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After Pentecost 12 A: IDEAS TO SHARE THIS WEEK’S RCL READINGS WITH EVEN THE YOUNGEST FAMILY MEMBERS USING THINGS YOU HAVE AT HOME

If you are worshipping on line and are unsure what to do with the “little ears” worshipping with their parents, please feel free to make these suggestions during your service so the young ones too can participate.

This is also a great resource for parents/careers and grandparents to use with their little ones during online or face to face worship, or to use as family devotions during the week.

These resources are great for the very young, so that all ages can be engaged in worship.

START WITH: THE LORDS PRAYER IN ACTIONS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOugEQpcc_k OR https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMjm93ylL2w

Or slot it in when the congregation says The Lords Prayer

FIRST READING: EXODUS 1:8-2:10

READ: Brave Girls Bible Stories by Jennifer Gerelds, The Fantastic Four, pp.39-48

OR for the youngest 5 Minute Bible Stoires Or My First read aloud Bible by Batchelor and Boshoff, Moses, pp.p.40-41

OR the Bieginner’s Bible for Toddlers, “The Baby in a Basket” pp.38-43

(only the first reading tells the full Bible Reading)

CRAFT: You will find lots of ideas here https://www.daniellesplace.com/html/bible-themes-moses.html some free and some requiring payment

My favourite is the Mirium and Moses craft which does require a payment for down load

I love the sock baby https://www.daniellesplace.com/html/sockcraftsforkids.html#baby

Or you might like the Baby Moses basket using an envelope

I have used this idea in previous years https://lettheirlightshine.com/2015/10/28/baby-moses-paper-plate-craft/ it is still a favourite

PRAY:

God, thank you

that such clever women

were needed to save Moses

Thank you

Amen

PSALM 124

Psalm 124: If it wasn’t for God

(Call to Worship, in 2 voices)

If it wasn’t for God (flop your shoulder down)
we’d be a wreck! (colapse on the floor)
If God wasn’t on our side (look to your right )
we’d be wiped out by our enemies. (cross your arms over each other)
If God had not been there for us ( Flop your shoulders down)
anger and fear would have swept us away. (clench your fists)
If Christ had not saved us (give yourself a cuddle)
we would be totally lost. (cross your arms over each other)
Thank you, thank you Lord (nod your head)
for you rescued us from the trap we were snared in. (reach down)
Our help is in the name of the Lord (put your hands in a prayere position)
who made heaven and earth (look up and then look down)
and is on our side! (look to your right)

Thanks again Rev. Purdie for the words http://www.conversations.net.nz/psalm-124-like-a-mouse.html actions by me

How does this Psalm make you feel? Describe that feeling, or draw it, or point out what it feels like from a set of emotional cards https://innovativeresources.org/resources/card-sets/bears-cards/ or the Bears App https://innovativeresources.org/resources/digital-applications/bears-app/

SECOND READING: Romans 12:1-8

READ: Punchinello and the Marvelloues Gift, by Max Lucado, everyone has their special gifts but it was only when they all came together and sang together that they made a beautiful gift.

OR Watch this is a half hour video and is too involved for the youngest child but they will often move in and out of a show that older children are watching https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPmmZQBwz2Y If you want to, you can start around the half way mark (about 15 min. in) and it will cover the best of the story as it relates to the Romans reading. Of everyone using their gifts for the good of the community no one believing their gifts are more important than anyone else.

MAKE: a paper doll chain https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZo68K6vWZ4 and colour them in showing what gifts (things they are or bring to contribute) OR you might like to draw your family and show what they contribute to the family, ie the baby gives us someone we can all care for, Grandpa’s snoring reminds us to calm down and rest

PLAY: Play with blocks or Lego, there are many different shapes and colours but together they make something good.

wood playing colorful colourful — Photo by Markus Spiske on Pexels.com

GOSPEL READING: Matthew 16:13-20

READ:/WATCH: The Old woman who Named Things by Cynthia Rylant https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPbrxfD9qm8 as suggested by http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-rcl-august-27-2017/

QUESTIONS? Who is Jesus to you?

Why would Jesus ask this question to his disciples?

How important is a name?

SING: https://colinbuchanan.com.au/products/boom-chicka-boom-cd-mp3 Colin Buckanan You are the Christ Matthew 16:16

Colouring In: https://store.illustratedministry.com/collections/illustrated-worship-resources/products/bible-story-coloring-pages-summer-2020?variant=31520646987874 You can find it as the 2020 Summer Series( the season in the Northern Hemisphere) and for $Aus 19, you will have colouring pages until the 30th of August.

Blessings

Wendy L.

Sunday Reflection: ON Jeremiah 18:1-11 and Psalm 139:1-6, 14-16

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I have always loved the motif of God as Potter, moulding and creating, restoring and renewing, until the clay becomes closer to His Image. I suspect that most of that is because as a Teenager and young adult, pottery was my default art expression. In my final year of school, it was my main medium for my art portfolio, and when I was stressed at University during my first undergraduate course I would indulge myself in community pottery classes.

I loved the preparation of the clay, the pounding, pushing, extracting the air bubbles so it’s time in the kiln would not destroy my vision. It was a therapeutic form of aggression, a legitimate outlet that hurt no-one and gave rise to something beautiful. I could also rework the shape until I was happy with the shape, texture, etc., there was never any wastage everything that was purchased was used and I would work at it until I was happy with it.

Children use playdoh from quiet an early age, I remember trying different recipes when my children were young until I found the one I was happiest with, and marvelling at all the colours and tools attached to the commercial play doh range. Children understand today’s Jeremiah reading, because they know what it is to work on a playdoh piece and continue working on it until it represents what they want. Flame blogger knows this too, and she has many prayers and worksheets that involve the use of play doh for example http://flamecreativekids.blogspot.com/2012/01/play-dough-prayers.html and http://flamecreativekids.blogspot.com/p/play-ough.html Metaphor comes from what we can see around us, and children are on the first steps of understanding because they are learning from the world around them.

