Updated 30 November, 2004

SUNDAY AFTER ASCENSION - 8/5/05

Theme: Ascension - Jesus the King

Bible Reading

Acts chapter 1 verses 6-14 (Although Ascension Day was last Thursday, the Ascension Story figures again in the Sunday readings).

Preparation

You need a traditional poem about a king such as "The King's Breakfast" by A.A. Milne, "Old King Cole" or "Sing a Song of Sixpence".

A cardboard crown, or similar, and a chair to act as a throne. If you have a picture of Christ in Glory readily available, you may like to place this on the "throne" in the Message section.

Introduction

Begin with your poem about a king. Is that really what life is like for kings and queens today do you think? What kind of special things do you know that our own Queen does? (You may wish to refer to the Jubilee here.)

If you were given the chance to be king or queen for a day what kind of instructions or advice would you like to give people? Give a few children the opportunity to come up and sit on the throne, wear the crown and promulgate their "law".

The Message

Leave the crown sitting in the centre of the throne.

Remind the children of the Ascension story if they heard it last week, or tell it briefly. This is the Church's story about how Jesus was no longer seen on the earth but returned to God His Father to be king in heaven. You have heard many stories of Jesus over the years - what kind of king do you think He is? Suggestions might include such ideas as loving, generous (he gave his life), forgiving, just, peaceful, reigns for ever.

For Christians, Jesus reigns as king in their lives.

Prayer

Use the Lord's Prayer as the prayer of God's Kingdom.