Craft | Connected Together – Build a Chain
Main Point: Every person has an important place in the church. When we use our gifts and abilities to help one another, we strengthen the body of Christ and work together to accomplish God’s purpose.
Scripture: Ephesians 4:16 | “From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.”
Additional Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:12–27
Craft Overview
Help children understand the importance of unity and serving in the church with this simple, colorful paper chain craft! Each child creates a link representing something they can contribute to the church. As the links are connected, they form one long chain that illustrates how every person has a valuable part to play in the body of Christ.
This hands-on craft provides a visual reminder that the church is made up of many different people, each with unique gifts, talents, and opportunities to serve. It also encourages children to think about practical ways they can help others and participate in their local church.
The completed chain can be displayed in your classroom as a reminder that everyone belongs and everyone has something to contribute.
Supplies Needed
- Colored construction paper
- Scissors
- Tape or glue sticks
- Markers or crayons
- One prepared paper chain link for demonstration
Preparation
Before class, cut several sheets of colored construction paper into strips approximately 1–2 inches wide and 8–10 inches long. Prepare enough strips for every child to have at least one, along with a few extras.
Make one sample link by curling a paper strip into a loop and securing the ends with tape or glue. You may also want to prepare a short paper chain to demonstrate how the links connect.
Keep a few extra strips available for children who want to contribute more than one idea.
Craft Instructions
Step 1: Introduce the Body of Christ
Begin by explaining that the Bible compares the church to a body. Just as our physical bodies have many different parts that work together, the church is made up of many people who each have something valuable to contribute.
Read Ephesians 4:16 and explain that God designed the church so its members could help, encourage, and strengthen one another.
Ask the children to name some of the different ways people serve in the church. They might mention pastors, Sunday School teachers, musicians, bus workers, ushers, or people who clean the building.
Remind them that serving God isn’t limited to adults or people with special positions. Even children can make a difference by welcoming visitors, praying for friends, helping others, or inviting someone to church.
Step 2: Write Your Contribution
Give each child a colored paper strip and a marker or crayon. Explain that each strip will represent something they can do to help the church or encourage someone else.
Ask the children to write or draw one way they can contribute.
Some examples include:
- Welcoming visitors
- Praying for others
- Inviting friends to church
- Helping clean the classroom
- Encouraging someone who is sad
- Listening to the teacher
- Being kind to others
- Helping younger children
- Participating in worship
- Sharing God’s Word
Younger children can draw a picture or have a teacher help them write their idea. Encourage children to think of something they can personally do rather than simply copying another person’s answer.
Step 3: Connect the Paper Chain
Once everyone has completed their strip, gather the children together and begin assembling the chain.
Take the first child’s strip, curl it into a loop, and secure it with tape or glue. Thread the next strip through the first loop before securing it into another link.
Continue adding strips until every child’s contribution has become part of the chain.
As you connect the links, read some of the contributions aloud and point out how each one represents a different way to serve God and help others.
Once the chain is complete, hold it up so everyone can see the finished craft.
Explain that although each link represents a different person and contribution, they are all connected together. This is a reminder that the church is made up of many members working together for the same purpose.
Step 4: Demonstrate the Importance of Staying Connected
Using a separate, short paper chain, carefully open one of the links so the chain separates into two sections.
Ask the children what happened and explain that when someone feels disconnected or stops participating, it can affect the people around them.
Remind the children that when someone is struggling or feels left out, we should make an extra effort to show love and encouragement.
Ask the children to suggest ways they could help someone feel connected, such as inviting them to sit together, praying for them, including them in activities, or simply being a good friend.
Reconnect the chain to illustrate how we can encourage and support one another.
Step 5: Display the Finished Craft
Hang the completed paper chain across a classroom wall, bulletin board, doorway, or another visible location.
Consider adding a sign above the chain that reads:
“CONNECTED TOGETHER – EVERY MEMBER MATTERS!”
You can continue adding new links throughout the year as children discover additional ways to serve God and help others.
Bible Connection
Read 1 Corinthians 12:27:
“Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.”
Explain that the church isn’t just a building where we gather for services. The church is made up of people who belong to Jesus Christ.
Every person matters, and everyone has something they can contribute.
Some people may have responsibilities that are easy to notice, while others quietly serve behind the scenes. But God sees every act of kindness, every prayer, and every effort to help someone else.
Just as the paper chain contains different colors and individual links, the church is made up of different people with different abilities. We don’t all have to do the same thing, but we should all work together, love one another, and help the church grow stronger.
Remind the children that they don’t have to wait until they’re older to make a difference. They can begin serving God and encouraging others right now.
Discussion Questions
- What does your paper chain link represent?
- Why is it important for everyone in the church to work together?
- What are some ways children can help in the church?
- How can we help someone who feels left out or disconnected?
- What is one thing you can do this week to encourage or help someone else?
Final Thoughts
This simple paper chain craft provides a creative way to reinforce the importance of unity, service, and belonging in the body of Christ.
As children connect their individual contributions into one chain, they see how many different people and acts of service can work together to strengthen the church.
Display the finished chain in your Sunday School classroom or children’s church area as a colorful reminder that every child has an important place in God’s church.
The church is stronger when we work together, and every child has a part to play!
