: 978-1-4982-9229-0
Manufactured in the U.S.A.
To God’s children, both young and old, with a prayer that your faith will be nourished by God’s word
Preface
Since the publication of Planting Seeds of Faith and Growing Seeds of Faith, I have continued to teach children about God and how God wants us to live. Nourishing Seeds of Faith is my third collection of nondenominational messages intended to educate and to provide spiritual food for youngsters. Beginning with Advent, the mini-sermons follow the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Interspersed throughout the book are messages appropriate for seasonal and secular holidays such as Father’s Day, a patriotic celebration, and Thanksgiving.
Writers For Kids and the Christian Writers Roundtable in State College, Pennsylvania, have provided support and encouragement in this project. Their critiques have included comments such as “Wonderful teaching,” “A great lesson brought to a child’s level,” and “I love these mini-sermons. I wish our church did them!”
As the apostle Paul advised young Timothy, “Tell these things to the brothers. This will show that you are a good servant of Christ Jesus. You will show that you are made strong by the words of faith and good teaching that you have been following. People tell silly stories that do not agree with God’s truth. Do not follow what these stories teach. But teach yourself only to serve God.” —I Timothy 4:6,7 (International Children’s Bible)
This is my task for the children and for myself. I pray that it is yours, too.
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Introduction
“Let the little children come to me. Don’t stop them. The kingdom of heaven belongs to people who are like these little children.” —Mark 10:14b (International Children’s Bible)
Children are a vital factor in the growth formula of the Christian Church. But attracting four- to eight-year-olds, holding their attention, and teaching them about God can be a daunting task. Nourishing Seeds of Faith is a nondenominational resource to aid pastors and laity who teach children in family worship services. Each lesson is based on a passage of scripture and offers ideas for applying it and sharing faith away from the church. ( Note: Use the Index to find topics of interest.)
I pray that the following guidelines and tips will help to nourish the seeds of faith that have been planted so that they will grow into a bountiful harvest.
Guidelines and Tips for Nourishing Seeds of Faith
* Begin your preparations with prayer for guidance that you may speak so that the children will listen and learn about God’s love for them.
* Carry props in a bag, basket, box, bucket, or any container appropriate for the topic or the season.
* Gather the children around you at the front of the sanctuary so that they face you, and you face the congregation. (If the children face the congregation, it can become a “show” for the children.) Sit at their level.
* Tell—don’t read—the message. Jot notes on a large index card, or copy the lesson pages and keep them on your lap as you talk.
* Read pertinent verses of scripture directly from a Bible.
* Use language the children understand. Adapt the sermons to the ages of the children, their attention spans, and their experiences. Get to the main point quickly and focus on it. Allow five to ten minutes per message.
* Use a lapel or portable microphone. Repeat children’s questions and answers clearly for the congregation’s appreciation. Pause for children to respond to questions and ideas.
* Expect logical answers from children, but remember, also, to expect the unexpected. Be prepared for a few laughs—good medicine for the soul. Parentheses ( ) indicate some possible answers. Assure the children when they give good answers.
* Make it fun and interesting. Be loving, but firm, if children become too noisy or excited.
* Add or substitute your own appropriate experiences or anecdotes. Asterisks ( * ) mark some opportunities to do this.
* In children ages four through eight, understanding occurs at different levels. Include “Stretching Further” if more perceptive children need to be challenged. Use it as part of the basic lesson or in discussion that continues in a Sunday School class or midweek program.
* At the end of the sermon, restate the lesson learned (what the children should remember) and ask them to say it with you.
* Prayer: Ask the children to bow their heads and, if time allows, repeat phrases after you.
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Show that you are made strong by the words of faith and good teaching that you have been following.—I Timothy 4:6b (International Children’s Bible)
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A House of Bread
Theme: Jesus satisfies our deepest longings.
Scripture: Jesus said, “I am the bread of life.” —John 6:35a
Preparation: Bring a gingerbread house or photos of a variety of houses, which can be found online by searching gingerbread houses photos.
Are you getting ready to celebrate Christmas? Are you putting up decorations? Maybe you will have a Christmas tree. I’ve noticed that some folks make gingerbread houses at this time of year. Have any of you helped to make a gingerbread house?
I brought some pictures of gingerbread houses to show you. There are small ones, big ones and very large, fancy houses in these photographs.
Have
