Exegetical Aim: God’s gift of mercy is given without cost.

Props: Give everyone a nickel, a dime, or a quarter. The money should work out so that the children can make the first two purchases. Additional props: Can of Sprite, a toy from a gumball machine (e.g. small deck of cards or one of those gooey toys—leave the toy in the container), a freshly cut tree branch that is budding, and a communion chalice. Optional: A small table to set the objects on while they are being sold.

Lesson: Good morning. (response) How much money do you have on you this morning? (response) Everyone dig in your pocket count your money and tell me how much you’ve got. (response) That’s not a lot. Let me give you some more. Give everyone a dime. Ok, I am the store and I brought some things with me to sell but now…