Opening Song: The Apostles' Creed
Big Idea: Jesus loves us and we don't have to earn His love!
Story: "Martin Luther: My Reformation Learn & Do" booklet
Lesson (The Story of Martin Luther)
Ask: Do you have rules that you have to follow at home? What are some of them? ... Do you need to follow all the rules perfectly at home for your parents to love you? (NO!)
Say: A long time ago, Martin Luther thought he needed to follow all sorts of rules for Jesus to love him. But Jesus already loves us! He gives His love to all of us as a free gift!
Rules can be good and help us live well - they might help us to be healthy, to not get hurt, to not hurt others, and so on. But even when we break a rule, our parents still love us.
Even when we break God's rules, Jesus loves us. He is already ready to forgive us when we say "Sorry." This is good news that should give us peace, love, and joy in our hearts - so let's sing about that!
Song: Peace Like a River
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.