Kids Make a Difference
Gordon West
Service at Church
Provide opportunities for kids and their families to serve at
church with these ideas.
- Sneak Surprise -- Have preteens wash all the
car windshields in your parking lot during worship services. Leave
behind preprinted notes that say, "Jesus Loves You!"
- Toy Wash -- Children can help your nursery
staff by washing toys. Preschoolers and preteens can work together
to scrub plastic toys according to your nursery policies.
- Birthday Party for
Jesus -- Have an "after Christmas" party where
children can give their gently used toys to your children's
ministry or a shelter in honor of Jesus.
- Family Workday -- Announce a workday for
families at your church. Make a list of chores such as vacuuming,
painting, gardening, or spring cleaning. Provide coffee, juice, and
doughnuts. Create "To Do" and "Done" columns on a wall, and write
instructions for each job on a sticky note. Post the notes on the
"To Do" side. Families can choose their projects and celebrate by
moving the sticky note to the "Done" column when they finish.
- "I'm Serving God" Buttons -- Have kids design
buttons that say, "I'm serving God!" Make the buttons by cutting
out 3-inch diameter card stock circles and having kids decorate
them using stickers, markers, and glitter. Use a hot glue gun
(adults only) to fasten clasps (available at craft stores) on the
backs. Discuss the various ways people serve in your church, then
have children thank these people with a handmade button. Give every
child a button, too, as you celebrate their service at church.
Service in the Community
Seventy-three percent of kids believe they can make a difference
in their communities. We only need to provide opportunities for
children to act on this belief. Try these opportunities.
