LEARNING
 TO BE
"FAITH-WALKIN’ FAITH-TALKIN’ PEOPLE
A Rally Day Celebration for the Call For Discipleship
"Learning to Be Faith-Walkin’ - Faith-Talkin’ People" is
designed to be an interactive introduction to the Call For Discipleship. It may be used as
a Rally day program to celebrate the beginning of your church school year or highlighted
later in the year to compliment your overall plans for implementing the Call for
Discipleship
The following multi-sensory resources are formatted to help you plan a one-hour
event for children, age 3 - 6th grade and their families. To get to one area of the
Celebration, click on one of following or scroll down the page.
! Age-appropriate
crafts and activities
! A scripted
large group presentation featuring
! A skit entitled
"What’s It All About?!!" and a
! A song entitled
"Faith Walkin’ People" (PDF file)
The age-appropriate activities may be arranged in learning centers to engage
children as they arrive. They are intended to set the stage for a half-hour large group
presentation that will help children understand what it means to be a disciple. The large
group presentation incorporates the song, skit and crafts made in the activities. The
following items may be crafted in the various activities and used as visual aids during
the large group presentation.
! A Processional Cross (10
minutes)
! Faith Walkin’ Talkin’ Jewelry (10
minutes)
! Invitations to visit your Church/Sunday
School (10 minutes)
Scan through each offering and make note of the equipment, supplies and time
recommended. Please feel free to adapt or include other activities to complement your own
good intent and look for ways to include older youth as leaders or participants.
Engage the children in learning centers that incorporate the following
activities. They are intended to set the stage for a half-hour large group presentation
that will help children understand what it means to be a disciple.
 "We’re
Following Jesus" Processional Cross
Time: 10 minutes
Equipment and Supplies:
A large piece of foam board
A variety of colored markers
A banner pole and stand
Duct tape, glue or other adhesive
Necessary preparations:
Make several copies of the Bible verses and clip art that illustrate ways to follow
Jesus
Cut out two cross pieces at least 18" x18'’, using the pattern on the
Clip Art sheet or choosing your own design
Clip Art Sheet (pdf file)
Intent:
To involve children in designing a special processional cross to use in Church
school openings or gatherings and congregational worship services. It will affirm your
children’s sense of identity and belonging to your faith community. You may want to
use it as a catalyst for actively involving church school classes in your worship services
As you encourage classes to take turns carrying the cross, invite them to be involved in
other ways, i.e. as ushers, greeters and lesson readers. Families might also be recruited
to play these roles.
Introduction to the Activity:
The cross is a symbol of faith in Jesus. Lutherans and other Christians often wear
crosses to let other people know that they are followers of Jesus. With the cross before
us, we strive to follow the directions Jesus gave his disciples for the journey. He asked
them to serve, learn, pray, give, worship, encourage and invite others along the way.
At the beginning of a worship service, the pastors, choirs and other people
often come down the aisle to the front of the church. Many churches lift high a
processional cross to lead the way. [If your church has not been involved in this
practice, talk with your pastor about including it as a way of celebrating the Call for
Discipleship.]
Instructions:
Lay out the cross-shaped pieces and some markers and a few copies of the Bible
Verse and Clip Art sheets. Invite each participant to choose a word or phrase from the
sheet that illustrates a direction Jesus gave his disciples in Bible times. Recognize the
words and symbols they choose as still important to people who want to be "faith
walkin’-faith talkin’ people" today. Have them proceed to decorate the two
cross pieces. Younger children may need a stencil or pattern to trace.
Remind them that the cross reminds us of God’s amazing love for us. God
sent God’s son Jesus to die on the cross so that he could take care of all the things
we do that keep us from following God’s lead.
Adhere the cross pieces to the pole and place the banner stand in the front of
the sanctuary for later use.
 Bible Verse
Sheet
Use the following Bible verses
to help you find words and pictures to draw on a banner and processional cross.
s Jesus said,
"Come and follow me. . . " Matthew 5:19
s Little
children, let us love not just in word and speech, but in truth and action. 1 John 3:18
s As for me and
my family, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15
s Children, obey
your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Colossians 3:20
s Let us not
become proud. Let us not make each other angry. Let us not want what belongs to others.
