Ideas for a children's talk

Are you willing to change – your clothes, or your attitude, for God?

Create party invitations in a variety of forms – elaborate with ribbons, a text message (sent or printed out), a scrap of paper. Whatever the form, the invitation should make it clear that those invited need to be wearing something special to be allowed in. Give very child an invitation to dress up for a party that’s happening right now, and provide a selection of party clothes and fancy dress.

When they are ready, ask if you can come too – even though you are wearing your ordinary clothes. Encourage them to see that the problem is not the clothes, but that you haven’t made any effort. You haven’t respected the request, or got in the spirit of it.

How did they feel about the way they were invited? Is an invitation by text or on social media just as good as one on a nicely printed card with ribbons? Does it suggest how much the invitee is bothered if you turn up?

If all your friends are invited to a party but you can’t be bothered to go, how do you feel when they tell you what a fantastic party it was? Who is to blame for you missing it?

Jesus talked about people being willing to make an effort, to change, to be ready. Are you willing to change – your clothes, or your attitude, for God?