Introduction and Contents.

Introduction and Contents.

Contents.

In 2002 I began sending out Newsletters to Children's ministers worldwide, and this Blog contains the teaching material from all my published Newsletters since then.

 

NOTE. You can now find me on FACEBOOK. Check out my site at :-
http://facebook.com/maurice.sweetsur
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NOTE. New Blog from Maurice Sweetsur - "Bible answers for kids" - http://bibleanswersforkids.blogspot.com/
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Who made God? Is there life elsewhere in the Universe? Why is my brother/sister nasty to me? When did God create the dinosaurs? Did Jesus really rise from the dead? Where is heaven? When will the world end? Why do we have earthquakes? Can Christians perform miracles?
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These are just a few of the children’s questions that are answered in this Blog.

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NOTE. To view the earlier Newsletters, scroll down to the bottom of the page, look under 'Archives' and click on 'September 2004'.

To find out more about my ministry to children in New Zealand, go to my main 'Blog' -
http://www.unclemaurice.blogspot.com/

If you wish to access only Object Lessons (passive, active and illusions), go to http://objectlessons.blogspot.com/

If you wish to access only Bible lessons and Teaching Tips go to http://teachinglessons.blogspot.com/

If you wish to access only stories, skits and puppet plays, go to http://christianstoriesandplays.blogspot.com/

To access "Bible answers for kids" go to
http://bibleanswersforkids.blogspot.com/

To access all my material on major teaching themes, check out the 'Special Blog' sites below :-

1. Creation. http://www.ms-creation.blogspot.com/
2. Christmas. http://www.ms-christmas.blogspot.com/
3. Easter. http://www.ms-easter.blogspot.com/
4. The Bible. http://www.ms-bible.blogspot.com/
5. Prayer. http://www.ms-prayer.blogspot.com/
6. Hearing from God. http://www.ms-hearing.blogspot.com/
7. The Ten Commandments. http://www.ms-tencommandments.blogspot.com/
8. John 3.16. http://www.ms-john316.blogspot.com/
9. Teaching Memory verses. http://www.ms-memoryverses.blogspot.com/
10. Gospel Illusions. http://www.ms-gospelillusions.blogspot.com/
11. Object Lessons (using natural laws). http://www.ms-objectlessons.blogspot.com/
12. Lessons involving balloons. http://www.ms-balloons.blogspot.com/
13. Lessons involving fire. http://www.ms-firelessons.blogspot.com/

To check out my 'Kidzone' site for children, go to http://www.funatkidzone.blogspot.com/

To access previous 'Kidzone' publications, go to :- http://www.kidzonearchives.blogspot.com/

Maurice Sweetsur
mnmsweetsur@xtra.co.nz

"Your articles and ideas ministered to thousands of leaders around the globe. - - - - Your ideas really have made a global impact on children’s ministry!"
- Gary & Ailsa Linn, Children's Ministry Today.

 

Newsletter 87.

 

Investigating the science behind Creationism.

Homeless man.

Can you read this?

The Hospital Bill.

A Past funny.

 

Newsletters 1-21 (Reproduced).

 

 

Newsletter 86.

 

Christian Religious Education in State schools.

O. L. 75 - The importance of recycling.

O.L. 70 - Long distance miracles (Cutting a Banana into segments).

O.L. 76 - Christmas symbols - The Candy Cane.

 

Newsletter 85.

 

Christian based values programmes in State primary schools.

Teaching tip 56 - God's unconditional love.

Story - The wise man.

Laugh Break. A Job funny 1.

Laugh Break. A Job funny 2.

 

Newsletter 84.

 

Our amazing earth (Illustrated).

 

Newsletter 83.

 

Does "Bible" teaching in state schools make a difference?

O.L. 73 - Changing water into blood.

O.L. 74 - Predicting a number.

T.T. 55 - Christian Myths.

Laugh Break - Things learned with time.

 

Newsletter 82.

 

T.T. 54 - Playing for God's team.

O.L. 72 - Feeding the 5,000.

Question - Did the Apostle John travel through time?

Laugh Break - "Praise the Lord."

 

Newsletter 81.

 

Why does God answer some prayers but not others?

Devotional - When I say, "I am a Christian."

Funzone - "Job requirements" for children's ministry.

                - Funmail.

Newsletter 80.

 

Story - "Whistle down the wind"

Bible Answers for Kids -

What is my purpose in life?

Can Christians perform miracles?

Did people evolve from monkeys?

Was the Universe created with a "Big Bang"?

When will the world come to an end?

Why do we have earthquakes?

 

Newsletter 79.

Teaching tip 53 - Discipleship.
Embarrassing moments and misunderstandings.
Stories that touch the heart.

Newsletter 78.

Teaching tip 52 - Getting to know your children.
Story - The old oak tree.
A retirement funny.
Serenity.

Newsletter 77.
(Theology for kids - Part 2).

Questions and answers.

1. What proof is there that God exists?
2. Why did Adam and Eve sin against God?
3. If Adam and Eve were white skinned, how did dark skinned people come about?
4. When did God create angels?
5. Where did Cain get his wife from?
6. Did God make cavemen?
7. Why is my brother / sister nasty to me?
8. If I ask God for something, will He give it to me?
9. Do people have more than one life on earth?
10. If God knows the future, does that mean that what is going to happen is going to happen?
11. Do all religions lead to God?

Newsletter 76.
(Theology for kids - Part 1).

Qesations and answers.

1 - Did Jesus really rise from the dead?
2 - Is Jesus really God?
3 - How can I know that the Christian faith is true?
4 - Did God write the Bible?
5 - When is Jesus coming back to earth?
6 - Why does God allow suffering?
7 - Can I be a Christian even if my parents aren't?


Newsletter 75.

T.T. 50 - The Church.
O.L. 36 - The fair distribution of food.
Story - Jesus for tea.
T.T. 51 - The road of life.
Ice breaker - Colour trick.
Kids and love.
"Little Johnny" funnies.

Newsletter 74.
(A 'John 3.16' special).

God's daily blessings.
Teaching John 3.16.
Illustration - Receiving Jesus.
Stories to illustrate John 3.16 :-
1. A soldier gives up his life for his friends.
2. Message in a bottle.


Newsletter 73.
(A 'Bible' special).

Teaching tip - Teaching Bible stories in context.
Story - Jo Jo and the umbrella.
Object Lesson - Obedience brings success.
Object Lesson - Straight and crooked roads.
Object Lesson - Drawing a picture whilst blindfold.
Object Lesson - God's Guidance.
Object Lesson - The flaming Bible.
Teaching tip - The progressive revelation of God.
Fundamental Beliefs - Did God write the Bible?



Newsletter 72.

Teaching top 49 - What children need to understand about God.
Story - "I give you me!"
Ponderisms.
Laugh break - Walking by faith.

Newsletter 71.

What proof would satisfy?
Puppet play - I don't believe in God.
T.T. 48 - The twelve days of Christmas.
A Scientist funny.
An Evolution funny.
A message by George Carlin.

Newsletter 70.

Cuthbert the clock.
O.L. 71 - Drawing a picture whilst blindfold.
"Conversations with God".
A brief Halloween explanation.
Can you read this?
Marriage humour.

Newsletter 69.

Story - Jo Jo and the Umbrella.
O.L. 38 - Obedience brings success.
O.L. 13 - God's Guidance.
A Lie funny.
Maurice's Blog sites.

Newsletter 68.
(A Creation special - Part 2).

Letter to an atheist - A Birdbox and a tree.
T.T. 20 - Creation and Evolution.
Creation or Evolution? - A comparison.
T.T. 47 - Big bang or big mess?
Your questions answered.
(Taken from "Kidzone - Archives" - http://www.kidzonearchives.blogspot.com/ ).
Who made God?
Is there life elsewhere in the universe?
Why did God make us, and the world?
Which came first, the chicken or the egg?
When did God create the dinosaurs?
Why is water essential for life?
Why did God use Adam's rib to create Eve?
After Eden

Newsletter 67.
(A Creation special - Part 1).

T.T. 43 - Our amazing earth.
O.L. 20 - Teaching Creation using balloon modelling.
T.T. 4 - Ideas on teaching about Creation.
O.L. 29 - A memory feat.
The vastness of the universe.
O.L. 37 - God can do things instantly.
O.L. 28 - God's provision.


Newsletter 66.

O.L. 70 - Long distance miracles (cutting a banana in half).
Monologue - Esther.
Church funnies.
The Bible and the cell phone.

Newsletter 65.

Consequences of Evolutionary teaching.
Creation or Evolution. Does it really matter what we believe?
T.T. 47 - Big bang or big mess?
O.L. 60 - Separation from God.
A heaven funny.

Newsletter 64.

T.T. 44 - Using Christian songs to teach Biblical truths (Part2).
T.T. 45 - Dead to the world.
T.T. 46 - The day of rest.
A refiner funny.
From a Mathematical viewpoint.

Newsletter 63.

Story - The portrait of the son.
T.T. 44. Using Christian songs to teach Biblical truths.
Laugh Break. George's favourite jokes.
Children's ministry in today's church.
Lessons from Noah's Ark.

Newsletter 62.
(A 'Prayer' special)

T.T. 31 - Teaching children to P.R.A.Y.
T.T. 1 - Getting children to pray in public.
T.T. 2 - How we should pray. A lesson from blind Bartimaeus.
T.T. 12 - The Lord's prayer.
Story - God knows best.
O.L. 53 - Using your fingers as a prayer reminder.
O.L. 52 - Ask and you shall receive.
O.L. 16 - Break in communication with God.

