PROP: Provide either a plate of different shaped cookies/different types of cookies or a bouquet with different types of flowers.

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy and see if she is there. Ready? One, two, three…Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy: Good morning boys and girls!

Pastor: Sammy, what is that smell?

Sammy: Oh! Come see what I have, Pastor!

Pastor: Look at what Sammy has everyone!

Sammy: Yes and after the children’s sermon today, you can all take one with you. I have plenty to share.

Pastor: You know, Sammy, it’s actually great that you brought these to share with us today.

Sammy: It is? I just wanted to share a surprise with everyone.

Pastor: Yes, surprises are great, but what I like about this surprise is how it relates to the text today from the book of Romans. 

Sammy: How’s that, Pastor?

Pastor: Well, you see, Sammy, we are all different. And each of our differences is a gift to the church. Each of us is good at something, and some of us are good at many things. And God uses each gift that we have as believers to advance the Kingdom and for his glory.

Sammy: Oh I see! So it’s just like how each of the [flowers/cookies] that I brought is a little different but they are still all the same: [flowers/cookies].

Pastor: We are all people–

Sammy: Not me. I am a lamb.

Pastor: Right. You are a lamb, but all of the rest of us are people. And even though we are all people and children of God, we are all created different.

Sammy: How did God make you different, Pastor?

Pastor: Well, God gave me [share a gift or talent you have].

Sammy: I agree. Something that makes me different is I am the only sheep in our area that goes to church each week.

Pastor: That’s right, Sammy. Boys and girls, what are some of the differences that you have that make you special?

[Allow time for responses]

Pastor: Great answers, everyone! Boys and girls, will you please pray with me? Dear Jesus, thank you for making each of us different. Thank you for giving each of us gifts. Help us to use the gifts you give us for your glory. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

[And they promptly reported all these instructions to Peter and his companions. And after that, Jesus Himself sent out through them from east to west the sacred and imperishable proclamation of eternal salvation] (Mark 16: RSV footnote – this verse is questioned by some as to whether or not it was in the original Gospel, but still useful).

The Lord has allowed this reflection of the book of Acts to be included.  The world looks for reasons not to believe, but the Lord grants witness after witness for those who believe.  The proclamation of eternal salvation has gone to the ends of the earth, but there are always more who have not heard of the saving grace won by Christ from the cross.  Receive the witness and believe.

Lord, I hear so many things and I am often confused.  You have sent the Gospel out for those who believe.  In the simplicity of the salvation which You have given me in Christ, help me to live the Gospel through all that I do.  Guide me to be a messenger wherever I go, living the truth of the salvation which You have made possible through the death and resurrection of Christ my Savior.

Risen Lord of salvation, lead me ever deeper into all that this means.  Help me to live according to the plan the Father has for me so that I too may be a part of spreading the truth of Your purpose for all whom You have redeemed.  Guide me in Your grace in order that I may now, and always, humbly follow where You lead.  Help me to not so much question as to learn how to listen and obey all that You have commanded.  Amen.