Being born again through Baptism and the Spirit

Reading - John 3: 1 - 17

Kids Talk:

• In the reading today Jesus says we have to be born again? How could we do this? (Discuss)
• What smart cookies you all are. Of course you can't be born again like you were the first time you entered this world
• That is not what Jesus meant
• What he meant was that we all need to be baptised to show we are part of Jesus' family
• Can anyone of remember if your were baptised and if so what happened? (Discuss)
• Being born again is like turning over a new leaf. In other words to stop being a naughty boy/girl
• When we change our ways and start behaving like nice children, rather than being a pain in the butt, that is partly what Jesus meant.
• In other words we are changing our ways and respecting Mum and Dad and family members and showing we are really a part of that family
• When we do this, our parents will treat us as very special
• In baptism, our parents often had us baptised when we were very small because they wanted us to be part of Jesus special family
• When we are baptised we receive a special strength (which we call God's Spirit) that helps us to live better lives.
• Like last week we spoke about being tempted. When we have been baptised, Jesus really looks out for us to help us in difficult times.
• So today we thank God who looks out for us and continues to use his special spirit (strength) to help us day by day
• What a special friend he is to you and I.

Kids Church Activity:
Activity: To make a boat that floats on water and uses wind to make it move. (cf: Water in baptism and wind of the spirit)

• Cut a boat out of a sponge for each child.
• Make a small hole in the sponge for the straw.
See the illustration.
• Cut sails out of construction paper.
• Print the words "God Gives Us Water & Wind to live by" or some other slogan" on one side of each sail.
• Cover both sides of the sails with clear adhesive covering to make them waterproof.
• Punch two holes on the long side of each sail where indicated.
• Guide children to decorate their sails with crayons. (The wax should stick to the plastic.)
• Help children put the straws through the holes in the sails and then put the straws in the sponges to complete their boats.
• Have a large tub for them to test their creations out on

What you need to get ready:
Require: • Thick sponges • scissors • 15cm lengths of drinking straws • hole punch • construction paper • black permanent marker • clear adhesive covering • crayons

Children's activity that could be included in the newsletter this week for them to use during the service

The activity is related to the day's theme

Today you find a way for Nicodemus to get to Jesus

A simplified reading of the Gospel for today making it easier for children to comprehend.

If you have found these weekly Lent Pages helpful, you may like to consider signing up for the kid's church pages that are produced weekly throughout the year.

The cost is a very small 94¢ a week and contains a mountain of valuable resources.

Check out an overview of the pages at www.grassroots.com.au

THE SPECIAL KID'S CHURCH WEB SITE CONTAINS
• Weekly activities based on the Sunday Lectionary
• Theme days Eg: Pet Sunday, Mother/Father’s Day etc
• Numerous themes from previous weeks
• Simplified biblical stories for children
• Biblical reference of themes
• Powerpoint presentations
• Activity Work Books
• Newsletter activities
• Children’s Talks
• Scripture plays
• Craft activities
• Graphics

Plus other ministry resources for general parish needs.