Newsletter 61.

Teaching tip 41 - Symbols of Christmas.
Teaching tip 42 - Commitment to Christ - Two analogies.
Teaching tip 43 - Our amazing earth.
Creation or Evolution?
Devotional - The Calling.
A Puzzle funny.

Newsletter 60.

Jimmy and the six weird witches (Parts 4 - 6).

Newsletter 59.

Jimmy and the six weird witches (Parts 1 - 3).

Newsletter 58.

T.T. 40 - Made in the image of God.
Story - Honouring your parents.
O.L. 67 - The writing on the wall.
O.L. 68 - Using the Mobius loop to teach Memory verses.
Quiz - Who am I?
Church Funnies.

Newsletter 57.

Story - The Little Monkey.
O.L. 38 - Obedience brings success.
Laugh break 2 - Why God made moms.


Newsletter 56.
(A Fire special)

O.L. 65 - The Flaming Bible.
O.L. 17 - Burning bush and fiery furnace.
O.L. 3 - Why does God allow suffering?
O.L. 32 - Facing trials and troubles.
O.L. 25 - Jesus is the light of the world.
O.L. 66 - Candle in a jar.
O.L. 19 - The meaning of the cross.
O/L/ 57 - Our sins are gone forever (Flashpaper).



Newsletter 55.


Story - "Hank" / Object lesson 64 - Jesus cleanses us from sin.
T.T. 39 - Why Christians praise God.
Ice breaker - "Hold your tongue."
Selection from parish bulletins (Part 2).


Newsletter 54.

Play - The water pump.
Object Lesson 63 - Three miraculous signs for Moses.
Teaching tip 38 - The progressive revelation of God.
Selection from Parish bulletins (Part 1).


Newsletter 53.
(An Easter special)

Teaching tip 18 - Jesus Understands.
O.L.18 - What happened at the cross? - Jesus takes away our sins.
O.L.19 - The meaning of the cross.
O.L. 48 - The resurrection of Christ.
O.L. 57 - Our sins are gone forever (Flashpaper).
O.L.25 - Jesus is the light of the world.
Puppet play - "What is Easter all about?"
Elimination Quiz 3 - Easter.
Game 1 - The forgiveness game.
Craft - Making a 'fun' Easter card.

Megan - A testimony.

Newsletter 52.
(A Balloon special)

Balloon game.
O.L. 62 - Jumping on balloons.
O.L. 13 - God's guidance.
O.L. 15 - Little sins grow bigger.
O.L. 27 - Needle through a balloon.
O.L. 32 - Facing trials and troubles.
Game - Forgiving others.
Teaching memory verses.
Teaching tip 6 - Use of balloon modelling in Children's ministry.
O.L.20 - Creation.


Newsletter 51.

Teaching tip 37 - Children are special.
O.L. 60 - We are valuable to God.
Story - The healing of the paralytic (Mark 2. 1-12).
O.L. 61 - Overcoming gravity.
Did God create evil?
Things to learn from a dog.


Newsletter 50.
(A Christmas special)

Puppet play - What is Christmas all about?
O.L. 8 - Receiving Jesus
T.T. 15 - Telling the C.H.R.I.S.T.M.A.S. story.
O.L. 54 - The Christmas tree.
Craft - Making a 'fun' Christmas card.
Elimination quiz - Christmas.
O.L. 25 - Jesus is the light of the world.
A Birthday Celebration.
Newsletter 49.

A story for Remembrance Sunday - Doing your duty.
Teaching Tip 35. Presenting puppet skits and plays.
Play. The Unmerciful Servant.
Teaching Tip 36. Steps to forgiving others.
Important Recall Notice !!


Newsletter 48.
Object Lessons (Physical).
O.L. 2 - Faith (A water experiment).
O.L. 3. Why does God allow suffering?
O.L. 5. Staying in the centre of God's will.
O.L. 7. God's protection.
O.L. 10. Walking on water.
O.L. 12. Straight and crooked roads.
O.L. 13. God's guidance.
15. Little sins grow bigger.
17.Burning bush and Fiery furnace.
19. The meaning of the cross.
23. Standing up under pressure.
24. Defeating evil with good.
27. Needle through a balloon.
31. Discovering your gifts.
32. Facing trials and troubles.
34. The seriousness of sin.
Object Lesson 40. - Samson pad.
Object Lesson 42 - Gravity.
Object lesson 56 - God's protection (Blow paper into bottle).


Newsletter 47.

T.T. 33 - Our lives are on loan from God.
T.T. 34 - Religion or Christianity.
O.L. 59 - The Mobius strip.
Object Lessons (Chemical).


Newsletter 46.

Teaching tip 32 - Peer pressure.
Play - Tenants on the farm.
Object lesson 58 - Saying 'No' to drugs.


Newsletter 45.
(An Illusion special)

Object Lesson (O.L.) 6. Defeating Giants.
O.L. 9. Which way?
O.L. 11. We are special.
O.L. 14. Making the right choice.
O.L. 16. Break in communication with God.
O.L. 22. Miracles.
O.L. 25. Jesus is the light of the world.
O.L. 29. A memory feat.
O.L. 30. The Trinity.
O.L. 33. Can we trust our senses?
O.L. 38. Obedience brings success.
O.L. 40. Samson pad.
O.L. 48. The resurrection of Christ.
O.L. 57. Our sins are gone forever (Flashpaper).


Newsletter 44.

T.T. 31- Teaching children to P.R.A.Y.
Definition quiz.
Story - Doing the right thing.
A Golf funny.

Newsletter 43.

Story - Daniel in the lion's den.
Story - Processionary caterpillars.
Play - Bartimaeus.
A Job funny.
Discipline in class.

Newsletter 42.

Story - DOG / GOD.
Story - Message in a bottle.
T.T. 29 - Memory verses on cardboard discs.
Play - Zacchaeus.
T.T. 30 - Teaching Bible stories as real history.
A success 'funny'


Newsletter 41.

Story - A free pardon.
Story - The true picture of your life.
O.L. 57. Our sins are gone forever (Flashpaper).
World Client.

Newsletter 40.

Teaching tip 27 - New Life in Christ.
Teaching tip 28 - Assurance of salvation.
Monologue - King Neb.
Laugh Break.

Newsletter 39.

Teaching tip 26 - Head belief or heart belief?
- Story of Blondin.
Story - God uses children (Wesley Steelberg).
O.L. 56 - God's protection (Blow paper into bottle).
Things kids say (4).

Newsletter 38.

Teaching tip 25 - The Ten Commandments.
Story - God knows best.
Teaching Children to pray.
Harry Potter mania.
Things Kids say (3).

Newsletter 37.

Story - Feeding the 5000.
Teaching tip 24 - Knowing Jesus or knowing about Jesus?
Testimony - "May I call you - - - "
From the kids.
Riddle.
Things Kids say when praying.

Newsletter 36.

Story - A free pardon.
Excellence in Sunday School.
If children live - - -

Newsletter 35.

Teaching tip 23 - The Good Samaritan.
Play - The Good Samaritan.
Story - Jesus for tea.Love: A paraphrase of 1 Corinthians 13.
Why God loves little children.
Humour - Billy Graham.

Newsletter 34.

Teaching tip 22 - The lost son.
Play - The lost son.
Four gifts from the Father.
Story - A modern Prodigal.
Game 1 - The Forgiveness game.
Game 2 - Forgiving others.
Web sites for children.
Things kids say (2).
Sobering Blessings.

Newsletter 33.

Teaching tip 21 - The lost sheep.
Fun story - The lost sheep.
Lost sheep skit.
Seven core values every child needs.
A right funny.

Newsletter 32.

Creation or Evolution. Does it really matter what we believe?
Teaching tip 20 - Creation and Evolution.
Object Lesson 55 - The new birth.
Study finds 'Believers do not train their children' with faith in mind.
Craft 2 - Joined in love.

Newsletter 31.

Teaching tip 19. Teaching Bible stories in context.
1. God's Time Line
2. God's Plan for Man.
3. God's Diary.
4. The Wordless Book.
5. The Seven C's of History.
6. Four words to describe the history of the world.
A Children funny.

Newsletter 30.

Teaching tip 18. Jesus Understands (Easter).
Elimination quiz 3 - Easter.
A love funny.

Newsletter 29.

What do children believe?
Blessings from children.
Teaching tip 17 - Ideas for teaching about Zacchaeus.
The Five Foundations of Children's Ministry.

Newsletter 28.

Teaching tip 16. How God speaks to us.

Newsletter 27.

Teaching tip 15. Telling the C.H.R.I.S.T.M.A.S. story.
O.L. 54. - The Christmas tree.
Craft 1.- Making a 'fun' Christmas card.
Elimination quiz 2 - Christmas.
Fundamental Beliefs 7. The work of Jesus Christ. 2. Jesus took us to the cross with Himself.
A Birthday Celebration.

Newsletter 26.

Helping children cope with acts of terrorism.
Teaching tip 14. What's in a name?
Object Lesson 53. Using your Fingers as a prayer reminder.
Elimination Bible quiz. 1. - General.
Fundamental Beliefs 7. The Work of Jesus Christ. 1. Jesus died for our sins.
Christian one liners.
A job funny.

Newsletter 25.

Teaching tip 13. Teaching Memory verses.
Fundamental Beliefs 6. The Person and work of the Holy Spirit.
Redefining Children's Ministry in the 21st. Century. By Becky Fischer.
10 Myths about children.

