Thinking on the topic "does the magic get in the way of the message?", I recorded my children's sermon today and posted it on youtube. The Biblical text itself is one where a feat of mentalism gets a woman's attention, much like Nicodemus the week before, who comes to Jesus because "what he does cannot be done without God." In both cases, this is what opens their minds to his words, and in both cases, they are stuck on the literalism of his words "born again" and "never ending water."

Anyway, as children are concrete thinkers, I found it an interesting challenge to try to do this one. I welcome honest critique and criticism.

Also, in the interest of full disclosure, the baby in the foreground is mine (Jack), as is the girl clinging to my leg (Olivia). Mommy had the camera, so both were hamming it up. There are several children out of the shot, Meg wasn't going to be intrusive as a videographer, she just sat in the first pew. I had around a dozen kids, most aged 4-5, several older as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZEbqp85vzs

A beautiful illustration and fine example of the use of Gospel magic! Thanks for sharing that.

Rev,

What a wonderful way to explain the Woman at the Well story! Your message was well presented and clear to the kids. It is a fine example of entertaining while educating. Thank you for putting a smile on my face, and warming my heart.

RevLoveJoy,

Thanks for sharing that. On two sides of the country, there were two Lutheran pastors performing the Lota Bowl to explain Living Water to kids.

I appreciate the risk and posting it on the forum.

RevJohn

Wonderful to see you live!!! Thanks for this

Thanks for the positive comments folks. I was really wishing that 4 months ago I had invested in one of those nice pottery lota bowls that doesn't look like it came from a magic shop. They are rather small though.

I saw that too and thought about getting it, but too small.

Hey, you shouldn't have to worry posting things like that in the Gospel Magic forum. I really liked the message to it...two ears up (if anyone has ears to hear)

I use the lota to talk about the woman who had the oil that kept flowing as long as she had a jar to pour it in...I have the children act out the story, pass out cups to the audience and the kids playing the boys that were going to be taken goes out and gets the cups and it keeps flowing...