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One of our favorite treats is to take the pumpkin seeds when we are done with this activity and "recycle/renew" them and toast them in the oven with a little butter and salt. MMMM
This is borrowed from buffalorock last year and is used by permission.
We prayed long and hard many years ago about what to do on October 31st. While our children would easily survive without any festivities at all, our dilemna became the children who came knocking at our door. Most were young enough that they had no idea that we spiritual concerns about celebrating on that day, they only knew that we "appeared" unloving. And their unchurched parents thought the same. How do we reach out to them when they are coming to us for love? How do we be all things to all men (1 Corinthians 9:22), how do we make the most of every opportunity (Colossians 4:5) ?
At first we tried to be gone. Our children did nothing special. We couldn't believe the volume of kids that showed up at our door. This was an opportunity to redeem for Jesus something that had been broken. Also it was an opportunity to shine Jesus in our community.... So we began wrapping the candy with address labels with scripture printed on them (no other way to get to the sweet without going through scripture). Then we began creating our own little tract that went with the candy. One year we made up puzzles that went with crayons. And our children handed out the candy in regular clothes.. They dressed up on ANOTHER day. We bought pumpkins for fall decorations...but no JackOLanterns.
Then we found the Pumpkin Prayer and felt that it added to our belief in making the most of every opportunity and shining the light of Jesus. And we get lots of comments on the "interesting shapes." "What do they mean?" people ask. And then we get to share...mostly we let the kids share. Here it is with the supporting scriptures that I found.
The Pumpkin Prayer
Dear God,
As I carve my pumpkin help me say this prayer:
Open my mind so I can learn about You;
(Cut the top of the pumpkin)
Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you Psalm 9:10 Psalm 70:4 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 Matthew 7:7, Luke 11:9, Luke 12:31 27 Acts 17:27
Take away all my sin and forgive me for the wrong things I do.
(Clean out the inside)
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23 12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned-- Romans 5:12
Open my eyes so Your love I will see;
(Cut the eyes out in heart shapes)
"The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. Matthew 6:22 & 23, Luke 11:34-36
I'm so sorry for turning up my nose to all you've given me.
(Cut a nose in the shape of a cross)
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:6-8
Open my ears so your word I will hear.
(Cut the ears shaped like the Bible)- rectangles work
“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17
Open my mouth so I can tell others You're near
(cut the mouth in the shape of a fish)
He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Mark 16:15
Let Your light shine in all I say and do! Amen.
(Place a candle inside and light it)
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16
All scriptures from the NIV
I have found this especially useful in children's ministry because so many kid's that come to us haven't a clue about the spiritual dilemna. This year we helped each child make a luminary so they could "shine their light" as well. We also sang "This little light of mine" as well (how can you not?).
Well that my friends is what we do....
-practicing His presence
M
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