Ideas for a children's talk

Do a simple quiz with the children, with question such as: Do you go to school? Have you got a pet?

For each ‘yes’, give a penny (or toy coin). Keep going until all the children have a few coins.

Now ask questions of the adults: did you go on holiday this year? Did you come here by car? Show the children that you have no more coins to give, so they will need to pass on theirs. Encourage them to work together to make sure the adults get their rewards. It is an unusual role for a child to give money to an adult. Ask if any felt reluctant to give away their coins? What about the adults, do any of them feel it was strange to receive like this?

When Jesus met a man called Zacchaeus – a man who had taken a lot of money from people – he realised how greedy he had been, and he not only gave it back but he gave back more than he had taken! He put right his over-charging by over-giving! It is not the money that is important, but doing the right thing for other people, especially for those who find it hard to give away, or hard to receive gifts of help and of love.

Active worship

You could use A simple worship activity for all ages (also in print on p.41 of ROOTS Adult & All Age magazine, issue 85).

Prayers

A prayer of confession and A way into prayer could be used.