Galatians 5:26
s Live together
in peace. Be understanding. Love one another like members of the same family. Be kind and
tender. 1 Peter 3:8
s Go home and
tell your family. Tell them how much the Lord has done for you. Tell them how kind he has
been to you. Mark 5:19
s Friends love
at all times. They are there to help when trouble comes. Proverbs 17:17
s Treat everyone
fairly. Zechariah 7:9
s Do not let
anyone look down on you because you are young. Set an example for the believers what you
say and in how you live. Also, set an example in how you love and in what you believe. 1
Timothy 4:12
s Each of you
has received a gift in order to serve others. You should use it faithfully. 1 Peter 4:10
s Give all your
worries to God because God cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
s Do good and
share what you have. Hebrews 13:25
s Pray at all
times. Ephesians 6:18
s Forgive each
other, just as the Lord has forgiven you. Colossians 3:13
s Encourage one
another and build each other up. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
s You are the
light of the world. Let your light shine for others so they can see your good works and
praise God in heaven. Matthew 5:22
s Be quiet and
know that God is God. Psalm 46:10
s God loves a
cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7
s Trust in the
Lord with all your heart and do not depend on your own thoughts. In all your ways, seek
God and God will show you the way. Proverbs 3:5-6
s Rejoice
always, pray at all times and give thanks no matter what is happening. 1 Thessalonians
5:16-18
s Learn and use
your minds to discover God’s will. Romans 12:2b
s You shall love
the Lord your God with all your heart. . . Keep these words in your heart. . . Talk about
them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you get up.
Deuteronomy 6:8
 "You’re
Invited" Post Cards
Time: 5-10 minutes
Equipment and Supplies:
Blank card 4" x 6" cards
Markers
Necessary preparations: Print a brief invitation for people to
come and visit your church (include times, etc.) on one half of one side and a line
dividing it! Draw a picture of your church along with some people on the other side to use
as a sample to share your participants.
Intent:
To make send or share invitations with friends, to come and learn to be "faith
walkin’ talkin’ people" at your church.
Introduction to the Activity:
Half the fun of doing something is asking someone else to join in, too! Birthday
celebrations and special tasks we do, even school wouldn’t be the same if we
didn’t have friends with which to share it. Think of invitations you have received.
What do invitations usually say? Identify some of the directions Jesus gave his followers
in Matthew 28:19. You may want to display this verse on a poster board. Show the children
a sample of the invitation you have made for friends to come and learn about "faith
walkin’ talkin’ people" at your church. Invite them to make one to send or
share with a friend.
Instructions:
Give each child one or more postcards. Invite them to draw pictures of your church
and people of all ages who worship serve and learn there. Have them think of people whom
they would like to give their invitations Then, invite them bring their invitations to the
large group presentation.
 "Wear it-Share It!" Jewelry
Time: 10 minutes
Equipment and Supplies: 
Shrink Art Sheets (available at most craft stores) or card stock paper
Oven
Yarn, leather or cord, large safety pins or T-Shirt pins (available at most craft
stores)
Permanent fine tip markers
Copies of the "foot and cartoon bubble" design
on the Clip Art Sheet
Necessary Preparations: Make copies of the foot and cartoon
bubble design for the children to trace onto the Shrink Art Sheets. Scan the directions on
the package to discover suggested oven temperature.
Intent:
To give children a symbol of discipleship to wear as a witness to others.
Introduction to the Activity:
As followers of Jesus, we need to keep learning to be "faith-walkin,’
faith-talkin ’people everyday. Sharing our faith with people along the way is one
important way to be a "faith walkin’ talkin’ person." Wearing jewelry
, shirts and other things can also help us share our faith in Jesus. The foot and cartoon
bubble design ( on the Text and Clip Art Sheet) is a fun way to identify ourselves as a
follower of Jesus. Giving children a choice of using it to make necklaces or bracelets
will help them personalize their commitment to wear and share it.
Instructions:
Invite the children to make a necklace, bracelet, pin or "T-Shirt" clasp
using the foot and cartoon bubble design as a design for a pendant. Follow the
instructions on the shrink art packages to make pendants according to their
specifications. You might also choose to make pendants using card stock. To follow
this scenario, give each child a copy of the design to color, cut and paste to a piece of
card stock. Customize the size of the design and card stock to your own specifications.