Newsletter 24.

Fundamental Beliefs 5. What do Christians believe?
Object Lesson 51. Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Object Lesson 52. Ask and you shall receive.
Teaching tip 12. The Lord's Prayer.
Explanation of God by an 8 year old.
A success 'funny'.

Newsletter 23.

Fundamental Beliefs 4. Why does God allow suffering?
Teaching Tip 10. Use of Storytelling.
Teaching Tip 11. What is love?
The letter reference.

Newsletter 22.

Fundamental Beliefs 3. Did God write the Bible?
Teaching tip 9. Noah's Ark and the flood.
Noah Jokes.
O. L. 49. R U E ?
O. L. 50. Trust. a. A mousetrap.
b. Falling backwards.
More Gems from the classroom.

Newsletter 21.

Fundamental Beliefs 2. Is Jesus really God?
Teaching tip 7. Use of Ventriloquism to teach class rules.
Teaching tip 8. Leading children to Christ.
Young children and salvation. By Terri.

Newsletter 20.

Fundamental Beliefs. 1. Did Christ really rise from the dead?
O.L. 48 - The resurrection of Christ.
Teaching Tip 6. Use of Balloon modelling in Children's ministry.
The Paradoxical Commandments - ANYWAY.

Newsletter 19.

Teaching Tip 5 - Developing good habits.
A. Teaching children how to make right choices.
O.L. 46 - Making right choices.
O.L. 47 - Choosing the right friends.
B. Teaching children to be generous givers.
Things Kids say.

Newsletter 18.

Teaching Tip 4 - Ideas on teaching about Creation.
O.L. 41. The earth, sun and moon (Acting out their motions).
O.L. 42. Gravity (Demonstration with a ball and string).
O.L. 43. Can nothing turn into something? (An experiment with an empty jar).
O.L. 44. Dependence on oxygen (Holding your breath)
O.L. 45. "Made after its own kind."(An Acorn example).
Seven reasons why not to mess with a child.

Newsletter 17.

Overcoming discipline problems - by making your lessons fun and exciting.
Teaching Tip 3. (For use with the David and Goliath story).
O.L. 39. Wrestling match (Defeating Giants).
O.L. 40. Samson pad (Defeating Giants).
5 things I have learned about Kids. by Karl Bastian.

Newsletter 16.

Teaching Tip 1 - Getting children to pray in public.
Teaching Tip 2 - How we should pray (A lesson from blind Bartimaeus).
O.L. 38. Obedience brings success (Pencil passes through a handkerchief).
What's wrong with grownups? by Rev. Ong Chooi Seng.

Newsletter 15.

Evangelising children - Your response.
O.L. 36. The fair distribution of food (Involving the children).
O.L. 37. God can do things instantly (Two instant calculations).
Testimony - Miracles do happen!

Newsletter 14.

O.L. 34. The seriousness of sin (Two methods).
O.L. 35. Sin grows rapidly (Two methods).
More classic comments - All from children.
More anecdotes from the doors.
Unusual answers.
Parting comments.
Do children need to be saved? - Evangelist Miller.

Newsletter 13.

O.L. 31. Discovering your gifts (Hidden colors).
O.L. 32. Facing trials and troubles (Balloon, water and fire).
O.L. 33. Can we trust our senses? (Audio and visual illusions).
Anecdotes from the doors.

Newsletter 12.
O.L. 29. Memory feat (Adam's amazing memory).
O.L. 30. The Trinity (An illusion with three ropes).
Classic comments - All from children.
I am a Christian because . . . . . . . ... ...

Newsletter 11.
O.L. 27. Needle through a balloon (Miracles / Testimony).
O.L. 28. God's provision (Dandelions).
Puppet play - How do you get to heaven?
A points funny.
Ice Breaker - A tongue twister.
Newsletter 10.

O.L. 25. Jesus is the light of the world (Trick candles).
O.L. 26. God is all knowing (Five different methods).
What children believe - Results of survey.

Newsletter 9.

O.L. 22. Miracles (Large disc goes through small hole).
O.L. 23. Standing up under pressure (Plastic tops in water).
O.L. 24. Defeating evil with good (paper is stronger than wood).
Gems from the classroom.
The questions Kids ask.

Newsletter 8.

O.L. 20. Creation (Balloon modelling).
O.L. 21. The Trinity (Food colorings).
Ice Breakers.
1. Body challenges.
2. Dumb laws.
3. Advice for kids.

Newsletter 7.

Puppet play - "What is Easter all about?"
O.L. 18. What happened at the cross (A chemical experiment).
O.L. 19. The meaning of the cross (Experiment with a candle, glass and water).

Newsletter 6.

O.L. 14. Making the right choice ('Force' the right card to be chosen).
O.L. 15. Little sins grow bigger (Bursting balloon).
O.L. 16. Break in communication with God (Restore a cut rope).
O.L. 17. Burning bush or Fiery furnace (Flaming cloth is not consumed).
Puppet play - "What is Christmas all about?"
Teaching Memory verses - Diminishing words.

Newsletter 5.

O.L. 12. Straight and crooked roads (Tearing strips of paper).
O.L. 13. God's guidance (A balloon guidance system).
John 3.16.
Story - A soldier gives up his life for his friends.
Teaching on John 3.16.

Newsletter 4

O.L. 9. Which way? (Octagon illusion).
O.L. 10. Walking on water. (Floating pin).
O.L. 11. We are special. (Rope illusion).

Newsletter 3.

O.L. 6. Defeating Giants (Optical illusion with two cards).
O.L. 7. God's protection (Coin is blown into dish).
O.L. 8. Receiving Jesus (Gifts have to be received).

Newsletter 2

O.L. 3. Why does God allow suffering? (Invisible ink).
O.L. 4. Filled with the Holy Spirit (Baking soda).
O.L. 5. Staying in the centre of God's will (Cork floating on water).

Newsletter 1.

Who is Maurice Sweetsur?
Object Lesson (O.L.) 1 - Growing to be like Christ (Fruit in bottle).
O.L. 2 - Faith (A water experiment).


Object Lessons - All Newsletters.



Newsletter Title.

1 Growing to be like Christ (Fruit in bottle). (Object lesson 1)
1 Faith (A water experiment). (2)
2 Why does God allow suffering (Invisible writing). (3)
2 Filled with the Holy Spirit (Baking soda) (4)
2 Staying in the centre of God's will (Cork floating on water). (5)
3 Defeating Giants (Optical illusion with two cards).(6)
3 God's protection (Coin is blown into dish). (7)
3 Receiving Jesus (Gifts must be received). (8)
4 Which way? (Octagon illusion). (9)
4 Walking on water (Floating pin). (10)
4 We are special (Rope illusion). (11)
5 Straight and crooked roads (Tearing strips of paper). (12)
5 God's guidance (A balloon guidance system). (13)
6 Make the right choice (Force the right card to be chosen). (14)
6 Little sins grow bigger (Bursting balloon). (15)
6 Break in communication with God (Restore a cut rope). (16)
6 Burning bush or Fiery furnace (Flaming cloth is not consumed). (17)
7 What happened at the cross (A chemical experiment). (18)
7 The meaning of the cross (Experiment with a candle, glass
and water). (19)
8 Creation (Balloon modelling). (20)
8 The Trinity (Food colorings). (21)
9 Miracles (Large disc goes through small hole). (22)
9 Standing up under pressure (Plastic tops in water). (23)
9 Defeating evil with good (Paper is stronger than wood). (24)
10 The Light of the world (Trick candles). (25)
10 God is all knowing (Five different methods). (26)
11 Needle through a balloon (Miracles/Testimony). (27)
11 God's provision (Dandelions). (28)
12 Memory feat (Adam's amazing memory). (29)
12 The Trinity (Illusion with three ropes). (30)
13 Discovering your gifts (Hidden colours). (31)
13 Trials and troubles (Balloon, water and fire). (32)
13 Audio and visual illusions (Test your senses). (33)
14 Sin is serious (Two methods). (34)
14 Sin spreads (Two methods). (35)
15 The fair distribution of food (Involving the children). (36)
15 God does things instantly (Two instant calculations). (37)
16 Obedience brings success (Pencil through a hankie). (38)
17 Wrestling match (Defeating Giants). (39)
17 Samson pad (Defeating Giants). (40)
18 The earth, sun and moon (Acting out their motions). (41)
18 Gravity (Ball on string). (42)
18 Can nothing turn into something? (Empty jar). (43)
18 Dependence on oxygen (Holding your breath). (44)
18 Made after its own kind (An Acorn example). (45)
19 Making right choices. (46)
19 Choosing the right friends. (47)
20 The resurrection of Christ (Coin through rubber sheet). (48)
22 R U E ? (49)
22 Trust. a. A mousetrap. b. Falling backwards. (50)
24 Taste and see that the Lord is good. (Trying out God's
promises for yourself). (51)
24 Ask and you shall receive (Asking God for our needs). (52)
26 Using your Fingers as a prayer reminder. (53)
27 The Christmas tree. (54)
32 The new birth. (55)
39 God's protection (Blow paper into bottle). (56)
41 Our sins are gone forever (Flashpaper). (57)
46 Saying 'No' to drugs. (58)
47 The Moibus strip. (59)
51 We are valuable to God. (60)
51 Overcoming gravity. (61)
52 Jumping on balloons. (62)
54 Three miraculous signs for Moses. (63)
55 Jesus cleanses us from sin. (64)
56 The Flaming Bible. (65)
56 Candle in a jar. (66)
58 The writing on the wall (67)
58 Using the Mobius loop to teach Memory verses (68)
65 Separation from God (69)
66 Long distance miracles (Cutting a banana in half) (70)
70 Drawing a picture whilst blindfold (71)

82 Feeding the 5,000. (72)
83 Changing water into blood.(73)

83 Predicting a number (74)

86 The importance of recycling (75)

86 Christmas symbols - The Candy cane (76)

Object Lessons - By Category.

