Scripture 

John 6:1-21 

Script 

Props: A basket with five loaves of bread and two fish. You can use real bread and two real fish (you can get fish filets wrapped up), or you can use paper or plastic versions of the real thing. Use what you have and what is easiest for you. You will need a plastic bag and with ¾ cup of rice in it (that’s about 5,000 grains). You will also need a pack of goldfish for each child. Optional coloring page to print, one for each child: Click here. 

These props are suggestions. Feel free to modify as you see fit or to suit your needs as a congregation. If you include all of these items for your children’s sermon, store in one large basket. A picnic basket with a lid would be perfect, as you can reveal a few items at a time. 

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! What’s in the basket, Pastor?  

Pastor: This basket contains something very special, Sammy.  

Sammy: I love special things. What is it? Tell me! Tell me!  

Pastor: [Opens the basket and shows everyone the items.] I have five loaves of bread and two fish.  

Sammy: Ooooo!  

Pastor: Boys and girls, why do you think I have five loaves of bread and two fish with me today?  

[Allow time for responses]  

Sammy: These answers are all excellent. Jesus talks about how a boy in a large crowd had five loaves and two fish.  

Pastor: Yes! Five thousand people gathered to see Jesus. And they witnessed a miracle: Jesus used these five loaves and two fish to feed all five thousand of them.   

Sammy: Is five thousand more people than we have in our church?  

Pastor: Yes—five thousand is more people than we have for worship today.

 Sammy: How many more?  

Pastor: I have a bag of rice here to show everyone. This bag contains about five thousand grains of rice. Each grain of rice is like a person that Jesus fed. [Show the rice—may let children pass around.] 

 Sammy: But Pastor, I don’t think those two little fish and those five loaves of bread are going to even feed all of the people here today in church. How could they possibly feed five thousand people? 

 Pastor: Jesus can do all things. He is God. He takes the little we give him in faith and he multiples what we give for the glory of God. All we have to do is believe in him and trust him. 

 Sammy: I think sometimes trusting in God is hard, especially when you are hungry. 

 Pastor: Yes, Sammy. Eating is one of our most basic needs, but look at how Jesus provides for us.  

 Sammy: Amen! Let’s pray. Can everyone fold their hands and bow their heads please? Dear Jesus, Thank you for miracles. Thank you for the food we eat each day. Thank you for five loaves, and two fish. Amen. 

 Pastor: Before you go, I have a treat to remind you of Jesus feeding the five thousand. [Give everyone a pack of goldfish.] 

 Sammy: I love snacks! Bye, everyone! 

 Pastor: Bye, Sammy! 

September 1: 15^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 17; Labor Day weekend

Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9 (Keep God’s command fully and diligently)

Psalm 119:129-136 (Your decrees are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them)

RCL/ELW: Psalm 15 (Those who keep commandments may live on his holy hill)

Ephesians 6:10-20 (Put on the whole armor of God)

                RCL/ELW: James 1:17-27 (Be doers, not just hearers, of the Word)

Mark 7:14-23 (Defilement is from within, not without; evils arise in human heart)

                RCL/ELW: Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 (Jesus rebukes Pharisee; omits  a repetition)

*******

Opening hymn: (If not used last week) Be Strong in the Lord in Armor of Light: LSB #665 (perfect for Ephesians text)

                OR (Also if didn’t use last week!) Beloved, God’s Chosen: ELW #648

OR Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus: LBW #389, LSB #660

OR (if not used 7/29) I Bind Unto Myself Today: LBW #188, LSB #604, ELW #450

Hymn of the Day: Fight the Good Fight: LBW #461, LSB #664

                OR O, That the Lord Would Guide My Ways: LBW #480, ELW #772, LSB #707

Communion Hymn #1: Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word: LBW #230, ELW #517,LSB #655

Communion Hymn #2: Lord of All Hopefulness: LBW #469, ELW #765, LSB #738

Closing Hymn: May We Your/Thy Precepts, Lord, Fulfil: LBW #353, LSB #698

                OR On Our Way Rejoicing:  LBW #260,  ELW #537

*******

THE PRAYERS 

Trusting in the goodness of our heavenly Father through the power of the Holy Spirit, let us pray in Jesus’ name for the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Father, thank you for your commandments, given to protect us from sin and limit its evil effect. Thank you for their goodness and wisdom. Help us to keep them out of love for you and for our neighbor.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

