Exegetical Aim: The sanctity of the church.

Props: A stepstool or small stepladder in front of the pulpit and the ability to take the children around the different stations of the sanctuary.

Lesson: Good morning! (response) Everyone feeling well this morning? (response) Can anyone tell me about their father's house? (response) Tell me some things that are in your father's house? (response) This morning I want to show you around my Father's house. Everyone stand up and walk with me. Walk up to the communion table. Look around. This is my Father's house. Tell me what you see? (response) Take some time and allow the children to name various objects. When they are named, give some explanation as to their purpose.

Assuming no one points out the communion table: We are standing in front of a table. Can anyone tell me what this table is for? (response) This table is the communion table. It reminds us that Jesus died for us. We put the Bread and Wine on top of this table because they remind us that Jesus' body was broken for us and that he bled for us.

Let's go over here. What is this? (response) This is called the pulpit. I want everyone to stand up in the pulpit and look out at everyone. If you want to say, "Hi," you can. As they are helped up into the pulpit: What does the minister do here each week? (response) I tell everyone about our heavenly Father and how to love him and love our neighbors.

So the next time you bring a friend to church you can tell them, "This is my Father's house." This is a holy place and I love this place as much as I do my own home.

Now I am going to step up into the pulpit. If you are using a stepstool bring some levity to the moment by stepping upon the stool. Hi! Offer the prayer from the pulpit.

Let's Pray: Father, this is your house. All around me are signs of your love for me. I love to be here with all the children of God. Amen.