To build a tower, firstly ask children to help you plan the things you will need, and what it will cost.
As you suggest the items (bricks, cement, scaffolding, a clock, window frames etc.) write each down on a large 'Tower Expenses' list and then take out money for each.
If you run out of money say something like 'Oh, dear! Perhaps I'd better not build a tower after all. I would look a fool if I build half way and couldn't afford a roof, wouldn't I?
What a good thing we checked first, wasn't it?'
Explain how Jesus said that following him might be rather expensive, too, and we'd better decide first whether or not we're prepared to pay the cost before we join him.
What expenses are there in following Jesus? On another 'Christian Expenses'
list, write down what we have to spend or give up to be Christians:
- watching television on Sunday mornings; - telling lies;
- keeping all our sweets to ourselves; - joining in the unkind teasing;
etc.
What do we pay with? - (Have a series of cards that have positive and
negative messages - Eg: Getting jealous because they have a better building
than you do. Being bad tempered etc - Mix these and other negatives with
the list below so children can select)
- kindness;
- love;
- thoughtfulness; - helpfulness;
- peacemaking; - self-control;
- patience;
- cheerfulness; etc.
It costs a lot, doesn't it? But we couldn't spend it on anything that would make us happier.
Remind them that Jesus has spent everything for us - even his life!
Kids Church Activity:
Have older children build a tower and pay for sections as one goes. When
money runs out stress importance of better planning and budgeting. Then
look at a Christian Expenses List and calculate the cost in things you
have to do or give up to be a Christian. Stress what we use to pay for
Christian virtues (Consideration, time etc. Not just money)
Younger children could have a design on paper of a tower, and to simply glue the coloured popsicle sticks to it. On the tower have the same sign as suggested above.
Build a tower with popsicle sticks or match sticks. Sign on side to say "What is costs to be a Christian" Make little flags to hang on the side with the words of the virtues cost for Christians. Eg: – Kindness, Love, Thoughtfulness, Peacemaking, Self-control, Patience, Cheerfulness etc - To make the tower stick, you need fast acting glue (Craft glue or similar). Play money could also be used
