Emerald Isle Baptist Church

Children’s Sermon for November 23, 2025

“Thanks Living”

Theme

Sharing God's blessings with others

Object

Thank you cards - one per child; pencils

Scripture

Matthew 25:31-46

When someone does something nice for you, what do you do? You say, "Thank you," don't you? Sometimes that just doesn't seem to be enough. Has someone ever done something for you that was so nice that you wanted to do more than just say, "Thank You"? I have. When that happens, I sometimes send them a "Thank You" card. (Give each child a card and pencil.) Everyone enjoys receiving a "Thank You" card. Think about a time you sent a card or note like this. (Invite a few kids to share about a time they thanked someone with a card.)

Another way you can show your thanks when someone does something really nice for you is by doing something nice for them in return. Like if someone invites you to spend the night and you have a really good time, you return their kindness by inviting them to come and spend the night with you. It’s always important to show we’re thankful when someone does something for us.

I don't know anyone who has done more for us than God has. God provides food when we’re hungry and water when we’re thirsty. He heals us when we’re sick and He comforts us when we’re sad. The Bible tells us that He is an ever-present helper in times of trouble. Take a moment now to write or draw something you’re thankful to God for. (Allow time for kids to write thankful messages to God in their cards. Invite kids to briefly share with a neighbor what they wrote.)

Because of all God has done for us, we say, "Thank you." But He’s done so much! I have an idea to do even more to thank God. 

Jesus told us how to do it. Jesus said, "Whatever you do for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you do it for me." That means when we feed someone who is hungry, it is the same as doing it for Jesus. When we visit someone who is sick, it is the same as doing it for Jesus. When we give clothes to those who are in need, it is the same as doing it for Jesus.

There is a very special name for this way of saying, "Thank you." I call it "thanks living." "Thanks living" is when we show our thanks by the way we live. "Thanks living" is when we look at the many ways God has blessed us, and we thank Him by sharing His blessings with others. (Invite kids to share specific ways they can participate in “thanks living” this week.)

Take home your cards and put them somewhere as a reminder to show your thanks to God in the way you live. Let's pray and ask God to help us offer our thanksgiving by "thanks living."

Dear God, we come into Your presence with thanksgiving. Help us turn our thanksgiving into "thanks living." Help us notice people around us who are in need and ways we can care for them like You care for us. In Jesus' name, amen.

Operation Christmas Child Packing Party!

Thanks to everyone who joined our packing party last sunday. we were able to pack 463 boxes. Together with individual boxes that have been brought in, we have a total of 526! Thank you once again, Eibc, for your generous hearts and giving spirits!

 Join the Youth Group “Break Through!”

Beginning September 21, all youth ages 6th through 12th grade will meet each sunday after the worship service for lunch, Bible study, games, crafts, projects, and more! See children/youth director Maxine smith for more details

Adult Sunday School Continues

Join us each Sunday morning at 8:45 for “answers in genesis.” This adult series has resumed.please see Mike Whitehead with questions about this class.

EIBC Cookbooks for Sale!

Written by members and friends of Emerald Isle Baptist Church in 2015, our cookbooks are chock full of delicious recipes, and we have lots to share. They make wonderful gifts for the new bride and groom, college students, and birthday gifts for anyone who loves to spend time in the kitchen! ! All proceeds go to local missions: $15 each. Check out a photo of the cookbook below…

“Reflections” Daily Devotional and Sunday School Materials

Pick up your copy of the September through December daily devotional at your convenience in Dorla’s office or the sanctuary vestibule…and take one to a friend!

Fall Bible Studies

Young Women’s Bible Study

All ladies are welcome to come experience a wonderful time of prayer, fellowship, and Bible based study on scriptures and subjects new each week.  Please call Toni Higgins at 919-749-5374 for more information or to request childcare.

New Women’s Bible Study

Join the Tuesday morning Bible study group as we begin “The Wonder of Advent: Delighting in the Hope, jJoy, Peace, and Love of Christmas” on Tuesday, November 4 at 8:30 AM. Member books are $25 each. Please contact Dorla Pake at 252-354-8795 for more information about this class.