Lent 5 - Jesus is anointed by Mary
 

Today's selected readings: John 12: 1-11
 

The Practical Sermon Activity
* Have you ever been to a baptism where the Priest dips his thumb into a mixture and makes a sign of the corss of the child's forehead?
* What do you think he/she is doing (Explain about anointing, Holy oil etc)
* What the priest is doing is anointing (making an invisable mark on their forehead) and claiming them for Jesus
* It is the way we welcome people into Jesus family.
* What other ways are there that we welcome people in this parish (Discuss)
* Who is the head of the Royal family in England?
* When she became Queen the head of the Anglican Church anointed her. It was the way the Church (and the State of England) set her apart to be special.
* Like in baptism, when the priest anoints the child being baptised, they also become special in God's eyes.
* How many of you have been baptised or as it is sometimes called "Christined" - Then you all are special also.
* Those of you who have not been baptised, maybe it would be a good time to talk to Mum and Dad about this.
* Mary in today's story, by pouring the oil over Jesus feet was in fact preparing him for what was to lie ahead.
* Mary would have known Jesus was special. She would also have known that this was the way special people were set apart for the job they had to do (The Emporer, Governor etc)
* Today you are going to do a little anointing yourselves in the activity planned.

Kids Church Activity:
To colour in the special sticker, place it on the special bottle provided and fill with olive oil (or vegetable oil which is cheaper). Then have the children do a little play acting about being important. Have them take turns of being the important person and the others to be their subjects. Discuss the qualities that are essential in a good ruler and compare them to the life of Jesus.

What you need to get ready:

Small clear bottles with firm screw tops, pre-prepared stickers, coloured pencils/texta's etc, scissors, glue (if stickers are not self stick)

This graphic could be used on stickers you prepare for the small bottles.