Children's Addresses - Forest Sunday: A Secret in the Forest

(The presenter can tell this secret using a hand puppet such as a green tree frog, a possum or even a tree.)

How many of you have been in a forest-deep among the trees? (Responses)
What was it like? (Responses)
What kinds of things do we find deep in a forest? (Responses)
God created many mysterious things in a forest. Which one do you think is
the most mysterious or amazing? (Responses)

I want you to come with me deep into the forest to discover one of its secrets, something mysterious, something you cannot even see, but something God wants each of us to have. Any idea what it is? (Responses)

We are going deep into the forest. (Frog noises) In front of us is a very tall tree with thousands of leaves over our heads. Look up and see them waving in the wind. Wave back!

Now, in my hand I am waving some of the leaves from that tree waving up there. What colour are the leaves? Yes, green, shiny green! Like me! [if the puppet is a tree frog]

Do you know what these green leaves do for God? Any idea? Each of these leaves breathes out little tiny bits of air. (Breathing noises) Can you see them? Of course not; they are so small we can't see them. That's their secret. Each leaf breathes out precious air bits we can't see. (Breathing noises)

And do you know what those very special bits of air are called? (Responses) Oxygen! That's right, oxygen. They are not just any bits of air. They are the bits that go into our lungs and keep us alive-your lungs and mine! They are special, secret bits of life. And one reason God created trees was so that they would make oxygen, special air bits, for us to breathe. We all need trees.

Take a big breath. A big breath! (All breathe) You have just breathed in lots of air bits. And where did they come from? From the leaves of the trees in the forest. And how did they get here? God blew them on the wind.

When God created the first human, called Adam, God breathed those life bits-whoosh-straight into his mouth. Now God blows them from the forest trees into the wind-whoosh-and then into our mouths!

Take a deep breath! Thank you, trees, for the oxygen I breathe. Thank you, God, for giving us the trees.

Now we can all stand tall, be tall trees, and sing this song (Tune: 'The butterfly song', All together Now no. 66):

If I were a giant forest tree,
I'd thank you, God, for my green leaves.
And if I waved them in the air,
I'd send my breath onto the breeze, (Blow)
for in my breath is oxygen,
I'm giving life to everyone,
so I just thank you, Father, for giving me breath. (Blow)
You gave me a heart and you gave me a smile,
you gave me Jesus and you made me your child.
Now I just thank you, Father, for giving me breath! (Blow)