Here are some activities to help children to explore the story of Tabitha (or Dorcas, depending on your preference!) in Acts 9. They will work well with a range of ages as there is scope for creativity!
Game: ‘jigsaws’ made of robes drawn on coloured card. This could easily be done as a race with children putting together one particular colour jigsaw per team.
Read the story from a good children’s Bible or act the story out.
Talk about:
what was your favourite part of the story? How do you think Tabitha’s friends felt when she had died? What about when she came back to life? Why do you think Peter wanted to help? What would you think about God’s power if you had been one of Tabitha’s friends? Have you ever seen or felt God do something amazing? (adults share any testimonies here!)
- Use a blank T shirt template and get children to design a T shirt that reflects the story they have heard e.g. with a picture of their favourite part of the story or with colours and shapes that reflect a ‘miracle’ or show something of God’s amazing power. Use pens, pencils and any kind of collage material
- Poke holes in paper plates and then let children use plastic needles and wool to sew patterns (reflecting Tabitha’s skill at sewing). Think about skills they have to help others and thank God for them
- Use this play dough mat to think about people who use their skills to help us. Click here to print out the play dough mat
Prayers: If you could pray for God to do something amazing to help other people, what would it be? Draw on a T shirt shape and peg onto a washing line
The Well Creative Children's ministry 