It is never too early to share with children that they have purpose and value in God’s eyes. Each and every individual is known by Him and chosen for special and specific purpose. These crafts celebrate that fact, reminding kids that God knows them by name and has called them. With reflections on discipleship calling and the Old Testament calling of Samuel, these crafts remind students that God loves them and has a plan for them. A nametag decoration is a recollection to God’s specific calling by name, and a prayer request box considers our requests to the Lord.
Verses or Captions to Consider…
Then the Lord called Samuel, and he said, “Here I am!” -1 Samuel 3:4
But now thus says the Lord,
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine. -Isaiah 43:1
Calling on God prayer requests…
Created with purpose: God has a plan for me!
Called by name…I am HIS
God knows my name and loves me!
More Teaching Ideas on this passage:
- Watch our video demonstration of this children’s sermon on YouTube
- Don’t miss the related craft ideas and full Sunday School Lesson on John 1:43-51
- Compare the lesson on this passage from rfour.org
- Compare “Tell Your Friends about Jesus” from sermons4kids
Craft one: “Called by Name Tag” Decoration
You will need:
- Hole punch
- Paper or cardstock
- Scissors
- String or pipe cleaners
- Crayons or markers
- Stickers or other decorations
Procedure:
- Have children (or help children) write names on a large piece of paper or cardstock.
- Decorate the name by tracing around it with marker, crayon, or colored pencil.
- Continue to embellish as desired with stickers and colors.
- Cut the name out from the paper/cardstock.
- Attach a string or pipe cleaner to hang the name tag in a decorative spot.
Craft Two: “Call on God” Prayer Box
You will need:
- Paper (wrapping or cardstock)
- Markers or crayons
- Stickers, glitter, or other decorations
- Small box or container
- Scissors
- Tape or glue
- Popsicle sticks (optional)
Procedure (use one of these ideas or adapt and do others):
1. Decorate and/or “wrap” your container using paper, stickers, markers, and more.
2. Continue to decorate the container, adding verses and captions as well as color and design.
3. Cut a slit in the top of the box, or find an opening in which to place prayer requests.
4. Cut strips of paper or cardstock, and write prayer requests or praises on them. Optional: attach to popsicle sticks with glue or tape.
5. Place the prayer requests inside the container. Place in a prominent spot to recall important prayer needs.