As part of a celebration of All Saints Day this simple activity has the benefit of being able to involve both children and adults and be a teaching experience too.
Stand
a mix of children and adults from the front to the back of the church. (21 is
ideal but 11 or 6 can be made to work). Tell everyone that each of these
represents one century (if 21 people) or two centuries (11 people) or four centuries (6 people).
If possible, put a parent with a baby as the last person in the line
Move
along this line and as you pass each person call out the names of one/some of
the saints of that century with very brief information if you have it. A timeline
is suggested Click HERE but this will work best if you can find the names of
saints with particular significance to your church, your town/community, your
area or your home country– so use this if you like but be inventive if you can.
I
have found it best to move from side to side of the row as you progress towards
the back of your church. If you are fortunate enough to have 21 people, it
works well to move from side to side at intervals of 5.
You
need to go through the names fairly briskly to avoid the exercise becoming a
bore – but as ever, you will need to speak clearly, especially as some of the
names will not be familiar to everyone.
The
culmination is the 21st Century represented by the parent and child.
They represent our responsibility to spread the Good News of Jesus as the
Saints have down the ages. This message can be developed once the participants
have sat down to suit your own fellowship
There is also a simple child-friendly song ‘This is a Day of Celebration’ with a special Saints’ Day verse. It can he accessed HERE
There is also a simple child-friendly song ‘This is a Day of Celebration’ with a special Saints’ Day verse. It can he accessed HERE