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Choose from the following Children's Sermons:

• Juicy Fruits, Galatians 5:1, 13-25, anonymous

• Keep Focused on Jesus, Luke 9:51-62, Michelle, a DPSer

• How Big is a Christian? Galatians 5:1, 13-25
  by Rev. Frank Schaefer

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Juicy Fruits
Galatians 5:1, 13-25
anonymous DPSer
 

In many places in the world summer is beginning. With summer comes God's bountiful array of flowers, fruits, and vegetables.

Today place a large basket filled with nine different fruits on the altar. After the worship service invite the congregation to eat fruit together to celebrate the nine fruits of the Spirit.

Pray to give thanks for these sweet and juicy gifts. As you share this fellowship help the children begin to sense that God fills us up with lots of good things: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

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Keep Focused on Jesus
Luke 9:51-62
Michelle, a DPSer

Put a straight line of masking tape on the floor. Ask each child to walk along the line, one foot in front of the other. They should be able to accomplish it easily.

Then, ask them to do the same thing, only this time, while looking backward, over their shoulders. Most will not be able to stay on the line.

Point: When our focus is in the right place, on Jesus, the line is easy to walk. But even when we lose our focus, and walk out of line, Jesus is there with forgiveness to bring us back, making us fit for the kingdom of God, even though we cannot do it on our own.

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How Big is a Christian?
based on the theme of "Spiritual Growth" (Galatians 5:1, 13-25)
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."