Toddlers Service – “You are recognised by your fruit”

Today's selected readings: – Matthew 7: 15-20

Kids Address

• Have you ever been tricked into believing something that has turned out not to be true? (Discuss)
• How many of you know the story of little red riding hood? (Discuss)
• In this story we see the wolf dressing up to try and trick red riding hood
• In today's reading Jesus also talks about false people. People who could do you harm by pretending to be your friend, but really are not.
• Of course there are lots of wonderful and safe Jesus people in the church, but Jesus is just warning his people that sometimes people are not who they claim to be and can be awful people - Back stabbers (explain)
• Then there are other people who certainly don't love God and who may hurt you. You have to be careful with these types of people. Eg: Adults who offer you sweets so you will come close to them OR people coming to the door asking if they can come inside (NEVER LET THEM) and don't open the fly wire door. Just talk to them through it and make sure it is always locked.
• Today we have some visitors with us who are from our new Babies and Toddlers group. They are going to help you put together a play about this and then you are going to come back and act it out for us.

Kids Church Activity:
Play depicting the dangers of recognising and responding to the wrong people. Eg: Say No to treats from strangers in the schoolyard. How do others view us. Would people see us as a Christian through the things we do and say. Would we be viewed as a safe person? Toddlers to be involved in play and be mostly a part of the crowd scene. Today, other children also to be involved as: Acolytes, reading, collection, cruets, serving.

What you need to get ready:
Devise a play and bribes of sweets for toddlers.