L E S S O N 17
GOD’S KINGDOM OF PEACE
Summary of Today’s Story
In the moving passage of Isaiah 2:4, the prophet sees
a time when, by the people’s own choosing, there
will no longer be any war. The people themselves
will “beat their swords into plowshares, and their
spears into pruning hooks.”
Isaiah 11:1-10 describes the peaceable kingdom that
will come about when the spirit of the Lord rests
upon the one who comes “out from the stump of
Jesse.”
Where You’ll
Find Today’s Story
In the Bible
We recommend the New Revised Standard
Version Bible.
Isaiah 2:4 (swords into plowshares)
Isaiah 11:1-10 (the peaceable kingdom)
In Children’s Bibles
If you plan to use a children’s Bible for
storytelling, write the page numbers of
today’s story in the space below.
In Our Sunday Lectionary
Today’s story is told in church on the
following Sunday:
Year A: First Sunday in Advent; Second
Sunday in Advent
© 2012 By Joanna Leiserson. Published by Morehouse Education Resources, www.MorehouseEducation.org. All rights reserved.
Permission is hereby granted to reproduce this page for use in the purchasing congregation only.
2 | Lesson 17 | God’s Kingdom of Peace | Weaving GOD’S BELOVED COMMUNITY, Year 3
Weaving Our
Story with the
Biblical Story
Today, we too dream of peace in
this world.
In Isaiah’s day, Israel was constantly under threat of
domination by its neighbors, and especially by the
up-and-coming conquering warhorse Assyria. War
was always on the horizon, if not right in their midst.
Looking into the face of war, Isaiah counters with a
vision of peace, when all nations will stream to the
Lord’s house to learn the Lord’s ways, walk in the
light of the Lord, the light of peace.
Often we see Isaiah’s dreams as being inspiring but
unrealistic, though we may fervently pray that God
will somehow allow these dreams to come to pass in
our lifetime. We pray for the reign of God to happen,
we pray for “God with us,” Emmanuel, even as we
sing the Advent hymn, “Come, thou long-expected
Jesus, born to set thy people free.”
Our task, in the expectation of God’s coming, is to
be faithful disciples of God, to live in the “already”
of God’s reign, even when the world acts as if it is
“not yet.” To live in the light of the Lord, even when
the world stumbles around in darkness.
Heaven knows that we live in a time of darkness,
a time that urgently calls for the light of Christ.
The last century was perhaps the darkest of
centuries, marked not only by two world wars and
innumerable other wars, but also by the slaughter
of six million of God’s Chosen People. This century
has begun with terror and war and injustice all over
God’s good earth.
Yet we proclaim the beginning of God’s rule with
the coming of Christ. Clearly the best way for
us to usher in the reign of God is not by waiting
passively for it, like spectators when the football
team comes out into the field. We anticipate Christ’s
coming best by being active partners in that reign,
loving our neighbors as ourselves—especially the
brokenhearted, those left behind by human sin, left
behind to go hungry, to go homeless, to suffer from
the violence of war.
If Advent is a time of urgency, we can be urgent in
caring for the world that God created, in feeding
the hungry, in speaking out against injustice and
oppression, war and violence, and in working for the
kind of world that God intends for us to live in.
Isaiah saw in his vision a world torn by war
transformed into a world ruled by God. He saw a
world in which the weapons of war are turned into
instruments of justice, instruments that will bring a
bountiful abundance of the fruits of the earth to all
people. He showed his people an image of their city
Jerusalem living in unity and at peace, something
that they can look forward to in hope.
Isaiah’s images are so powerful to us that “swords
into plowshares” has become part of our common
vocabulary, so concretely touching is its vision.
In the same way, “the lion lies with the lamb”
touches our souls profoundly with its picture of
utter peace. Many have heard about the “Peaceable
Kingdom,” and many may be familiar with the
famous painting depicting the animals peacefully
coexisting in this kingdom.
From a Christian point of view, Isaiah here
proclaims the coming of Christ and the peace and
righteousness that will be realized upon his coming.