In this broken and fallen world, you array your Church in the armor of light and call it to words and deeds of valor. Make it faithful, true, and bold in preaching and doing your strong Word. Make it your strong fortress and safe haven for all who cry to you for help.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Strengthen the Church when it is attacked by those who hate you. Make it wield the weapons of the Spirit not in hatred, but in humble witness to the Prince of Peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Prosper the words and work of this congregation. Through us, let many hear the Gospel, turn to you, and live. Let Jesus’ love shine through our words and deeds, and bring light and life to those around us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

As children head back to school, bless them with good teachers who instill the love of learning and respect for one another. Help us to be mentors, tutors, cheerleaders, and guides, especially for kids who struggle in school. Lead us all by the light of your wisdom and truth.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Shine the light of your countenance upon all who lead the nations. Give them wisdom, humility and integrity, so their people confidently turn to them for justice and may live in safety.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

On this Labor Day weekend, we thank you for honest labor, just wages, and the dignity of work. Help us to encourage and mentor young people embarking on their first jobs. Grant a good way forward for those who seek employment, especially those who need training and a fair break. Together, help us to increase prosperity, health, and justice here and throughout the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant healing, hope, and strength to all who are afflicted by sin and suffering. We lift before you the needs of: {List}. Surround them with your holy angels. Give refreshment, cheerfulness, and confidence to all who care for them. Restore them to the joy of fellowship with all of us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most gracious Father, thank you for the lives of all the faithful departed who were doers of your Word. Grant that we honorably wear the armor of light which you bestow upon us. Help us rightly wield the weapons of the Spirit. In is strength, let us fight the good fight and lay hold of the life, joy, and crown won for us by your Son, Jesus Christ, our Captain and our Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Incline your ear to our prayers, dear Lord; and answer them according to your most gracious and holy will, for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

August 25: 14^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 16

Isaiah 29:11-19 (Wisdom of wise shall perish; poor shall obtain joy, exult in the Lord)

                RCL/ELW: Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18 (Chose your god; “as for me and my house, we

will serve the Lord”)

Psalm 14 (Denunciation of fools who say, “There is no God”)

                RCL/ELW: Psalm 34:15-22 (Vindication of righteous, punishment of evildoers)

Ephesians 5:22-33 (Exhorts wives, husbands; marriage is symbol of Christ and Church)

                ELW: Ephesians 6:10-20 (Put on the whole armor of God)

Mark 7:1-13 (You abandon commandment of God, hold to human tradition!)

                RCL/ELW: John 6:56-59 (The one who eats me, the living bread, will live forever)

*******

Opening hymn: Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing: LBW #499, ELW #807, LSB #686

Hymn of the Day: Lord of Our Life and God of Our Salvation: LBW #366, ELW #766, LSB #659

OR (if preaching on Ephesians 5) As Man and Woman We Were Made:  WOV #751

OR (If preaching on Ephesians 5 OR 6) Beloved, God’s Chosen: ELW #648

OR LSB #665, Be Strong in the Lord in Armor of Light (easy tune!)

OR (If preaching on John) Bread of Life, Our Host and Meal: ELW #464

Communion Hymn #1: Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word: LBW #230, ELW #517, LSB #655

OR Come with Us, O Blessed Jesus: LBW #219, ELW #501

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #263, Abide with Us, Our Savior

(LSB #919, ELW #539, Abide, O Dearest Jesus)

Closing Hymn: LBW #239, God’s Word is Our Great Heritage (LSB #582, ELW #509)

*******

THE PRAYERS 

For the Church, the world, and needs of all people, let us pray to the Lord.

