Fruit or Fripperies?

To examine the difference between needs and wants, and demonstrate that God is aware of our needs, and promises to provide for us

by The Revd Dr Philip Hesketh

Suitable for Key Stage 2

Aims

To examine the difference between needs and wants, and demonstrate that God is aware of our needs, and promises to provide for us.

Preparation and materials

• You will need: an orange; some sparkling 'jewels' (children's toy bracelet or similar is ideal, although you may replace this with a £5 note if you feel it is more appropriate and will appeal to boys more); the soundtrack from the film Titanic (optional).

Assembly

1. Show the children the orange and the sparkling jewels. Ask them which they would prefer to have and why. Hopefully most will opt for the jewels.
   
   
2. Ask them which one they would choose if they were on board a sinking ship.
   
   Draw out from the children what they know about the ship Titanic. Tell them the true story of the person who rushed back into the state apartments on the Titanic when it was sinking and grabbed a bowl of oranges rather than pick up the priceless jewels that littered the floor. Oranges would be much more valuable to people in a lifeboat.
   
   
3. Develop the difference between needs and wants. There are many things we want but the few things we need are much more important.
   
   Ask the children what things they think they really need. Develop their answers.
   
   
4. Using either Luke 12.22-31 (birds of the air) or Matthew 6.25-34 (lilies of the field), explain that God knows what we need, and tells us not to worry, because he promises to provide for us. Point out that this sometimes involves us sharing, such as at times of famine in one part of the world and abundance in others.

Time for reflection

If you have it, play some music from the soundtrack of Titanic. Ask the children to think about the things they need and to thank God for providing them.

Dear God,
Teach us the difference between our wants and our needs.
Thank you for providing all that we need.
Help us to share your gifts with others.
Amen.

Song/music

'Tis the gift to be simple' (Come and Praise, 97)