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Choose from the following Children's Sermons:
The End of the World, Mark 13:1-8
by Rev. Frank Schaefer
What are your dreams? 1 Samuel 2:1-10
by Rev. Frank Schaefer
Thank God for Family,
1 Samuel 1:4-20
by an anonymous DPSer
The End of the World
a children's sermon based on Mark 13:1-8
by Rev. Frank Schaefer
Scripture Verse: Mark 13:7 Jesus says to his disciples: When you hear of wars,
earthquakes, hurricanes, and people dying from hunger, don't be afraid.
Have you ever had a real bad day, when bad things were happening to you? Maybe
you got into an accident, or you got into trouble, got grounded from watching
power rangers, or maybe somebody whom you love died, or maybe there was an
earthquake or a bad storm?
If you did, please tell us about it. How did that make you feel? If something
bad happens to you does that make you feel afraid? Does it make you worry about
tomorrow and the days after tomorrow?
A question to the older children: Did you ever hear people talk about the end of
the world? About that it could happen at any time? Nuclear wars, Jesus coming
back to take us away? How does that make you feel?
You know when I was about your age I grew up in a church that would talk a lot
about the end of the world, and Jesus coming back to get us out of here. And you
know, I remember praying: Lord, I do want you to come back and take me with you,
but please not now. And I remember thinking, if I could only make it to age 27
then I would have experienced everything I wanted to: owning my own car, and TV
set, earning my own money, getting married, you know: all the adult/fun stuff.
I want you to listen carefully, children, because this is important: No matter
how bad your day is, no matter what bad things happen in the world, wars,
earthquakes, or hunger, no matter what people tell you, Jesus wants you to know
that you do not need to be afraid. Jesus promised that he will never leave you
alone. Jesus wants you to be cheerful, to make plans for tomorrow. A famous
person once said: "Even if I knew that Jesus came back tomorrow, I would still
plant an apple tree today." I would like all the little ones, when you come
home, to draw a picture of something really bad: and earthquake or a storm. Then
I would like you to take this Verse and glue it on the top of your picture and
hang it on the wall. And whenever you feel afraid, or you are having a bad day,
then look at the picture and read the Verse.
What are your
dreams?
Children's Sermon Seed based on 1 Samuel 2:1-10
by Rev. Frank Schaefer
Ask the children about what they hope to achieve in life: about their occupation, their
role in the community, how they will help the church (you should get some interesting
answers out of this one), etc.
You may want to share with them your story, perhaps even
your calling story. Reinforce the message that the ability to dream dreams is from God.
After this time of sharing, read a portion from the prayer of Hannah ("He will
guard the feet of his faithful ones..." (1Sam 2:9) and
reinforce the message that God has promised to be with us and to help us
as we pursue our dreams--even when problems will arise (and be honest
about the fact that there will be problems).
Close with a prayer of thanksgiving for our hopes and dreams and a
prayer for God's help and encouragement as we pursue these hopes and
dreams.
Thank God for Family
Children's sermon seed based on 1 Samuel 1:4-20
by an anonymous DPSer
Gather the children around you and interview them about their moms and
dads, brothers and sisters. Ask them about things they enjoy doing
together with family members, places they go together.
Lead into the story of Hannah by telling them how thankful we can be
for our family, and that some people do not have a family, or they are
not close to their family. Tell the story of Hannah who couldn't have
children, but who loved to have a child; that she went down on her knees
and prayer for a miracle and that God answered her prayer (this will
reinforce the message that children are a gift from God).
Remind them that we mustn't forget to thank God for our family even
though we are not always getting along in our families.
Prayer of thanksgiving for the family God has given us.