What lies behind these stories is the prophet’s
deep awareness of God’s character, the essence of
which is love and justice, mercy and righteousness,
forgiveness and compassion. When we can also
embrace these qualities that come from God, we
can—at least as individuals—embody the peaceable
kingdom that knows not weapons to maim and kill
but only those tools to feed and to nourish.
© 2012 By Joanna Leiserson. Published by Morehouse Education Resources, www.MorehouseEducation.org. All rights reserved.
Permission is hereby granted to reproduce this page for use in the purchasing congregation only.
3 | Lesson 17 | God’s Kingdom of Peace | Weaving GOD’S BELOVED COMMUNITY, Year 3
The Episcopal Thread
This picture of peace resonates well
with our Episcopal Church’s vision of
peace and justice in this world.
Look at the fifth question that we are asked in our
Baptismal Covenant (p. 305): “Will you strive for
justice and peace among all people, and respect the
dignity of every human being?” And we respond as a
body, “We will, with God’s help.”
In this question, justice and peace go together. In
Isaiah, the vision of peace is offered, but Isaiah—as
all of the prophets—takes for granted that peace
comes only when justice is done.
The public policy branch of the Episcopal Church
Center has published a number of statements on
our need to work for justice and reconciliation, and
against injustice and retaliation for wrongs done
to us. The most recent statement comes as a result
of the United States leadership contemplating a
preemptive strike against Iraq in 2002.
For prayers for peace, see pages 815-816 in the Book
of Common Prayer, including a prayer “For Our
Enemies,” which asks for reconciliation for us all.
Gathering
As the children enter the
room, engage them in a simple
activity. For younger ones,
this might be a simple coloring activity, a lump of
clay to shape or a picture to draw. Older children
also may be given some clay to work with. Or invite
the children to make a simple craft that can be
used during the storytelling time: a sword-to-plow
picture or animal puppets. See the “Peaceable Finger
Puppets” on page 20 in this lesson.
In addition, on pages 8-13 you’ll find several
Gathering Activity handouts that relates to today’s
lesson.
Older children will also appreciate a brief time to
renew friendships and to catch up on the week’s
happenings with each other. This fellowship time
is important for children in this age group, and it is
important for the life of the church as community
and as family.
Please make sure, however, that the conversation
is appropriate to the spirit of Christ’s church. (This
may be a time to discourage gossip, putdowns,
and other uncharitable talk while still encouraging
and inviting friendly bonds to form among the
children.)
After all the children have arrived and had a few
minutes of activity or fellowship time, gather them
together and say a simple opening prayer, such as:
■■ Lord, we thank you that you have brought us
together today as your church family. Open our
eyes so that we can see your love, and our ears so
that we can hear your Word, in this room and in
the world. We pray for all of us here, and for those
who are absent, especially asking for your blessing
on those who are sick today. We ask this in Jesus’
name. Amen.
© 2012 By Joanna Leiserson. Published by Morehouse Education Resources, www.MorehouseEducation.org. All rights reserved.
Permission is hereby granted to reproduce this page for use in the purchasing congregation only.
4 | Lesson 17 | God’s Kingdom of Peace | Weaving GOD’S BELOVED COMMUNITY, Year 3
Telling the Story
Tell these two stories in your own
words, or read from a children’s Bible,
showing the pictures. If you cannot
find a children’s Bible that contains these passages
from Isaiah, read from a standard Bible. The words
are simple enough for most children to understand.
You may want to bring pictures of the images in the
passages, especially the plow, or explain the images
beforehand so that the images are meaningful. If the
children made sword-to-plow pictures or animal
puppets during Gathering time, incorporate them
into the telling.
After telling the stories, proceed to the worship time,
saving any discussion for later.
Prayer
Set up a small worship center in
your room.
Materials:
small table with a cloth to cover it
2 candles or 1 large Christ candle
matches
Bible
cross
optional: flowers (real, artificial or handmade by
the children)
Have the children set up a simple altar with the
materials listed above. Invite them to place on the
altar any drawings or crafts that they created during
Gathering time. Then light the candles.
Read a verse or two of today’s scripture from a Bible
so that the children connect the story they heard
with the Bible, which is the word of God. If working
mainly with older children, you might expand the
reading to several verses.
