Scripture

Mark 12:38-44

Script

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! 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, everyone!

Pastor: Does anyone here have jobs to do at home? Are you ever able to earn money for doing a job for your family?

[Allow time for responses]

Pastor: When I was growing up, I was able to earn some money if I…

Sammy: We have lots of helpers at the farm. They earn money for cleaning stalls and feeding my family and I.

Pastor: What we do with our money shows where our hearts are.

Sammy: What do you mean, Pastor?

Pastor: Well, for example, sometimes people spend a lot of money on really expensive clothes or cars.

Sammy: Farmer Mark has a red pickup truck and lots of flannel. Is that what you mean?

Pastor: No, Sammy. Sometimes people buy really expensive cars and clothes because their goal is to impress others. Or sometimes people spend a lot of money on traveling. There’s nothing wrong with these things, but we have to remember to also give to others.

Sammy: I like sharing!

Pastor: Me too, Sammy. Jesus asks us to give to others and share what we have. These gifts we give to others might be money, food, a nice card, or our time. Many people are poor, sick, sad, or lonely, and they rely on others to help them.

Sammy: Hey Pastor, isn’t our church doing something right now to feed people?

Pastor: Yes we are! We are collecting food for our Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets. There’s information about what we need in the bulletin. Whether you can contribute one item or many items, we are grateful for your gift.

Sammy: Let’s pray. Can everyone please fold your hands and bow your heads? Dear Jesus, thank you for reminding us to give to others. Thank you for helping us see the needs of others. Help us to give our gifts to serve you. Amen. Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

Scripture

John 11:32-44

Script:

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! 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, everyone! Pastor, this story from the Gospel reading today is a spooky one.

Pastor: Is it?

Sammy: Yes! A mummy came out from a tomb!

Pastor: Sammy, that’s not what happened!

Sammy: Yes it is! I was listening. This guy named Lazarus died and Jesus told some men to roll the stone away from the cave. And then a mummy came out!

Pastor: Sammy, we are going to talk about what really happened. I think you still have Halloween on your mind. That’s different from the Gospel reading.

Sammy: I did eat a lot of candy. Boys and girls, did you get a lot of treats for Halloween?

[Allow time for responses]

Pastor: Back to our Gospel for today. Jesus was really good friends with a man named Lazarus. He wasn’t old. He was a young man, like Jesus. Do you have a best friend?

[Allow time for responses]

Sammy: My best friend is you, Pastor.

Pastor: You’re my best friend, too, Sammy. Jesus’s friend Lazarus got sick and he died before Jesus could get to him to heal him.

Sammy: Oh no!

Pastor: It’s okay, Sammy. Death is not the end. Jesus is the end. He’s the beginning and the end.

Sammy: Amen, Pastor!

Pastor: When Jesus arrived at Lazarus’s house, he saw Mary and Martha there. They are Lazarus’s sisters. And they were crying. Jesus cried, too.

Sammy: Jesus cries? Why did he cry?

Pastor: Jesus is fully God and fully man. He is just like us. Boys and girls, can you think of a time when you cried?

[Allow time for responses]

Pastor: Jesus went to the tomb and asked the people to roll the stone away. He said a prayer and then told Lazarus to come out—

Sammy: And that’s when the mummy came out!

Pastor: No, Sammy. That’s when a living, breathing, fully alive Lazarus walked out.

Sammy: Wow!

Pastor: I want each of us to remember that Jesus is the resurrection and the life. We get to live forever because of Jesus. We do not have to be afraid because Jesus loves us. He cries with us and is with us everywhere we go. Let’s pray: Dear Jesus, Thank you for the gift of eternal life. Thank you for your love. Thank you for helping us when we are sad. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

Prayers of the Church: November 24: Christ the King Sunday

Daniel 7:9-10,13-14 (Vision of the Son of Man)

Psalm 93 (The Lord is King, robed in majesty)

Revelation 1:4b-8 (Vision of the glorified Jesus)

John 18:33-37 (Jesus before Pilate: What is truth?)

