Clip-o

In this magical object lesson, a strip of paper is repeatedly cut in half and put back together. The performer can keep cutting out more pieces from the middle of the paper, and restoring what is left. There are several possible lessons, including teaching the concept of how our sin cuts us off from God.

Effect

A strip of paper is cut in half and is restored. The performer can keep cutting out more pieces from the middle of the paper, and restoring what is left.

Preparation

Cut a strip of paper about two inches wide and at least eight inches long. Heavily coat one side with rubber cement, except for about an inch at each end. (It helps to let it dry and apply a second coat.)  After it dries, coat the rubber cement completely with talc or baby powder.

Presentation

Cut the strip of paper in half. Separate the two pieces to show it is really cut.

Put the two pieces together with the rubber cement on the inside. Cut through both strips about ¼ inch from the first cut. The cut will expose some of the rubber cement and actually glue the strip back together.

Hold one end of the strip and allow it to open. (The glue is just strong enough to hold the strip together, so handle it gently!) You can fold the strip in half again and repeat cutting out a pieces of the strip.

Applications

Sin Cuts Us Off From God

Write “God” at one end of the strip and “Me” at the other.

Cut the strip in half to illustrate how our sin cuts us off from God. Restore the strip to show how God restores our relationship with him when we ask for forgiveness.

God’s Pruning

Write “Jesus” at one end of the strip and “Me” at the other. In this presentation, the strip isn’t cut in half. Instead, the middle is just cut out.

Talk about how God has to “prune” things out of our lives to bring us closer to him. Fold the strip and cut out a small portion. Open the strip to show that “Jesus” and “Me” are closer together. Keep repeating this, bringing “Jesus” and “Me” ever closer.