A brief silence

Father, thank you for making us the Bride of Christ – and his soldiers, faithful, true, and bold. Thank you for your living Word and for your Living Bread. Thank you for Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord God, clothe your Church in the spotless raiment and trusty armor of Jesus’ righteousness. Make it his radiant and faithful bride, adorned with beauty, holiness, and grace. Make it his valiant soldier, adorned with courage, integrity, and enduring faith. In all circumstances, use it to draw many afar off to saving faith in Jesus, their Savior, Captain, Bridegroom, and Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Defend and restore your Church when it suffers for the sake of Christ. Exchange its sackcloth of suffering for the festal robes of salvation. Remove from it all stain of sorrow or sin.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless this congregation with your protection and favor. Remind us that we reflect Jesus’ name and character to the world. Keep us faithful, generous, and kind. Help us to share with others the gifts of the Spirit that you have given to us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless husbands and wives, parents and children, sisters and brothers, and all whom we cherish as family. Knit us together in enduring bonds of affection, respect, and fidelity. Bring healing and peace to all households fractured by sin, sorrow, and suffering.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Conform the minds of our earthly leaders to your commandments. Grant them strength to accomplish their responsibilities in accordance with your will. Remove from them the allure of sin, the temptation of power, and the seduction of earthly gain. Teach us to live at peace with one another, gladly sharing the gifts of your creation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep safe all who stand in harm’s way on behalf of others, especially those in our military and all first responders. Give them cool heads and steady hands as they accomplish their duties. Grant success to all they do that serves your will. Reunite them with their loved ones. And speed the day when the arts of war no longer must be learned.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Graciously hear and generously answer our prayers on behalf of all who suffer, including: {List}. Fill their hearts with faith, hope, and peace. Let all who care for them act with gentleness, competence, and cheerful patience.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Father, we entrust our beloved dead into your care. Ease the pain of those who grieve. We still walk by faith and not by sight, so we ask you to sustain us with the Cross of your dear Son and the grace and comfort of your Holy Spirit. In your good time, lead us into the bright courts of heaven.  There, let us and all whom you have redeemed feast on Christ forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Incline your ear to our prayers, dear Lord; and answer them according to your most gracious and holy will, for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

August 18: 13^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 15

Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18 (Renewal of covenant before entering Promised Land)

                RCL/ELW: Proverbs 9:1-16 (Wisdom sets feast, beckons all to eat)

Psalm 34:12-22 (Many are the afflictions of the righteous; the Lord rescues them from them all)

                RCL/ELW: Psalm 34:9-14 (fear and seek the Lord, pursue righteousness;

omits verses about afflictions of righteous)

Ephesians 5:6-21 (Don’t be drunk on wine, but filled with the Spirit)

                RCL/ELW: Ephesians 5:15-20 (eliminates being subject to one another)

John 6:51-69 (My flesh is true food, my blood, true drink; Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life)

******************

Opening hymn: Father, We Praise You: LBW #267, LSB #875

OR Father Most Holy (same tune as previous): LBW #169, ELW # 415, LSB #504

Hymn of the Day: You Are the Way; Through You Alone: LBW #464, ELW #758, LSB #526

Communion Hymn #1: Now the Silence: LBW #205, ELW #460, LSB #910

OR O God, My Faithful God: LBW #504, ELW #806, LSB #696

Communion Hymn #2: Thee We Adore, O Hidden Savior: LBW #199, LSB #640

Thee We Adore, O Savior, God Most True: ELW #476 (Gerard Manley Hopkins translation)

OR I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light: WOV #, ELW #815, LSB #411

Closing Hymn: Now Thank We All Our God: LBW #534/533, ELW #839/840, LSB #895

THE PRAYERS 

For the Church, the world, and needs of all people, let us pray to the Lord.

A brief silence

Dear Father, feed us with wisdom and righteousness. Fill us with your Holy Spirit. Nourish us with the love and life of your dear Son.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Nourish the Church with the fine bread and choice wine of Jesus’ own body and blood. Fill it with your heavenly light and life. Let that light cheer many hearts and guide many lives to you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give wisdom, graciousness, and prudence to all who are persecuted for Jesus’ sake.  Use their witness to strengthen our faith and to call their tormentors to repentance and salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Feed the members of our congregation with the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and fear of the Lord, and joy in your presence. Give us grace to gladly share this feast with our families, neighbors, friends, and communities.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless parents, foster-parents, and all who care for your little ones. Fill them with the bounty from Wisdom’s table, so that they may raise up their children in godliness and integrity.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

