Scripture: John 14:27, Psalm 34:8, John 3:16-17. 

Refreshments 

Set up a buffet table to make ice cream sundaes. Provide 2 or 3 flavors of ice cream, chocolate and caramel syrup, some sprinkles, whipped cream, cherries, fresh cut bananas, or strawberries. Or purchase a variety of ice cream flavors and have the women sample them. Ask them to guess the names of the various varieties. Ben and Jerry make a wide selection with unusual names. 

Program Activities 

Word Search 

Go to http://puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com/ to make your own word search. You can Google “ice cream flavors” to find words to add to your word search.  

Ice Cream Cone Craft 

Check YouTube or Pinterest for directions on how to make origami and other ice cream cones. Tie the cones together to make a garland to hang in the room, or glue a magnet on the back to stick on the refrigerator. 

The History of Ice Cream 

It is said that the origin of ice cream goes back to the second century B.C. Alexander the Great ate snow and ice with honey and nectar. King Solomon enjoyed iced drinks during the time of harvest. Marco Polo brought a recipe similar to sherbet back from the Far East to Italy. Historians estimate that ice cream came to England and France during the 17th century but was only available to royalty. The first ice cream in the United States was recorded in 1777 by a confectioner who catered to President George Washington. During World War II, the various branches of the military served ice cream to troops, and when the war ended America celebrated with ice cream. The ice cream shops and fountains of the 1950’s have given way to more prepackaged ice cream in various sizes and many flavors.  

Ice Cream 

Do you remember the familiar jingle of the ice cream truck rolling down the street? My young children would plead for some change and race down the sidewalk to purchase their treats. Perhaps it was a rocket popsicle, or an orange popsicle, or a cartoon character with bubble gum eyes. Whatever they chose, for those few moments as we sat on the porch enjoying our ice cream, we could talk about all the things that were happening that day. Ice cream should be one of the seven food groups. No matter the flavor or the topping, it always tastes good. 

Are you or do you know an emotional eater? Ice Cream is a sweet treat often used as a comfort food. When you watch TV you will see the love–scorned woman holding her pint of ice cream. I love a bowl of ice cream in the evening after a particularly long or stressful day. Somehow, retreating to the freezer when my four children are in bed just hits the spot and helps me put the day in perspective. My Dad used to take my siblings and me to a local ice cream stand. We ordered our favorite, the “PBP,” creamy vanilla, full of peanuts and hot fudge. We were absolutely delighted when Dad treated us.  

The Bible also brings us comfort. When we have had a difficult day, or a hard time facing a situation, His Word brings us peace and answers. John 14:27 NIV says, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” When times are tough, and we do not see the way, Jesus is our shelter, our hope and our strength.  

God desires to give us good things to enjoy in this life. He has provided us with sweet treats and yummy food. There is even a scripture verse that says, “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him” (Ps. 34:8 NIV). God has given us senses, two of which are taste and sight. Can’t you practically taste that delicious ice cream sundae on the commercial? Jesus desires our company so much that I am sure that He would love sitting on the porch with us, enjoying an ice cream cone together.  

When we find a new flavor of ice cream, we can’t wait to share it with a friend. John 3:16-17 NIV says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” How our God loves us. He couldn’t wait to share His greatest gift with us; He gave His Son to save us. He wants a relationship with us. God desires that when we find something that we love we share it with Him. Take the time to spend with God today and every day. Thank Him for His provisions and His care for you.  

And “Here’s the Scoop:” It is your responsibility to share your love of Jesus with others around you. God’s love abounds in your life. His promises are true. His blessings are countless. There is an old saying that says, “You may be the only Jesus people see.” So, bring an ice cream to your friend’s house, sit on the porch and talk about Jesus.