Opening hymn: The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns: LBW #33, ELW #260, LSB #348

Hymn of the Day: Look, O Look, the Sight is Glorious: LBW #156

Look, Ye Saints, the Sight is Glorious: LSB #495

OR O Christ, What Can it Mean for Us: ELW #431 (tune: The Son of God Goes Forth to War)

OR Praise Be to Christ: LSB #538

Communion Hymn #1: Soon and Very Soon: WOV #744, ELW #439

Communion Hymn #2: Jesus Shall Reign: LBW #530, ELW #434, LSB #832

Closing Hymn: Alleluia! Sing to Jesus: LBW #158, ELW #392, LSB #821

OR Crown Him with Many Crowns LBW #170, ELW #855, LSB #525

*******

THE PRAYERS 

Let us intercede before the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the sake of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Father, “though the eyes made blind by sin thy glory may not see,” even so, give us eyes to see Jesus.  Give us ears to hear his word of Truth resounding in halls of power. Give us lips to proclaim him as Savior and King of the universe. Give us hearts to adore him.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You have made your Son King of creation and head of your holy Church. Bind the Church to Christ with cords of love. Make it unswerving in faith, radiant in holiness, and bold in witness. Use it to draw all people to his Cross, there to acclaim him as Lord, King, and Savior.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You have made your Son fairer than the sparkling stars on high. Let the light of his love bring joy to all Christians who suffer for naming Jesus as Lord. May that same light illumine and cleanse the darkness in the hearts of their tormentors. Help us to remember them in prayer, to stand with them in witness, and help them however we can.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You have made your Son our Savior and Lord. Fill the people of this congregation with your Holy Spirit, so that in all we say and do, among all people we encounter, we acclaim Jesus Christ as Son of God and Son of man.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You have made your Son fairer than sunlight, moonlight, and sparkling stars on high. Give to all who love the beauty of creation a deeper love for the uncreated light and supernal beauty of your Son, the Word by which all worlds were made.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You have made your Son Lord of the nations. By your Holy Spirit, conform the hearts of rulers and people to the heart of Christ; and let his peace reign undisturbed in every land.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You have made your Son our light, joy, and crown. Let his strong saving love accompany those who serve our country, here and abroad. Fill them with honor, courage, and wisdom. Bring them home in safety when their task is done. Heal and strengthen the wounded. Help them all to transition well into civilian life.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You have made your Son fairer than woodlands, meadows, and flowers of blooming spring. Let his beauty, healing, and compassion cause all sorrowing hearts to sing. Especially this day we pray for the needs of: {List}

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most gracious Father, you have made your Son shine more brightly than the angels of heaven. We thank you for the lives of the faithful departed, who already see his glory face to face. Fill us with such faith and love that, in your good time, we shall join them in singing, “Glory and honor, praise, adoration, now and forever more be thine.”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For Jesus’ sake, dear Father, graciously hear and generously answer our fervent petitions, to your glory and for the benefit off for whom we pray. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, November 17: 26^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 28

Daniel 12:1-3 (Some will be raised to everlasting life, others to shame)

Psalm 16 (You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy)

Hebrews 10:11-25 (We have confidence to approach God, having been made clean.

Let us persevere in faith)

Mark 13:1-13 (Jesus foretells destruction of Temple, persecution of his followers)

            RCL/ELW: Mark 13:1-8 (Omits persecution and testimony)

Opening hymn: When Morning Gilds the Skies: LBW #546, ELW #853, LSB #807

OR All Who Would Valiant Be: LBW #498

OR My Lord, What a Morning: WOV #627, ELW #438

Hymn of the Day: Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word: LBW #230, ELW #517, LSB #655

