Ascension theme

Today's selected reading: – Luke 24: 44-53

Kids Address
• Does anyone know what happened to Jesus after he came back to life? What do we call that time of the year? (Easter)
• Jesus then went about visiting his faithful followers to show them he had risen from the dead
• Then it came time for Jesus to return to his Father. This has a special name called "Ascension Day"
• Can anyone tell me what happened on this day?
• Ascension means ascended, went up, but where did he go?
• Just exactly what do you think heaven would be like?
• Heaven is certainly a special place where followers of Jesus go when they die. People like you and I who come here sunday by sunday giving thanks to Jesus for being part of his Christian family here.
• But heaven is a special place up there where your soul/spirit goes (Expalin soul). Your total personality leaves the shell of your body and returns to God where it came from.
• It is a bit like air. You can't see it or taste it, but you know it is all around you and is essential for you to live.
•So your soul returns to God in heaven where there is no more sadness and only happiness every day
• Here you will also greet other loved ones that have died and who have been a part of Jesus' family here on earth.
• Now of course none of us wants to die just yet. We have lots of living and things to do. But a long time from now, all of us who love Jesus, will go to heaven to be with him and our loved ones.
• So each day it is important that w show Jesus we love him and appreciate being part of his family
• One way is to say grace at meals (Explain)
• If you donj't do this now, then just ask Mum and Dad if you can start giving thanks for what the food God provides for you.

Kids Church Activity:
To make a hand held look at heaven. A stick is placed through a round piece of card and a figure of Jesus is affixed to the card at the top. Cotton wool is teased out to look like clouds and glued to the round card top. Place a small sign on the clouds that says "Jesus looks after his loved ones in heaven that have died"

What you need to get ready:
Skewer or Kabab stick, craft glue, card, scissors, cut out of Jesus, masking tape