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Clay Ornaments

Activity Objective:
To recognize that the Holy Spirit guides the Church's mission
Lesson Outcome:
The children will be able to identify the Holy Spirit as a guide in the Church's mission.
Materials
  • Bibles
  • Dough, prepared before the session (See recipe in Hints section.)
  • Dove-shaped cookie cutters
  • Markers
  • Small strips of ribbon
  • Rolling pin
Directions:
  • Explain to the children the significance of the dove at Pentecost. Remind them that the Holy Spirit arrives in the form of a dove in the Gospels.
  • The children will be creating special dove ornaments of clay or dough. You will need to supply each child with a ball of dough and have small groups share a rolling pin and dove-shaped cookie cutters.
  • Ask the children to think about a special gift they would like to share with others as they make their doves.
  • Pass out dough and dove-shaped cookie cutters, and instruct children to make dove shapes.
  • When all the doves have been molded, help the children poke small holes in the tops of their doves.
  • When all have finished, collect the doves and bake at 200 degrees until they have reached desired hardness (baking times will vary depending on size and thickness of objects). If dough begins to darken before baking is complete, cover with aluminum foil. If time or resources are limited, consider giving recipe to children to bake dough at home with their families.
  • The dough will need time to dry, so invite the children to silently follow along in their Bibles as you read aloud from 1 Corinthians 12:3-7, 12-13.
  • After the reading, invite the children to share how they understand Paul's message.
  • Spend some time discussing the many gifts we possess and can share with others as a way of celebrating our commitment to Jesus.
  • When you feel the doves are dry enough to write on, have the children write in marker across their doves, The Holy Spirit Works in Me.
  • Then, give each child a ribbon to string through the hole on his or her dove.
  • Invite the children to find a special place at home to display their doves.
  • Before the children leave, say: On Pentecost, we celebrate the special gifts that God gives us. The gift of the Holy Spirit strengthens us to continue Jesus' mission in the world today.
Learning Styles:
Art/Space Smart,People Smart,Word Smart
Approximate Time:
30 minutes
Hints:
Use the following recipe to make the dough: Ingredients
4 cups flour
1 cup salt
1 1/2 cups hot water Mix salt and flour together, then gradually add water until dough becomes elastic. Add flour if your mixture turns out too sticky. Add water if it's too crumbly. Knead dough until it's consistent and ready to mold into shapes. Try to have plenty of dough and cookie cutters shaped like doves for the children. If necessary, ask for extra help from parents or parishioners who would be willing to help the children during this activity.

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