OR O God of Youth: LBW #510

Communion Hymn #1: Jesus, Still Lead/Lead Thou On: LBW #341, ELW #624; LSB #718

Communion Hymn #2: Lord Take My Hand and Lead Me: LBW #333, ELW #767, LSB#722

Closing Hymn: Jerusalem, My Happy Home: LBW #331, ELW #628, LSB #673

OR My Life Flows on in Endless Song: WOV #781, ELW #763

*******

THE PRAYERS 

Let us intercede before the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the sake of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Father, we don’t want to hear about persecution, judgment, and destruction! Kindle our hearts, fortify our minds, strengthen our spirits, steel our sinews. Unite us to Jesus, so that we stand strong even in the most difficult trials. Give us your Spirit, to desire and do your holy will.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless your Church. You have promised that, though temples made by human hands may be destroyed, your Temple of living stones shall abide forever. Purify, preserve, and provide for it through your Holy Spirit. Unite it to your Son, its Cornerstone and Head. Make it a house of prayer for all nations.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You foretold times of persecution for those who proclaim you as Lord and follow you as Savior. Shield, strengthen and bless all who endure such fiery trials. Help us to remember them in prayer, to stand with them in witness, and to provide tangible help for their physical needs.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Perfect the faith of this congregation, so that we are bold to approach the throne of grace with our prayers and supplications. Conform us to your mind and your likeness. Use us to bring your forgiveness, life, and salvation to those who are estranged from you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Help us to identify, encourage, and mentor future pastors and theologians. Touch and kindle them with a passion to proclaim your Son, crucified and risen from the dead to bestow forgiveness unto eternal life, to the people who need your strong Word the most.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless and guide all the peoples of this world. Let them put their trust not in any earthly ruler but in your wise governance and gracious commands. Teach us how to live at peace with one another; to care for the poor and vulnerable in our midst; and to work for the common good, in accordance with your will.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

In troubled times, good men and women must stand in harm’s way to defend life and liberty. Guide and strengthen them. Let their labors be a blessing to many. Help us to honor all who have served, especially those who have sacrificed the most on our behalf.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Your dear Son is the Resurrection and the Life. Grant healing to all who suffer, and give them a foretaste of his victory over death.  Especially we pray for: {List}. Bless all caretakers with skill, patience, and compassion. Re-establish bonds of affection and fellowship that have been unraveled by sickness or sorrow.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Holy God, we entrust our departed loved ones into your care. We ask you to guard and guide us safely through this earthly life. Make us confident that we can always turn to you with all our needs and cares. Raise us up on the last day, with all whom you have redeemed. Let us join the chorus of adoration and praise to you: for with your Son and the Holy Spirit, you are our joy, our delight, and our eternal inheritance.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For Jesus’ sake, dear Father, graciously hear and generously answer our fervent petitions, to your glory and for the benefit off for whom we pray. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, November 10: 25^th Sun day after Pentecost, Proper 27

1 Kings 17:8-16: Elijah tells widow of Zaraphath that God will provide food during famine

Psalm 146: God gives food to hungry, cares for widows, orphans

Hebrews 9:24-28: Christ enters heavenly sanctuary once, to atone for sins of all

Mark 12:38-44: Jesus denounces scribes, commends widow’s offering

************

Opening Hymn: How Firm a Foundation: LBW #507, ELW #796, LSB #728

Hymn of the Day: The Temple Rang With Golden Coins (OMG you GOTTA get 1-time permission for this great Herm Stuempfle hymn! Familiar tune, great reflection on Gospel): LSB #787

OR We Give Thee But Thine Own: LBW #410, ELW #686 , LSB #781

Communion Hymn #1: Praise and Thanksgiving: LBW #409, ELW #689, LSB #789

Communion Hymn #2: O Savior, Precious Savior: LBW #514, ELW #820, LSB #527

Closing Hymn: Alleluia! Sing to Jesus: LBW #158, ELW #392, LSB #821

*******

THE PRAYERS

Let us intercede before the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the sake of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Father, sometimes it’s hard to trust that you will provide what we truly need. Whether we face a personal crisis, a regional weather catastrophe, or a time of national uncertainty or strife, we’re more apt to trust Ben Franklin’s line that “God helps those who help themselves!” Help us to cast all our cares on you. Help us to be generous to others in need, even when we feel the pinch. Help us to commend ourselves, one another, and our whole lives to you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Adorn your whole church in the loveliness of faith, hope, and charity. Let its words and deeds show Jesus to the world. Use it to enrich the empty-hearted, the broken-hearted, and the hard-hearted with the generosity, forgiveness, and grace of your dear Son, who gave himself for their salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give strength and healing to everyone who is persecuted on account of their faith in Jesus. Fill them with your unfailing and gracious presence. By their witness, soften the hearts of all who hate your Son and his followers, until the whole world is united in praising him.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Sometimes we’re afraid to be generous as we look at rising costs and shrinking offerings! Grant bold trust and wise generosity to the people of this congregation, dear Lord. Give us wisdom and ingenuity to find creative and faithful ways of sharing the blessings – material and spiritual – you’ve lavished upon us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We ask your blessing upon our nation; upon all newly-elected leaders; and upon all who may be called upon to serve their country in a new administration. Pour out upon them, and on us all, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and fear of the Lord, and joy in your presence. Help us to do your will in ways small and great, knowing that in so doing, we glorify you and build up all your people, here and throughout the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless, heal, comfort, and cheer all who suffer and cry to you for help, including those we name before you this day: {List}. Give them grace to cast all their cares on you, trusting that you care for them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Eternal Father, your mercy is great toward all who fear, trust, and love you. Thank you for keeping our beloved dead safely in your eternal care. Keep us there, too, we humbly pray. Help us to cling to Jesus with one hand, and to reach out to a neighbor in need with the other. By your grace, lead us to your eternal home, where with all whom Jesus has redeemed by his Cross, death, and resurrection, we will rejoice in your amazing grace and lavish love forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For Jesus’ sake, dear Father, graciously hear and generously answer our fervent petitions, to your glory and for the benefit off for whom we pray. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, November 3: All Saints’ Sunday

