God's Kingdom Is Among Us

To help the children recognize how through the grace of God, they can use their own gifts to help others

The children will explain how the Kingdom of God is among us when we use his grace to share our gifts with those in need.

• Box with God's Gifts to Me written on top and tied with a ribbon

• Tell the children that they will do an activity in which they will think of ways to share with others the gifts God has given them.
• Show the children the gift box and tell them that it is a symbol. Ask a child to read what is written on top. Suggest that the box is a symbol of all the special gifts that God has given them?the many special qualities and things they know how to do that they can share with others.
• Brainstorm for ideas of gifts and talents. (Examples: patience with sick people, sense of humor to cheer people up, ability to knit, skill at fixing things, skill at playing the violin)
• Invite children to join you at your gathering place. Begin by expressing thanks for one of your own gifts, such as I thank God for the gift of being able to teach children about God. I will use my gift to carry out Jesus' mission.
• Pass the gift box to one of the children, who will do the same and then pass it on. Continue until all of the children who wish to do so have had a chance to respond.
• Conclude by reminding the children that God wants us to use our gifts to help others as Jesus did.

People Smart, Self Smart

Remind the children that they can tell about the gifts they have to offer others in a way that is not bragging.