CHILDREN'S MOMENTS

INTRODUCTION

 
A "Children's Moment" can be known by a great many names but in my experience it is the part of the service that is set aside specifically for the school-age members of the Congregation, usually before they are dismissed for Sunday School.

These "Moments" are original with me.  If Pride is a sin, then I am a sinner, for I am very proud of all of these.  I offer them to you to use in church or in another faith setting.  

You have my permission to use these freely.  Some of them are scripted and others are more general.  Others still are just germs of an idea, requiring the Spirit to move you in how your kids can best be served.  Regardless, I encourage you to adapt them to your own needs - make them your own.  Remember that a good Moment is short - absolutely no longer than five minutes - "less is more."  Most importantly, the message must be addressed to the youth.  All to often, the children will sit politely on the steps of the chancel while the Pastor or other preacher tries to be cute while talking to the rest of the congregation, ignoring the intended audience.  This is the children's time.  Adults who listen will learn as well, but save the "grown-up" sermon for them.

Also, when presenting these Moments, speak to the children as you would an adult.  Don't be cute or patronizing.  Have a positive message to offer and, most importantly of all, have fun.  There is no point doing these if you are not having fun.

Some of these call for a container of some kind.  I used what I openly call "The Jesus Box."  You can call yours whatever you want.  I recommend you build a pseudo-magician's box - decorated however you want on the outside, but painted black on the inside with flap the covers the bottom of the box.  This allows you to hide an item to be pulled out later.  When not in use, it lies invisible inside the box.

As I said, you have permission to use these Children's Moments and I hope you are inspired to improve on them.  However, you do not have permission to publish them.  Maybe someday I will and I don't want you beating me to the punch!

I sincerely hope these blessings bring you and those you love closer to the love that comes from knowing God.