Object: An uninflated red balloon.

Lesson: Pentecost; Holy Spirit.

"Did any of you notice anything unusual outside the sanctuary this morning?"

"There were decorations ... streamers ... balloons!" These are the sorts of things near and dear to a child's heart, and indeed they had noticed.

"My goodness!" I exclaim in mock surprise. "It sounds like someone has decorated for a party! Does anyone know why we would be having a party today?" This question stumps them, so I continue. "Today is a special day in the church. It is called 'Pentecost.' " To get them used to this word that even the older children have heard only a few times in their lives, I ask them to say it with me.

"Pentecost ...

So now you're probably wondering what Pentecost means. It's obvious from the decorations in the l…