Category. Object Lesson Nos.

Bible. 13, 65, 68, 71.
Character 1, 3.
Christian Living 6, 13, 23, 24, 25, 31, 36, 39, 40, 58, 75.
Christmas 54, 76.
Creation 20, 28, 29, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45.
Easter 18, 19, 25, 48.
Faith / Miracles 2, 10, 17, 22, 27, 48, 61, 62, 63, 67, 70, 72, 73
God's love 8, 11, 69.
God's omniscience 26, 74.
God's omnipotence 37.
God's promises 51.
God's protection 7, 32, 56
God's provision 6, 28, 39, 40, 42, 44.
Heaven 49, 74.
Holy Spirit 4, 13.
New birth 55.
Obedience 5, 13, 38.
Our senses 33.
Prayer 16, 52, 53
Right choices 9, 12, 14, 46, 47, 69.
Self Esteem 60.
Sin / Forgiveness 15, 16, 18, 19, 34, 35, 57, 59, 64, 69.
Suffering 3, 23, 32.
The Trinity 21, 30.
Trust 50.
Witnessing 9, 25, 27, 66.



Teaching Tips.

Newsletter. Title.

16 Getting children to pray in public. (1)
16 How we should pray (A lesson from blind Bartimaeus). (2)
17 Overcoming discipline problems - by making your lessons fun and exciting.
17 Ideas for teaching the David and Goliath story. (3)
18 Ideas on teaching about Creation. (4)
19 Developing good habits. (5)
A. Teaching children how to make right choices.
B. Teaching children to be generous givers.
20 Use of Balloon modelling in Children's ministry. (6)
21 Use of Ventriloquism to teach class rules. (7)
21 Leading children to Christ. (8)
22 Noah's ark and the flood. (9)
23 Use of storytelling. (10)
23 What is love? (11)
24 The Lord's prayer. (12)
25 Teaching Memory verses. (13)
26 What's in a name? (14)
27 Telling the C.H.R.I.S.T.M.A.S. story. (15)
28 How God speaks to us. (16)
29 Ideas for teaching about Zacchaeus. (17)
30 Jesus Understands (Easter). (18)
31 Teaching Bible stories in context. (19)
32 Creation and Evolution. (20)
33 The lost sheep. (21)
34 The lost son. (22)
35 The Good Samaritan. (23)
37 Knowing Jesus or knowing about Jesus? (24)
38 The Ten Commandments. (25)
39 Head belief or heart belief? (26)
40 New Life in Christ (27)
40 Assurance of salvation (28)
42 Memory verses on cardboard discs (29)
42 Teaching Bible stories as real history (30)
44 Teaching children to P.R.A.Y. (31)
46 Peer pressure (32)
47 Our lives are on loan from God. (33)
47 Religion or Christianity. (34)
49 Presenting puppet skits and plays. (35)
49 Steps to forgiving others. (36)
51 We are valuable to God. (37)
54 The progressive revelation of God. (38)
55 Why Christians praise God. (39)
58 Made in the image of God (40)
61 Symbols of Christmas (41)
61 Commitment to Christ - Two analogies (42)
61 Our amazing earth (43)
63 Using Christian songs to teach Biblical truths. (44)
64 Using Christian songs to teach Biblical truths (Part 2). (44)
64 Dead to the world. (45)
64 The day of rest. (46)
65 Big bang or big mess? (47)
71 The twelve days of Christmas (48)
72 What children need to understand about God. (49)
75 The Church (50)
75 The road of life (51)
78 Getting to know your children (52)
79 Discipleship (53)

82 Playing for God's team (54).
83.Christian myths (55)

85.God's unconditional love (56).


Fundamental Beliefs.

Newsletter. Title.

20 Did Christ really rise from the dead? (1)
21 Is Jesus really God? (2)
22 Did God write the Bible? (3)
23 Why does God allow suffering? (4)
24 What do Christians believe? (5)
25 The Person and work of the Holy Spirit. (6)
26 The Work of Jesus Christ. 1. Jesus died for our sins. (7)
27 The Work of Jesus Christ. 2. Jesus took us to the cross with
Himself. (7)


Testimonies.

Newsletter. Title.

1 Who is Maurice Sweetsur?
15 Miracles do happen.
37 "May I call you - - - "
53 Megan - A testimony.
74 God's daily blessings.
79 Embarrassing moments and misunderstandings.


Puppet plays.

Newsletter. Title.

6 What is Christmas all about?
7 What is Easter all about?
11 How do you get to heaven?
33 The lost sheep.
34 The lost son.
71 I don't believe in God.


Plays / Skits.

Newsletter. Title.

17 David and Goliath.
34 The lost son.
35 The Good Samaritan.
42 Zacchaeus.
43 Bartimaeus.
46 Tenants on the farm.
49 The unmerciful servant.
54 The water pump.


Stories.

Newsletter. Title.

5 A soldier gives up his life for his friends.
17 David and Goliath.
33 The lost sheep.
34 A modern Prodigal.
35 Jesus for tea.
36 A free pardon.
37 Feeding the 5000.
38 God knows best.
39 Blondin (Head belief or heart belief?)
39 God uses children (Wesley Steelberg).
41 A free pardon.
41 The true picture of your life.
42 DOG/GOD
42 Message in a bottle.
43 Daniel in the lion's den.
43 Processionary caterpillars.
44 Doing the right thing.
49 Doing your duty. (A story for Remembrance Sunday).
51 The healing of the paralytic (Mark 2. 1-12).
55 "Hank"
57 The Little Monkey.
58 Honouring your parents.
59 Jimmy and the six weird witches (Parts 1 - 3).
60 Jimmy and the six weird witches (Parts 4 - 6).
63 The portrait of the son.
69 Jo Jo and the Umbrella.
70 Cuthbert the clock.
72 "I give you me!"
78 The old oak tree.

80. Whistle down the wind.

85. The wise man.

 

 

Theology for kids.

 

Newsletter.     Title.

 

76. Theology for kids Part 1.

77. Theology for kids. Part 2.

80. Bible Answers for kids.

Monologues.

Newsletter. Title.

40 King Neb.
66 Esther.



Crafts.

Newsletter. Title.

27 1. Making a 'fun' Christmas card.
32 2. Joined in love.


Ice Breakers.

Newsletter. Title.

8 Body challenges.
8 Dumb laws.
8 Advice for kids.
11 Tongue twisters.
55 Hold your tongue.
75 Colour trick.


Humour.

Newsletter. Title.

9 Gems from the classroom.
11 A points funny.
12 Classic comments.
14 More Classic comments.
18 Seven reasons why not to mess with a child.
19 Things kids say.
22 Noah Jokes.
22 More Gems from the classroom.
23 The letter reference.
24 Explanation of God by an 8 year old.
24 A success 'funny'.
26 Christian one liners.
26 A job funny.
27 A Birthday Celebration.
30 A love funny.
31 A Children funny.
33 A right funny.
34 Things kids say (2).
35 Humour - Biil Graham.
37 Things kids say when praying.
38 Things kids say (3).
39 Things kids say (4).
40 Laugh Break 1.
42 A success funny.
43 A job funny.
44 A Golf funny.
49 Important Recall Notice!!
51 Things to learn from a dog.
54 Selection from Parish bulletins (Part 1).
55 Selection from Parish bulletins (Part 2).
57 Laugh Break 2 - Why God made moms.
58 Church Funnies.
61 A puzzle funny.
63 George's favourite jokes.
63 Lessons from Noah's Ark.
64 A refiner funny.
64 From a Mathematical viewpoint.
65 A heaven funny.
66 Church funnies.
66 The Bible and the cell phone.
69 A Lie funny.
70 Can you read this?
70 Marriage humour.
71 A Scientist funny.
71 An Evolution funny.
72 Ponderisms.
72 Laugh Break - Walking by faith.
75 Kids and love.
75 "Little Johnny" funnies.
78 A Retirement funny.
78 Serenity.

81 Funzone

82 Laugh Break - "Praise the Lord."
83 Laugh Break - "Things learned with time."

85 A job funny - 1.

85. A job funny -2.


Children.


Newsletter. Title.

9 The questions kids ask.
10 What children believe - Results of survey.
14 Do children need to be saved?
15 Evangelising children - Your response.
16 What's wrong with grownups?
17 Overcoming discipline problems - By making your lessons
fun and exciting.
17 5 things I have learned about kids.
21 Young children and salvation.
25 Redefining Children's ministry in the 21st. Century.
25 10 Myths about children.
26 Helping children cope with acts of terrorism.
29 What do children believe?
29 Blessings from children.
29 The five foundations of Children's ministry.
32 Study finds 'Believers do not train their children' with faith in mind. 33 Seven core values every child needs.
35 Why God loves little children.
36 Excellence in Sunday School.
38 Teaching children to pray.
43 Discipline in class.
63 Children's ministry in today's church.

Witnessing.


Newsletter. Title.

