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W&W Story: Elisha - A Mantle of Faith

Elisha: A Mantle of Faith[1]
Using Children’s Worship and Wonder format open with:
·         Welcoming the children
·         Explaining the space
·         Singing “Father we Adore You” and “Be Still and Know”

Story[2]

Once there was, a man named Elijah. He was a very old prophet. When it was about his time to go up to heaven, his successor, Elisha, went with him on a journey. Both men knew that soon Elijah would be gone. They walked through Jericho and Jordan. Finally, they crossed over the river Jordan. Elijah asked if there was anything that, he could do for Elisha. He asked for twice as much spirit that Elijah had.

Just than an angel of the Lord came on a chariot and took Elijah up to heaven. Elisha was so moved that he tore off his mantle, outer coat. Then he picked up Elijah’s mantle and put it on. When people saw Elisha with Elijah’s mantle, they knew that Elisha was with God and that he was now closely connected with God. Elisha went on to become a great prophet of God.

Wondering Questions

·         I wonder what it was like to be a prophet?
·         I wonder how Elisha felt being selected to be the next prophet?
·         I wonder what it was like to walk so far?
·         I wonder what it was like to see a chariot of the Lord?
·         I wonder what it was like to have such a special relationship with God?

Activity

Have the children find a chair around the table.
Explain to the children that they will make their own mantle of faith. Have them draw pictures on their mantles for places where they see God or how they can talk to God.
Have the children clean up their supplies, and take their story characters into the worship room.
Gather the children back in the circle. Continue with Children’s Worship and Wonder format and light the Christ candle, read scripture, pray, and sing the goodbye song.

Scripture Reading: 2 Kings 2: 8-14


[1]  Activity from Bible Story Activities, Volume 2, Christian Board of Publication, St. Louis, Mo.  1999.
[2] Story and Wonder Questions written by Kate West,  2005 using the NRSV
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