Revelation 7: 2-17 (An angel seals the righteous. Blessing, honor, glory, power to the Lamb!)

ELW/RCL: Isaiah 25:6-9 (The feast; God wipes away tears, removes shame, destroys death)

Psalm 149:  Praise the Lord for his righteousness and victory!

ELW/RCL: Psalm 24 (Who ascends God’s holy hill, enters temple? Those with clean hands, pure hearts)

1 John 3:1-3: (We shall be like Jesus as we see him as he is)

ELW/RCL: Revelation 21:1-6a (New heaven and earth, New Jerusalem; death is no more)

Matthew 5:1-12 (The Beatitudes)

ELW/RCL: John 11:32-44 (Jesus raises Lazarus)

Opening hymn: Rejoice, O Pilgrim Throng: LBW #553, LSB #813

Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart: ELW #873/874

Hymn of the Day: Blessing and Honor: LBW #525, ELW #854

OR At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing: LBW #210, ELW #362, LSB #633

OR Alabare: WOV #791, LSB #799, 800

Communion Hymn #1: Children of the Heavenly Father: LBW #474, ELW #781, LSB #725

Communion Hymn #2: Day by Day: WOV #746, ELW #790

OR Jesus Loves Me: ELW #595, LSB #588

Closing Hymn: In Thee is Gladness: LBW #552, ELW #867, LSB #818

                OR For All the Saints: LBW #174, ELW #422, LSB #677

*********

THE PRAYERS 

Let us intercede before the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the sake of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Thank you, dear Lord, for those forgiven sinners we call saints. Thank you for giving us a glimpse of your glory shining through their words and deeds. Thank you that, in Jesus, you have wiped away all their tears and taken away all their shame. Thank you for promising this to us, too.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Save and defend your Church, purchased with the blood of Christ. Give it righteous pastors and bishops. Defend it when it is attacked. Purify and heal it when it sins. Make it perfect in love and good works. Keep it steadfast in the faith once delivered to the saints, so that one holy Church may bear witness to you, the creator and redeemer of all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give your persecuted Church the blessings promised by Jesus. Let it rejoice in being united to his Passion. Give it the peace that passes human understanding. Grant repentance and faith to all who hate the name of Jesus. Give them grace to bind up the wounds they have inflicted upon the Body of Christ.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Draw to yourself the hearts of this congregation’s members. Guide our minds; fill our imaginations; control our wills, so that we may be wholly yours. Use us as you will, always to your glory and the welfare of your people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Set before us the example of your saints, great and small. Inspire us by their faith, generosity, and compassion. Strengthen us to endure, as they did, hardship and persecution for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified to an unbelieving world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We commend all nations into your merciful care. Let everyone live in peace and be guided by your providence. Give those in authority the wisdom to know your will and the strength to do it. Grant to them – and to all of us! – a double portion of your Spirit, so that justice, mercy, righteousness, and peace may prevail.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We ask your special blessing as many of us approach a national election. Give us wisdom, discernment, and the grace to put your will for our country above personal or partisan interests. Grant us a peaceful and uncontested outcome and transfer of power. Bless us with your healing and holy Spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Comfort with the grace of your Holy Spirit all who are in sorrow or need, sickness or adversity, especially {List}. Give wholeness and hope to all who cry out to you for help. Have mercy on the dying, and comfort the grieving. And to all, grant a measure of your love, shielding them with your tender care.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, we give you thanks for all of our blessed dead who rest now in your care. Raise them to the life promised to all whom you have redeemed by the Cross and Resurrection of your Son. Grant that we, who walk as yet by faith and not by sight, may by your Holy Spirit continue our course on earth with steadfast hope, constant love, and unquenchable joy. Gather us, with all of your people, at that eternal high feast that celebrates your victory over sin and death, won for us in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For Jesus’ sake, dear Father, graciously hear and generously answer our fervent petitions, to your glory and for the benefit off for whom we pray. Amen.