As Wisdom sets her feast before everyone, move the hearts of earthly rulers to heed her invitation and sit at her table. Feed them all they need to think, speak, and act in accordance with your will. Let all who are entrusted to their care prosper and live in peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you for the service of those in our military, and all first responders. Give them wisdom, courage, and competence in dangerous situations. Heal the wounded, and shelter those who fall in the line of duty. Bring swiftly and safely home those whose work is not yet done; and grant us all your peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You hear the cries of the righteous and of all who suffer. Hear and graciously answer our prayers on behalf of all who are afflicted by pain, grief, shame, or despair, including: {List}. Restore their health, hope, and joy in the company of all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, thank you for our beloved dead, who with St. Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” Please strengthen our faith in your dear Son, and fill us with your Spirit. Lead us safely through this life into the fullness of your Kingdom. There, with all whom you have redeemed, we shall rejoice in your great love forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Incline your ear to our prayers, dear Lord; and answer them according to your most gracious and holy will, for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

August 11: 12^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 14

1 Kings 19:1-8 (Elijah flees from Jezebel, is fed by angel, to go where God leads him)

                RCL/ELW: 1 Kings 19:4-8 (No Jezebel!)

Psalm 34:1-8 (Look to the Lord, be radiant; taste and see how gracious the Lord is)

Ephesians 4:17-5:2 (Old vs. new life; rules of that new life)

                RCL/ELW: Ephesians 4:25-5:2 (No mention of lusts, licentiousness)

John 6:35-51 (I am the bread of life; I will raise you up at the last day)

                RCL/ELW: John 6:35, 41-51 (Omits Jesus’s words about doing Father’s will)

*******

Opening hymn: God of Grace and God of Glory: LBW #415, ELW #705, LSB #850

OR Let the Whole Creation Cry: LBW #242, ELW #876

OR Now We Join in Celebration: LBW #203, ELW #462

Hymn of the Day: Lord, Enthroned in Heav’nly Splendor: LBW #172, ELW #475, LSB #534

OR I Am the Bread of Life: WOV #702, ELW #485

Communion Hymn #1: Where Charity and Love Prevail: LBW #126, LSB #845

Communion Hymn #2: For the Bread Which You Have Broken: LBW #200, ELW #494

OR Eat This Bread, Drink This Cup: WOV #706, ELW #492, LSB #638

Closing Hymn:  How Great Thou Art: LBW #532, ELW #856, LSB #801

OR O Living Bread from Heaven: LBW #197, ELW #542, LSB #642

OR By Your Hand You Feed Your People: ELW #469

*******

THE PRAYERS 

For the Church, the world, and needs of all people, let us pray to the Lord.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, let us taste and see how gracious you are! Lord Jesus, feed us with yourself, now and always! Holy Spirit, give us eyes of faith to look upon our Savior and be radiant!

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Father, feed your Church with the life of Christ. By the power of your Spirit, raise it up on the last day as the Bride of Christ. Raise up pastors, bishops, and theologians to feed your people with your living Word. Let many taste and see your graciousness, and be forever blessed for trusting in you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant faithfulness, courage, and refreshment to your persecuted Church. Make their witness shine the light of your judgment and your forgiveness in the hearts of their persecutors.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You are the life and salvation, the living bread and eternal hope of this congregation. Bless our words and deeds, our worship and fellowship. Use us to glorify your name and to feed our neighbors with food that satisfies hearts, minds, souls, and bodies.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless everyone learning to be true disciples of Jesus, especially as they encourage others to walk with Him. Give them the bread of faith, hope, and love to strengthen them along the way.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Raise up among us rulers who are guided by your Word. Incline their ears to the cries of the needy, and to the instruction of your prophets. Teach us all that true justice and lasting peace are founded upon your commandments. Give us grace and strength to live by them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You fed Elijah in the wilderness, and he journeyed forty days in the strength of that food. Grant the bread of health and salvation to all who dwell in the wilderness of suffering. Strengthen them in their pilgrimage. Surround them with compassion and encouragement. Keep them steadfast in faith and strong in hope. Today we especially plead on behalf of: {List}.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We bless you for our beloved dead who now taste and see the full measure of your gracious care.  Give us joy in our sorrows and hope in our struggles. Keep us close to Jesus. Raise us up at the last day, and make us radiant as we look upon our beautiful Savior – our life, our joy, and our crown, now and forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Incline your ear to our prayers, dear Lord; and answer them according to your most gracious and holy will, for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

August 4: 11^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 13

Exodus 16:2-15 (Israelites complain, God sends quail, manna; Moses says complaint is

against God)

