God's work of Art
by The Revd Catherine Williams
Suitable for Whole School (Pri)
Aims
To demonstrate that we are all unique, special people in God's eyes.
Preparation and materials
-
This assembly links to 'If Everyone's Special, No one is' and develops the theme from a Christian perspective.
- You will need several well-known works of art, either as posters or OHTs.
- A large mirror (full-length if possible).
- Note for those who are not teachers: Children study particular artists and artistic styles at both KS1 and KS2 - it may help you to find out beforehand which artists have been studied at school.
Assembly
- Introduce the subject of art - ask the children which artists they have been studying, which artists they like, etc.
- Show a number of different paintings and talk about them, why you like them or don't like them, etc. Ask the children about them too.
- Next ask for several volunteers. Ask each to stand in front of the full-length mirror and then declare: 'Here is another famous work of art - this one is called Tom', or 'Hannah', or 'Kumar', etc.
Ask the children if they know who is the artist who made these new works of art: 'Tom', 'Hannah', 'Kumar', etc. See if they can come up with the answer 'God', but also value all responses such as 'their mum and dad', 'life made them', etc.
- End by explaining to the children that in the Bible, St Paul writing to the Ephesians says: 'You are God's work of art.' Christians believe that not only did God create us but he made each one of us to be a special, priceless work of art. And there's no one else in the world quite like you. You are all one-offs, originals - just like these very beautiful, expensive paintings.
Time for reflection
Reflection:
When you're feeling down about yourself, think this:
The best works of art are called 'priceless'.
They are so valuable that no money can buy them.
If they're priceless - I'm worth even more!
Think about the words of today's song, a song about being precious and special.
Prayer:
Dear God,
Thank you for artists and for the beautiful paintings they make.
Thank you that each of us is your precious and special work of art.
Amen.
Song/music
'Who put the colours in the rainbow?' (Come and Praise, 12)
