Jesus Calms the Storm

Session Summary:

In this Messy Church session, we set sail on an unforgettable journey across stormy seas — just like the disciples did when they followed Jesus across the water (Mark 4:35–41).

Action! on the High Seas:

The children loved acting out the story, climbing into a homemade boat and braving the stormy waves. Just like in the Bible story, a strong wind began to blow (with some help from our creative volunteers!), and the boat rocked as the children crossed to the other side. But with Jesus in the boat, they made it safely through, a beautiful reminder that even in life’s storms, we are not alone.

Singing Up A Storm!:

We introduced the lovely song:

• 🎵 With Jesus in the Boat, We Can Smile at the Storm https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tK6aJRcBC4

and danced and sang along to:

• 🎵 Jesus Strong and Kind
• 🎵 My God Is So Big

Creative Payer:

Our Creative Prayer time focused on the things that make us feel sad, nervous, or afraid. Each child wrote or drew something they were worried about on a small piece of paper, then placed it on a large parachute. We gathered around and shook it gently, making our own “storm.” Then, like in the story, the storm was calmed, and the parachute was laid quietly on the floor. A quiet moment of trust, reminding us that Jesus can calm our storms too.

Craft Time:

🚤 We made paper boats and waves using coloured paper, then displayed the scene on a plate to reflect the disciples’ boat trip.

🍍 For our food craft, the children built “boat journeys” using a madeleine cake, pineapple slice, pretzel stick, and mini umbrella — and then ate them with delight! Unfortunately no pineapple slice’s got to the other side 🙁

Faith Takeaway:

When life feels stormy or scary, we can remember: Jesus is with us — and He can bring peace to our hearts.
Just like He calmed the winds and waves, He calms our fears when we pray, trust, and keep Him close.

“Do not fear, for I myself, the Lord, will help you,” declares the Lord.

Next Messy Church Session:

We’d love if you could join us for our next Messy Church Session. For details of when and where, please visit our events page: https://lovemessychurch.co.uk/events/list/ Can’t wait to meet you there!

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Session Blueprint (For Leaders & Volunteers)

• Theme: Jesus Calms the Storm
• Bible Passage: Mark 4:35–41
• Key Verse: “Do not fear, for I myself, the Lord, will help you.”

Songs:

• Jesus Strong and Kind https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5Y8s-Sz_ac
• With Jesus in the Boat, We Can Smile at the Storm – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tK6aJRcBC4
• My God Is So Big https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jDihx1E9pY

Storytelling Format:

• Children acted out the crossing in a homemade boat
• “Storm” created with movement and props

Crafts:

• Paper boat + coloured wave collage on a plate – how to make a paper boat
• Food craft: madeleine + pineapple slice + pretzel + umbrella boat

Creative Prayer:

• Children wrote/drew fears/sadness on paper
• Parachute storm activity, then quiet moment as storm calmed

Faith Focus:

• Jesus is with us when we are afraid
• We can trust Him in all our storms

Refreshments:

• Juice, Water or Hot chocolate at the start of the session
• Boat journey snack (madeline, pineapple, pretzel, umbrella)