                RCL/ELW: Exodus 16:2-4, 9-15 (less warning)

Psalm 145:10-21 (The eyes of all look to you, you give them food in due season)

RCL/ELW: Psalm 78:23-29 (Mortals ate bread of heaven)

Ephesians 4:1-16 (Unity of the Body of Christ, through the Spirit)

John 6:22-35 (My Father gives true bread from heaven. I am the bread of life)

*******

Opening hymn: Guide Me Ever/O Thou Great Redeemer:

LBW #343, ELW #618, LSB #918

Hymn of the Day: At the Lamb’s High Feast: LBW #210, ELW #362, LSB #633

(This can also be sung to tune for “Songs of Thankfulness and Praise, LBW #90)

OR You Satisfy the Hungry Heart: WOV #711, ELW #484, LSB #641

Communion Hymn #1: Come, Let Us Eat, for Now the Feast Is Spread:

LBW #214, ELW #491, LSB #626

OR What Feast of Love: WOV # , ELW #487

Communion Hymn #2: O Living Bread from Heaven: LBW #197, LSB #642

Closing Hymn:  Onward, Christian Soldiers: LBW #509, LSB #662

OR Behold, How Pleasant: ELW #649

*******

THE PRAYERS 

For the Church, the world, and needs of all people, let us pray to the Lord.

A brief silence

Father, thank you for giving us the bread we need for body and soul. Thank you for providing for us, even when we are estranged from you and from our neighbor. Thank you for Jesus, our Life, our Bread, our source of unity with you and with each other.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Your Church is the body of Christ. Give it unity with him and unity in him. Let your Holy Spirit fashion the Church into the likeness of Jesus, so that when it speaks and acts, people hear and see their Savior.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make us mindful of our union with those who are persecuted for Jesus’ sake. Let them know they are not forgotten by you or by the rest of the Church. May their faithful witness feed their enemies with the bread of repentance and faith.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Feed the people of this congregation with the living Bread of Heaven. Nourish us with the Cup of Blessing from Christ’s hand. Help us to know the depth, height, and breadth of your love. Fill us with your Spirit, so we can share your love with others.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you for those who maintain food pantries, soup kitchens, community gardens. Thank you for everyone who feed the hungry and help them feed themselves. Grant that, as bodies are nourished, minds, hearts, and spirits are also fed with the living Bread from Heaven.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Guide the thoughts, words, and actions of our earthly rulers. Guide and teach them, so all people receive what they need to live in peace. Give us the desire and means to feed one another not only with bread that perishes, but also with your imperishable and holy Word.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You open your hand and fulfil the desire of every living creature. Please open your hand to grant health, hope, strength, and guidance upon all whose need is great, including: {List}. Feed them with faith and fill them with the refreshing waters of your grace and salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

With reverence and affection, we remember before you all our loved ones who have died and are at rest in you. Keep us in union with them through our union with Jesus. Strengthen bonds of affection with our fellow pilgrims along life’s journey. Bring us all, with all whom you have redeemed, into the joy and life you share in union with your Son and the Holy Spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Incline your ear to our prayers, dear Lord; and answer them according to your most gracious and holy will, for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Scripture 

Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 

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: Uggg! Good morning, everyone.  

Pastor: Sammy, what’s wrong?  

Sammy: I am really tired, Pastor. I haven’t had any rest in several days.  

Pastor: That’s not good, Sammy. What have you been doing?  

Sammy: Pastor, the better question to ask me is, “What haven’t you done?”  

Pastor: It’s that bad?  

Sammy: It’s that bad.  

Pastor: You seem upset, Sammy.  

Sammy: Of course I am upset! I didn’t get any naps this week. I have been helping Farmer Mark with all of the chores around the farm, and I have been making sure my younger cousins know where to go in the barn when we come in from the pasture. They get lost so easily. It’s just go-go-go and I don’t get any breaks.  

Pastor: Just take a deep breath, Sammy. In fact, let’s all take a deep breath. Ready? Breathe in. Breathe out. Feel better?  

Sammy: A little.  

Pastor: Boys and girls, do you ever feel like Sammy? Do you ever feel tired and frustrated about not getting time to rest? 

[Allow time for responses]  

Sammy: I am glad I am not the only one who feels this way.  