12 I am a Christian because _ _ _ _ _ _ _ .
13 Anecdotes from the doors.
14 More anecdotes from the doors.
14 Unusual answers.
14 Parting comments.


Games.

Newsletter. Title.

34 The forgiveness game.
34 Forgiving others.
52 Balloon game.


Quizzes.

Newsletter. Title,

26 Elimination Bible quiz 1 - General.
27 Elimination Bible quiz 2 - Christmas.
30 Elimination Bible quiz 3 - Easter.
37 Riddle.
44 Definition quiz.
58 Who am I?

Devotional.


Newsletter. Title.

20 The paradoxical commandments - Anyway.
34 Sobering Blessings.
35 Love: A paraphrase of 1 Corinthians 13.
36 If children live - - -
37 From the kids.
61 The Calling.
71 A message by George Carlin.
79 Stories that touch the heart.

81 When I say "I am a Christian".


Miscellaneous.

Newsletter. Title.

5 John 3.16.
6 Memory verses - Diminishing words.
41 World Client.
51 Did God create evil?
61 Creation or Evolution?
71 What proof would satisfy?

81 Why does God answer some prayers but not others?

82 Did the Apostle John travel through time?

83. Does "Bible" teaching in state schools make a difference?

85. Christian based values programmes in State primary schools.

86. Christian Religious Education in State schools.

Newsletter 87.

Newsletter 87 from Maurice Sweetsur

Ministry Update.

I have been greatly blessed already this year during the taking of numerous children's programmes in Churches and Primary schools throughout Auckland. However, at a time when Christian beliefs and values are under so many attacks from different quarters in New Zealand,  two experiences stand out for me in particular

1.I have been teaching "Bible" at a school in South Auckland for the last 19 years. This is now very much a multicultural school and the Christian Religious Education (CRE) programme is offered during Terms 2, 3 and 4, to Year 5 and 6 children. There are usually about 130 of them in total. For about the last 6 or 7 years the school has also run their own "Values" programme concurrently with our CRE programme. Thus parents / guardians have to choose which programme to send their children to.

The number of children attending the CRE programme had for a number of years been between 40 and 50 (about 35% of the total). The Deputy Principal told me that our low numbers were because there were a lot of Moslem children in the school. However, early last year, I obtained permission from the school to take a sample lesson for all the Year 5 and 6 children so as to give them an indication of what our programme is like. Subsequently our CRE numbers jumped up to 93 (72%). This year I was again allowed to take a sample lesson, and our pupil numbers are now 118 (91%). Praise the Lord!

Obviously parents or guardians have the final say on which programme their children attend. However, if we make our "Bible" programmes interesting enough, children will want to be part of them. Consequently, as long as their parents are not strongly antagonistic to Christianity, they may be able to influence their choice of programme.

2. I had the privilege of sharing at Willow Park Christian camp during the recent school holidays. I was greatly blessed to see how the children really entered into the Praise and worship sessions, readily prayed publically, and shared their testimonies. A good proportion of the youngsters also made either first time commitments or recommitments to the Lord.

I was greatly encouraged to spend four days mixing with the young campers. If they are representative of the next Christian generation, we will be entrusting the continuance of the Gospel into good hands. I came away with a new found confidence in the future of the Church and consequently our country.

Contents.

This Newsletter is a little different than usual as I am not sharing any new teaching insights. However, I have recently received a number of items via email from various sources that have blessed, challenged or amused me. I thought that I would share them with you.

Investigating the science behind Creationism.

Homeless man.

Can you read this?

The Hospital Bill.

A Past funny.

Investigating the science behind Creationism

Martin Kentish | Network Norwich and Norfolk, UK

Here's the rub. Before I became a Christian I believed everything I was told about evolution. All those things were definite 'facts' because everyone I knew seemed to believe them. Even after becoming a Christian, I didn't think the 'New Earth Creationists' had a scientific left to stand on. I was wrong.

Evolution or creation? Old Earth or New Earth? To answer the questions I did what many people do in trying to fit what I read in the Bible into the evolutionary worldview I previously held.

For example, the 7 days of Creation weren't days at all, but some period of time that really meant millions of years. I had become a Theistic Evolutionist trying to fit the Bible into science which I used to believe was true.

As I grew in my awareness of God, I couldn't help but think if He said 'days' in the Bible and referred to morning and evening, then He probably meant days as we know them. The more I grew in my awareness of God, the more I doubted what I was previously told from an evolutionary view.

What really kicked off the search was a very simple view I held which was that if something 'appeared' to be designed, then it probably was. I was acutely aware that I might be trying to fit my Christian worldview into scientific data, but kept going back to let the scientific data speak for itself.

Then courtesy of a dear friend, Eric Hopley, my eyes were open to a chap called Dr Grady McMurtry. He is a very clever chap - an evolutionary specialist - but became a Christian at 27 which presented him with the same problem.

Rather than leave his brain behind and simply reiterate 'God did it', he stood up to the challenge with a determination and brain the size of a planet to look at the facts.

And here is what was revealed to me as if a light was turned on. We're told the Earth is old because it has to be if evolution is true. And we are told the Earth is old because all the evidence we hear tells us it is old.

So what is that evidence? Fossils? Rocks? Radiometric dating? Yes, all of them and several more. If any of these three are true, I would agree: the Earth is old and I still have the problem of fitting the Biblical account of creation into the scientific worldview.

When I started looking into these three, I was shocked to discover some massive problems with the assumptions of age. Age is really important. For a start, fossils have to happen quickly, else the life that is about to be fossilised decays naturally and won't produce a fossil. Therefore, fossils themselves are no indication of age.

Secondly, rocks and their strata that I assumed was evidence of millions of years, can easily be formed quickly. In fact, by examining their shape and line, they are far more likely to have been produced quickly than over millions of years.

Lastly radiometric dating which was conveniently difficult to understand in the beginning is easily proven to yield completely mad results in the lab.

Now even if someone like me who does not have a PhD in any of the above can understand very simply the obvious errors in the methods and 'facts' that we have been repeatedly told, why can't all Christians?

The simple answer is this: most Christians have left their brains behind and never engaged with the Scientists. Secondly, many who have engaged with the scientific worldview have unknowingly embraced a worldview which is contrary to the evidence in the Bible.

What was so exciting is the more I looked at the Bible, and then the scientific evidence, the more the Young Earth view seemed true. Fossils had to be created quickly, so therefore did the rocks around them.

A worldwide catastrophic flood that lead to the evidence we see seemed to be a much better explanation than the evolutionary one. And that is exactly what we see in the Bible.

Reading Romans 1:20-23: "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities -his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles".

Now this says to me that you don't need to have a massive brain to see that God created everything.  Nor is it difficult to see why 'wise' people go stupid to deny the existence of God.

When we look at 'Mr Evolution', Charles Darwin, one of the key reasons (encouragements, incentives) of publishing Origins was to deny the existence of a Divine Creator.

It removed God from the equation.

I can't help but feel that the motive for pursuing the evolutionary worldview is not so much about doing 'good science' but about doing science that removes God from the equation.

So I would say to anyone who is reading this and thinking I am a mad 'Young Earth Creationist' to forget the labels you want to give me and look at the evidence yourself.

And if right now you are steaming under the collar with rage because everything I have said undermines what you have accepted, here's three questions to take away and find out the answers yourself:

* What are the best conditions for fossils to be made?
* Can rock strata be created quickly?
* Is radiometric dating infallible?

So look into these, baring in mind the underlying worldview of the person who is presenting you with the 'facts'.

It is an interesting journey and I hope those who embark upon the discovery of the facts will not feel the conflict between believing in Genesis and the evidence there is out there.

Homeless Man

(Author: Unknown)  

It was a cold winter's day that Sunday. The parking lot to the church was filling up quickly. I noticed as I got out of my car that fellow church members were whispering among themselves as they walked to the church.

 

As I got closer I saw a man leaned up against the wall outside the church. He was almost laying down as if he was asleep. He had on a long trench coat that was almost in shreds and a hat topped his head, pulled down so you could not see his face.

 

He wore shoes that looked 30 years old, too small for his feet with holes all over them as well as his toes sticking out of one shoe. I assumed this man was homeless, and asleep, so I walked on by through the doors of the church. We all gathered for fellowship for a few minutes, and someone mentioned the man laying outside. People snickered and gossiped but no one bothered to ask him to come in, including me.

 

A few moments later church began. We all waited for the Preacher to take his place and give us the Word, when the doors to the church opened.  In came the homeless man walking down the aisle with his head down.

People gasped and whispered and made faces. He made his way down the aisle and up onto the pulpit and took off his coat and hat.

 

My heart sank. There stood our preacher...he was the "homeless man".

No one said a word. The preacher took his Bible and laid it on the stand and said, "Folks, I don't think I have to tell you what I am preaching about today."

Can you read this?

7H15 M3554G3

53RV35 7O PR0V3

H0W 0UR M1ND5 C4N

D0 4M4Z1NG 7H1NG5!

1MPR3551V3 7H1NG5!

1N 7H3 B3G1NN1NG

17 WA5 H4RD BU7

N0W, 0N 7H15 LIN3

Y0UR M1ND 1S

R34D1NG 17

4U70M471C4LLY

W17H 0U7 3V3N

7H1NK1NG 4B0U7 17,

B3 PROUD! 0NLY

C3R741N P30PL3 C4N

R3AD 7H15.

PL3453 F0RW4RD 1F

U C4N R34D 7H15.

