Yesterday at church, even though it was Pentecost, I had an epiphany.
Every week before the Family Service begins, children choose
a task they would like to do, such as lighting the candles on the low table we
use as an altar, or passing the collection basket, or bringing up the bread or
wine or water while one of the deacons sets the table for Communion. Yesterday, Jacob chose to
bring the water.
As part of the homily for the Family Service, I had brought
in a tea light candle, a plush stuffed dove, and a small electric water fountain as ways of talking about the Holy Spirit. First we blew on our hands to feel invisible wind, which is one way Scripture describes the Spirit. Then we talked about how “tongues of fire”
rested on the disciples at Pentecost, and stuck out our tongues to see how a
flame really is tongue-shaped. Next we passed around the dove for
everyone to hold.
And then I began to talk about water and the Holy Spirit, and I invited the children to come and feel the water as it burbled in the fountain.
And then I began to talk about water and the Holy Spirit, and I invited the children to come and feel the water as it burbled in the fountain.
Jacob heard the word “water,” and instead of coming to the fountain, he went straight to the
credence table and brought me the cruet of water for Communion.
“Oh!” I realized. “I’ve never thought of the water we add to wine as the Holy Spirit! That would mean that when I pour water into the cup of
wine, I’m adding the Holy Spirit to what will become the blood of Christ. I
will never think of it the same way again!”
No wonder Jesus told us we need to become like little children! Thank you, Jacob!
AN ACTIVITY
For those of you who would like a lively activity to do at home during this week following Pentecost Sunday, begin by cutting strips of craft or butcher paper into one to two foot lengths, about three or four inches wide. Then have the children use red, orange, and yellow markers to color both sides of the paper to represent fire. Once they finish, show them how to shake the paper to make the sound of “strong wind blowing” just like when the Holy Spirit first came to the disciples.
AN ACTIVITY
For those of you who would like a lively activity to do at home during this week following Pentecost Sunday, begin by cutting strips of craft or butcher paper into one to two foot lengths, about three or four inches wide. Then have the children use red, orange, and yellow markers to color both sides of the paper to represent fire. Once they finish, show them how to shake the paper to make the sound of “strong wind blowing” just like when the Holy Spirit first came to the disciples.
Then you can teach them the following song, which uses
the tune of “If You’re Happy and You Know It.” If you're not sure of the tune, you can find a lively version at: <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrsM9WggC>
Be sure the children have their colored paper “wind” strips
with them for the last verse:
If
the Spirit comes to you, then clap your hands.
If
the Spirit comes to you, then clap your hands.
If the Spirit comes to you,
You can tell the world good news.
If the Spirit comes to you, then
clap your hands.
Additional verses:
- If the Spirit comes to you, then stomp your feet.
- If the Spirit comes to you, then nod your head.
- If the Spirit comes to you, then turn around.
- If the Spirit comes to you, let’s hear some wind (get them to shake their paper}.
You and the children can make up other verses if you’d
like.
For more activities, check out this website from Australia (especially the popcorn for Pentecost):
Those St. P's kids are mighty smart!
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