Alphabet Series for Kid’z Worship
Letter “J” JOY
Props/Materials
Snack and art supplies, two youth for the skit
Prayer
God, we thank you for joy we have in You,
We pray for our family, church, and friends,
Give them happiness this day,
And help us in all we do and say, Amen.
Snack
Root Beer Floats. Explain and demonstrate how the pop fizzles when poured into the glass. That is like our hearts when we have the joy of Jesus inside. We bubble over with joy and happiness.
Art
Make JOY bracelets. Give them three larger pink beads on a string with white or brown as the remaining color of beads. Tell them the three pink beads stand for J-Jesus (our Savior), O-Others (those we share with about Jesus), Y-You (Serve Him in all you do).
Music (Tune: If You’re Happy and You Know It)
Letter J, letter J, letter J (left foot stomp, and right fingers snap 2x)
Letter J, letter J, letter J (right foot stomp, and left fingers snap 2x)
Jesus brings joy, and we are glad to sing,
Letter J, letter J, letter J (do both 2x)
Additional Songs: God You Make Me Smile (Super Strong God DVD Hillsong), I Will Praise (Shout Praises Kids You Are Good DVD), Trading My Sorrows (Shout Praises Kids Every Move I Make DVD)
Bible Memory Verse
Psalm 118:24 - "This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Bible Memory Verse Activity
POPCORN TIME. Say the verse many times, and each time they are to jump up on the word “Rejoice” just like popcorn and clap on the word “glad”. See how many times it takes them to be in all one accord on accurate timing. Praise them when they get it just right.
Skit
Sandy: I’m so happy and here’s the reason why….
John: What do you have to be so happy about? It’s raining outside.
Sandy: Jesus took my sins all away.
John: What about it? I know all about that.
Sandy: Are you happy, John?
John: Oh course, I’m happy, I go to church, don’t I?
Sandy: But are you happy?
John: I put money in the offering plate?
Sandy: Does that make you happy?
John: I give to the poor and share other things that I own?
Sandy: John, does all that make you happy inside?
John: Well….not really. Sometimes, I do all those things, because it is expected of me. I actually feel uncertain and unhappy most of the time.
Sandy: You do not need to be unhappy? You remind me of our JOY bracelets we made one year in Sunday school. That was years ago.
John: I remember those, too. What did they stand for? The pink beads, I mean.
Sandy: “J” was for our Savior Jesus who lives in our hearts when we confess our sins.
John: And the “O” ?
Sandy: “O” was for others we see every day. “O” is for those we can tell about Jesus and help with gifts, food, clothes, and anything they may need.
John: And, now I remember, the “Y” was for “You”.
Sandy: Do you remember what was said about the letter “Y”?
John: Tell me.
Sandy: “Y” stands for “You”. In all we do we must put Christ first in our lives. We can do many good things like going to church, reading our Bible, praying, giving to the poor, but if we do not put Christ FIRST in our lives it is all in vain. It will count for nothing. We must allow Jesus to live in our hearts and have first place.
John: Now it is coming back to me. I think I have had my “JOY” a little mixed up and out of order.
Sandy: I am glad that you see that, John. Would you like to pray about it now?
John: Sure, let’s do.
Message
How many have ever ridden a scary ride at an amusement park? Was it thrilling?
JOY is an emotion deep within us that only comes from God. We may have temporary feeling of happiness from a good report card, pleasure over a new present we wanted so badly, the thrill of riding the scariest ride at an amusement park, but JOY comes from God.
Joy is lasting and will not fade away. When we put Jesus first in our lives, He gives lasting joy. Of course, we may have moments of sadness, pain, and anger, but joy will come in the morning. That means joy will be there, and we cannot even sleep it away. It is deep, very deep within us that continues as we keep trusting in God.
God wants us to share this joy with OTHERS. There are many people who are unhappy. They have had a bad deal in life they feel, they may have lost a job, a loved one, a promotion at work, and are unhappy people. Only Jesus can give us a joy that will be with us through all we go through in life.
God wants us “YOU” to serve him every day. Sometimes, it may be difficult when others are doing things wrong and they encourage us to do it with them. It can be difficult when our friends watch movies or play games that GOD does not want us to take part in. It can be difficult when others hurt their bodies with drinking and smoking when we are asked to try it as well. God will be with us all the time; we must call on Him when we need help. He will help YOU make the right choices every day. He will help YOU tell OTHERS about his great love. JESUS is the best person, best friend, and best counselor, whom we will ever have. Trust JESUS and ask him for JOY. Then focus on reading his word, praying, helping others, and sharing His love and you will keep JOY in your heart.
Dismiss in prayer and allow the kids to pray if they do not have this joy and desire it.
Discussion Questions
1. What do the letters in the word JOY mean to you?
2. How can you share your JOY with others?
3. What does GOD say about JOY in the Word of God?
4. How does joy remain in our hearts?
© January 2010. Kidzministry.net Jeanne McIntosh. All rights reserved.
