The House That God Built: Session II

Ready:
One large (11x17) sheet of stiff felt for felt board, about 11 different colors of felt squares cut out to make the symbols of items found in the church (to go with the rhyme the symbols should include a book, music note, censer, chalice, prosfora, altar table, iconostasis, candle, icon, icon stand, rug and cross), copy of the rhyme, “The Church That God Built”.

Optional: Ribbon, sticky backed Velcro tabs and hole punch to make a closure and handle for the felt board.

Set:
With this activity we want the children to be able to identify elements in the church that make it God’s home.

Go!:
Familiarize yourself with the rhyme “The House That God Built”, based on the traditional rhyme, “The House That Jack Built”. Provide each child with a set of symbols. As you mention the item have the children place it in their church, the felt board. Spend some time discussing each item such as why we have candles and incense (to see our prayers rising to God). Icons, pictures of people (saints) that are still part of the church.

Variation: If there are a large number of children, assign each one a symbol. Every time they hear their symbol they must stand up and spin around once. Builds good listening skills!

Before, during and after the activity:

• Make the connection between their home and God’s home. i.e. similar items found in both, comfortable place with people that love each other.

Try Asking:

• What do you hear, see, smell, taste and feel in God’s house?