Gospel: John 15:9-17
Script
Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy and see if she is there. Ready? One, two, three: Good morning, Sammy!
Sammy: Good morning, everyone! Pastor, are we friends?
Pastor: Sammy, you are my very special friend.
Sammy: Really, Pastor?
Pastor: Yes, really, Sammy.
Sammy: Really?
Pastor: Yes.
Sammy: You’re sure?
Pastor: Yes, Sammy. If you ask me again, I might change my mind.
Sammy: Pastor, would you die for me?
Pastor: Well, why do you ask?
Sammy: Jesus says in the gospel reading that the greatest love we can have for each other is to be willing to lay down our lives for our friends. So would you die for me?
Pastor: You are my friend, Sammy. If you needed me to lay my life down for you, I would.
Sammy: Pastor, you make me feel really loved and safe.
Pastor: That’s good. Jesus calls us to love each other just like he loves us. That means that we take care of each other, protect each other, and demonstrate a love that is self-sacrificial, which means that we give up something for someone else.
Sammy: Boys and girls, who shows you Jesus’ love in your life?
[Allow time for responses]
Pastor: Great answers, everyone! Remember that Jesus laid down his life for each one of us because he loves us. He took on our sin, went to the cross, died, and rose again because he loves you. And he’s coming back one day because he loves you.
Sammy: That’s a whole lot of love!
Pastor: Yes it is! Let’s pray. Can we please fold our hands and bow our heads? Dear Jesus, thank you for laying down your life for us. We love you. Help us to love each other and you as you first loved us. Amen.
Sammy: Bye Pastor!
Pastor: Bye Sammy!
