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Please choose from the following children's sermons:

• The Gratitude Attitude, Giving thanks
  by Rev. Frank Schaefer
   
• Thanksgiving Cards for God
  children's sermon suggestion by a DPSer

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The Gratitude Attitude
Theme: Giving thanks
by Rev. Frank Schaefer

Hi boys and girls, today we will talk about a very important word.    And that word is . . . "thanks."  If I didn't know better I'd say this word has magical powers.  You know why?  Because it makes people smile.    Have you ever noticed that?  It doesn't always work, but most of the time when we say "thank you" to someone, they smile.  It makes them feel good to be thanked.

When do you use that word "thanks?"  When do you say "thanks" to someone?  (let the children name examples and encourage their answers).

I have another question: do you think that we can say "thanks" to God too? (Nod slightly to encourage the yes answer) What do you think, does God smile when you say "thank you" to him?  (Nod slightly).  Yes, you are absolutely right: the bible tells us that God likes our offerings of thanksgiving and praise.  It makes God feel good.

And actually, that's what we're doing today (tonight): we have a Thanksgiving Service.  What do we thank God for? (let the children give answers, help only if they are stuck; if you have fruits/ears of grain, etc. on the altar you may want to point to them).

How about if we give God thanks right now and pray a little prayer together?

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Thanksgiving Cards for God
suggestion by a DPSer

Props: Have available simple thank you cards on colorful paper.

Ask: have you ever sent a thank you card to someone? Has anyone in your family? What were you given? Have you ever made a card for God?

Next, you may talk about the weekly offering and its use for the church, missions, and help for the community. (Be prepared: some children think the minister gets to keep the money).

What other ways can we show thanks? What can kids do? Invite them to make thank-you cards for God, and suggest to hang them up in the Sunday School room, church lobby, etc.