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A Reminder to Be Holy

Activity Objective:
To help the children remember that we are all called to follow Jesus' example of holiness by serving the Kingdom of God
Lesson Outcome:
The children will create a simple cross with a sign reminding them of their vocation to "Be holy because I am Holy."
Materials
  • Two dried branches or dowel rods (per child), one that is 8-10 inches long, and the other 4-6 inches long
  • A large ball of yarn
  • Heavy construction paper, cut into small rectangles (2" x 4")
  • Pens or markers
  • Glue
Directions:
  • As a reminder of their baptismal vocation to be holy as God is holy, explain to the children that they will be working with a partner and making a cross for this person as a symbol of all that Jesus did for us in obedience to God.
  • Let each child choose a partner.
  • Give each child two branches (or dowel rods) of different lengths, a piece of yarn about three-feet long, and a small rectangular piece of construction paper.
  • While one child positions his or her branches to form a cross, the other child should find the center of the yarn and begin to tie the yarn tightly around the sticks where they meet, going diagonally from left to right and then tying a knot. Then the child should loop the yarn around the vertical stick both above and below the cross stick and tie again in the opposite direction.
  • Continue wrapping the yarn around the branches by crisscrossing the yarn over and around the branches until there is just enough yarn remaining to make one final knot. Tie the yarn securely. Repeat this process to create the other person's cross.
  • Using markers, write "Be holy because I am holy" on the small pieces of construction paper.
  • Glue the sayings to the center of each cross.
  • At the end of the session, ask the children to take their crosses home and put them in a visible place where they can easily be seen as a reminder to the children of their call to serve the Kingdom of God and to live lives of holiness.
Learning Styles:
Art/Space Smart
Approximate Time:
10 minutes
Hints:
Smaller crosses could also be made by attaching two popsicle sticks instead of the branches or dowel rods.
Sensitivities:
If there are children in your group with special needs (physical, visual, hearing, language, or behavioral disabilities), adapt the activity accordingly.

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