It’s officially summer! As much as we celebrate that, we know that it makes your ministry challenging as families may not come to Sunday school as often during the summer months. That’s why we created the Flat Jesus program—to help you stay connected to kids in your ministry by sharing and documenting experiences with their Flat Jesus characters. As they have fun taking him on adventures they will be reminded of what they know about the real Jesus, where he has been, and how he is always with them.

Here are seven more ideas to share with kids and families to remind them of how Jesus lived and loved and wants us to live and love.

Jesus is with you when you LOVE:

Hugs are a great way to show our love for each other! Gentle hugs, bear hugs, short hugs, and long hugs. Every kind of hug! Tape a piece of yarn or string to one of your Flat Jesus’ arms or hands. Wrap the string around a friend or family member to give a big hug with Flat Jesus. See how many people you can hug at the same time with Flat Jesus and take a picture of you sharing love.

Jesus is with you when you SHARE:

Look around your home for a toy, book, clothing, or food item you would like to share with someone who might need or want it. If you know who you want to give it to, take a picture with Flat Jesus, the person, and the item. If you want to give secretly, bring the item to a place at your church or in your community that collects donations. Take a picture with Flat Jesus and the item at the place like a neighborhood little library or food shelf.

Jesus is with you when you ARGUE:

We don’t always agree with each other and sometimes we might argue with a friend, brother, or sister. If you are feeling angry or frustrated and need help to get along, ask the other person to hold one of Flat Jesus’ arms while you hold the other. Pray together, asking Jesus to help you listen to each other and focus on what you do agree on. Jesus is with both of you. Take two pictures, one with your angry faces without Flat Jesus, and one with your friendly faces with Flat Jesus.

Jesus is with you when you CARE:

Visiting people in the hospital or a nursing home is a way for others to see Jesus in you. Bring your Flat Jesus and spend time sitting and talking with someone. Ask them about their favorite Bible story about Jesus and tell them about yours. Play a game or sing a song together. Take a picture of your visit and print two copies, one for you and one to give to them.

Jesus is with you when you WONDER:

Seeing new faces and being in new places can make us wonder what will happen. Sometimes we feel excited and can hardly wait. Sometimes we might feel worried and not ready yet. Tuck your Flat Jesus in your pocket or backpack when getting ready to meet new people or try a new activity. Take a picture of your Flat Jesus’ face tucked inside. You will always know he is there and when you are ready you can share that good news with a new friend.

Jesus is with you when you PLAY:

Bring Flat Jesus with you to a local playground. Jesus was a child just like you! Run, kick a ball, and jump with Flat Jesus. Take pictures of Flat Jesus playing on the swings, monkey bars, climbers, and slides. Jesus was born as a baby, a child of God! When Jesus was a child, his body could move in all the ways your body moves. You are a child of God too!

Jesus is with you when you READ:

In Bible times, religious leaders read from scrolls to tell people about God’s love. Today, we have Bibles and books to read at church, home, and everywhere we go. Use your Flat Jesus to help mark your place in a Bible or other book. Take a picture of your Flat Jesus with the page of your favorite Bible story or Bible verse. Read the verse to someone else or ask them to read to you to share the stories of God’s love.

Jesus is always with us—even if Flat Jesus may only be here for the summer! Having fun with this physical symbol heightens personal opportunities to share the good news of Jesus with others and trust that Jesus is always with them, every day and every moment of their faith lives. Jesus is with you too!

Don’t forget to encourage families to send you their photos with Flat Jesus! Post their pictures on the Sparkhouse Facebook page with hashtag #FlatJesus for a chance to win $100 from Sparkhouse!