John 3:16 and other images that have meaning

Sadly, I think that when many people see John 3:16, the "gospel in a nutshell," on poster boards at sporting events, they associate it with a type of Christianity that is judgmental and unloving.  In our unchurched society, some probably have no idea what it means, while those who have more fundamentalist Christian leanings will probably cheer when they see this sign.

As for other symbols and images in daily life, I think you've picked up on some of the most popular logos, Janell.  Even young kids will know these.  Older kids will also recognize the Nike Swoosh and Adidas 3-stripes, etc.  Beyond symbols and signs there are many "things" that kids see in the media and in stores that are designed to grab their attention:  cartoon characters, dolls (including Barbie), transformers, toy weapons, Legos, Playmobil, colorful cereals, etc. Having said all this, in this age of information overload and many choices I'm not sure symbols are as universal as they once were.

The obvious (!) answer to what image works for us Lutheran Christians would be the cross!  Yes, I know:  That's easy for us clergy-types to say.  I'm not sure most of the folks in our congregations would be able to articulate it quite that way.  There's some work to do here--and this Sunday provides an opportunity!  :)

I know you're looking for ideas for the kids message.  Here's one idea.  Last week I asked the kids to look for signs of God's presence in the world around them.  I showed them a couple of photos (daffodils, a dog) that reminded me that God is active in the world, and I took a photo of them during children's time and told them that I see God active in their lives, too.  I also asked them to bring their own photos, magazine cutouts, or drawings of where they see God during the next couple of weeks.  We will glue them onto a posterboard and make a collage.

Last night during a sleepless stretch (!), it occurred to me that we should put a cross in the center of the posterboard as the central sign of God's love for us.  Yes, it's a difficult concept for the kids to grasp, but it's also difficult for us adults, too!  As Barbara Brown Taylor has said, "I don't ever expect to solve the mystery of the cross, but I take great comfort in knowing that the cross has solved me."

Good luck with the kids' message--I usually find it more challenging than the sermon!  :)

--Michelle