The Call of Matthew

Today's selected readings: – Matthew 9: 9-13

Kids Address

• How good a listener are you. I am going to pass along a message and we will see how well you listen (Pass the message)
• It is not that easy to hear what other people say if we are not totally alert and giving your total attention to what the other person. If you don't, then you will only hear part of a message or even the wrong message.
• Like when Mum says to you "I want you to clean up your room" - There is a good chance you will "Maybe" hear this
• However if Mum says "I have some great ice creams in the freezer you may like to try", there is a good chance you will have heard that.
• What if you went to see the latest Star Wars film. Would you be alert and enthusiastic or just go to sleep (Discuss)
• Today we read about a man called Matthew. His job was to collect the Government tax from people
• Matthew had heard Jesus speak before and he felt that he spoke sense and was a very exciting person to listen to
• When Jesus challenged Matthew to join his group of special leaders (called disciples), Matthew was ready and resigned from his job and joined Jesus.
• In some ways that was the same for me. I had heard all about God and Jesus from many people over a number of years, and when I was asked to think about become a Priest, I was ready to say yes!
• That is why it is important to listen to what happens in church each week, because this is the way we learn to be better and more effective Christians.
• I wonder how many of you today really listened to the special readings from the Bible. Next week - Let's make a special effort.

Kids Church Activity:
To get across the point of listening to instructions and then acting upon them. Jesus gave Matthew instructions and he obeyed them and joined Jesus. To play the game “Simon Says”

What you need to get ready:
Sweet rewards for those who win and then a smaller reward for everyone at the conclusion