These are suggestions only to help parents/caregivers engage their children in services that use the Revised Common Lectionary. They can be used by parents/caregivers or those who help out in small congregations that can not afford to pay Child and Families Ministry. Some congregations use all 4 readings in their services others only two. Prepare a special church bag in advance each week so that you are ready for the rush on Sunday Morning.
Read during the Bible readings,
Pray during the prayers,
Colour, Draw or Craft during the sermon.
Remember that little ones will need their own space to move and wiggle,
Sit towards the front so they can see what is going on. Craft or drawing or play are for spiritual responses not for a perfectionist piece that can be shown off.
Remember you have bought your child to worship. Enjoy engaging them in it.
You might need to prepare these in advance, and place them in a special Church Bag ready to go for Sunday Morning.
https://store.illustratedchildrensministry.com/collections/coloring-sheets-posters/products/bible-story-coloring-pages-summer-2018 Will get you 14 colouring in pages, that is 14 Sundays worth and I will refer to them over the coming weeks.
http://flamecreativekids.blogspot.com
paper to draw on or Journal
Texta’s
Material square or 20cm of streamer
quiet musical instrument, ie rattle
FIRST READING: 1 KINGS 2:10-12, 3:3-14
READ: The Early Reader’s Bible p.17
OR The Beginner’s Bible, pp.194-195
PRAY: For what ever you want to ask God for
DRAW: around your hand. Then draw five things you would pray for.
PSALM 111
READ: http://www.conversations.net.nz/psalm-111-praise-the-lord-now-and-forever.html
DRAW: is this Psalm make you feel Happy or Sad, show on your face or draw the face.
SECOND READING: Ephesians 5:15-20
READ/WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPLFqt0cIFM PUFFLING by Margaret Wild You could stop this story at the 5.48 min mark., as it is the preparation that I think that is more connected to today’s reading,
suggested by http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-sunday-august-16-2015/
COLOURING-IN: https://store.illustratedchildrensministry.com/collections/coloring-sheets-posters/products/bible-story-coloring-pages-summer-2018
SING and DANCE: make an effort to move to the music today. Wave a small piece of material or tap the rhythm on the songbook, maybe shake a rattle to the rhythm.
GOSPEL: John 6:51-58
WATCH: CHILDREN READING COMMUNION RITES https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtlB-wKFehw
WATCH/READ: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=td2RgD5eNOQ Bread Bread Bread by Ann Morris
PLAY: http://flamecreativekids.blogspot.com a good memory game but requires a little preparation before the service.
Blessings
Wendy L.
The Cross in My Backyard 