Suggestions for the reading:
For younger children: Isaiah 11:6-7
For older children: Isaiah 11:6-9
© 2012 By Joanna Leiserson. Published by Morehouse Education Resources, www.MorehouseEducation.org. All rights reserved.
Permission is hereby granted to reproduce this page for use in the purchasing congregation only.
5 | Lesson 17 | God’s Kingdom of Peace | Weaving GOD’S BELOVED COMMUNITY, Year 3
Help the children become familiar with our liturgy
by doing the reading as it is done in church. Read as
follows:
Reader: A reading from the book of Isaiah: (read
the selected passage).
Reader: The word of the Lord.
All: Thanks be to God.
Invite the children to sit in a circle and join in prayer.
Say a brief prayer yourself, then invite prayers from
each child in the circle:
■■ Invite prayers of thanks for God’s work in our lives
during the past week.
■■ Welcome prayers of intercession for others in
need, and of petition for ourselves and for others.
■■ Ask if anyone has had a birthday or celebrated a
special day during the past week and give thanks
for these special times.
■■ End the prayer time by praying together the Lord’s
Prayer.
Carefully extinguish the candles.
Sharing
Pass out snacks and say a
simple grace, such as:
■■ Bless our families and friends.
Bless this food that we eat.
May we be a blessing
To all that we meet. Amen.
This is an excellent time, while sharing a snack, to
begin talking about the story that the children have
just heard.
Focus first on the act of turning swords into
plowshares.
■■ You may ask, what causes us to war?
■■ Or, how can we stop war and fighting?
■■ If you know the folk song “Last Night I Had the
Strangest Dream,” you may share its ideas. In this
dream, the singer sees the world agreeing to put an
end to war. “And the people in the streets below/
were dancing round and round. / And guns and
swords and uniforms/ were scattered on the
ground.”
In the lesson on “the peaceable kingdom,” some
children may note that the lion cannot refrain from
eating the lamb without starving himself to death.
■■ You may explore how this passage might be
referring to a situation in which no one needs to
take advantage of someone else for his or her own
benefit.
■■ This passage has a lot of mystery and mystical
images, and in the ultimate kingdom of God, it
may be taken as literally true. In this creaturely
world, we look at the spirit of the passage and its
message of great hope.
© 2012 By Joanna Leiserson. Published by Morehouse Education Resources, www.MorehouseEducation.org. All rights reserved.
Permission is hereby granted to reproduce this page for use in the purchasing congregation only.
6 | Lesson 17 | God’s Kingdom of Peace | Weaving GOD’S BELOVED COMMUNITY, Year 3
Activities: Arts,
Crafts, Games,
Drama, etc.
Activities for
This Week’s Session
After Sharing, begin an activity to supplement and
enhance today’s story. While the children are doing
an activity, talk about the story so that they make
the connection.
Suggested story-related activities are provided at the
end of this lesson on pages 14-22.
Additional activity ideas can be found in the
Appendix (also downloadable) where we’ve
provided suggestions and directions for a variety of
general activities that can be adapted to any lesson.
Also included are outreach and service projects that
can be done at any time.
Memorization
For a moving picture to
remember, have children learn
Isaiah 11:6, ending with the little child leading the
animals in peace.
Suggestions for ways to help the children with
their memorization can be found on page 15 in the
Appendix (also downloadable).
© 2012 By Joanna Leiserson. Published by Morehouse Education Resources, www.MorehouseEducation.org. All rights reserved.
Permission is hereby granted to reproduce this page for use in the purchasing congregation only.
7 | Lesson 17 | God’s Kingdom of Peace | Weaving GOD’S BELOVED COMMUNITY, Year 3
Weaving
God’s Beloved
Community
A community that is beloved of
God is a community of peace.
God’s beloved community is woven as our own
stories connect to the story of God and to the stories
of the people around us.
As your time together draws to a close, take a few
minutes to help the children draw together the
different strands of the lesson so they can say easily
what they have learned today. You may give a brief
summary of the lesson, using the “Summary of the
Story” section above, or encourage them to retell the
story. To help them summarize the stories, you may
ask such questions as these:
■■ Who did we talk about today?
