Pentecost

Children’s Chapel

May 15, 2016
Pentecost

Introduction for Teachers: Today is Pentecost Sunday in which we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit. In today’s Bible story, Jesus has ascended to the Father in Heaven and the apostles have gathered together. Before Jesus’ Ascension he told the apostles that he would always be with them and that they would receive an advocate, the Holy Spirit, to help strengthen and inspire them in the work God has called each of them to do in his name.

Welcome: Children will enter quietly and sit together on the floor. Welcome all children and ask if there are any new friends today.

Preview the Story: Last week we talked about how we are all children of God and that each of us together, like puzzle pieces, make up the bigger picture which is the kingdom of God. We are all unique and we are all equally important in God’s kingdom. We are all also deeply loved by God.  Jesus tells his disciples before his Ascension to the Father in Heaven that he will continue to live among them in their hearts and that the Father will be sending the gift of the Holy Spirit to strengthen and inspire them. Today we will hear about the special day, which we call Pentecost, that the disciples received the gift of the Holy Spirit.

           

The Bible Story: Acts 2:1-21 (For Teacher Reference)

2When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. ²And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. ³Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. ⁴All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.

Read Aloud: The Jesus Storybook Bible pages 326-331

Respond to the Story: Isn’t it wonderful how much God loves each one of us! God loves us so much that he gives us the Holy Spirit just as he gave to the disciples all those years ago on the first Pentecost. We can rejoice knowing that God’s love strengthens and inspires us through the power of the Holy Spirit. We can also know that God’s love for us is never ending and that we are never alone because God lives in each of our hearts.

This morning I want to show you something that might show you how the Holy Spirit works in each of us. Do you see this flashlight? How many of you have flashlights at home? Flashlights are useful for helping us to see in the dark. I wonder how a flashlight works to make it light up? (Allow answers, then open up the flashlight and look inside.) You’re right! A flashlight has batteries that give power to the flashlight to make it shine. Even though we can’t see the source of the power in the flashlight, we know that the batteries are there to make the flashlight shine. In the same way a battery gives power to make a flashlight shine, the Holy Spirit gives power to each of us to shine the light of Jesus. Even though we can not see the Holy Spirit, God’s Spirit and love are always with us to strengthen and inspire us.

Sing: Younger children sing with Kathryn first and then she will go to the older children’s classroom

Pray:  Thank you God for loving each of us as your children and for sending us the Holy Spirit to strengthen and inspire us as we grow in your love each day.

Response Activity: Children will make a Holy Spirit Flame Headband to wear as they return to the sanctuary.