Pastor: Of course, not, Sammy. Even Jesus and his disciples didn’t have time to rest sometimes.  

Sammy: They didn’t?  

Pastor: Jesus had to be very intentional about resting, and he encouraged his disciples to rest, too.   

Sammy: But why does Jesus need rest?  

Pastor: Jesus is fully God and fully man, and he modeled for us how to live in the best way, and part of living full lives includes taking time to rest.  

Sammy: Pastor, I think I am going to go home after church and take a nap. Who’s with me?  

Pastor: That’s great everyone. Sundays are the perfect days to rest and spend time with your family. We are going to say a prayer. Can everyone please fold your hands and bow your heads? Dear Jesus, Thank you for encouraging us to rest. Thank you for helping us to center our lives on you. Amen.  

Sammy: Bye, everyone!  

Pastor: Bye, Sammy! 

Scripture 

Ephesians 1:3-14 

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, I heard a big word during your reading of the gospel lesson today. 

Pastor: There were several big words. Which one would you like to talk about, Sammy? 

Sammy: In-her-i-tance. 

Pastor: Inheritance. Sure, Sammy. We can talk about that. I want to see if the boys and girls know what this word means. Boys and girls, what is an inheritance? 

[Allow time for responses] 

Pastor: These are great answers/guesses. An inheritance is something that a person gains after another person dies. When a person is still living, he or she usually decides to give his or her money and house and car to another person or to many people. Then, when that person dies, the family members receive an inheritance of a house, a car, or money. 

Sammy: Can a person give an inheritance of smaller things, too? 

Pastor: Of course! Sometimes people give their family members jewelry or special objects that they have in their homes. 

Sammy: That’s so cool! So my great-grand-maa-maa gave my maa-maa a shiny bell to wear around her neck in the pasture. And one day I will get the bell. 

Pastor: That’s the right idea, Sammy. An inheritance is really special because it shows people that you love them. 

Sammy: Hmm. 

Pastor: What’s the matter, Sammy? 

Sammy: I’m confused, Pastor. How does an inheritance matter in church? What does it mean in the reading from Ephesians? 

Pastor: In the reading from Ephesians, Paul explains to the people of Ephesus that when Jesus died on the cross, we received an inheritance from him. 

Sammy: We did?! 

Pastor: We did. 

Sammy: That is the coolest inheritance yet! Wait, what is the inheritance from Jesus, again? 

Pastor: We are given many gifts, but the main gift is the Holy Spirit. We are also given an inheritance as sons and daughters of the King of Kings: Eternal Life with Jesus. 

Sammy: That is the sweetest inheritance. 

Pastor: Yes it is. Let’s pray. Can everyone please fold your hands and bow your heads? Dear Jesus, Thank you for dying on the cross for us. Thank you for giving us an inheritance of the Holy Spirit. Thank you for letting us party with you forever. Amen. 

Sammy: Bye, everyone! 

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

Scripture 

Mark 6:1-13 

Script 

Props: You will need a duffle bag or suitcase filled with items for the beach or for a vacation to the beach. Suggestions: beach toys, sunglasses, a towel, a book, clothes, a swimsuit, snacks) 

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, I am going on a trip.  

Pastor: Where are you going, Sammy?  

Sammy: It’s summer, and I am going to the beach!  

Pastor: Have you ever been to the beach before, Sammy?  

Sammy: Nope! It’s my first time going to the beach. I am looking forward to traveling and relaxing.  

Pastor: Sammy, I think you should talk to the boys and girls about the beach. There’s some things that you need to know about it. Boys and girls, what can you tell Sammy about the beach? 

[Allow time for responses]  

Sammy: The beach sounds great! I cannot wait to go.  

Pastor: Sammy, did you pack a bag for the beach?  

Sammy: I did! I left it on the floor in the front of the church.  

Pastor: Boys and girls, do you see Sammy’s bag?  

[Allow the children to retrieve and open the bag]  

Pastor: Sammy, this bag is big—you must have a lot of items packed for the beach. How many days are you going to stay at the beach? 

Sammy: Just two days. 

Pastor: Let’s see what Sammy packed. [Have the children help unpack Sammy’s bag. Name the items as they come out.] There’s a lot of stuff in here, Sammy.  

