BREATHE Feature: “Christ Through Crafts” with Alison Tooley
Alison Tooley has been crafting for as long as she can remember, from making animals out of seashells with her grandmother and sister, to assembling model car kits with her father. In college, she even created bracelets out of snap swivels from fishing lures and sold them for pocket money. To Alison, crafting has always been a way to relax by herself or to connect with family members and friends.
In 2003, Alison began to lead “Christ Through Crafts” during Youth Club, and feels that the time spent with the children each week has blessed her so abundantly. By focusing a lesson around the craft, the kids open up in conversation more easily. It seems to be a break from the stress in their weeks as well! “The kids are so open and insightful,” Alison said,”that I was often blown away by what they had to say.”
As Alison ends her time in Youth Club, she encourages others to offer their love of crafting into this ministry. “I hope to motivate other parents to use this fun medium to relate the Bible to their children. Sitting around a table together cutting, painting, and gluing is such an easy way to stimulate conversation about our faith, Jesus, and God's amazing promises. The craft is great, but the time spent together and the conversation that takes place is the real blessing.”
In 2003, Alison began to lead “Christ Through Crafts” during Youth Club, and feels that the time spent with the children each week has blessed her so abundantly. By focusing a lesson around the craft, the kids open up in conversation more easily. It seems to be a break from the stress in their weeks as well! “The kids are so open and insightful,” Alison said,”that I was often blown away by what they had to say.”
As Alison ends her time in Youth Club, she encourages others to offer their love of crafting into this ministry. “I hope to motivate other parents to use this fun medium to relate the Bible to their children. Sitting around a table together cutting, painting, and gluing is such an easy way to stimulate conversation about our faith, Jesus, and God's amazing promises. The craft is great, but the time spent together and the conversation that takes place is the real blessing.”
Materials: plain white pillowcase, cardboard insert, fabric paint & markers.
On one side of the pillowcase, the children paint a large smiling sun with the words, "Rise and shine, Give God the glory, glory, Children of the Lord." This serves as a reminder for us to give God thanks and glorify Him through our words and actions throughout the day.
On the other side is a big beautiful rainbow with the words, "Watch over me as I sleep, sweet Lord Jesus." This is to remind us of God's promise of protection, giving us a good night's sleep.
Materials: plywood circles, decorative paper, ribbons and stickers.
The lesson accompanying this craft is based on Psalm 75:2 "You say, 'I choose the appointed time'; it is I who judge uprightly."
Kids (and adults!) often have difficulty grasping the concept of time and patiently waiting. We live in a time of immediacy. We want everything now. We can find ourselves praying for God's help, but also want Him to make it happen in that moment.
This scripture serves as a reminder that God will act when He is ready. His timing is always best because He always wants the best for us. We may be impatient, but we cannot doubt the wisdom of God's timing. Wait for God to reveal His plan. Don't take matters into your own hands.
Materials: Small pail, ribbon, glow-in-the dark tape, pom-poms and stickers
The lesson is based on Acts 3:19 "Repent then, and turn to God, that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord."
Putting this craft together in early spring is an easy way to talk about "spring cleaning" and how much better we feel when we've really cleaned up our rooms, closets or even desks at school.
Materials: plain cardboard boxes that resemble a book (like the bible) and decorated with felt, ribbon and embroidered stickers.
This is a terrific project for kids during Christmas break. As you decorate the box, talk about making New Year's resolutions and how hard it is to keep them. There's nothing wrong with that, but as Christians, we have the advantage of asking God for help, not simply hoping we can accomplish things all on our own.
After the children decorate their boxes, attach this laminated verse inside or on top. Then on a separate piece of paper have them write out a prayer request and tuck it into the box. Ask them to put the box away in a drawer in their dresser or nightstand and not open the box until the following January. Talk about how they think God will answer those prayers. He will answer. It may be just like you thought or it may be in a completely different way than you would have guessed.
Pillowcase
Bridge 2
