Children's Church: The Little Lost Sheep

Story

Say: Today’s story is in the New Testament.  It is a fun story because it has sheep in it!  What sound do sheep make?  (BAA) That’s right!  I need you to help me with the story.  Every time I sway the work sheep I need you to say “BAA!”  Can you do that?  Good!

Read “The Lost Sheep” from any children's story bible

Lesson

Say: How did the shepherd feel when he found the lost sheep? (happy)  What did he do to show how happy he was (He had a party) God loves us very much, so much that each one of us makes God feels happy!  God shares that joy with us by giving us things that make us feel happy!  What are some things God gives you that make you feel joyful? 

The greatest thing that God gives us is the chance to live forever with Him.  He did that by sending His son Jesus to be our shepherd and find us when we were lost.  That is what this season, called Lent, that ends with Easter is all about.  What did Jesus do for the lost so they could be found (Died on the cross and rose again).  That’s right.  What do the lost have to do to be saved? (Ask Jesus to forgive the bad things they have done and ask them into their heard and life).  That’s right.  If you want to know more about this you can talk to your parents or one of the adults here.

Memory Verse

God loved us so much that he sent His son.  Anyone who believes in him will be saved!  – John 3:16

Big Idea

God send Jesus to be our shepherd and to find us when we are lost.  The lost have can ask Jesus to forgive them of their sins and ask Jesus to come into their hearts and lives and they will be saved!

Prayer

Take a minute to see if the children have any prayer requests or prayer joys.  Say a short prayer thanking God for giving his son to save us.

Song

Pick a song from any children's music DVD.  Use the same song for multiple weeks and have the children perform it in church.

Craft

Find a simple black and white sheep picture (clip art).  Paste it too a work document and adjust the size so it  takes up most the the page.  In large font type "Jesus is my shepherd!" for a title at the top of the page.  Have the children glue cotton balls on the sheep to make it three dimensional.

Children's Church Lesson: Prodigal Son

Story

Say: Raise your hand if you sometimes make bad choices.  (Give children time to raise their hands).  We all make bad choices don’t we.  Some people make more bad choices than others.  Today’s story is about someone who made bad choices and what Jesus had to say about it.  In the story there will be times when people are mad or happy.  We need to give our best mad or happy face at those times.  OK?  Good!

Read “The Prodigal Son” in the any children's story bible allowing the children to respond when appropriate.

Lesson

Say: Why were some people mad at the beginning of our story? (Jesus spent time with people who had done bad things)   What did Jesus do when he heard them grumble? (Told a story)  What did the younger son do in the story? (Took his father’s money and left)  What happened to the younger son? (He spent all his money and had to come back home, to be a servant)  What did his father do when he came back home? (His father was happy and welcomed him back)  How did that make the older son feel? (He was mad).  What did the father say to him? (You are always with me but your brother was lost and now he is found).  Why Did Jesus tell the story? (So people would know that when people who do bad things change and live like God wants, Jesus forgives them and is happy)  That’s right!  Everyone makes bad choices sometimes but when we ask for forgiveness and try to do what God wants Jesus forgives us and he is happy.  We need to remember that Jesus wants to forgive the people around us who do bad things and wants them to live for him.

Memory Verse

We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was lost, but now he is found! – Luke 15:32

Big Idea

Everyone makes bad choices sometimes but when we ask for forgiveness and try to do what God wants Jesus forgives us and he is happy.  We need to remember that Jesus wants to forgive the people around us who do bad things and wants them to live for him.

Prayer

Take a minute to see if the children have any prayer requests or prayer joys.  Say a short prayer thanking God for giving his forgiveness and asking him to help others learn to follow him.

Music

Pick a song from any music DVD (from VBS or Sunday School curriculum).  Consider using the same song for several weeks in a row and then having your group sing it during church (to showcase your ministry).

Craft

There are numerous free coloring pages and craft ideas available online; choose one that works for you.