The Hospital Bill.

A man suffered a serious heart attack while shopping in a store.

The store clerk called 999 when they saw him collapse to the floor.

The paramedics rushed the man to the nearest hospital where he had

Emergency heart surgery.

He awakened from the surgery to find himself in the care of nuns.

At the Catholic hospital. A nun was seated next to his bed holding

A clipboard loaded with several forms, and a pen. She asked him

How he was going to pay for his treatment.

"Do you have health insurance?" she asked.

He replied in a raspy voice, "No health insurance."

The nun asked, "Do you have money in the bank?"

He replied, "No money in the bank."

Do you have a relative who could help you with the payments,

asked the irritated nun.

He said, "I only have a spinster sister and she is a nun."

The nun became agitated and announced loudly,

“Nuns are not spinsters !  Nuns are married to God."

The patient replied, "Perfect. Send the bill to my brother-in-law."

A Past funny.

When I was a kid adults used to bore me to tears with their tedious diatribes about how hard things were when they were growing up.

What with walking twenty-five miles to school every morning uphill both ways through year 'round blizzards carrying their younger siblings on their backs to their one-room schoolhouse where they maintained a straight-A average despite their full-time after-school job at the local textile mill where they worked for 35 cents an hour just to help keep their family from starving to death!

And I remember promising myself that when I grew up there was no way I was going to lay that on kids about how hard I had it and how easy they've got it!

But ...

Now that I've reached the ripe old age of thirty, I can't help but look around and notice the youth of today.

You've got it so easy! I mean, compared to my childhood, you live in a Utopia! And I hate to say it but you kids today don't know how good you've got it!

I mean, when I was a kid we didn't have the Internet. If we wanted to know something, we had to go to the library and look it up ourselves!

And there was no email! We had to actually write somebody a letter, with a pen! And then you had to walk all the way across the street and put it in the mailbox and it would take like a week to get there!

And there were no MP3s or Napsters! If you wanted to steal music, you had to go to the record store and shoplift it yourself! Or, we had to wait around all day to tape it off the radio and the DJ would usually talk over the beginning and mess it all up!

You want to hear about hardship?

We didn't have fancy stuff like Call Waiting! If you were on the phone and somebody else called, they got a busy signal!

And we didn't have fancy Caller ID Boxes either! When the phone rang, you had no idea who it was, it could be your boss, your Mom, a collections agent, you didn't know!!!

You just had to pick it up and take your chances, mister!

And we didn't have any fancy Sony Playstation videogames with high-resolution 3-D graphics!

We had the Atari 2600! With games like "Space Invaders" and "Asteroids"! Your guy was a little square! You had to use your imagination! And there were no multiple levels or screens, it was just one screen forever!

And you could never win, the game just kept getting harder and faster until you died!

Just like LIFE!

When you went to the movie theater, there was no such thing as stadium seating! All the seats were the same height! If a tall guy sat in front of you, you watched his hairstyle!

And sure, we had cable television, but back then that was only like 20 channels and there was no onscreen menu! You had to use a little book called a TV Guide to find out what was on!

And there was no Cartoon Network! You could only get cartoons on Saturday morning... D'ya hear what I'm saying!?!

We had to wait ALL WEEK!

That's exactly what I'm talking about! You kids today have got it too easy. You're spoiled!

You guys wouldn't last five minutes back in 1984!

[forwarded by www.SermonFodder.com]

Newsletters 1 - 5.

 Note.   

My earliest Newsletters (dating from 2002) seem to have been lost from this Blog. As they contain some of my most popular teaching ideas, I an therefore reproducing them here.

 

Maurice Sweetsur.

 

Newsletter 1

Newsletter 1.
Contents.

Who is Maurice Sweetsur?
Object Lesson (O.L.) 1 - Growing to be like Christ (Fruit in bottle).
O.L. 2 - Faith (A water experiment).

Who is Maurice Sweetsur?

Hi,

Since I started sharing object lessons with Children's workers, I have had many requests for information about myself and my ministry. Therefore, I decided to write a brief testimony which, I hope, will answer your questions.

I was born and brought up in Stoke-on Trent in England, but spent all my working life as a Research Chemist in Ayr, Scotland. I hold a PhD degree in Food Science from Strathclyde University (Glasgow). I am the author or co-author of over 60 scientific papers.

For most of my life I was an atheist, but then in 1980 I had a dramatic personal encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ and was gloriously saved. I have been endeavouring to follow Him since.

I fellowshipped at an A.O.G. church in Prestwick, Ayrshire, and my Christian service included leading a Crusader (non-denominational children's youth movement) group, weekly "door to door" evangelism, and being Editor (and main contributor) to my church's magazine. Many of the articles that I wrote for this magazine were subsequently republished in the National Christian outreach newspapers "Challenge", "New Life", and "The Challenger". These articles were mainly on Evangelism, The Authority of the Bible and especially on Creation and Evolution.

In 1993 I took early retirement from my job in Ayr and emigrated with my wife Margo and son Paul to New Zealand. I now fellowship at another A.O.G. church in Papakura, Auckland.

On arriving in New Zealand I was amazed and thrilled to discover that "ordinary" Christians are allowed to teach Bible lessons (usually 30 minutes per week) in State Primary schools. I now spend most of my time preparing for and taking these classes, averaging about 12 per week.

In 1998 I began to develop "fun-filled" special lessons for children using ventriloquism, Gospel illusions, puppets, balloon modelling and stories. Under the name 'Uncle Maurice', I now take these lessons to various groups throughout Auckland and beyond, e.g. Sunday schools, Family services, Kids clubs, Holiday programmes, School 'break-up' Assemblies, Uniform organisations, Church camps etc. More recently, I have been offering four training workshops to groups in the Auckland area on Object lessons, Illusions, Storytelling and Balloon modelling.

I am committed to reaching and discipling children for Christ, and to help equip Children's workers for their ministry - hence these Newsletters. My prayer is that you will frind something here to benefit your ministry.

Maurice Sweetsur
Email: mnmsweetsur@xtra.co.nz

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

“Uncle Maurice”–Teaching Bible truths to children in a fun-filled way.

Ventriloquism - Amazing illusions - Hilarious stories - Balloon modelling - Puppets - Children participation.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Object Lesson (O.L.) 1 - Growing to be like Christ (Fruit in bottle).

This takes a long time to prepare, but is well worth the effort.
While a fruit ( a lemon or orange is ideal ) is still very small and attached to its tree, place a narrow-necked bottle over it and tie to branch. Leave in place until the fruit has fully grown inside the bottle. Remove bottle containing the fruit and show to your class.

Ask "How did I get this fruit inside the bottle?" A few children may work it out, but most won't. Explain how you did it, stating that the tiny fruit had all the potential to grow into a large fruit, but that it needed food to grow. This food (sap) was all provided by the tree. Use this as an analogy for the newly born-again (or baby) Christian who has all that is needed to become the person God wants them to be, but needs to grow. Our food is God's Word (plus prayer and fellowship etc.).

Ask "What would have happened to the baby fruit if I had cut the twig attaching it to the branch while it was still small?" Answer. It would not have grown. In fact it would have withered away and died. Again use the analogy of the baby Christian who does not feed on God's Word.



O.L. 2 - Faith (A water experiment).

Explain that faith is believing in something that you cannot see. State that although you cannot see God (or Jesus) because He is a Spirit, you can still know that He is real. Explain that something else you cannot see, but is real is the air. State that you are now going to prove that the air in the room is real.

Pour water into a glass until it is almost full. Place a piece of cardboard, cut to slightly larger than the top of the glass, shiny side down, over the top. (An old breakfast cereal box is an ideal source of suitable cardboard). Hold cardboard in place, and invert glass. Take away your hand from the cardboard. Explain that gravity is still at work trying to make the water fall on the floor, but that the air - which we cannot see - is stronger than gravity and is keeping the cardboard in place.

Invite a few of the children to put their faith in the air - which they cannot see- and walk under the glass. As they are doing so, reinforce the truth that they are trusting in something that they cannot see.

If you wish, you could conclude this illustration as follows.

State that you are now looking for someone with GREAT faith. Choose a volunteer. State that you are now going to hold the glass of water over their head as before and tip it upside down, but this time you are not going to use any cardboard! Say you wouldn't want them to get too wet if things went wrong, so you will pour some of the water out of the glass. Pour out water until about 2 or 3 cm. remains. State that you still don't like the idea of wetting their hair - if things did go wrong - so you will hold a cup between the glass and their hair. Pour the water out of the glass and into the cup. Act surprised that the water came out of the glass. State that you have worked out the problem. You weren't really using faith, because real faith in Jesus is trusting in Him alone. Therefore, real faith in the air is trusting in the air alone. Therefore you are now going to invert the cup (now containing the water ) over the volunteer's head, but with nothing in between. Do this. The water will not come out of the cup, because you had previously placed a SPONGE in the bottom!

 

 

Newsletter 2

Contents.

O.L. 3. Why does God allow suffering? (Invisible ink).
O.L. 4. Filled with the Holy Spirit (Baking soda).
O.L. 5. Staying in the centre of God's will (Cork floating on water).

O.L. 3. Why does God allow suffering?

