Today's selected readings: James 5: 7-10

Kid's Church talk: -

• Who can explain to me what 'Patience' means? - Discuss
• Children today wants everything to be instant
• Eg: Instant glue, Instant food, Premixed this and that to save time
• Sadly your concentration span is very limited and often you are not happy unless there are a number of things on the go at once.
• In some ways Adults are not a great deal better (certainly younger adults) We don't even have the patience to wait for a computer to load its program, or the internet to download. It's too slow we say. Then we look to purchase a faster and more impressive computer or faster modem or to connect to a digital cable modem etc
• With all this rush rush rush we are at risk of missing out on the things that really matter in our life.
• Eg: Time with our family, talking, playing games, enjoying each others company
• We spend more and more time in our bedroom in front of the TV or the computer, rather than communicating with those who love us.
• It is too hard for you to look ahead and say "I wish I had spent more time with Mum and Dad, or brothers, sisters etc" But the time sadly will come, unless we do something about it now.
• If we really want to show others we really love them, we need to spend time with them. To listen, to laugh, to play.
• Like the farmer mentioned in todays story. He can;'t have an instant crop (like we sometimes do with instant lawn)
• He has to prepare the soil, pant the seen, wait on God to provide the rain and sun, and then wait till his crop grows enough to harvest.
• Then his patience is rewarded.
• God asks us to give him time as well. How many of you actually give time to God through the week by talking to him (saying your prayers)
• God is a very patient God and loves us dearly
• But if we also want a relationship with God, we have to give him time also.
• Why not make a new start this week.

Kids Church Activity:
To make a stocking head. Soil and seed is mixed together in a margarine container and this is placed in the stocking and the bottom tied off. Eyes, mouth etc are then glued on. The patience comes watching the grass gradually grow through the stockings.(assuming they water it regularly) This to brought back the following week to show they have had patience. Bonus points awarded if they return the project.

What you need to get ready:

Stockings, potting mix, lawn seed, margarine containers, buttons, pipe cleaners, scissors, craft glue.