Church in a Box

Wanting some "little" play sets for in church I was going to make a nativity scene in a box but thought a church would actually work well. Here's the result and it all fits nicely into the little box for transport. The box is a turkish delight box/ 

Toy Story Junior Church (friends of Jesus-Mary, Martha and Lazarus)

 That's it folks, until next (this) month, when we are doing Mr Potato Head (The Body of Christ.

The Good Shepherd, World Communion and Unleavened Bread

 A "loose?" version of the Good Shepherd and World Communion.
When it came to asking "Have you ever came close to this table?" some said "no" then said "yes"
"It's like what we just did in church" another said "Yes a bit but it can't be because it doesn't have a white table cloth or a white covering over the bread and the wine."
Agreed but it could still be that table. They then asked why the clothes were there and some joint wondering ensued...? The considered replies as follows: 

• So we don't know its communion.
• So its a surprise
• To think about how Jesus was hidden in the tomb and couldn't be seen but then was alive
• To remind us that Jesus is not seen but is here with us when we have communion
• White is a pure colour.

After a time of prayer, unleavened bread was made as a group (there were other options but this is what was decided) cooked (by a very nice adult) and then our feast was shared!!! As we discussed communion and bread some more, e.g. the types of bread used for communion, the pass over feast et.c. 

The service was a communion service (which the children were part of prior to going out for their group) which is why this was planned.

Rainbow Dance Ribbons

 Thought I'd share a great buy I got in Poundland ! Rainbow dance ribbons which are incredibly light making the smallest movement very visually effective! (But does mean may be a little prone to fraying im going to nail varnish end) We are enjoying using them in sung worship times, the only issue is with them being so light they get tangled a bit more easily! But when in movement are beautiful!1

I'm going to provide hair scrunchies to support holding for any one who has limited grip. 

Easter Day Church Play

Happy Easter to You All... from me at All Play on Sunday! Just thought I'd share what we did play with in church this am. The focus of the service was on "The Empty Tomb" no surprise there I guess, but focusing on people reactions!

The in church play area had something that could be a tomb and Godly play people

Things to consider inside/ outside! Or hidden and found!

And lego, during the sermon some children built this tomb- with a wonderful grave stone!

And also three crosses (they are joined together) and Jesus and the crown of thorns! There was also a puffing an panting duplo man, also known as John trying to get to the tomb etc. Never think that children don't listen while they play!

And for the older children there were sheets to help them respond to the story!

Carol Service Quite Bags

I wonder how many churches will have their Carol Services tomorrow? Well here's an idea for next year. Quiet bags that can be given as a gift and will (hopefully) keep children engaged throughout service. The plain gift bag (wine bag was cheapest) contains

• Sewing star (laminated card, hole punched)
• Plastic bauble and stickers to decorate.
• Christmas colouring book (I created from my own drawings and google images)
• Crayons (a multi pack decanted into little sets held with card)
• Toy car
• Road map colouring for car to drive around.
• Stable picture with stickers to create the nativity.
• Chocolate coins