I Love You More Than Cupcakes: Cupcake Bake-Off

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:8

Decorations

To create a fun and vibrant space, place tablecloths of different colors on individual tables. For the table centerpiece, make “cupcake bouquets.” Check Pinterest for videos of how to make the bouquets using either a Styrofoam sphere or plastic cups.

For a more straightforward option, fill tall vases with colorful cupcake liners and place them on different-colored square sheets of paper in the middle of each table. Add a picture frame next to the vase that contains the Scripture verse from 1 Peter 4:8, “Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything” (MSG).

Refreshments

Provide simple finger foods to compliment the cupcakes, such as fruit, cheese, crackers, sandwiches, and chips. For the drinks, provide bottled water or lemonade.

Cupcake Bake-Off

Divide the women into two teams. If there is a corps nearby, invite them to come and participate. The two teams will have the option to choose between various kinds of cake mixes such as chocolate, white, vanilla, or strawberry. Instruct the teams to have at least one secret ingredient that they will incorporate into their cupcakes. Provide different toppings in small cups available for the teams to use for their toppings or their secret ingredient.

Instruct the participants that they will have one hour to bake and decorate the cupcakes and present them to the judges. The judges will pick the winning team based on the appearance, taste, and final presentation. Regardless of the winners, provide an oven mitt, a baking mix, apron, or whisk for the women to take home as a reminder of the fun shared.

Cupcake Puns

Throughout the day, share puns regarding cupcakes from the website: https://askforadventure.com/cupcake-quotes-captions-and-puns

Recipe Share

Provide notecards and pens so that the women can share their recipes.

I Love You More Than Cupcakes

Cupcakes have always been a special treat enjoyed by many around the world. It’s no wonder that you can find them at birthday parties, weddings, and even special gatherings. They can bring a smile to everyone’s face, no matter how old or young.

Growing up, I used to love to try my hand at making cupcakes to share with my friends and family. It was fun to measure out each ingredient, mix it in, and place it in the oven to bake. When the cupcakes were finished, I would pull them out, wait for them to cool, and then slather the tops with delicious icing. It was a beautiful moment to share with those around me. I’m reminded of a quote that says, “When you share a cupcake, you share love” (Amber).

It’s no secret, however, that making cupcakes can sometimes be hard work. The process involves some effort to make sure that the cupcakes turn out just right for others to enjoy. Through 1 Peter 4:8, we can also see an example of a command given by Peter that requires determination and effort on our part as well. It says, “Above all, love each other deeply because love covers over a multitude of sins” (NIV Bible: 1 Peter 4:8).

Though we are all not perfect and deeply flawed, God’s love for us is overflowing and unconditional. When we love our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ with the same love given to us by the Father, we ultimately love Him and obey what He commanded of us to do. Like the sugary icing on the top of a cupcake, his love covers all our sins, so we too must cover others in that same, sweet love. When we do so, our lives reflect the sweetness and beauty that can be found only through Him.

I encourage you to allow His great love to flow through you so that your relationship with those around you may flourish and produce a sweeter Godly aroma than all the cupcakes in the world.

Prayer:

God, we love because You first loved us (NIV Bible: 1 John 4:8). We are so thankful for Your love that covers our sins and offers us full redemption and salvation. We praise You because no love is sweeter than Yours. Help us to share Your amazing love with all that we encounter. Give us a heart that draws near to You and reflects who You are and what You mean to us every day. Thank you, Lord, for all that You are doing in us and through us to give glory and honor to Your Kingdom. Amen.