Sacrifice - Anzac Day

Today's selected readings: - John 15: 9-17 :Lay down ones life for friends”

Kids Address

* When your Mum or Dad was ill, have you ever been asked to help out with some of the jobs they were not able to do (Discuss)
* What about your brother or sister - Have you ever had to pitch in and help do their jobs?
* These jobs are not always pleasant are they! They also mean we have to give up doing some things we enjoy to find the time to do their chores.
* Some times it means giving up going out with friends to help out the family when they need you. This is called sacrifice - Giving up something for the betterment of others (Explain)
• But sacrifice , for the safety of our country, has happened many times before when people have gone off to war .
* You can see the names of those who gave up their life for their country on our honour board. This just deals with people who were parishioners and went to war from this parish.
* Like Jesus who was a hero to many people in his day, gave up his life (as we remember at Easter time) to show us that their was a place called heaven and a place where those who love him go when they die.
* He gave a great sacrifice by his life.
* Many who died in the wars also gave their lives
* And so sacrifice is nothing new. But it shows how serious we are or not.
* In some ways, in a limited way, there are many in this parish who sacrifice their time for the betterment of other parishioners - Sunday Rosters, Lawns. Delivering pamphlets etc.
* Let us thank God for His sacrifice., The sacrifice of Australians who gave their lives in the various wars, but also those who simply sacrifice their time for the benefit of others here at Saint Thomas'

Kids Church Activity:
To make a wreath with flowers etc. This to be brought into church where prayers will be said for the Anzac’s and those who have gone to war. Congregation then sing Advance Australia Fair. Wreath then taken into the memorial garden and Australian flag flown from flagpole.
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What you need to get ready:
Polystyrene wreath, real or artificial flowers, or to make own flowers from tissue paper, greenery, sign attached with the names of all the kids that made the wreath and a slogan saying “Thanks for the sacrifice you made for me”