Take a large piece of white paper, and write across it in LEMON JUICE the word "Jesus" - i.e. in "invisible ink."
State that many people ask questions like "Why does a good God allow suffering?" Give a few examples of suffering. Say that there is no simple answer to this, but that you are going to show the class one reason why God may allow problems and hardships to come into our lives. God is interested in what we do, but He is more interested in what we are i.e. our character. God can use our problems to develop our character.
Use your own words for your particular class, but you could go along the lines suggested below.
"God has a wonderful plan to change you into someone far better. If none of us ever had any troubles, not many of us would give God a second thought, and we would never change. God sometimes allows suffering in our lives and uses it - as He helps us to overcome our problems - to change us. The Bible says "Suffering helps us to endure. And endurance builds character" Romans 5.3,4. ( C.E.V. ).
HOLD UP THE "BLANK" PAPER AT THIS POINT. I am going to have an imaginary conversation with this paper. "Nice to see you paper, but I am now going to put you over a flame"
LIGHT A CANDLE. EXPLAIN THAT THE FLAME STANDS FOR TROUBLES OR PROBLEMS.
Paper - " I don't like the sound of that. I might get too hot. I might even get burnt".
"I do like you paper, but I have a wonderful plan to change you into something better, and I have to place you over the flame to make this happen."
BEGIN TO MOVE THE PAPER OVER THE FLAME, FOLLOWING THE WORD "JESUS" WHICH YOU SHOULD JUST BE ABLE TO SEE. BROWN WRITING WILL START TO APPEAR. Continue your dialogue while still moving the paper.
"How are you feeling now paper?"
Paper - "Stop it. I am getting far too hot."
"I haven't finished my plan for you yet. I must complete the job. I know this is tough for you, but I won't let you burn."
COMPLETE THE HEATING OF THE PAPER. AS YOU HOLD THE PAPER TO SHOW THE CLASS THE WORD "JESUS" CONCLUDE YOUR TEACHING.
"This is what God's plan is for you. To build your character, and make you to be like Jesus. Often He uses our problems and difficulties to bring this about.

O.L. 4. Filled with the Holy Spirit.Place some Baking soda in a glass - the narrower the better. Add a littlefood colouring for a more visual effect. Pour in Vinegar, to represent theHoly Spirit. Stir. The solution should froth over the top of the glass. i.e.a picture of us being filled to overflowing with the Spirit.

O.L. 5. Staying in the centre of God's will.
This object lesson is better suited to smaller groups.Fill a glass three quarters full with water. Place a cork - representing theBeliever without the Spirit - in the water. The cork will naturally keepmoving to the side of the glass, i.e. away from the centre (of God's will).Now, fill the glass to overflowing with water, to represent the fullness ofthe Spirit. The cork will now float in the centre of the glass.

 

Newsletter 3

Two curved cards. See Object Lesson 6.

Newsletter 3.

Contents.

O.L. 6. Defeating Giants (Optical illusion with two cards).
O.L. 7. God's protection (Coin is blown into dish).
O.L. 8. Receiving Jesus (Gifts have to be received).


O.L. 6. Defeating Giants.
I usually use this Object lesson after telling the story of David and Goliath.
Summarise the story by saying " David was able to overcome the Giant because he realised that God was on his side. If you are trusting in Jesus, then God is also on your side and will help you defeat any Giants in your life." A Giant is any problem you have which seems too big for you.
Give a list of possible "Giants." e.g. Other People - Bullies etc. Bad habits - Lying, stealing, swearing, fighting etc. Fears - The dark, nightmares, dying, flying, spiders, snakes, dogs etc.
Produce two prepared "curved shapes". These are like two fat bananas. (See diagram above). These can be made of cardboard or paper and cut to any suitable size. It is more effective to use different colours. You will note that the cards are actually the same size, but if one is held above the other. it will appear to be smaller. On the first card, write the word "Giant" On the second card, write the word “Me" on one side and "Me + God" on the other side.
Hold card 2, showing "Me" above card 1, showing "Giant." State. " If you compare yourself with your Giant, the Giant will always appear to be bigger, and you will think that you won't be able to defeat it." Pull the cards apart, and turn card 2 over to show " Me + God" State "Remember that if you are trusting in Jesus, it is not just you against the Giant, but you plus God against it." Bring the cards back together again, but this time hold card 2 below card 1. State that " No matter how big your Giant is, when you compare it to God, you will always find that God is far bigger, and that He is able to help you defeat it - just like David defeated Goliath.
I usually conclude by repeating the "changing cards" process to emphasize the point.

O.L. 7. God's protection.
This is an illustration that can be used alongside any story of God's protection, and you can get a number of children to participate. All you need is a fairly small coin and a dish.
Explain that the coin stands for you, and the dish stands for God's protection. State that God's protection is only a prayer (or a breath ) away. You are now going to demonstrate how the coin can be transported into the dish using only your breath.
Place the coin on the edge of a table, and the dish about 15 cm. away. Blow a short sharp breath just over the top of the coin. (Have a few practices beforehand). Your breath should lift up the coin, and deposit it in the dish. As time permits, allow a few of the children to attempt the feat. The secret is to ensure that you blow horizontally, just over the top of the coin.

O.L. 8. Receiving Jesus.
This is an illustration that I use following teaching on John 3.16. All you need is a small gift. I usually make a balloon animal (as the gift) while I am talking about it.
State that John 3.16 talks about a giver (God), a gift (Jesus) and a receiver (Us). No matter how wonderful any gift is, it will not do you any good unless you receive it. I have a gift here (produce or begin to make your gift), but unless you receive it, it is no good to you at all.
Some of you may say "I don't want your gift" Well, if you don't want it, you won't get it, because I will not force you to take it.
Some of you may say "I don't believe it. It's too good to be true. Teacher must be tricking us." Well, if you don't believe it, you can't receive it.
Some of you may say " I will think about it" There is nothing wrong in thinking about the gift, but all the time you are thinking about it, it is not yours and it is not doing you any good.
Some of you may say. " I will have to earn the gift. I will have to sit up straight, be really quiet and still, and then perhaps "teacher" will notice me and give me the gift because I deserve it." Well, I like you behaving that way, but that's not the way to get the gift because it can never be earned.
But one of you may simply say to himself / herself " Yes, I want that gift," and get up, walk out to the front, take hold of the gift, and it will be theirs.
It is exactly the same with God's gift of Jesus Christ to the world - and the Eternal Life He brings with him.
Some people say to God "I don't want your gift of Jesus. I want to live my own life, go my own way, do my own thing." Much as God still loves them (they are still part of the world) He won't force His gift of Jesus on anyone. We must choose to receive Him.
Some people say. "I don't believe in the gift. I don't believe in Jesus. I don't even believe in God." Well, if you don't believe, you can't receive.
Some people say. "I will think about the gift. Perhaps when I am older I might receive God's gift." There is nothing wrong with thinking about the gift, but the problem is many people never make up their minds, and so always miss out on what God wants to give them.
Some people ( in fact most people ) think they have to earn God's gift. They say. " I will have to be very good. I will not have to do anything bad. I will have to go to Church or Sunday school every week. I will have to say my prayers and read my Bible every day. Then, perhaps, God will be really pleased with me and give me His gift of Jesus." These are good things to do, but you can never earn God's gift.
But some people say "Yes, I want to receive Jesus into my life," and do so by faith - by simply asking God for His gift of Jesus, and believing that they receive Him.
At this point, you will probably still be holding your gift - unless there is someone very smart in your group who has taken you at your word and received it already! You will probably have to keep prompting until someone comes out and receives it. You could say:-
"Well, it is still here."
"I wonder who will be first to believe me. All you have to do is take it."
"You won't get it by thinking about it, or by sitting up straight, but someone could come out and receive it."
When someone receives your gift, state that they didn't deserve it or earn it, but they got it because they were the first to believe that all they had to do was take it.
Conclude by stating that unfortunately you only had one gift, but the good news is that there is enough of God's gift of Jesus for everyone. There is no need for anyone to miss out.
If appropriate, you could then lead your group in a prayer to receive Jesus.

 

 

Newsletter 4

Three ropes. See Object Lesson 11.

Newsletter 4

Contents.

O.L. 9. Which way? (Octagon illusion).
O.L. 10. Walking on water. (Floating pin).
O.L. 11. We are special. (Rope illusion).

O.L. 9. Which way?

All you need for this illustration is a square piece of cardboard - ideally about 30 cm x 30 cm. On one side of the cardboard draw a large horizontal arrow. On the other side of the cardboard draw a large vertical arrow.
Hold the cardboard in front of yourself, with your left hand grasping the top left hand corner, and your right hand grasping the bottom right hand corner. Practice twisting the card over. The secret is to keep your hands still, and let the card make all the movements. Now, change your hand positions. Grasp the bottom left hand corner with your left hand, and the top right hand corner with your right hand. Twist the card over a few times as before. You will note that - depending on where your hands are placed - you can make the arrow appear to either stay pointing in the same direction, or to keep changing directions as the card is twisted.
You are now ready to illustrate any story which involves a change of direction (or repentance), e.g. Jonah, Zacchaeus or Saul. I often use this method to share my testimony as follows, changing the direction of the arrow at the appropriate places:-
Once I always went my own way ( <- -="" .="" about="" all="" and="" but="" change="" christ.="" could="" did="" direction="" even="" get="" god="" going="" good="" he="" heard="" i="" jesus="" me="" my="" need="" news="" nobody="" not="" nstead="" of="" own="" round="" said="" says="" start="" the="" then="" thing="" to="" turn="" us="" way="" what="" you="" your=""> ). Instead of living a life centred around yourself ( <- -="" around="" centre="" life="" me="" need="" to="" you="" your=""> )." For a little while, I wasn’t sure what to do. Whether to continue going my way ( <- -="" and="" around="" going="" jesus="" or="" start="" to="" turn="" way=""> ). But then I decided that the best thing I could do was to turn and start going Jesus' way ( -> ), because I saw that His way was the best way ( -> ). For the last 20 years I have been going His way ( -> ), His way ( -> ), His way ( -> ) all the time.
Having tried out your square piece of cardboard a few times, you may wish to try out your story with an Octagon (eight sides). This is essentially the same as for the square, but it has the advantage that - by grasping the shape at two opposite corners - you are also able to make the arrow point vertically upwards or downwards.( With a little practice, you should soon become proficient ).You could then conclude your story as follows :-
Going Jesus' way (-> ) is the best way, because His way ( -> ) leads you Upwards towards God. His way ( -> ) leads you Upwards. But does your way ( <- -="" away="" best="" can="" do="" downwards="" from="" go="" god.="" god="" his="" is="" lead="" leads="" no="" so="" the="" thing="" to="" towards="" way="" you="" your=""> ), His way ( -> ), His way (-> ) all the time.

