Lent 2 - March 1st

Take up your cross and follow me : Give up secular priorities.

Today's selected readings: –Mark 8: 34-38

• Have you ever wanted something real bad, and had to accept something that was not quite the same (Discuss)
• It could be you buy a replica toy from the supermarket instead of "Toys R Us"
• The trouble is that often we see other kids with certain things we don't have, and feel that to be accepted by them, we should also have them - Eg Designer clothes etc - .
• Of course these items don't make a person any better - Why? (Discuss)
• Yes, it is because of what is inside a person that really matters.
• Some times when we see a tough looking person, shaven head, tattoos, ripped clothes etc, we steer away from them as they look like they may hurt someone.
• True you have to be very careful if you feel in danger, but not all people who dress like this are bad people. Eg: Many bikers raise money for toys to give to kids at Christmas, visit nursing homes etc.
• In today's reading Jesus says we must take up our cross and follow him.
• This means we should put less value on things of this world and more of things in the next world. (Explain what you mean)
• Sure it is great to have nice things, and sometimes this means having designer clothes or toys.
• But Jesus is telling us it is more important to be valued for who you are - A caring, loving, sharing, understanding person.
• These are the things in life that really matter. They are the things that people really value in others.
• So next time you receive something that is not as good as you wanted, just remember that if you have the qualities I mentioned before - Caring, sharing etc - You will be more valued by your friend Jesus.

Kids Church Activity:
To have a cut out model that clothes (Boys and girls designs) can be added to. Designer clothes to be pre-coloured with Nike or similar logo added, then to have three sets of basic designs that the children can colour in and cut out. These to be set up like in a shop for the children to purchase from “monopoly type money” they have been given. The Nike brand would be very expensive, and you could purchase three normal garments for the same money. Point out one could be selfish & just purchase a Nike brand with no money left over, or you could purchase two other NON NIKE garments with money over to be given to a good cause. Stress Jesus says we must take up our cross. That is, put more emphasis on things that really matter in life than just keeping up with our friends material things.

What you need to get ready:
Card cut out of figure (A4 size), designed clothes printed off in colour, boys and girls clothes in black & white outline to be coloured in, coloured pencils, textas, scissors, monopoly money of equal amounts for each child, Store front window.