This faith understanding of Jeremiah, came from his interaction with the world around him. It is the same for children, who learn from their interaction with the world around them, this is the basis of Montessori method https://montessori.org.au. Children can learn about God and of God from what is around them, from the everyday. Thus, the integration of faith by the family unit beyond the walls of the Church is important. How else can we value God in the everyday if our eyes aren’t opened to it. For example, let me tell you about a great nephew of mine, all of 3 years old who went to his mother about the fires racing through Queensland and NSW, in Australia and asked if they could pray for those affected. He didn’t wait till Sunday, if you ask him he will tell you that Sunday is for Church, he knew he could do this in the everyday. Anytime. Church is for Sunday but God is everywhere, he understands that lesson.

Working with clay is intimate, you and the medium collide, perhaps that’s why my other preferred medium is conte, you should touch it, stroke it to get the best out of it. They are both intimate mediums. We are reminded that we are an intimate medium for God, in today’s Psalm. Keeping the metaphor going, and using another intimate everyday image, that of knitting. Yes, you got it, another favourite of mine, each fibre is touched by the maker as it passes through your hand. God, touches us, our very existence, our very being, we are intimately made, intimately known, age is irrelevant,

For many in Child and Family Ministry these verses are cherished as they speak of God’s intimate connection with us, be it from conception as in the Psalm or through Life as attested to by one who was chosen as a child. These are what Jerome Berryman refers to as high images of Children in the Bible. Let the children worship with you, you are all known and shaped by the Maker.

For Further reading read Chapter 4 in Jerome W. Berryman’s Becoming like a Child (2017, Church Publishing, NY)

Blessings

Wendy L.

12th Sunday after Pentecost Year C: Ideas to help you share this weeks RCL readings with the 3’s and under.

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On what is Father’s Day here in Australia, enjoy this day with your family and share this worship experience with even the youngest members in the family. If you are visiting relatives and unable to get to a service, you can worship wherever you are using these suggestions below.

If you are a parent or Guardian

Prepare a special church bag in advance each week so that you are ready for the rush on Sunday Morning.

Always have plain drawing paper, washable texta’s, the books that are suggested and the toys or craft suggested for this week

Remember to download the colouring sheets and check out the links before Sunday morning.

Sit towards the front so they can see what is going on.

Sing or sway during the Hymns

Read during the Bible readings,

Pray during the prayers,

Colour, Draw or Craft during the sermon.

Craft or drawing or play are for spiritual responses not for a perfectionist

that can be shown off. Don’t throw these out when you leave the church. Keep them at home in a special box, and bring them out to remind your child what has been happening or use as future prayer points.

Remember that little ones will need their own space to move and wiggle,

You have bought your child to worship. Enjoy engaging them in it.

If you are a small congregation without a Child and Family Minister have an area available near the front for parents/guardians to worship with their children, and print off this information so that it is readily available or direct them to this site. Set up an area with books and toys in it that will enhance their spiritual experience. (Ie not just toys for “keeping them quiet”).Spiritual Delights or Toy Box tat! andMake the books appealing

If you would like these ideas as a PDF file sent to you each week, please contact me.

FIRST READING: JEREMIAH 2:4-13

READ/WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHjwh_0jK_s THE HOUSE THAT SNEEZED by David Lennie Just like Israel had defiled the land that God gave them, so do the owners of this beautiful house who then responds.

Draw or build something with blocks? How would you feel if someone came along and destroyed your hard work? Show your answer on your face, or draw it on a paper plate or point out the emotion from a set of emotional cards https://innovativeresources.org/resources/card-sets/bears-cards/ or the Bears App https://innovativeresources.org/resources/digital-applications/bears-app/

PRAY

God you built a good world for us

Help us to keep it safe

Amen

PSALM 81:1, 10-16

READ:

But now your lives are crowded
there’s little space for me. (Rub your hands together)
I long to bless you every day
and fill you with good things (open your mouth)
but I need room to be your God!
You can’t have lots of others. (wag your pointing finger)
I’m not a bonus add-on.

Turn to me, my people! (turn around)
Let me in and let me lead.
Come, let me feed you (open your mouth)
with honey from the rock.
Come, let me love you (give yourself a hug)
and never never stop!

Exert from http://www.conversations.net.nz/psalm-81-honey-from-the-rock.html actions by me

How does having a God who wants to be good to you make you feel?

Show your answer on your face, or draw it on a paper plate or point out the emotion from a set of emotional cards https://innovativeresources.org/resources/card-sets/bears-cards/ or the Bears App https://innovativeresources.org/resources/digital-applications/bears-app/

SECOND READING: HEBREW 13:1-8,15-16

READ/WATCH: THE BIG UMBRELLA By Amy June Bates vhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-O37HwF-Wy8

SING: https://www.seedsfamilyworship.com/product/the-character-of-god-vol-7/# No.10 God is Unchanging

OR https://sovereigngracemusic.org/music/songs/forever-god/ Forever God Number 2 on Awesome God

Colouring -in: https://store.illustratedchildrensministry.com/collections/coloring-sheets-posters/products/bible-story-coloring-pages-fall-2019 Under the USA term of Fall 2019, there are 13 colouring in sheets for the next 13 weeks, which can be downloaded for US$10.

GOSPEL READING: LUKE 14:1, 7-14

READ/WATCH: I am the Best by Lucy Cousins https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HP5DUzBiHOc as suggested byhttp://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-sunday-september-1-2013/

Play: with toy food, have a party for teddy/ or daddy or any favourite toy.

PRAY:

I invite all to come

and share a meal together

Amen

(practise this at meal times this week or any Grace)

NOO! You are not finished even if the service has.

Now is the time to continue teaching your child beyond the walls of the church.

Use the craft or drawings during the week to talk about the service or the stories.

Use any of the readings during the week, at bedtime, as story time or during the day in play or prayer.

Enjoy sharing your faith with your child.

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY

Blessings

Wendy L.

Sunday Reflection: Easter Sunday C

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All week something has been stirring in me. And no, it’s not the usual Easter Reflection.

When I wrote last week’s blog I had been thinking that it was important to get families to engage with Holy Week even if they had not managed to do a complete Lenten effort, and had suggested they do that by sharing the Bible stories. But that is only the start, it is the lifetime engagement with these stories that grows our faith.

