Children show congregational leaders their appreciation. Leadership in Action activities invite children to take the lead in an activity that engages with the congregation and begin to see themselves as leaders of their faith.

Ask the group if they have ever shown a leader appreciation. The leader might have been a teacher, a coach, or scout leader. How did they show appreciation: a gift, a certificate, a thank-you, or a hug?

Appreciating people who provide the service of leadership in your congregation is a way to show that you are a leader, too. Leaders are people who make a special effort to lift up caring, service, and gratitude for the whole group to appreciate.

Brainstorm ways the group could thank congregational leaders. They might bake cookies, create thank-you cards, or add special stickers to the leaders' name tags. Make plans. Notify families, if their help is needed, and the leaders whom you wish to appreciate.

Afterward, ask the children:

• How did you feel, thanking our congregational leaders?
• Have you ever been thanked for demonstrating leadership? Share the story with the group.
• Is there anyone in your life, perhaps someone who gave you good advice or someone who is a good role model, who you need to thank for the leadership they have shown to you? How and when will you thank them? When you make a special effort to show your appreciation, that's a sign that you are a leader, too.