Jesus is Our Lifesaver
Group Activities

1. "Lifeboat Toss" Game
Materials: Two small buckets, mini rubber lifeboats (can be found at a party supply store or dollar store), masking tape or chalk, and a large space to play.
Instructions:
- Before the activity, use masking tape or chalk to create a line on the ground, representing the edge of a "boat."
- Divide the kids into two teams and have them stand behind their designated bucket.
- Place the mini rubber lifeboats in the buckets.
- Give each team two minutes to toss their lifeboats over the "boat" line and into the designated "safe zone."
- The team with the most lifeboats in the safe zone at the end wins.
- Use this game to talk about how Jesus is our lifeboat and how we can find salvation in Him.

2. "Salvation Bracelets" Craft
Materials: Multicolored beads (black, red, white, blue, green, and gold), elastic string, scissors, and tablecloth or large piece of paper to catch fallen beads.
Instructions:
- Before the activity, cut the elastic string into individual bracelet lengths.
- Explain to the kids the significance of each color bead: black for sin, red for Jesus' blood, white for purity, blue for baptism, green for growth in our faith, and gold for heaven.
- Have the kids string the beads in the order mentioned above to create their own salvation bracelet.
- Once completed, tie the ends of the string together to secure the beads.
- Encourage the kids to wear their bracelet as a reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and how He is our salvation.

3. "Lifesaver Sun Catcher" Art Project
Materials: Clear plastic plates, markers, scissors, clear contact paper, and string or ribbon.
Instructions:
- Give each child a clear plastic plate and have them draw a large cross on it with markers.
- Cut a piece of clear contact paper slightly larger than the plate and place it on top, sticky side down.
- Have the kids decorate the contact paper with smaller pictures or designs using markers.
- Once complete, cut around the edges of the plate, leaving about an inch border.
- Punch a hole at the top of the plate and thread a piece of string or ribbon through it to create a hanger.
- Hang the sun catcher in a window as a reminder of how Jesus is our lifesaver.

4. "Lifesaver Trail Mix" 

Materials: Various snacks like cereal, raisins, chocolate chips, and pretzels

Instructions:

-Create a trail mix station. 

-Each ingredient represents a different aspect of our faith in Jesus as our lifesaver. 

-Have the kids take turns adding a handful of each ingredient into a bag or cup and discuss how it relates to John 3:1-17. 

-Then, have them pray and thank God for being their ultimate lifesaver.

5. "Salvation Scavenger Hunt" - Create a list of items or symbols that relate to salvation and hide them around the room or outdoor space. This could include a cross, a Bible, a lifesaver candy, etc. Divide the kids into teams and have them search for the items. Once they find them all, have them gather together and discuss how each item represents our salvation in Jesus based on John 3:1-17.