So, it is the deeper engagement that we really are striving for not just the sharing of the stories. Nor is to too late now that we have officially entered the season of Easter to consider ways of engaging the family in the faith stories?

It is what we do with the stories of our faith that becomes important from here on in. Like the disciples found after the resurrection, now was the time to start making sense of all that had happened, time to start revisiting Jesus’s stories and life experience to consider what they meant in the shadow of the cross.

Easter is the time of encounter of the risen Lord, it seems the perfect time to go beyond just story telling and start to fashion a framework in which your family can process the stories and carry their faith with them for life.

So how do you do that?

Some of the worship programs with children in mind might give us some hints.

Godly play is thought of as a great way of story telling, and many churches just use the stories in worship, but that is not the Godly Play practice, it has been set up to involve participation through the Wondering Questions, and response in the craft, and worship in the sacrament or meal. These are easy to do at home.

After reading a Bible story ask some simple wondering questions such as a) I wonder what part of this story you like the best?
b) I wonder where you are in this story, or what part of the story is about you?
c) I wonder what you could leave out of the story?

Berryman explains “There is no predetermined answers to a wondering question. — trust the searching of the children to find what they need with God and the scriptures”[1]

Craft,

Let them respond in a non-verbal manner, by letting your child make, draw, create a response that stems from them.
Worship
Then finally by Sharing a drink and something to eat together, you not just parody communion but give some close non-structured time for any further responses.

OR maybe your child is ore active or requires direction then perhaps the Messy church method, which allows play and structured activities to lead into or reinforce ideas and themes may suit your child.

An older child might respond by reading a section of the Bible, learning a Bible verse, drawing a response, writing the passage in your own words, if a structured response suits your child. This can be done weekly or each element done on a different day.

OR follow one of the many programs written especially for families, here are some suggestions by Liz Perraud. https://www.genonministries.org/blogs/blog/talking-about-faith-at-home?fbclid=IwAR3LxdiC42IBuOwITsUt3zox01h3aK9zrV-H9sN7lz6CNvbh2b4FYon7yU0

and https://fulleryouthinstitute.org/assets/fyi-files/Engaging_the_Bible_Together.pdf

https://fulleryouthinstitute.org

StarandZ has this great list https://www.strandz.org.nz/families.html

Hopefully you will find something that suits your family.

Blessings

Wendy L

[1]Berryman, Jerome W., The complete Guide to Godly Play Vol. 1, (2006, Moorehouse Education Resources, Houston), p.56

Lent 5 Year A, 2023: Ideas to share the Revised Common Lectionary Readings with all ages.

Welcome. Each week I compile a number of resources to help you, your family or your congregation contemplate the RCL readings. While designed to be used during a Sunday service at church or by zoom, these readings can also be used during the week to help your family’s faith formation.

My objective is for faith to be a lived experience and for children to learn how to worship, explore the Bible, and pray by participating in Worship with others. The goal here is not for them to learn names or facts, though they may want to do that for themselves, but, rather to find ways of connecting with the text and sharing that with others. The idea is to form a lifelong love of Christ, for the Word of God, and to participate in Worship.

Faith is portable, we live it and share it, every day. I hope these simple ideas help your family or congregation form their faith.

If you are a small congregation, that suddenly has children in your pews, these can also be used in your services, shared direct from this site, or copied into your order of service. Create an area as close as possible to where the major liturgies of the service occur, for parents/guardians to worship with their children, and fill this area with books and toys in it that will enhance their spiritual experience. (Ie not toys for “keeping them quiet”). You will find some ideas in these posts Spiritual Delights or Toy Box tat! and Make the books appealing.

Suggest that visiting families pack a special backpack, filled with a children’s storybook bible, other books that speak about ideas in today’s readings, and drawing or craft materials that children can use to respond to today’s readings.

For adults and older students, you might like to use a journal with which to record anything that grabs your attention during the service. This could be a special, bound book or you can use your iPad or iPhone. You could write a precis of the message (traditional words or pictures), draw, and keep a record of emotions and hymns that you did or did not like. You could use a template like this free download. Remember, this is for you, you do not have to show anyone what is in it unless you want to, and you feel safe to do so.

You might like to introduce THE LORDS PRAYER IN ACTIONS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOugEQpcc_k OR https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMjm93ylL2w

We are now in the season of LENT the liturgical colour is PURPLE (closer to the red spectrum, Advent’s purple is closer to the blue spectrum)

If worshipping from home you might like to set up a table or space with a purple cloth, a cross, and some things that remind you of your time in Lent, or from today’s readings.

LITURGY FOR LENT

Lent is 40 Days, (spread your fingers out and push them in front of yourself 4X)

it’s a long long way (shield your eyes and look around the horizon)

but with each step (walk on the spot)

We get closer,

closer to the JOY of EASTER, (star jump)

Closer to God (give yourself a hug)

We learn more about ourselves (point to yourself)

Like Jesus did in his 40 days in the Wilderness,

Today we only have 12 days left (spread your fingers out and count off 12 fingers)

We are getting closer

(Some visual learning suggestions, place 40 stepping stones around the church/or home, these can be made from non-slip tiles or mats (try Bunnings or Spotlight for ideas) such as these or if your church/home has cobble stones or timber stepping stones around them, number them and cross off the days. Another option is to use the Praying in Color steps template, especially good for those with small spaces or where you want people to stay connected away from the communal space.)

NOTE: though we say that LENT is 40 days we do not count the Sundays

This Liturgy can be said daily in the home, counting each day down as you say the second last line.

FIRST READING: Ezekiel 37:1-14

WATCH: Don’t forget to answer the wondering Questions.

DRAW: a picture of a person, watch your drawing becoming different from those you have drawn before or that others are drawing around you. (I have included a link if you would like instructions on how to draw) or you could use a person shape and dress them (here are some ideas from RIOT).

ACTIVITY: Have you ever seen a plant you thought might be dead, come to life when it is cared for.

Is there such a plant in your home, that you can care for?

OR have you cooked a cake and it has fallen in the middle, instead of throwing it out what other uses have you found for it?