O.L. 10. Walking on water.
One of the amazing miracles that Jesus did was walking on water. We all know that one of the natural laws of the Universe is that objects heavier than water sink. However Jesus overcame this natural law, and I am now also going to overcome this law by floating a pin on this water. You all know that a pin is much heavier than water and usually sinks to the bottom. But today I am going to make it float! Proceed to gently lower a pin onto water in a glass, and watch it float. Because water actually forms a thin film at it's surface with the air, this flotation can really be done - provided you have a steady hand and the film isn't broken. And, of course, ensure that nobody knocks the glass during the procedure!
If your hand isn't too steady, you can still float the pin by placing it on a paper tissue, and lowering that onto the water. After a few seconds, the paper will have absorbed enough water to make it sink, leaving the pin floating alone.

O.L. 11. We are special.
Please refer to the diagram above to see how to operate this rope illusion.
Cut three pieces of string or (better) rope to the following lengths:-
1.23 cm. (Red in diagram)
2. 37 cm. (Blue)
3. 55 cm. (Black)
For clarity, the ropes are different colours in the diagram, but for your actual lesson will be the same colour.
Hold the ropes in your left hand as per Fig. A., with the BACK of your hand facing the children. "With the aid of these three ropes I am going to show you how God really sees you - And how He sees you is far more important than how you or other people see you.
Some of you may see yourself like this short rope (Hold up Rope 1). You may say "I'm not very special, I'm not very important. I don't get good marks at school, and I'm not good at running, music or anything."
Some of you may see yourself like this middle sized rope (Hold up Rope 2). You may say "I get good marks at school, and I'm good at Soccer or Netball etc., but I don't think I am really THAT important."
Hold up Rope 3. "This long rope stands for the people that most others think are very important. Give a few people as examples (applicable to your own country or locality) e.g. Presidents, Sports personalities, Film stars etc.
Actually God doesn't see us that way at all (little, middle or very important).
With the aid of these ropes, I will now show you how He really sees you.
Manipulate your ropes as shown in Figs. B,C,D and E. Remember to keep the back of your hand towards the children. Essentially, what you are doing is looping the long rope (3) through the short rope (1). With practice, this should only take a few seconds.
Fig. B. Bring the bottom of Rope 3 across the other ropes.
Fig. C. Bring the bottom of Rope 1 up to the top, and hold it next to your thumb.
Fig. D. Bring the bottom of Ropes 2 and 3 up to the top, and hold on the right of your hand.
Fig. E. Grasp the three ends on your right (i.e. the two ends of Rope 3, and what was the bottom of Rope 2), pull horizontally, then release.
The three ropes - from your perspective - should now be as in Fig. E. From the Children's perspective, they will appear to now be three ropes of equal length.
"God does not have favourites. He sees us as all different, but all equally important, all equally special - just as these three ropes are now all the same size."
You could then re-emphasise your points by adjusting the lengths of the ropes by pulling on each end of Rope 3, and making a few remarks e.g. "You may not be as clever as the President, but you are just as important as he is to God." Conclude by restoring the "original" ropes, either by pulling them apart, or by screwing them up and throwing them in the air.

 

Newsletter 5

Teaching on John 3.16.

Balloon guidance. See Object Lesson 13.

Newsletter 5.

Contents.

O.L. 12. Straight and crooked roads (Tearing strips of paper).
O.L. 13. God's guidance (A balloon guidance system).
John 3.16.
Story - A soldier gives up his life for his friends.
Teaching on John 3.16.

O.L. 12. Straight and crooked roads.
All you need for this illustration are a few sheets of newspaper.
Some newspapers are printed "with the grain", and some "against the grain." This means that if you hold a piece of newspaper vertically, and begin to tear strips from top to bottom, they will either come out very straight, or very ragged (despite your best efforts), depending on the way the grain is running.
Find two different newspapers which tear in opposite ways - this should be easy enough. You now have two sets of papers, which will look pretty much the same, but one tears straight, and one tears crooked. You are now ready to begin your lesson.
Proverbs 3.6. says "In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."
We are all on a path through life, either a straight path which leads to God, or a crooked path which does not. Choose about eight volunteers. Give one half the first set of newspaper sheets, and the other half the second. Ask them to tear the sheets into strips from top to bottom as straight as they can. One set of volunteers will end up with straight strips of paper, and the other half with a big mess! You can then conclude with teaching on "straight" and "crooked" roads as appropriate.

O.L. 13. God's guidance.
"We are all on a journey through life, and God has given us two things to help us - His Word, the Bible and the Holy Spirit. If, however, we try and travel through life on our own - without calling on God to Guide us - we will make mistakes, and go off in directions that are not part of God’s plan for us."
Produce an ordinary (round) balloon. Blow it up, but do not tie it. Choose a volunteer to be your target. Have him/her stand about 6 meters away. " This balloon represents a person trying to go through life on their own. Most people do want to go the right way. Their intentions are good. Therefore I am starting off by pointing the balloon at the target, but let's see what will happen when I let go!" It will almost certainly miss the target. Repeat a few times. You may be able to obtain "Rocket" balloons. These are long, and buzz as they travel through the air. Children love them, but they will still miss their targets!
"What this balloon needs is a Guidance system - something to help it hit its target. I have one right here. Produce a 6 or 7 meter piece of string, and thread one end through a drinking straw. Have a second volunteer stand just behind the target, holding the other end. Blow up your balloon and tape it under the straw (See diagram above). Let the balloon go, and watch it hit its target. "That balloon kept right on target, because it had something to guide it. In the same way, we will stay on target in our journey through life - If we let the Bible and the Holy Spirit guide us."
John 3.16.
Following on from Object Lesson No.8 - Receiving Jesus (Newsletter 4), I thought that I would share some of the teachings that I have given at Children's groups concerning this wonderful verse.
Story - A soldier gives up his life for his friends.
This story is taken from the film "Bridge over the river Quay." I cannot vouch for the detailsbeing 100% accurate, but you will get the overall picture.During World war ll, some British soldiers were taken captive by the Japanese, and made to work very hard building a railway track through thejungle in Burma.One day, the Japanese guards discovered that an axe was missing from thestoreroom. Naturally, they thought that one of the British soldiers musthave stolen it. The camp Commander lined all the British soldiers up, andasked for the man who had stolen the axe to step forward, because they weregoing to take him away and shoot him. Nobody moved."Very well" the Commander said. "I will give you one last chance. If thesoldier who stole the axe doesn't step forward right now, I will choose onesoldier at random and shoot him instead. Then, if the guilty soldier stilldoesn't own up, I will keep on shooting other men until he does so. Will thesoldier who stole the axe step forward now." A soldier took one stepforward. He was taken away and shot.Sometime later, the guards checked on the storeroom again. To their surprisethey found that all the axes were present! They had made a mistake the firsttime they had counted. Nobody had stolen an axe.That British soldier had not stolen an axe. In fact, he had done nothingwrong. What he did do was give up his life so that his friends might live.What do you think the other British soldiers thought of their friend whenthey found out he had given his life that they might live? If, in someway, they could have communicated with him, what do you think they wouldhave said? I think they would have said something like this. "Words cannotexpress how grateful I am to you. You gave your life for me. Now I am goingto give my life over to you. Wherever you want me to go, I will go. Whateveryou want me to do, I will do." I think that would have been the naturalresponse.What a wonderful act it was for that soldier to give up his life for hisfriends. But do you know that Jesus gave up his life for you BEFORE you wereHis friends (Romans 5.8). What is your response to Jesus? Do you say "sowhat" or " who cares." I know what my response was. As soon as I realisedthat Jesus had died for me, I said to him " Words cannot express howgrateful I am to you. You gave your life for me. Now I am going to give mylife over to you. Wherever you want me to go, I will go. Whatever you want meto do I will do."
Teaching on John 3.16.
I often introduce this scripture by showing the word GOSPEL down the left of a card, explaining what it means - Good news about Jesus Christ, and then uncovering the rest of the card to show the verse in full, as shown below.
God so loved the world that he gave his
One and only
Son that whoever believes in him shall not
Perish, but have
Eternal
Life. John 3.16.

Having got the children to repeat the verse a few times, I then get them to make it more personal by replacing "the world" and "whoever" with their own names, and then repeating a few more times.

Another way of teaching this verse is to explain each part as you read it - as per the illustration above. I then often conclude by getting the children to do the illustrated word search (see above).