Sammy No Share
Pastoral Resources
Gospel-Telling
The Art and Theology of Children's Sermons
Season: UNICEF/Halloween or any occasion when children are being asked to share with others.
Summary: The Gospel is not only about sharing with others who have less but also sharing with those who have much but do not know how to share.
Props: Apple, toy, candy
Note: Younger children often have an imaginary playmate and most of us have a shadow self. As an imaginary figure, Sammy No Share may appear any place, any time.
This morning I would like you to meet a "friend" (hesitate before saying "friend" because Sammy No Share is not quite a friend) of mine. (Look to your right and wait for him to "materialize," then put your arm around him.) This is Sammy No Share. I know you are saying that you can't see him, but believe me, Sammy No Share is everywhere, and right now he is here. If you are having difficulty seeing Sammy No Share, this story will help. And since we can't see Sammy No Share, I will be his hands and mouth.
Let me tell you - Sammy is all hands and mouth. (Place on the floor an apple, two or three pieces of candy, a toy, and so forth. Take the apple and say, assuming a different posture for Sammy.) Yummy, I love apples - cold, crisp apples that fill your mouth with such a sweet crunch. I could share with you but I think not. After all, my name is Sammy No Share. And here is a __________ (name a toy) that I am not going to share with you. If you think I am going to let you play with it, think again. Ah, some candy. (Open one piece and eat it.) Yummy, that was good. And I've got two pieces left. I think I'll put these in my pocket for later. (Gather up the toy and the apple.) Well, I think I'm off. See you later. Oh, I know you think I should have shared with you, but there is a reason they call me Sammy No Share.
(Pause for the children to digest what they heard and saw.) Well, there you have it. Sammy No Share. I'm just as glad he is gone. I wonder what we could do to change Sammy? (Entertain ideas.)
Reflection Note: One possibility is to leave the gospel-telling open--ended until next Sunday and then incorporate one or more of the suggestions. Repeat the opening. Hopefully you will have the same suggestion I did: As we share our toys and goodies with Sammy he would learn how to share. I ended the gospel-telling with changing Sammy's name to Sammy Share A Lot. The emphasis is not so much about sharing but how to change someone who won't share.
I feel a prayer coming on. Join me please. "Gracious God, we have so much to share with others and we know you do not want us to be like Sammy No Share. And while it won't be easy, with your help, we could show others what a good feeling it is when we share a lot. Amen."
Summary: The Gospel is not only about sharing with others who have less but also sharing with those who have much but do not know how to share.
Props: Apple, toy, candy
Note: Younger children often have an imaginary playmate and most of us have a shadow self. As an imaginary figure, Sammy No Share may appear any place, any time.
This morning I would like you to meet a "friend" (hesitate before saying "friend" because Sammy No Share is not quite a friend) of mine. (Look to your right and wait for him to "materialize," then put your arm around him.) This is Sammy No Share. I know you are saying that you can't see him, but believe me, Sammy No Share is everywhere, and right now he is here. If you are having difficulty seeing Sammy No Share, this story will help. And since we can't see Sammy No Share, I will be his hands and mouth.
Let me tell you - Sammy is all hands and mouth. (Place on the floor an apple, two or three pieces of candy, a toy, and so forth. Take the apple and say, assuming a different posture for Sammy.) Yummy, I love apples - cold, crisp apples that fill your mouth with such a sweet crunch. I could share with you but I think not. After all, my name is Sammy No Share. And here is a __________ (name a toy) that I am not going to share with you. If you think I am going to let you play with it, think again. Ah, some candy. (Open one piece and eat it.) Yummy, that was good. And I've got two pieces left. I think I'll put these in my pocket for later. (Gather up the toy and the apple.) Well, I think I'm off. See you later. Oh, I know you think I should have shared with you, but there is a reason they call me Sammy No Share.
(Pause for the children to digest what they heard and saw.) Well, there you have it. Sammy No Share. I'm just as glad he is gone. I wonder what we could do to change Sammy? (Entertain ideas.)
Reflection Note: One possibility is to leave the gospel-telling open--ended until next Sunday and then incorporate one or more of the suggestions. Repeat the opening. Hopefully you will have the same suggestion I did: As we share our toys and goodies with Sammy he would learn how to share. I ended the gospel-telling with changing Sammy's name to Sammy Share A Lot. The emphasis is not so much about sharing but how to change someone who won't share.
I feel a prayer coming on. Join me please. "Gracious God, we have so much to share with others and we know you do not want us to be like Sammy No Share. And while it won't be easy, with your help, we could show others what a good feeling it is when we share a lot. Amen."