OR recycle or repurpose something

PSALM 130

READ Psalms for Young Children by Marie-Helene Delval

SING Liturgical Folk Psalm Settings album, Number 8

SECOND READING: Romans 8:6-11

READ: The Biggest Story Bible,

READ: Would you rather be a Bullfrog by Dr Suess

WATCH

A Storypath Suggestion

READ: The Biggest Story Bible

PLAY: with Babushka dolls, or anything that nests one inside the other.

PRAY:

Creator God,

help me to rest in you

for you are in me

Amen

GOSPEL READING: John 11:1-45

READ: The Whirl Story Bible, Jesus raises Lazarus, pp.298-301

OR The Spark Story Bible, Lazarus, pp.354-357

WATCH: Make sure you answer the Wondering Questions

SING: Totally God-Totally Man by Sovereign Grace Music

COLOURING-IN

BENEDICTION/LEAVING SONG Heather Price’s Benediction Song on her Full of the Spirit Album

Blessings

Wendy L.

Please check local guidelines before using items that are not mine especially if you are using this page for congregational use. Please acknowledge this page if you find it useful. Thank you.

I am writing this on Wurundjeri land and wish to pay respect to all Elders, past, present, and emerging.

If you are in Australia and would like to teach your children to Acknowledge Country here is a video that will help, and a great book to help understand, We love Country. Most Uniting Church Congregations will say an Acknowledgement of Country towards the start of the service.

Lent 4 Year A, 2023: Ideas to share the Revised Common Lectionary Readings with all ages.

Faith is portable, we live it, and share it, every day. I hope these simple ideas help your family or congregation form their faith.

You might like to introduce THE LORDS PRAYER IN ACTIONS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOugEQpcc_k OR https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMjm93ylL2w

We are now in the season of LENT the liturgical colour is PURPLE (closer to the red spectrum, Advent’s purple is closer to the blue spectrum)

If worshipping from home you might like to set up a table or space with a purple cloth, a cross, and somethings that remind you of your time in Lent, or from today’s readings.

LITURGY FOR LENT

Lent is 40 Days, (spread your fingers out and push them in front of yourself 4X)

it’s a long long way (shield your eyes and look around the horizon)

but with each step (walk on the spot)

We get closer,

closer to the JOY of EASTER, (star jump)

Closer to God (give yourself a hug)

We learn more about ourselves (point to yourself)

Like Jesus did in his 40 days in the Wilderness,

Today we only have 18 days left (spread your fingers out and count off 18 fingers)

We are getting closer

NOTE: though we say that LENT is 40 days we do not count the Sundays

This Liturgy can be said daily in the home, counting each day down as you say the second last line.

FIRST READING:1 Samual 16:1-13

READ: David is Chosen pp.90-93 in The Whirl Story Bible

Colouring In

BAKE: cook or eat a cake that has a secret centre.

PRAY

Creator God,

You made me

and you know

everything about me

Just like only you

Could choose

Jesse’s son, David

Amen

PSALM 23

READ The Shepherd Psalm (for Children by Rev Silvia Purdie)

PLAY: Act out this psalm using toy sheep and a shepherd, and create the different environments.

OR DRAW: the place you feel close to God, or most needing of God.

SECOND READING: Ephesians 5:8-14

READ: When God made Light by Matthew Paul Turner

WATCH

SING : Let your Light Shine on the album Practise Being Godly by Colin Buchanan

PLAY: look at all the different sources of light you can find (ie, candles, lamp, phone light, sun, moon etc)

Older children might like to make a drawing of the many ways that God shines in them (ie helping, feeling calm, soothing a pet, etc)

GOSPEL READING: John 9:1-41

READ: Beginner’s Bible Jesus Heals a Blind Beggar p.511-374

WATCH

PLAY: Prepare first by choosing objects and placing them on a tray, cover the tray in a dark material. Play the game by putting on a sleep mask then take turns to guess what each object on the tray is.

PRAY:

Continue God,

To help people to see,

For all may come to you

Amen

cover your eyes with your hands as you say the prayer.

BENEDICTION/LEAVING SONG Heather Price’s Benediction Song on her Full of the Spirit Album

Blessings

Wendy L.

Please check local guidelines before using items that are not mine especially if you are using this page for congregational use. Please acknowledge this page if you find it useful. Thank you.

I am writing this on Wurundjeri land and wish to pay respect to all Elders, past, present, and emerging.

Lent 3 Year A, 2023: Ideas to share the Revised Common Lectionary Readings with all ages.

Faith is portable, we live it, and share it, every day. I hope these simple ideas help your family or congregation form their faith.

You might like to introduce THE LORDS PRAYER IN ACTIONS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOugEQpcc_k OR https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMjm93ylL2w

We are now in the season of LENT the liturgical colour is PURPLE (closer to the red spectrum, Advent’s purple is closer to the blue spectrum)

If worshipping from home you might like to set up a table or space with a purple cloth, a cross, and somethings that remind you of your time in Lent, or from today’s readings.

LITURGY FOR LENT

Lent is 40 Days, (spread your fingers out and push them in front of yourself 4X)

it’s a long long way (shield your eyes and look around the horizon)

but with each step (walk on the spot)

We get closer,

closer to the JOY of EASTER, (star jump)

Closer to God (give yourself a hug)

We learn more about ourselves (point to yourself)

Like Jesus did in his 40 days in the Wilderness,

Today we only have 24 days left (spread your fingers out and count off 24 fingers)

We are getting closer

NOTE: though we say that LENT is 40 days we do not count the Sundays

This Liturgy can be said daily in the home, counting each day down as you say the second last line.

FIRST READING: Exodus 17:1-7

READ: 5 Minute Bible Stories by Batchelor and Boshoff, God gives Water pp.52-53

OR The Spark StoryBible, pp.94-95

COLOURING-IN:

DRAW/WRITE OR TELL: Who do you relate to in the story? Moses, the Israelites, someone else? Why?

