Dog Food - Ten Lepers Object Talk Idea
I have done a children's sermon about not judging by the exterior but based on what is on the inside.I think that this could be adapted to a cooking workshop similar to the cat litter workshop. You could even have the kids help make batches of "dog food" to eat later.
I purchased a can of dog food, fed it to my dog, and cleaned the can -- repeatedly. Not every brand has a picture of a dog on the label, so I make sure to get one with a dog on the outside. I also use a plastic lid to reseal the can. These are usually available in the dog food aisle.
Then, I crushed a Butterfinger candy bar in a plastic bag. Made orange jello. As it is cooling, mix in the crushed Butterfinger and pour into the cleaned-out dog food can.
During the children's sermon I tell the children that I am really hungry, but I only have one can of food. Then I pull out my can of "dog food." I invite them to join me in my meal. When they refuse, I ask why they won't eat with me. When they say it is because they don't want to eat dog food, I ask them how they know. I then open the can and take a bite.
The discussion can go in several different directions: God cleans us out and fills us with good things and/or God doesn't look on our outward appearance and labels. Rather, God sees what is inside of us.
Everytime I do this I am afraid that the kids will go home and start trying to eat dog food, but that has yet to happen. This is definitely one of the most memorable children sermons I have done, and I suspect it would be a gross, fun cooking workshop.