The Holy Spirit – Art Extra

Growing with God
Kids design grass pals and observe God's miracles firsthand as they remember that the Spirit comes to people of every language.

Supplies:

•    Grass seed
•    Baking pan
•    Fine point permanent markers
•    Plastic cups, 12-ounce (355 mL) size
•    Potting soil
•    Large bowl or bucket
•    Serving spoons
•    Construction paper scraps or shape stickers
•    Glue sticks

Set Up:
Soak grass seeds in water overnight by sprinkling it into the bottom of a baking pan and moistening with just enough water to cover. Make a mark on the side of each plastic cup to show 'half' level.

Instructions:
God can make amazing things happen! In our story today, God made the Holy Spirit appear as fire and wind. The Holy Spirit even caused people to speak in new languages! There is no limit to the things that God can do. God transforms people and nature. God makes things happen each spring when we see new life in nature. What are some things that God has made happen outside our classroom window in the past few weeks? Today, you are going to create something to remind you that God makes things happen each and every day!

1. Direct each kid to add soil to the halfway mark in a plastic cup.
2. Mix 1 tablespoon (3 grams dry, 10-15 grams moist) of grass seed and some of the remaining soil in the large bowl.
3. Invite kids to place the grass seed mixture into their cups, leaving ½ inch (1-2 cm) at the top.
4. Spoon on a 1/8- to 1/4-inch (3-6 mm) layer of plain soil as a top layer.
5. Gently water the soil.
6. Invite kids to use stickers, paper, and permanent markers to create a face on their cups. The growing grass will create the "hair" for each face.
7. Let's use the power of prediction. When we predict, we try to figure out what will happen. What do you think God will cause to happen in our cups? (The seeds will grow.) What do you think the grass will look like? (hair) How long do you think it will take? Allow time for kids to respond.

Even something as simple as grass growing is an amazing miracle. Place your cup in a window, water the soil, and as you watch your grass grow, remember that the Spirit doesn't just come to us—it comes to people of every language!

If you have less time . . .
Fill the bottom layer of each cup and mix the seed/soil mixture prior to class time.

If you have more time . . .
Invite kids to spend more time decorating the faces on their cups.