Scripture

John 8:31-36

Script

[Props: Print out a copy of Martin Luther’s 95 theses, tape]

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! 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, everyone!

Pastor: Today is a special day, Sammy!

Sammy: I knew it! Happy birthday, Pastor!

Pastor: No, no, no. Today is not my birthday.

Sammy: Happy anniversary, Pastor!

Pastor: Wrong again, Sammy.

Sammy: I give up! What is the special day?

Pastor: Boys and girls, do you know what special day it is today?

[Allow time for responses]

Pastor: It’s Reformation Sunday!

Sammy: It’s Reformation Sunday! Hooray! What’s that?

Pastor: Today is a day where we remember when Martin Luther nailed 95 theses, or proposed reformations, to the door of the church at Wittenburg.

Sammy: Why did Martin Luther do that? He put a lot of holes in a nice door.

Pastor: Martin Luther wanted to reform the Catholic Church. He didn’t like some of the things the leaders in the church were doing. He wanted everyone to know that we are saved by grace through faith. Jesus is the author and perfector of our faith, and we look to him for our salvation.

Sammy: Martin Luther seems like a great guy.

Pastor: He is, Sammy. Today we are going to hang the 95 theses on the door of our church. I have the list Martin Luther created here. We are going to hang up this list together.

[Walk with children to church door and hang up the 95 theses. You may hang them on an interior church door.]

Pastor: Thank you for your help, everyone. Let’s pray. Can everyone please fold your hands and bow your heads? Dear Jesus, Thank you for your church. Thank you for sending people like Martin Luther to help grow your church. Thank you for being with us here. We love you. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

Scripture

Mark 10:35-45

Script

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! 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, everyone!

Pastor: Boys and girls, I was wondering, do you have a favorite spot to sit in your house? Where is that spot?

[Allow time for responses]

Sammy: I love sitting at the top of the meadow and looking down at the rolling great hills and the wildflowers blowing in the wind. And I love listening to the birds sing. The top of the meadow is my favorite spot.

Pastor: That sounds like a lovely spot, Sammy.

Sammy: It is.

Pastor: In our gospel reading from Mark today, James and John want to sit at Jesus’s left and right hands.

Sammy: Sitting next to Jesus sounds like a great place to be. What’s wrong with that?

Pastor: Well, Jesus tells James and John that they don’t know what they are asking. Jesus asks them questions in return: “Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” And they say that they are able.

Sammy: Well that’s great!

Pastor: Jesus then agrees with them, and says James and John will drink from the cup that he drinks and be baptized with the baptism that he is baptized with. But James and John cannot sit at his left and right hand—it is for those for whom it has been prepared.

Sammy: I am lost. What does Jesus mean?

Pastor: James and John drink from the cup of wine Jesus offers. This cup is the blood Jesus shed to give us the new covenant. We drink from this cup when we have communion.

Sammy: That makes sense. What about the baptism?

Pastor: Jesus is baptized with water, the Word, and he receives the Holy Spirit. When we are baptized, we are baptized with water and the Word, and we also receive the Holy Spirit.

Sammy: I understand that part now, too. But what about the seats at Jesus’s left and right hands? Why can’t James and John sit there?

Pastor: That place is reserved for the two men who stole from other people and were crucified on Jesus’s left and right sides.

Sammy: Oh no.

Pastor: That’s why James and John can’t be seated at Jesus’s left and right hands—two other people were already chosen to take those places.