■■ What are some of the pictures that Isaiah gave to
us?
■■ What does his kingdom of peace look like?
Closing Prayer
Before the children leave, say a
closing prayer to send them into
the church worship service or
back to their homes with God’s love and blessing.
The prayer can be very simple, such as this one:
■■ Lord God, we thank you that you bring us pictures
of your kingdom of peace and love. We pray that
you will plant these pictures in our hearts so that
we can spread your peace and love in the world
around us. We pray this in the name of your Son
Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
End with a dismissal used in church, such as:
■■ Let us go into the world in peace, rejoicing in the
power of God’s Holy Spirit.
The children respond:
■■ Thanks be to God!
© 2012 By Joanna Leiserson. Published by Morehouse Education Resources, www.MorehouseEducation.org. All rights reserved.
Permission is hereby granted to reproduce this page for use in the purchasing congregation only.
G at h e r ing Acti v ity:
W h o G o Toget h e r ?
Follow the string to find out what two creatures will be together in God’s new
peaceful kingdom.
8 | Lesson 17 | God’s Kingdom of Peace | Weaving God’s Beloved Community, Year 3 | ACTIVITY
© 2012 By Joanna Leiserson. Published by Morehouse Education Resources, www.MorehouseEducation.org. All rights reserved.
Permission is hereby granted to reproduce this page for use in the purchasing congregation only.
G at h e r ing Acti v ity:
A Vision of G o d’s
P e a ceful K ing d o m
Use the code to find out how the prophet Isaiah sees God’s kingdom of
peace. To discover the message, write the letter in the blank space that has the
corresponding number. Some letters are given for you as a hint. If you are stuck,
look in Isaiah 11:1-9.
A B C D E F G H
25
3
22
26
E
__ __ __
9
24
20
23
I
J
K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
19
10
7
E __ __ __ __
__
18 23 9
E
__ __ __
9 25 2 18 23
15
6
L
L __
__ __ __
714 41615 926209
4
11
E
__ __
16191515
L __
E __ __ __
E
__ __ __ __ __
18239
14
3 9
__ __
424
5
2
8
18
12
13
L __
L
__ __ __
24121515
E
__ __ __
18239
16
21
1
__ __
4 24
L __ __ __
__
154 2 26
__ __
E
__ __ __
E __ __
__ __ __ __
E __
__ __ __ __
E
__ __ __
258
18239
162518928
2241392
18239
E __
__ __
8 925
9 | Lesson 17 | God’s Kingdom of Peace | Weaving God’s Beloved Community, Year 3 | ACTIVITY
© 2012 By Joanna Leiserson. Published by Morehouse Education Resources, www.MorehouseEducation.org. All rights reserved.
Permission is hereby granted to reproduce this page for use in the purchasing congregation only.
17
G at h e r ing Acti v ity:
“ G o d’s K ing d o m ” W o r d S e a r c h
Find the words below that tell how we will all live together in God’s peaceful
kingdom.
BEAR
GOD
LION
STRAW
CALF
GRAZE
LORD
WOLF
CHILD
LAMB
PEACE
M
W
D
Z
L
W
W
E
L
R
H
A
M
L
O
I
Z
D
A
A
J
R
D
L
I
A
O
G
M
E
F
T
F
R
R
H
D
N
B
B
C
S
C
G
O
O
C
J
I
P
I
S
L
H
G
L
K
I
Z
N
N
W
C
J
V
V
Z
S
W
N
L
U
I
G
P
X
R
K
V
H
F
L
A
C
N
G
G
Y
S
Z
P
E
A
C
E
B
C
I
C
X
10 | Lesson 17 | God’s Kingdom of Peace | Weaving God’s Beloved Community, Year 3 | ACTIVITY
© 2012 By Joanna Leiserson. Published by Morehouse Education Resources, www.MorehouseEducation.org. All rights reserved.
Permission is hereby granted to reproduce this page for use in the purchasing congregation only.
G at h e r ing Acti v ity:
Help t h e L a m b F in d t h e L ion
In God’s peaceable kingdom, the lion and the lamb are friends. Help the lamb
find its friend the lion.
