This is a science experiment that illustrates how something can be engulfed in flames but not burn.

You will need:

• Marshmallows
• Skewers
• Coffee filter paper
• Bioethanol (this can be bought online or in DIY shops, it is commonly used for decorative outdoor burners)
• Salt
• Tongs
• Cook’s blowtorch or similar

Please read and sign the uploaded risk assessment before attempting this activity.

Ahead of time, in a sealable glass container (such as a clean jam jar), mix 1tsp salt and 50ml water. Once the salt is dissolved, add 50ml of bioethanol and mix well. Cut out three simple person shapes from the coffee filters.

On the day, set out a safety area that no one is allowed to enter. Advise that no one should try this at home.

First, demonstrate how fire (when used safely) can be fun by toasting a marshmallow on a skewer.

Then, introduce the idea that fire can also be harmful. Demonstrate by burning the first filter paper figure, held at arm’s length using tongs. It will quickly set alight and burn to almost nothing.

Suggest that we could try to make fire safer by using water. Dunk the second filter paper person in water and try to set them alight. It won’t burn (unless you hold the flame there long enough to dry it out first).

Finally, explain that today’s Bible story is about three men who were thrown into a really hot fire, but did not burn up. Dunk the third filter paper person in the pre-made solution then set it alight. The bioethanol will burn with a yellow flame (due to the salt in the solution), but the person will be undamaged due to the water. You may explain that the solution is like the prayers of the men and how God answered by protecting them.

We recommend testing your solution before the service by dipping a piece of filter paper in the liquid and setting it alight. If the flame is not yellow, add more salt to your solution.

For the call to worship, we used Isaiah 43:2-3a (stop after “I am the Lord your God”).

The main reading is the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the fiery furnace. This can be found in Daniel 3, but is a long passage. Alternatively, you could use a retelling from a children’s Bible that is geared towards older children. We showed a God’s Story video that is both entertaining and accurate.

The talk is about identity. The Babylonians tried to strip the three men of their identity by changing their names, but their identity was rooted in God and so their faith stayed strong even in the hardest of times. We remember that God is with us in the good times and the bad times. Finally, we consider that we should worship God even when we find it hard, so we can experience God’s goodness.

During the talk, the height of King Nebuchadnezzar’s statue is compared to the Tower of London. We have created an image to illustrate this that may be displayed at that point. It is available to download from the files on the right of this page.

A full talk is available to download.

We had 4 different responses for this service.

1. Fiery furnace craft – draw yourself in the furnace. Consider what your personal “fire is” – what are you struggling with/fighting against? As you consider, add flames to your furnace by writing or drawing. Finally, add Jesus in the fire with you and remember that he is with you always. An outline furnace is available to download.
2. Make a praise wall of cardboard, lining paper or similar. Provide pens and paint. Add images of some of the adoration prayer symbols. Invite people to add their own prayers to the wall with writing or drawing.
3. In a tuff tray, make a “furnace” out of shaving foam, paint and glitter. Add plastic people and use them as a family to retell the story. Around the tray, put the question prompts for people to discuss.
4. Prayer space – pray “God be in the fire with me”

Play: Another in the fire (Hillsong)