PSALMS 95

READ Snuggle Time Psalms by Glenys Nellist

OR Psalm 95: Come let us sing for joy

Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord! (Dance)
Let us shout aloud to the rock of our salvation! (make a megaphone with your hands)
Come, make a joyful noise! (hands in the air)
Come, bring all your “thank you”s ((bob your head)
For in God’s hand are the mountain tops (make a mountain with your hands)
and the ocean floors. (make waves with your hands)

Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord! (Dance)
Let us shout aloud to the rock of our salvation!(make a megaphone with your hands)
Come, bow down and worship (Bow)
Come, kneel and be humble (kneel)
For in God’s hand are all his people (cup your hands together)
we are his sheep and he is our Shepherd (be a sheep)

from http://www.conversations.net.nz/psalm-95-come-let-us-sing-for-joy.html

How does the Psalm make you feel?

Describe that feeling, or draw it, or point out what it feels like from the emoji’s on the phone.

SECOND READING: Romans 5:1-11

READ: Hope is an Open Heart by Lauren Thompson

WATCH:

A Storypath suggestion. Read the reason why they chose this book.

SING Snack Music’s Thank you for Loving me

PRAY:

MEDITATE: A time of sitting quietly to hear God. Turn on a Battery operated candle, sit quietly and enjoy God’s peace. (our little ones won’t sit long, and this is not an endurance test, set a timer, 10 seconds, 20 seconds, whatever they can achieve then each time you try this make it just a little bit longer.)

GOSPEL READING: John 4:5-42

READ: The Spark Story Bible, the Woman at the well, pp.338-343

SING/LISTEN: https://www.seedsfamilyworship.com/product/the-character-of-god-vol-7/#

THINK/LIST/DRAW: Those things that fill you with ___(eg happiness, love, etc)

BENEDICTION/LEAVING SONG Heather Price’s Benediction Song on her Full of the Spirit Album

Blessings

Wendy L.

Please check local guidelines before using items that are not mine especially if you are using this page for congregational use. Please acknowledge this page if you find it useful. Thank you.

I am writing this on Wurundjeri land and wish to pay respect to all Elders, past, present, and emerging.

If you are in Australia and would like to teach your children to Acknowledge Country here is a video that will help. Most Uniting Church Congregations will say an Acknowledgment of Country, very early in their service.

Lent 2 Year A, 2023: Ideas to share the Revised Common Lectionary Readings with all ages.

Faith is portable, we live it, and share it, every day. I hope these simple ideas help your family or congregation form their faith.

You might like to introduce THE LORDS PRAYER IN ACTIONS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOugEQpcc_k OR https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMjm93ylL2w

We are now in the season of LENT the liturgical colour is PURPLE (closer to the red spectrum, Advent’s purple is closer to the blue spectrum)

LITURGY FOR LENT

Lent is 40 Days, (spread your fingers out and push them in front of yourself 4X)

it’s a long long way (shield your eyes and look around the horizon)

but with each step (walk on the spot)

We get closer,

closer to the JOY of EASTER, (star jump)

Closer to God (give yourself a hug)

We learn more about ourselves (point to yourself)

Like Jesus did in his 40 days in the Wilderness,

Today we only have 30 days left (spread your fingers out and push them in front of yourself 3X)

We are getting closer

(Some visual learning suggestions, place 40 stepping stones around the church/or home, these can be made from non-slip tiles or mats (try Bunnnings or Spotlight for ideas) or if your church/home has cobble stones or timber stepping stones around them, number them and cross off the days. Another option is to use the Praying in Color steps template, especially good for those with small spaces or where you want people to stay connected away from the communal space.)

NOTE: though we say that LENT is 40 days we do not count the Sundays

This Liturgy can be said daily in the home, counting each day down as you say the second last line.

FIRST READING: GENESIS: 12:1-4a

READ: Abram’s Call from The Spark Storybook Bible, only pp.30-31

COLOURING-IN

SING Abraham believed on Colin Buchanan’s album Old Testament Sing-a-long

PRAY

Trust,

God help me

to trust You

Amen

PSALM: 121

Psalm 121: I lift my eyes to the hills

I lift my eyes to the hills; (look up)
who is coming to help me? (drop your shoulders)
The Lord! Jesus has come to help me! (point to yourself)
He is right here, all the time.
Every step I take is a step with him. (take a step forward)
He has promised to take care of me, (give yourself a hug)
and he never sleeps on the job! (pretend to place your head on a pillow of your hands)
The Lord will keep you safe.
The Lord will keep your going out
and your coming in
from now on and always and always.

What emotions does this Psalm bring out in you? Show it or draw it or find an emoji that shows me.

SECOND READING: ROMANS: 4:1-5 and 13-17

READ: The Whirl Story Bible, Roman Believers, pp.366-369

CREATE a play about a situation that contrasts someone getting what they deserve because they followed the rules and someone receiving something due to God’s grace.

GOSPEL READING: JOHN 3:1-17

READ: Nicodemus in the Whirl Story Book Bible pp.282-285

COLOURING-IN

SING I am Loved from the I am Loved album by Heather Price

OR MATTHEW: 17:1-9

READ: Children of God, by Desmond Tutu, Jesus is changed on the Mountaintop, pp.102-103

Colouring-In

PRAY

Let me hear about the glory of God

And help me share

the Wonder

Amen

Blessings

Wendy L.

Please check local guidelines before using items that are not mine especially if you are using this page for congregational use. Please acknowledge this page if you find it useful. Thank you.

I am writing this on Wurundjeri land and wish to pay respect to all Elders, past, present, and emerging.

Epiphany 6: Year A, 2023: Ideas to share the Revised Common Lectionary Readings with all ages.

My objective is for faith to be a lived experience and for children to learn how to worship, explore the Bible and pray by participating in Worship with others. The goal here is not for them to learn names or facts, though they may want to do that for themselves, but rather find ways of connecting with the text and sharing that with others. The ideal, is to form a life long love of Christ, for the Word of God and to participate in Worship.

Faith is portable, we live it, and share it, every day. I hope these simple ideas help your family or congregation form their faith.

If you are a small congregation that suddenly has children in your pews, these can also be used in your services, shared direct from this site, or copied into your order of service. Create an area as close as possible to where the major liturgies of the service occur, for parents/guardians to worship with their children fill this area with books and toys in it that will enhance their spiritual experience. (Ie not just toys for “keeping them quiet”). You will find some ideas in these posts Spiritual Delights or Toy Box tat! andMake the books appealing

We are approaching the end of the Season of After Epiphany and the liturgical colour is GREEN.