11 | Lesson 17 | God’s Kingdom of Peace | Weaving God’s Beloved Community, Year 3 | ACTIVITY
© 2012 By Joanna Leiserson. Published by Morehouse Education Resources, www.MorehouseEducation.org. All rights reserved.
Permission is hereby granted to reproduce this page for use in the purchasing congregation only.
G at h e r ing Acti v ity:
C r osswo r d s : W o r s h ip in O u r
Church
The words in this puzzle have to do with how we worship in church. See how
much you know!
1
ACROSS
1. The body of Christ
6. “____ Communion” is the
sharing of bread and wine
7. Asking forgiveness of our
sins
9. Praising and adoring God
12. Shout of praise
15. One of the principal
sacraments
16. A talk to inspire us in
church
17. The story of Jesus Christ
18. “The ___ of the Lord be
with you”
19.Statement of belief in
church
20. Holy food and drink
21. Book we use in worship
3
6
8
2
4
5
7
9
10
11
12
13
15
DOWN
2. Being granted forgiveness by priest
3. Songs we sing in church
4. “Blessed be ___”
5. The blood of Christ
8. Story of God and us
14
16
17
18
19
20
21
10. Talking to God
11. One of the principal sacraments
13. The church we belong to
14. We often pray “in Jesus’ ___”
12 | Lesson 17 | God’s Kingdom of Peace | Weaving God’s Beloved Community, Year 3 | ACTIVITY
© 2012 By Joanna Leiserson. Published by Morehouse Education Resources, www.MorehouseEducation.org. All rights reserved.
Permission is hereby granted to reproduce this page for use in the purchasing congregation only.
G at h e r ing Acti v ity:
Ani m a ls at P e a ce
Unscramble the words below to find out what one prophet thought a peaceful
scene might look like. For a hint, look up Isaiah 11:6-7, 9 (New Revised Standard
Version).
The __ __ __ __ shall live with the __ __ __ __ , the leopard shall lie
FLOW
MALB
down with the __ __ __, the __ __ __ __ and the __ __ __ __ and the
IDK
LFAC
NIOL
fatling together, and a little __ __ __ __ __ shall lead them. The __ __ __
L C I D H
OWC
and the __ __ __ __ shall graze, their young shall lie down together; and
EARB
and the lion shall __ __ __ straw like the __ __.
T E A
XO
They will not __ __ __ __ or destroy on all my __ __ __ __ mountain.
TRUH
OLYH
13 | Lesson 17 | God’s Kingdom of Peace | Weaving God’s Beloved Community, Year 3 | ACTIVITY
© 2012 By Joanna Leiserson. Published by Morehouse Education Resources, www.MorehouseEducation.org. All rights reserved.
Permission is hereby granted to reproduce this page for use in the purchasing congregation only.
P e a ce a ble Ani m a l S cene
Primary, Elementary, Intermediate
Children make animals out of puff balls, pipe cleaners and felt and arrange them to create a scene of God’s
peaceable kingdom.
Materials:
puffballs (pom poms) of various sizes
googly eyes of various sizes
glue
pipe cleaners (chenille craft wires)
felt pieces
paper plates, 1 per child
Directions:
Invite each child to make a scene as follows:
1.Use the paper plate as a base.
2.Make different animals for a peaceable kingdom, using the pom poms for heads and bodies. You can make
caterpillars (4-5 pom poms glued together in a line, with eyes on one end), bears (use smaller pom poms for
the arms, feet, ears and nose), spiders, even “aliens.”
3.Add googly eyes, felt for feet, pipe cleaners for antennae.
4.Use glue to attach the animals to your plate.
14 | Lesson 17 | God’s Kingdom of Peace | Weaving God’s Beloved Community, Year 3 | CRAFT
© 2012 By Joanna Leiserson. Published by Morehouse Education Resources, www.MorehouseEducation.org. All rights reserved.
Permission is hereby granted to reproduce this page for use in the purchasing congregation only.
P e a ce a ble K ing d o m
W a ll H a nging
Primary, Elementary
Children use construction paper, cotton balls and felt to create a peaceful scene of animals in nature.
