Opening Song: The Apostles' Creed
Big Idea: God loves us so much that He sent His Son to save us.
Story: "The Light of the World" | Spark Story Bible, pg. 416
Lesson Video | Jesus and Nicodemus
Ask: Nicodemus wanted to know more about Jesus' teaching. If you could meet with Jesus, what question would you ask Him? ... How does it make you feel that God loves you and sent Jesus for you? ... How do you think we should thank God for the gift of life with God forever? ... What are you looking forward to most when we get to live with God one day?
Say: We all sin right? We do things that are wrong and hurt God's feelings, hurt others, and sometimes can hurt ourselves. Without Jesus, these sins separate us from God. But God loved us so much that the Father sent Jesus, who is God too. God came to be with us and save us from sin and death. So, the good news for today is that when we are baptized and trust Jesus, we are forgiven for the bad things we do and will live forever with God. That's pretty awesome!
Action for the Kids - Say: God gave us baptism so that we can have clean hearts and be the people of God. When you leave church today, take a drop of water on your finger from the baptismal and make a cross on your forehead. This is one way to remember your baptism and that you are forgiven and will live forever with God.
Song for Kids: John 3:16
Activity Sheets or Play
After the song, hand out the activity sheets. Younger children are welcome to play with the Duplos (encourage them to play out a story that fits with the lesson).
End with the Lord's Prayer when the Usher comes to let you know the prayers have started.
(If you need more time)
Go around the room and ask the children to share something they are thankful for this week.
Ask them if there is anything or anyone they would like to pray for this week.