If you are worshipping away from a Church it might help to create a centrepoint for your worship time. To do this you might like to find something green (the liturgical colour), create a cross from whatever is around you, and light a candle, you can add anything else that speaks to you about God from the readings or from your week with God.

If worshiping in the Church buildings pack a special backpack, as well as filling, it with your Covid Safe equipment, add the books or materials required to help your young ones relate to today’s readings.

For adults and older students, you might like to use a journal with which to record anything that grabs your attention during the service. This could be a special, bound book or use your ipad or iphone. You could write a precis of the message (traditional words or pictures), draw, and keep a record of emotions and hymns that you did or did not like. You could use a template like this free download. Remember, this is for you, you do not have to show anyone what is in it unless you want to, and you feel safe to do so.

You might like to introduce THE LORDS PRAYER IN ACTIONS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOugEQpcc_k OR https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMjm93ylL2w

FIRST READING: Deuteronomy 30:15-20

READ: The Magic Word by Mac Barnettas

WATCH https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRiyWntDEdA

ACTIVITIES:Help your child choose, between a choice of 2 texta’s, between 2 biscuits or pieces of fruit, between 2 toys et. Others might like to think about or share the difficulties they might have making decisions.

PRAY

Lord help me to choose well,

Help me to choose you.

Amen (one clap)

PSALM 119:1-8

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+119%3A1-8&version=ERV

Great blessings belong to those who live pure lives!
    They follow the Lord’s teachings. (walk you fingers up your arm)
²Great blessings belong to those who follow his rules!
    They seek him with all their heart. (make a love heart with your fingers)
³They don’t do wrong.
    They follow his ways. (walk your fingers up your arms)
⁴Lord, you gave us your instructions
    and told us to always obey them. (waggle your pointing finger)
⁵How I wish I could be more faithful
    in obeying your laws!(Look sad)
⁶Then I would never feel ashamed
    when I look closely at your commands. (smile)
⁷The more I understand how fair your laws are,
    the more sincerely I will praise you.(put your arms out high)

⁸I will obey your laws,
so please don’t leave me! (put your arm out as if putting your arm around a friend)

Draw it or show it or point out an emoji that represents how this Psalm makes you feel

SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 3:1-9

READ: CITY GREEN by by DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan

WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-bABEjMMy4

a Storypath suggestion by http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-rcl-february-16-2020/

MAKE: Make a garden, A 3D representation using A4 heavy paper, use patty pans as flowers, colour in or paste green paper straws or paper strips as stems and leaves, colour in the sky and grass.

OR grow your own garden plant some small plants or seeds to take home, use terracotta pots to place them in, or start a new garden in the church grounds.

Or look at Roots rootsontheweb.com/epiphany-reflections?fbclid=IwAR2qX637E-TzXwkiFVlFksx6w8uAsE5RZQfwaT4Z8X2-49szd6I5WbUKJR4

For Mandala ideas to go with this reading p 7.

PRAY

May be God,

you have chosen me to water,

or to tend,

Please help me to do it all for you

Amen

GOSPEL READING: Matthew 5:21-37

Do: I suggest you draw what it feels like to forgive. To say sorry for something you have done that has hurt someone. did you poke the baby or did you walk away form grandma? This reading asks us to do, not follow rules or read so instead of reading a lot of words I suggest doing this.

You might also like to use the feeling exercise I regularly use with a Psalm. How does this reading make you feel? Draw it or show it on your face or find an emoji that shows how you feel.

Question: How does it make you feel when someone says sorry to you?

FORGIVENESS PRAYER

Pray for those who you have deliberately or unintentionally hurt?

Don’t forget to include yourself.

Blessings

Wendy L.

Please check local guidelines before using items that are not mine especially if you are using this page for congregational use. Please acknowledge this page if you find it useful. Thank you.

I am currently away from Australia, but when home I am writing this on Wurundjeri land and wish to pay respect to all Elders, past, present, and emerging.

Epiphany 5: Year A, 2023: Ideas to share the Revised Common Lectionary Readings with all ages.

Faith is portable, we live it, and share it, every day. I hope these simple ideas help your family or congregation form their faith.

If you are a small congregation that suddenly has children in your pews, these can also be used in your services, shared direct from this site, or copied into your order of service.

We are now in the Season of After Epiphany and the liturgical colour is GREEN.

CONGREGATIONAL USE: If you are a small congregation that suddenly has children in your pews, these can also be used in your services, shared direct from this site, or copied into your order of service. Or you can print out handouts here An acknowledgment though is always appreciated.

FIRST READING: Isaiah 58:1-9a and 9b-12

READ: Best Friends for Frances by Russell Hoban

WATCH

ACTIVITY:What activities can you do that help others? How can you pass your “light” around to others? Write or draw your ideas.

PRAY

May your light

Shine through me

To help others

Amen

PSALM 112:1-9 or 10

READ:

Psalm 112: Welcome to the good life!

(Read Romans 12:9-21)

Welcome to the good life! (Wave)
Come, follow Jesus, you won’t regret it! (Pretend to call people over)
Life will be an adventure, guaranteed!(big smile)
You will stand strong and do great things. (Stand tall)
You will know much joy, that’s a promise. (Star jump)

You will be rich, that’s for sure,(pretend to count notes in your palm)
but it’s not for you, it’s to give away, (waggle your finger)
and it might not be in money.( look confused)
You’ll be rich in love and rich in friends,(make a heart shape with your hands)
you’ll be rich in peace, so you’re not afraid, (stand firm)
not afraid of what people think of you, (shake your head)
not afraid of what happens around you. (shake your head)
Strong inside, you get to be who you are made to be! (Show your muscles)
Life with Jesus is a wonderful life. (Smile)

A rewrite of the Psalm by Rev Purdie

How does this make you feel? Describe that feeling, or draw it, or point out what it feels like from a set of emoji’s on a phone.

SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 and 13-16

READ: Douglas you need glasses by Ged Adamson

WATCHhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1SCA9eUM4M:

Do: Help your children to see the spirit in the everyday? Bring bits of trees and scrubs, battery operated candle or your phone, different coloured Cellophanes. A kaleidoscope. such as https://www.kidstuff.com.au/kaleidoscopes-dinosaurs/, crystals But not so small they can be swallowed. A magnifying glass.

MAKE: buy black thick paper. Cut out shapes, leaving a gap of at least 1 1/2 centimetres then glue different cellophane to make a “stained glass window” Look through it to see the different colours.

GOSPEL READING: Matthew 5:13-20

READ: https://www.bible.com/bible/1359/MAT.5.13-20.ICB

ACTIVITY: Experiment with things that taste better when you add something else to them like, things like, ie plain chips vs salted chips; plain rice vs coconut rice; plain milk/ ice cream vs flavoured ice cream/milk; dim sim or dim sim and soy sauce with it. etc,

COLOURING INhttps://ministry-to-children.com/light-of-the-world-coloring-page/

Dear God

Life is better with you

Amen

Blessings

Wendy L.

Please check local guidelines before using items that are not mine especially if you are using this page for congregational use. Please acknowledge this page if you find it useful. Thank you.

I am currently away from Australia, but when home I am writing this on Wurundjeri land and wish to pay respect to all Elders, past, present, and emerging.

Epiphany 4: Year A, 2023: Ideas to share the Revised Common Lectionary Readings with all ages.

Faith is portable, we live it, and share it, every day. I hope these simple ideas help your family or congregation form their faith.

If you are a small congregation that suddenly has children in your pews, these can also be used in your services, shared direct from this site, or copied into your order of service. Or you can print out handouts here

We are now in the Season of After Epiphany and the liturgical colour is GREEN.

FIRST READING: Micah 6:1-8

READ: Little Golden Book The Tawny Scrawny Lion by Katherine Jackson

WATCH:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lz7VuwoQ8Ygc

COLOURING -INhttps://pathwaypages.com/browse find 9 rows down

PRAY

God help me to do the three things you ask (hold up your fingers as you count them out)

to be fair to other people
to love kindness and loyalty
to humbly obey you, Amen Adapted from Micah 6:8 Easy to read Version

PSALM 15

Psalm 15: Truth telling

If you want to walk tall in the ways of the Lord (stand straight)
you have to hold on to what matters the most. (give yourself a cuddle)
The truth is the truth, there’s no getting round it, (pretend to search high and low with your eyes)
the truth can’t be twisted, invented or fudged. (pretend to twist a piece of material)
If you want to be trusted, admired and respected (nod your head)
then do what is right and say what is true. (point with your pointer finger while you wiggle your hand)

Make sure you read Rev. Purdie’s ideas on this Psalm , actions by me

How does this Psalm make you feel?

SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

READ: The Big Brag in Yurtle the Turtle and other stories by Dr Suess WATCH https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwZHaoKZZBU

SING: Our Help https://sovereigngracemusic.org/music/songs/our-help/

PRAY:

Thank you God

That you will use me as I am

for your glory

Amen

GOSPEL READING: Matthew 5:1-12

READ: The Whirl Story Bible or The Spark Family Bible, The Beatitudes, pp174-177, pp238-241 respectively

AND The Biggest Story Bible Story Book, The sermon that was, pp.300-303, for an explanation of the text

SING: Seeds family worship album seeds of faith vol-2/#8

ACTIVITY:

Wendy L.

Please check local guidelines before using items that are not mine especially if you are using this page for congregational use. Please acknowledge this page if you find it useful. Thank you.

I am writing this on Wurundjeri land and wish to pay respect to all Elders, past, present, and emerging.

Epiphany 3: Year A, 2023: Ideas to share the Revised Common Lectionary Readings with all ages.

While some States in Australia are close to returning to school, it seems that most of Australia are still on the move this week. As some may visit churches other than their home church, while others might zoom into services and others might take a break from formal worship at this time; I have structured these suggestions around informal family faith formation experiences for those away from home or away from the usual structure.

Faith is portable, we live it, and share it, every day. I hope these simple ideas help your family form their faith, no matter where you are.

We are now in the Season of After Epiphany and the liturgical colour is GREEN.

FIRST READING: Isaiah 9:1-4

READ: Night Out by Daniel Miyares

WATCH

A Storypath Suggestion

ACTIVITY: play with light, use your phone or a battery operated candle or a torch to shine light into dark spaces

PRAY:

Shine your light on me too,

God

Amen

PSALM 27:1 and 4-9

My God is my light (hold your hands in front of you and twinkle your fingers)
My God is my savior (look longingly)
Why be afraid? (shake)
My God is my safety (hug yourself)
My God is my home (make a roof with your arms over your head)
I won’t be afraid! (shake your finger)

Some days are bad days – that’s OK.
Some people say nasty things – that’s OK,
because I am hidden with Jesus
in the safest place,
in the arms of God,
like sleeping in a tent,
like standing high on a tall rock
where nothing can get me.

With God’s care around me
I will sing and dance
and shout for joy!
With God’s face shining on me
I will be patient through bad days.
I will be strong.
Take courage, my heart,
lean on God.
abridged from take Courage my Heart an interpretation of Psalm 27 by Rev. Purdie, actions by me

SING: Choose a song to sing to the Lord when you are happy, and when you are frightened.

SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 1:10-18

READ: When pencil met eraser by Karen Kilpatrick and Luis O. Ramos, Jr.

WATCH:

A Storypath suggestion

ACTIVITY: Find as many things as possible that go together, ie flower and a stem, a leaf and a twig, a pair of socks(they don’t have to match) etc.

OR you can play with toys that are better together ie, lego, blocks, farm or car sets, dolls etc.

OLDER people might prefer to make a list of things that people ca do together, ie reading clubs, bike groups etc.

PRAY (start this prayer with your arms out wide and as the words are said slowly clasp your hands together)

In You Jesus,

Help me to see our love of You

not the things that divide us

Amen

GOSPEL READING: Matthew 4:12-23

READ: The Jesus Storybook Bible p.210 starting “Who would make great helpers, do you think?” to p.213

WATCH Start at the 39 sec position for today’s reading, and stop at the 1.17sec spot.