String yarn through them or adapt according to the jewelry they choose to do. Bracelets
may be made of braided yarn, leather, etc. Invite the children to wear their jewelry to
the large group presentation.
The large group presentation is a 30 minute
introduction to the Call For Discipleship that will help children understand what it means
to be a disciple. It is designed to follow a crafts and activity time (See crafts and
activities.) The presentation incorporates a theme song, a skit and some of the crafts
made during the activity time.
Time: 25-30 minutes
Equipment/Supplies: Piano or guitar
See
props on the attached skit
Necessary Preparations:
Design and display common signs that give people direction i.e. stop sign, poison
sign, hospital, exit, speed limit, one way, school, bike path, one-way, a cross etc.
Recruit cast and rehearse skit
Make copies of the song, "Faith Walkin’ People"
Display the "We’re Following Jesus" Processional Cross
Setting the Stage: Play through the accompaniment to "Faith
Walkin’-Faith Talkin’ People"
Introduction
Leader’s notes: [As you point to some of the signs displayed, ask the
group to identify the meaning of the symbol or the direction they provide.] Invite the
group to suggest other illustrations suggestions of people or things that are dedicated to
showing us practical ways to do things, i.e. teachers, parents and other family members,
police, TV, commercials, etc. Recognize the fact that some things give us good directions
and some lead us astray as you introduce the game "Hot and Cold." [It is
recommended to help you illustrate how difficult it can be to see our way through all the
different "voices" in the world that telling what to do and which way to go,
i.e. ads and TV commercials, friends, etc.]
Game: "Hot and Cold"
Directions: Ask for two volunteers to play an advanced version of the game
"Hot and Cold." Ask them to wait outside while you divide the rest of the group
into two teams and give them an over view on how the game is played.
F Point out two different objects you have set out
in plain or partial view. Use any common object such as a marker, masking tape, a book, or
whatever you have handy.
F Associate each team with an object and explain that their job will
be to help a
volunteer find their object at the same the other team is trying to help the volunteer
find their object. Invite the groups to prompt the volunteer with words that describe a degree of
temperature, calling out "warm, warmer or hot" as the volunteer moves closer to
their object and "cool, colder or freezing" as the volunteer moves away from
their object.
F Invite one volunteer to return to the room at a time. Tell them that
you have hidden a object in the room and invited the group to help him/her find it by
calling out "warm, warmer or hot" as he/she moves closer to their object and
"cool, colder or freezing" as the volunteer moves away from their object. [let
the volunteer discover the mixed messages without prior knowledge that there are two
teams.]
The volunteer will most likely experience a growing confusion and frustration as
he/she tries to discern which directions to follow. Choose an appropriate moment to
intervene and interview the volunteer using the following questions:
> What’s going on here?
> How does it make you feel?
Then, debrief the entire activity with the whole group with these questions.
> How does this exercise reflect what happens in our own lives?
> Who gives you directions? Do they all lead you in the right direction?
 Spotlight’s
On... Jesus!
Use the game as a "stage-setter" for identifying God as the creator who
made us and the One and only one who is able to show us the way. In John 14:6, Jesus says
"I am the way, the truth and the light, no one comes to the Father except through
me." Point to the processional cross you have displayed, if you made one, to
illustrate that Jesus asks us to follow him and do the things he loves to do. Hold high
the processional cross and ask a child to follow the cross as you remind the children
that, it is only with the cross before us that we can follow the directions Jesus gave his
disciples. It is only because Jesus died to take away our sins that we can live for him.
Jesus asks to spend our days learning and serving, giving and praying, worshiping with
others and inviting and encouraging friends along the way.
Associate the privilege of following Jesus with a reference to games like
"Follow the Leader" or "Captain May I." Explain that they will have
many opportunities to learn how to be followers of Jesus in your church this year, i.e.
church school, worship and other activities. Rephrase your comments introducing the
program theme, " learning to be "faith walkin’, faith talkin’,
people." Then, introduce the song, "Faith Walkin’ People."
Faith Walkin’ People
[After a practice run through the first two
lines, be prepared to sing them again as an introduction to the skit.]
The Skit: "What’s it all
About?!!"
[The skit is designed to be an interruption to
the song. Note the characters and costumes or props necessary to perform it on the
script.]
