In John 14, Jesus reassures his disciples that they do not be afraid because he is leaving his peace with them. Whatever they will face in the future, especially when he is gone, he is not leaving them alone. I love using play dough mats in group situations because they are a very non- threatening way to help children to creatively explore how Bible stories relate to their own lives. This play dough mat is a conversation starter about the worries that children are facing in their own lives and also a way of helping them to know that they, too are not alone. Some children might choose to use the mat as a way of giving their worries to Jesus. Print out the mat at this link!
Party hats: Paper. staples, glue, glitter, ribbon, stickers, sequins
Building the Father’s House (or the pig sty!) out of boxes and tape
Clay hearts to help think about the Father’s love
Cornflour and water ‘pigswill’
Pig biscuits: Biscuits, icing, marshmallows, chocolate chips
Jewellery for the returning son to wear, made of strawberry laces and cheerios (this was very popular!)
A coloured coat made of a length of brown paper (with a head hole cut out!). We decorated the coat with pens, coloured paper, bubble wrap, felt pieces and lolly sticks and then used it as a costume when we told the story.
Coloured coat fuzzy felt: Felt coat shapes and scraps to decorate.
Edible coloured coats: Wraps cut into coat shapes and decorated with icing and sweets.
Egyptian collars made from paper plates and sticky shapes
Joseph’s jail made from Lego bricks
Plaited straws (our attempt at wheat sheaves!)
Paper plate cow faces.
The Well Creative Children's ministry 