COLOURING-IN

DRAW: This was a common everyday scene that Jesus’s disciples were in when they acknowledged Him. You might like to draw a scene from your everyday.

PRAY

Find a fruit net or a hair net. Cut out fish shapes like this template, you may need to change the copier size to get the size that fits in your net.

Now write a prayer or draw a person that you want to pray for on a fish and as you pray for that person, put the fish in the net.

Blessings

Wendy L.

Please check local guidelines before using items that are not mine especially if you are using this page for congregational use. Please acknowledge this page if you find it useful. Thank you.

I am writing this on Wurundjeri land and wish to pay respect to all Elders, past, present, and emerging.

Epiphany 2: Year A 2023: Ideas to share the Revised Common Lectionary Readings with all ages.

While some States in Australia are close to retuning to school, it seems that most of Australia is still on the move this week. As some may visit churches other than their home church, while others might zoom into services and others might take a break from formal worship at this time; I have stuctured these suggestions around informal family faith formation experiences for those away from home or away from the usual structure.

Faith is portable, we live it, share it everyday. I hope these simple ideas help your family form their faith, no matter where you are.

If you are a small congregation who suddenly has children in your pews, these can also be used in your services, shared direct from this site or copied into your order of service. Or you can print out handouts here

We are now in the Season of After Epiphany and the liturgical colour is GREEN.

If you are worshipping away from a Church it might help to create a centrepoint for your worship time. To do this you might like to Find something green (the liturgical colour), create a cross from whatever is around you and light a candle, you can add anyhng else that speaks to you about God from the readings or from your week with God.

FIRST READING: ISAIAH 49:1-7

READ: Librarian on the Roof: A true story by M.G. King

WATCH

a Storypath suggestion

ACTIVITY: Build anything that requires many pieces, play with lego or a jigsaw puzzle or make a meal or bake cakes or biscuits. Every bit is an individual piece but when we put them all together they become something greater.

PRAY (say this prayer as you build, bake, join etc.)

May each person,

may each part

become better

when joined with others

Amen

PSALM 40:1-11

READ: Psalm 40: Stuck in the swamp

I was stuck, stuck in mud (pretend to wiggle free)
up to my knees in it, sinking down (lift up your leg vry high, then the next one)
Help! I yelled, Hurry! (place your hands around your mouth like a pretend megaphone)
and help came, strong hands (flex your muscles)
pulled me out to safety. (give yourself a hug)
Solid ground never felt so good!(stamp your feet)
What a great God we serve! (arms out wide)
You inspire new songs (pretend to sing)
you multiply your awesomeness!(pretend to count on your fingers)
I love to live your way, (clasp your hands over your heart)
your law is in my heart. (Leave your hands on your heart)
Thanks again to Rev. Purdie You can also read a short description of the Psalm there too. Actions in italics by me

SING: from Seeds Family Worship on the Seeds of Courage Album-vol-1 Number 4 Out of the Mud

SECOND READING: 1 CORINTHIANS 1:1-9

READ: God’s Dream by Desmond Tutu

WATCH

A Storypath suggestion

SING:Seeds Family Worship on the The Character of God album vol-7, No. 7 God is faithful.

DO: Make a Mandala as suggested by Roots pp.1-2

GOSPEL READING: JOHN 1:29-42

READ: The Beginners Bible, He Chooses His Disciples, pp.308-313 and p.306 (for the first part of today’s reading)

DO: Re-enact today’s Bible story, make puppets out of what you have available or draw the story in the sand.

PRAY:

Help me to seek you God,

like John’s disciples did

Amen

Blessings

Wendy L.

Please check local guidlines before using items that are not mine especially if you are using this page for congregational use. Please acknowedge this page if you find it useful. Thank you.

I am writing this on Wurundjeri land and wish to pay respect to all Elders, past, present and emerging.

Epiphany Year A 2023: Ideas to share the Revised Common Lectionary Readings with all ages.

The celebration of Epiphany, the visit of the Magi or Wisemen to the young Jesus is celebrated on Friday this year. Each year Epiphany falls 12 days after Christmas Day and marks the start of a new Liturgical Season, After Epiphany.

This is a great day for Families to mark. Often children and many adults do not understand the “ending” of the Christmas Story because it is often missed in church services and especially in Australia and New Zealand occurs in the middle of the school holidays when (COVID permitting), many families take time out to travel together or spend time with family or friends.

So I have thrown together a few ideas to help you mark this day at home, wherever you are.

Traditionally today is the day for packing up the Christmas tree, and for a bit of fun you might also like to sing the 12 Days of Christmas and find or create all the gifts

The Liturgical colours for today are white or gold.

It might help to mark the space for your family by creating a focal point. To do this find something white, or gold, create a cross from whatever is around you, and light a candle (or use a battery-operated candle) as a center point for your worship experience. This gives continuity and lets everyone know that it’s a special time with God. Or you can undertake any of these ideas sprinkled throughout your day.

THEME SONG from Liturgical Folk’s Advent album, Epiphany

FIRST READING: Isaiah 60:1-6

READ: When God made Light by Matthew Paul Turner

WATCH

FIND: sources of light, or things that reflect the light

MAKE: CD can be hard to come by these days, but you can substitute an aluminum cooking tray or a silver plastic plate, to create a similar effect.

PSALM 72: 1-7 and 10-4

READ and say together

How does this Psalm make you feel? Find an emoji that shows it, or draw how it feels.

SECOND READING: Ephesians 3:1-12

READ: Whoever You Are by Mem Fox

WATCH

A Storypath suggestions

SING All about Jesus from the Ology by Sovereign Grace Kids

PRAY

Thank you God

that your story is for sharing

with everyone

Amen

GOSPEL READING: Matthew 2:1-12

READ: The Whirl Story Bible, The Wise Men, pp.150-153

OR WATCH

COLOUR AND MAKE

PRAY

Sophia, Wisdom, God

may we bring you our gifts

and be as protective of you

too,

Amen

Blessings

Wendy L.

Please check local guidelines before using items that are not mine especially if you are using this page for congregational use. Please acknowledge this page if you find it useful. Thank you.

I am writing this on Wurundjeri land and wish to pay respect to all Elders, past, present and emerging.