Putting It All Together
Leader’s Notes: Point out that many members
of the group have been learning to be "faith walkin, talkin’ people" for
quite some time. Notice the jewelry with the foot and cartoon bubble design they are
wearing. Refer to the following script as you conclude the program.
In fact, ever since they were baptized and became a part of God’s family,
they’ve been learning’ to walk with others in Jesus’ steps.
In baptism, we were all given some special jobs to do. Parents and teachers are there to
help kids become "faith walkin’ talkin’ people" every day. Kids are
given the job to shine for everyone! And... since no one ever grows out of being a child
of God, we’re all in this together! We’re on our way, everyday as we pray,
learn, worship, give, serve, encourage, and invite people along the way!
[Mention that some people not have been baptized but want to follow Jesus. Invite them
to make plans to talk with a pastor afterwards.]
Prayer: Ask for God's guidance as you all
learn to be "faith walkin,' talkin' people."
Sending Song: "Shine, Jesus, Shine," "This Little Light
of Mine," "We are Marching in the Light of God," or another appropriate
song of celebration.
Cast:
Leader
Mr./ Ms. Faith Walkit-Talkit
Costume: A "sandwich board" with the foot and cartoon bubble design (on the Clip Art sheet) enlarged to cover his/her entire body.
(Cut holes for character to see and space for mouth)
Characters representing the seven faith practices:
Cheerleader (represents worship) Prop: Pom poms
Bible Person (represents Learn) Prop: Large representation of a Bible which should cover
upper body with holes large enough so person can see through it
Bag Person (represents Give) Prop: carries a large brown bag containing the following
items: canned goods, items of clothing, blanket, toiletries, giant heart, small bag that
sounds like contains coins when shaken
Exercise person (represents Prayer) Costume: Exercise clothes
Helper (represents Encourage)
Tool Person (represents Serve) Prop: Tool belt with hammer, paint brush, etc.
Invitation Person (represents Invite) Prop: Several invitation cards
Script
[Begin the skit by teaching the children the introduction to the song "Faith
Walkin’ People." Prompt the person portraying Faith Walkit-Talkit to walk in
after the song introduction has been sung at least once and interrupt the rehearsal with
his/her opening lines.]
Faith Walkit-Talkit: Hey, wait a minute! Who or what’s a "faith walkin’,
faith talkin’, people anyway?" I’ve been looking for them all over the
place!
Leader: Well hello and how do you do? I’ve heard of people putting their
"foot in their mouth" before, but what’s all this about?
Faith Walkit-Talkit: Well, I’ve been on the look out for faith walkin’
talkin’ people for quite some time and I have come to the conclusion that they must
have pretty big mouths and feet. So, I designed this little outfit to attract their
attention.
Leader: Nice try! But, being a "faith walkin’-talkin’ person is not
about how you look or dress...
Faith Walkit-Talkit: What’s it about?
Leader: It’s about how what you do and say and who inspires you along the way!
Faith Walkit-Talkit: Say what?
Leader: Come here, let’s take a look around and I’ll show you what I mean.
Cheerleader: (Enters in costume and engages the group in doing a cheer.) Ready?!!
Let’s go... Gimme a "G"
Group: G!
Cheerleader: Gimme an "O"
Group: O!
Cheerleader: Gimme a "D"
Group: D!
Cheerleader: What does it spell?
Group: God!
Cheerleader: Alright! Let’s say, "Yeah God!"
Group: Yeah God!
Faith Walkit-Talkit: You mean, part of being a faith walkin’, faith talkin’
person means doin’ a cheer?
Leader: It’s all a part of worshiping and praising God.
Faith Walkit-Talkit: Wow! That’s pretty cool! Hey, who’s that coming down the
street?
Bible person: (Reciting lines in a sing song voice) There goes the animals two-by-two
--Just like I see in the zoo! And...will you look at that? There’s Peter!
Whoa...Don’t get me wet! He’s walkin’ on the water -n- you know what? I bet
I could, too, if I kept my eyes on... Whoa look at Jesus standing there....
Leader: He/She is looking through the Bible to see life through God’s eyes.
Faith Walkit-Talkit: How long does this learning thing go on?
Leader: It never stops!
Faith Walkit-Talkit: Even when you power shop?! (Walks up to Bag Person) Hey, whatcha
got?
Bag person: ["Shows and tells" Faith Walkit-Talk-it about some of the items
in the bag and how they can be shared with someone in need, i.e. canned goods, saying
"I know the Food Bank really needs some of this right now."]