Materials:
cotton balls
yellow, brown, green construction paper
brown, green, gray felt (animal colors)
markers
large paper plates, 1 per child
ribbon for hanging
Directions:
Invite each child to make a picture as follows:
1.Use the construction paper to cut “grass” and other
background (like trees, bushes, water).
2.Glue your background onto your paper plate
3.Make animals in a “peaceable kingdom” out of felt, cotton
balls and paper.
4.Punch a hole at the top and string ribbon for hanging.
15 | Lesson 17 | God’s Kingdom of Peace | Weaving God’s Beloved Community, Year 3 | CRAFT
© 2012 By Joanna Leiserson. Published by Morehouse Education Resources, www.MorehouseEducation.org. All rights reserved.
Permission is hereby granted to reproduce this page for use in the purchasing congregation only.
L i v ing in t h e
P e a ce a ble K ing d o m
Elementary, Intermediate
In this game, children choose an animal sound to imitate as a blindfolded It tries to find them.
Materials:
handkerchief or scarf
Directions:
1.Choose one person to be It. Cover his or her eyes with a handkerchief.
2.Have each player choose an animal. Players will make the sound of their animal.
3.It needs to chase the other players, trying to find them by their sound. If tagged, the tagged person will be It.
4.Players must change animal sounds at every round.
16 | Lesson 17 | God’s Kingdom of Peace | Weaving God’s Beloved Community, Year 3 | ACTIVITY
© 2012 By Joanna Leiserson. Published by Morehouse Education Resources, www.MorehouseEducation.org. All rights reserved.
Permission is hereby granted to reproduce this page for use in the purchasing congregation only.
P e a ce B ook m a r k
Preschool, Primary
Children make a cloud and rainbow bookmark from ribbons and felt or poster board.
Materials:
cloud pattern (below), 1 per child
thin ribbons—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple
white felt or poster board
glue
scissors
Preparation:
Make a copy of the cloud pattern for each child. Cut ribbons into 10" lengths.
Directions:
Invite each child to make a bookmark as follows:
1.Trace the cloud pattern twice onto the felt or poster board and cut out.
2.Glue the ends of the ribbons onto one cloud.
3.Apply glue around the edge of that cloud and put the other cloud on top.
4.On the cloud, write the word Peace. If using poster board, write God Promises Peace.
17 | Lesson 17 | God’s Kingdom of Peace | Weaving God’s Beloved Community, Year 3 | CRAFT
© 2012 By Joanna Leiserson. Published by Morehouse Education Resources, www.MorehouseEducation.org. All rights reserved.
Permission is hereby granted to reproduce this page for use in the purchasing congregation only.
P e a ce a ble B a nne r
Elementary, Intermediate
Children draw images of a peaceable kingdom and glue them to fabric to make a banner.
Materials:
large piece of thick fabric
glue
felt or other fabric
scissors
fabric paints
decorative materials such as fur, if desired
paper
pencils
dowel
cording or rope
Directions:
Invite the children to make the banner as follows:
1.On the paper, draw large pictures of things to be included in a peaceable kingdom. This would include the
“swords into plowshares” images.
2.Outline and then cut out pictures for the banner.
3.Before gluing anything, lay the pictures onto the large piece of fabric until the design is as you like it. Then
glue them onto the fabric. Leave around 5" of the fabric free at the top.
4.Hang the top edge of the banner over a dowel and pin or sew shut.
5.Cut a length of cording or rope and tie the ends to the ends of the dowel rod, for hanging.
18 | Lesson 17 | God’s Kingdom of Peace | Weaving God’s Beloved Community, Year 3 | CRAFT
© 2012 By Joanna Leiserson. Published by Morehouse Education Resources, www.MorehouseEducation.org. All rights reserved.
Permission is hereby granted to reproduce this page for use in the purchasing congregation only.
W o r king Toget h e r
Primary, Elementary, Intermediate
In this game, children practice working together on a project that is usually done individually. A big part of a
peaceful society has to do with being able to work together, cooperatively not competitively.
Materials:
clay or play dough
Directions:
1.Form the group into pairs.
