Dec
17
Written by:
host
12/17/2008 7:00 AM
Providing children with opportunities to serve nurtures their natural generosity. Several years ago, the third grade Sunday School class at our church began a prayer bracelet ministry as an extension of the church’s prayer shawl ministry. Making prayer bracelets is a service project that both younger and older children can participate in and it can be a short-term or a long-term project.
Younger children can make beaded bracelets on elastic string, while older children can make bracelets using embroidery thread. (Directions for both options are available in the curriculum coop.) Children may spend some time each week making bracelets. This is a good activity for the beginning of class as children are gathering, or to be used throughout the lesson for children who finish activities quickly. Tape each finished bracelet to a card with the following message:
The children at our church have made this bracelet for you. As you wear this bracelet, know that God’s love encircles you and the prayers and thoughts of others surround you.
Encourage children to sign each card and add a personal message. Distribute bracelets to those in need of prayer – and really, who doesn’t need prayer?! Invite children to consider people that they know who might appreciate getting a prayer bracelet. Ask your church staff to help deliver the prayer bracelets and/or consider giving some bracelets to a pediatric unit at a hospital or a local shelter to distribute.
Prayer bracelets are a service project that emphasizes the importance of prayer and encourages children to reach out to others.
~Sally Hoelscher