Sammy: Baa-haha. I have to be prepared, Pastor.  

Pastor: You know, Sammy, I know a lot about being prepared and making sure you have what you need, but a lot of this stuff isn’t important or necessary for the beach.  

Sammy: Oh?  

Pastor: You know, in our gospel reading for today, Jesus sent out his disciples on a trip. He told them not to take anything with them.  

Sammy: What?!  

Pastor: They were only to take a staff and the clothes they were wearing.   

Sammy: And their wallets so they could buy whatever they needed.   

Pastor: No, Jesus told them not to take any money with them.  

Sammy: Okay, so then they packed a lot of snacks.  

Pastor: No snacks.  

Sammy: . . . Baahahaha.  

Pastor: Really, Sammy. No snacks.  

Sammy: But how did they survive? What did they eat? What did they wear?  

Pastor: That’s the whole point, Sammy. Jesus wanted them to trust that God would always provide for them, no matter what. The disciples did incredible miracles in the name of Jesus and God took care of them every step of the way.  

Sammy: You know, Pastor, I think that you can take that bag with you. I’ll trust God to provide for me on my trip to the beach.   

Pastor: That’s the spirit, Sammy. Boys and girls, can we please fold our hands and bow our heads? Dear Jesus, thank you for calling us to trust you. Thank you for sending us into the world to serve. Thank you for providing for us. Amen.  

Sammy: Bye, everyone!  

Pastor: Bye, Sammy! 

Scripture: Mark 5:21-43 

Script 

Prop: A new band-aid for each child. 

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: How are you doing today, Sammy? 

 Sammy: I am doing really well. I had my breakfast this morning and my maa-maa brushed my wool and I made it to church on time.  

 Pastor: That’s great, Sammy!  

 Sammy: How are you, Pastor? 

Pastor: I am doing well, but I have something on my mind. 

 Sammy: What’s on your mind? 

 Pastor: I’m wondering how much faith we have as a congregation. 

 Sammy: What do you mean? 

 Pastor: Well, when I read the gospel reading for today, we heard about Jairus and his faith that Jesus could heal his daughter. And while Jesus was on his way to heal the girl, a woman had such a big faith that Jesus could heal her if she could just reach out and touch his clothes. What do you think, boys and girls? How do we know if we have faith like Jairus and the sick woman? 

 [Allow time for responses] 

 Pastor: These are all great answers, everyone! 

 Sammy: Pastor, I think our congregation has great faith. St. Paul talks about how blessed we are because we have not seen Jesus, and yet we still believe in him. 

Pastor: That’s right, Sammy. I was also thinking about how Jesus heals our bodies and also our spirits. He takes care of our physical needs and our spiritual needs. 

 Sammy: Just like in the gospel you read today! Jesus healed a woman and a girl, and when the girl was raised up from the dead, Jesus told her mom and dad to give her something to eat. He knew she was hungry and she needed food. I love that Jesus takes care of us—especially because I am always hungry! 

 Pastor: Me too, Sammy. Remember that Jesus also takes care of our spiritual bodies, our souls, too. When he raises Jairus’s daughter from the dead, his miracle points to the resurrection of his own body when he will rise from the dead. And guess what? 

 Sammy: What? What? 

 Pastor: Jesus will raise each of us from the dead, too. 

 Sammy: That’s so cool! I will get to live forever with Jesus. 

 Pastor: Yes—we get to live with him in Heaven, and one day, he will come back and Heaven and earth will be one. 

 Sammy: And there will be no more death or pain, and we will not need to be healed anymore. We won’t need to buy any more band-aids, Pastor!  

 Pastor: Speaking of band-aids, one of the best ways I know to help us with healing is a band-aid. I am going to give each of you a band-aid (a new one) to remind you that Jesus is our great healer. You can put it on now, or you can save it for when you really need it. 

 Sammy: I want one, too, please! [Pastor puts a band-aid on Sammy] Oooo I love it! Jesus is our healer: both of our bodies and our spirits. 

 Pastor: Let’s say a prayer together. Boys and girls, will you fold your hands and bow your heads with me, please? Dear Jesus, thank you for healing our bodies. Thank you for providing for us. Thank you for raising us up to new life in you. Amen. 

 Sammy: Bye, everyone! 

 Pastor: Bye, Sammy!