Faith Walkit-Talkit: Looks like he’s/she’s got a lot to give!
Bag Person: God’s given me so much I just can’t help but share...
Exercise person:(Walks in and begins the following exercise, shouting the number as
He/she moves through the following motions.)
ONE: With arms stretched out above him/her, looks up and shakes his hands.
TWO: Brings arms down and bows head, clasping hands in front of him/her.
THREE: Moves arms up and inward as he/she clap hands in front of chest and follows through
with arms spreading out to look like a fountain. Stops at shoulder level with elbows bent
and hands pointed to either side.
FOUR: Pull bent elbows down to the waist, with hands open and palms facing upward.
Faith Walkit-Talkit: Five, six, seven, eight! OK. I got the beat. Now what’s he
counting for?
Leader: He’s moving through his prayer routine.
Faith Walkit-Talkit: Could you run that by me one more time?
Leader: Just watch and see! (Exercise person illustrates each motion as it
identified.)There’s time for (1)praise, (2) I’m sorry’s, (3) thanks, and
(4) special requests. Or, another way of saying that is (1) wow, (2) sorry, (3) thanks,
and (4) help! Wanna try it?
Faith Walkit-Talkit: OK, but I’m kinda new at this, so let’s take it slow.
Prayer Person: (Prayer person leads the group through the exercise, using the word that
identifies it this time.)
WOW!! (Look toward heaven, stretch arms......)
SORRY...:(Clasp hands with arms hanging in front....)
THANKS! : (Clap hands in front of chest.....)
HELP! (Pull bent elbows in to waist...)
Leader: That was pretty good! Let’s try it again, a little faster.
Faith Walkit-Talkit: (falls to floor, exhausted) STOP! WAIT! I can’t go on! I
can’t do it anymore!
Helper: (walks up to Faith Walkit-Talkit) Hey there! What’s goin’ on? Are you
OK?
Faith Walkit-Talkit: Actually, I am absolutely NOT OK! I think I’m totally out of
shape!
Helper: You know, I’ve been there myself. Until someone came by and told me that
the only way to get into shape is to get with the program! You got to get into a routine!
Hey, maybe I could help you. We could do it together.... Come on, give it a try! (Helps
him/her up.) Breathe in...breathe out. Now, Relax. How you doin’ Feelin’ any
better?
Faith Walkit-Talkit: You bet! Thanks! I really appreciate your encouragement!
Tool person: (walks up to Faith Walkit-Talkit with a tool belt and hands him a hammer)
Great! Then you’re all set to go!
Faith Walkit-Talkit: Where are we goin’?
Tool person: Well, we got our paint brush (holds up paint brush), we’ve got our
hammer (holds up hammer), we got our screwdriver. What do you think we’re gonna do?
Make a pizza?
Faith Walkit-Talkit: Well, it looks like we might be building something or fixing
something’ up.
Tool person: You got it! Let’s go. We’ve got some servant work to do.
Invitation Person: (Runs from back of room, down aisle) Hey, Wait up! I got something
for you!
Faith Walkit-Talkit: What’s up?
Invitation Person: I’ve got an invitation for you.
Faith Walkit-Talkit: To what?
Invitation Person: To come with me and follow Jesus! To be a disciple!
Faith Walkit-Talkit: But I’m right in the middle of learning to be a ‘faith
walkin’-faith talkin’ person! Can you wait a day? What’s a disciple?
Invitation Person: You’re already well on your way to being a disciple.
Faith Walkit-Talkit: A What?
Invitation Person: A disciple! That’s what a faith-walkin’-talkin’
person is! It’s all about following Jesus!
Faith Walkit-Talkit: (Points to each character, prompting them to step forward as
he/she recognizes each one.)] OK, I think I really think I got it now! A faith
walkin’, faith talkin’ person is a disciple or a person who PRAYS, LEARNS,
WORSHIPS, GIVES, SERVES, ENCOURAGES and INVITES other people to join in, too!.
Leader: Yup! You got it! NOW can we finally finish the song?!
Faith Walkit-Talkit: (Portraying the cheerleader) Ready? Let’s Go!
[Finish teaching the song , if necessary. Then invite the group to singing the entire
song while characters dance.] |
