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Choose from the following Children's Sermons:

• How Big is a Christian?
  by Rev. Frank Schaefer              (see below)
   

• Love Your Neighbor as Yourself, Lev 19 and Matt. 5
  by Rev. Frank Schaefer       (see below)

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How Big is a Christian?
based on the theme of "Spiritual Growth"
by Rev. Frank Schaefer

Objective: Christian Maturity is not measured in inches or years, but in the way we share our love

Props: A measuring stick or tape.  A tall volunteer from the congregation.

Good morning boys and girls.  Today I thought we talk about spiritual growth.    I got a question for you "who is the biggest Christian in this sanctuary today?" (Let them share). Then suggest that the tallest person present (your tall volunteer) come forward, as he (or she) could be the biggest Christian around. Have the kids measure his or her height, neck, biceps, etc.).

Then ask: "is this really how we can measure the Christianity of a person? (slightly shake your head). What makes a Christian big?  Can you think of anything? What makes us good Christians? How about having love? Can you measure love with a tape measure? (shake your head) .

We all grow--our bodies grow and so does our Christian spirit. We must grow in inches as well as in love. We grow spiritually by showing love to God and others. How can we show our love to God and others?  Raise your hand if you think the following things help us grow spiritually:

Praying, going to church, worship, reading bible, listening, learning from each other, etc.

Let us pray: "Dear God, help us grow in body and in spirit.  Make us willing to love you and others more and more.  Give us good ideas about how to help and serve you and others.  Amen."

 

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Love Your Neighbor as Yourself
based on Lev 19 and Matt. 5
by Rev. Frank Schaefer

props: a bag of candy (individually wrapped candy pieces like tootsie rolls)

Greetings, my little friends, today I brought some of my favorite candy.  Well,   before I open the bag and eat some of this candy, I'd like you to know that I really care for all of you kids. (continue to talk while you unwrap a piece of candy and stick it in your mouth) I like you guys so much, I outright love you.   Hmmmm, I tell you this candy is soooo good.

How would you feel if I decided to eat this whole bag of candy all by myself, right here in front of you?  Would you still believe me that I care about you? Even if I didn't  share my candy with you?  That doesn't make sense doesn't it.  It would be like saying one thing, but acting a different way.

This is exactly what Jesus is saying in one of our bible lessons this morning. Jesus says: "love others even if they don't love you."  And that means that we should act like we love others--not just say it.

How should we love others?  Just as much as we love ourselves!  Hmmm.  I wonder whether that means that I should give you some of my candy?  What do you think?

Give out the candy pieces and, as you hand them out,  tell each child that you care about (love) them.