2.Give each pair a lump of clay. Tell them that one child in the pair may use only his or her right hand, while the
other may use only his or her left hand. They need to work together to decide on something to create with
their clay, then work together to make it. Both must have a part in the creation of their object.
3.When all have finished, or after 10 minutes, have the children share what they have made and how it felt to
have to work cooperatively to make it.
4.If you want, reassign the pairs and repeat this game. Projects may get fancier as the kids become more
practiced!
19 | Lesson 17 | God’s Kingdom of Peace | Weaving God’s Beloved Community, Year 3 | activity
© 2012 By Joanna Leiserson. Published by Morehouse Education Resources, www.MorehouseEducation.org. All rights reserved.
Permission is hereby granted to reproduce this page for use in the purchasing congregation only.
P e a ce a ble F inge r P uppets
Primary
Children use paint, yarn and an old glove to make five people or animal puppets.
Materials:
old gloves, 1 per child
acrylic paints
thin paintbrushes
googly eyes, 10 per child
glue
optional: yarn or fake craft hair or hair-colored felt
scissors
Directions:
1.Give one glove to each child.
2.Invite the children to glue two eyes on each glove “finger,” where the pads of the fingers would be (on the palm
side of the glove). Handle the glove very carefully until the glue dries or let dry before continuing this activity.
3.Use paints to add the rest of the face—nose, mouth and maybe hair. Also add clothing details if desired.
4.Cut some yarn, craft hair or felt and add to the top of the fingers to make hair.
Now you have five peaceable people!
Variation:
Make animals rather than people. Use tiny pom poms for ears and noses.
20 | Lesson 17 | God’s Kingdom of Peace | Weaving God’s Beloved Community, Year 3 | CRAFT
© 2012 By Joanna Leiserson. Published by Morehouse Education Resources, www.MorehouseEducation.org. All rights reserved.
Permission is hereby granted to reproduce this page for use in the purchasing congregation only.
P e a ce W r e at h
Preschool, Primary, Elementary
Children make a wreath out of poster board and decorate it with pictures of animals.
Materials:
poster board
scissors
glue
animal shapes or pictures, or different animal decorations (plastic ornaments, etc.), or materials for making
your own animals (for example, out of pom poms)
hole punch
ribbon for hanging
Preparation:
Cut a wreath shape out of poster board for each child. Punch a hole or two near one edge of the wreath for the
hanging ribbon.
Directions:
Invite each child to make a wreath as follows:
1.Cut out the animal shapes or pictures or use materials to make your own animals.
2.Glue the animals to the wreath shape. Cover the wreath completely.
3.Cut a length of ribbon and thread through the hole(s) for hanging.
Variation:
For embellishment, let children tie bows and glue these to the wreath. Or you may buy individually wrapped
pieces of candy and glue these at various parts of the wreath, for a partly-edible decoration.
21 | Lesson 17 | God’s Kingdom of Peace | Weaving God’s Beloved Community, Year 3 | CRAFT
© 2012 By Joanna Leiserson. Published by Morehouse Education Resources, www.MorehouseEducation.org. All rights reserved.
Permission is hereby granted to reproduce this page for use in the purchasing congregation only.
P e a ce a ble K ing d o m J a r
Preschool, Primary
Children fill a jar with rice and add tiny symbols and reminders of God, which are sometimes hidden and
sometimes bright and shiny.
Materials:
baby food jar with lid, 1 per child
uncooked rice
small scoop
small symbols of God or God’s peace, such as heart and star beads, religious stickers, small cross, sequins
(symbolizing light), jingle bell (symbolizing heavenly music)
Directions:
Invite each child to make a Peaceable Kingdom Jar as follows:
1.Scoop rice into the jar until half full.
2.Put some symbols of God into the jar.
3.Add more rice until the jar is almost full. Cover with the lid.
4.Shake or turn the jar to show the hidden symbols.
22 | Lesson 17 | God’s Kingdom of Peace | Weaving God’s Beloved Community, Year 3 | CRAFT
© 2012 By Joanna Leiserson. Published by Morehouse Education Resources, www.MorehouseEducation.org. All rights reserved.
Permission is hereby granted to reproduce this page for use in the purchasing congregation only.