Children’s ministry is always about more than colouring sheets and memory verses. At its heart, it’s about forming disciples—little people learning to love God, love others, and understand the world they’ve been placed in. And part of that world is their nation.

That’s why weaving moments of national celebration—like Australia Day on January 26—into our Children’s Church lessons isn’t just fun. It’s spiritually significant.

Here’s why it matters.

Children learn that God cares about their place in the world

Kids don’t live in an abstract “global” space. They live in a suburb, in a city, in a country with its own history, culture, and quirks. When we acknowledge Australia Day or other national moments, we’re teaching them:

• God placed them here on purpose
• Their country is part of God’s big story
• Faith isn’t separate from everyday life—it’s woven through it

It grounds their identity in something bigger than themselves, yet wonderfully local.

It builds gratitude for the blessings of our nation

Children are naturally grateful, but they often need help naming what they’re thankful for. Celebrating Australia Day gives us a chance to highlight:

• Freedom to worship
• Safety and stability
• Beautiful landscapes and wildlife
• The generosity and resilience woven into our national character

Gratitude is a spiritual discipline, and national celebrations give us a natural doorway into it.

It creates joyful, memorable moments in church

Let’s be honest—kids love a theme. Give them flags to wave, Aussie animals to colour, lamingtons to nibble, or a game of “Kangaroo Tag,” and they’re all in.

When we celebrate our nation in Children’s Church, we’re saying:

• Church is a place of joy
• God’s people celebrate together
• Faith is fun, not boring

These memories stick. They become part of a child’s lifelong picture of what church feels like.

It helps children pray for their country

When we teach children to pray for Australia, we’re shaping future leaders, neighbours, and peacemakers.

Simple prayers like:

• “Thank you, God, for our country.”
• “Help our leaders make wise choices.”
• “Bless the people who need help today.”

These prayers plant seeds of compassion and responsibility.

It strengthens community within the church

National celebrations bring people together—kids, parents, volunteers, grandparents, newcomers. They create shared experiences and shared stories.

And when the church family celebrates together, children feel:

• “I belong here.”
• “This is my community.”
• “We celebrate the good things God has given us.”

Belonging is one of the greatest gifts we can give a child.

Australia Day – Bringing It All Together

Incorporating Australia Day is about teaching children to:

• See God’s goodness in their everyday world
• Honour the people who came before them
• Celebrate the beauty and diversity of their country
• Pray for their leaders and neighbours
• Live as little lights in the place God has planted them

This January 26, let’s celebrate with joy, humility, and gratitude. Let’s help our kids see that following Jesus includes loving the land and people around them.

And let’s do it with a bit of Aussie sparkle—because if anyone knows how to celebrate well, it’s the kids in Children’s Church.

Free Australia-themed Lessons for Your Children’s Church!

Australia Day Spectacular! https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Australia-Day-Spectacular.pdf

God’s Aussie Creations (Preschool): https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Gods-Aussie-Creations.pdf

Boomerang! God’s Word Does Not Return Void: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Boomerang-Gods-Word-Does-Not-Return-Void.pdf

Tongues on Fire!: Puppet Play (or the script can be used as a story to read aloud) with popular Australian animals: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Tongues-on-Fire.pdf

Keep Moving Forward: The Kangaroo and the Emu https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Keep-Moving-Forward.pdf

The Green and the Gold: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/The-Green-and-the-Gold.pdf

Eureka! The Story of Job shared by a prospector and his son searching for gold: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Eureka.pdf

Wattle You Do? Daniel’s friends and the image of gold. Wattles are Australia’s national flower: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Wattle-You-Do.pdf

Guard Your Heart! A snake slithers into a family’s loungeroom. A call to Ranger Josh puts things right! https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Guard-Your-Heart2.pdf

Hold on Tight to God: A visit to the zoo: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Hold-on-Tight-to-God.pdf