Sammy: Pastor, I find comfort knowing that God knows better than me. He has a perfect plan for my life, and he delivers me from harm and danger even when I am not aware of the danger around me.

Pastor: Jesus loves each one of his disciples, and he loves each one of us. He was looking out for James and John.

Sammy: I’ll look out for you, too, Pastor. Let’s pray. Can everyone please fold their hands and bow their heads? Dear Jesus, thank you for communion. Thank you for baptism. Thank you for keeping us safe and helping us to serve each other in love. We love you. Amen.

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Scripture

Mark 10:17-31

Script

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! 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, everyone! Pastor, I have a question.

Pastor: I am ready for your question, Sammy.

Sammy: Are you good at sharing?

Pastor: I’d like to think that I am pretty good at sharing, yes.

Sammy: YES! That’s great! Woo-hoo! I found this $50 bill in your office and I am so glad you want to share it with me.

Pastor: Hang on a second there, Sammy.

Sammy: I was thinking we could go get ice cream together, and then we could go to a local farm and say hello to all the animals. And then we could get a few pumpkins. After that, I was thinking we could—

Pastor: Sammy, you can’t just go into my office and pick up money you find and ask to share it.

Sammy: Why not? This money was on the floor. It was like you put it there for me to find. You’re great at creating surprises, Pastor.

Pastor: Sammy, I am going to take the money back now. I didn’t leave it for you as a surprise. We are not going to share the cash, either.

Sammy: I guess you weren’t listening to what Jesus said today, Pastor.

Pastor: What do you mean, Sammy?

Sammy: Jesus said in Mark Chapter 10:25 “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” I am just trying to look out for you, Pastor.

Pastor: Boys and girls, what do you think Jesus meant when he said, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God”?

[Allow time for responses]

Sammy: These are great answers!

Pastor: Do you understand now, Sammy? Jesus is encouraging us to give up what we love more than him so that we can be closer to him. He wants us to share our gifts: what we have in our homes and what we have in our hearts. Jesus doesn’t want us to keep everything to ourselves. He wants us to love him and each other.

Sammy: So…

Pastor: But that doesn’t mean we have to give up everything to everyone. So I am going to take that large bill back.

Sammy: Okay. I understand. I am sure I can find some coins in the parking lot!

Pastor: That’s the spirit! Boys and girls, let’s pray together. Would everyone please fold your hands and bow your heads? Dear Jesus, Thank you for encouraging us to hold tightly to you. Thank you for helping us give to others. Thank you for your grace and mercy. Amen.

Pastor: Bye, everyone! Bye, Sammy!

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Scripture

Mark 10:2-16

Script

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

Sammy: [sad tone] Good morning, everyone.

Pastor: What’s wrong, Sammy?

Sammy: I wanted to tell you all that sometimes I feel like I am too little to do anything.

Pastor: What do you mean, Sammy?

Sammy: Well, sometimes I try to play with older lambs, and they don’t want me to play with them. And I have trouble reaching the special treats in the barn. I am a little lamb, and sometimes the older lambs make me feel like I don’t matter.

Pastor: I am sorry to hear that, Sammy. I want you to know that you always matter to me and to Jesus.

Sammy: [Still sad] Thanks, Pastor.

Pastor: Boys and girls, can you think of a time when you were too little to do something? What happened?

[Allow time for responses]

Pastor: Thank you for your answers, everyone. I remember being too little to _____.

Sammy: I guess it’s a good thing that we have Jesus, right? Even though I am small and other lambs make me feel unimportant, I am always important to Jesus.

Pastor: That’s right. Jesus’s disciples saw that moms and dads were bringing their tiny babies and toddlers to Jesus, and they told Jesus to send the little children away.

Sammy: That sounds familiar. The older lambs tell me to go away, too.

Pastor: Sammy, Jesus is different. He tells the disciples that the Kingdom of God belongs to little children, and he says to let the little children come to him.

Sammy: He does?

Pastor: Yes—Jesus loves even the smallest of babies. Each of us are created in the image of God, and God loves us.

Sammy: That’s great news!

Pastor: That’s what the gospel is all about. The good news of Jesus Christ is for all of us, even the littlest among us. Let’s pray: Dear Jesus, Thank you for welcoming babies and toddlers. Thank you for modeling how to love our Christian family. Thank you for your good news. We love you. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!