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.
They can also be used at home during Family Devotion Time. Remember it is never too early to start faith practices in the home.
If using during worship 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.
Craft or drawing or play are for spiritual responses not for a perfectionist piece that can be shown off.
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.
Remember you have bought your child to worship. Enjoy engaging them in it.
You might need to prepare these in advance
https://store.illustratedchildrensministry.com/products/bible-story-coloring-pages-fall-2018 THIS IS A NEW SEASON, AMERICAN FALL OUR Spring . For $10 American dollars (about $Aus 16) you have 12 weeks of colouring sheets. Or you can combine with other parents or ask the Church to make the purchase for yourself and the families.
Dolls house or cooking sets or toy animals
Texta’s
Building blocks
Dolls or soft toys
FIRST READING: Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17
Read: Early Readers storybook bible pp.148-151
Lion Picture Book Bible pp.114-151
My first read a loud bible p.70-71
The Beginners Bible physical or Ebook pp.152-155
If you used Brave Girls last week you can continue to the end of the chapter today.
PLay: with family toys such as a dolls house, or food preparation, or toy animals. Or dress up in wedding attire.
Pray:
Dear God
That Our homes (make a house shape with your hands)
Are a safe place for us all ( cuddle yourself)
Amen.
PSALM 127
Read this beautiful reworking of the poem by Rev Sylvia Purdie
http://www.conversations.net.nz/psalm-127-the-lord-builds-the-house.html
PLAY: building blocks
DRAW: you and Jesus working together on something.
No worries. What does a calm face look like? Draw or find a face here https://e2epublishing.info/posters/ (scroll down a long way to find them)
SECOND READING: Hebrew 9: 24-28
Read/watch: https://youtu.be/xaKVluM-XSs waiting by Kevin Henkes
Play: peek a boo or take two small toys in your hand, hold them behind your back, swap them between your hands for variety, ask them to choose a toy.
Pray:/ Meditate, turn on a battery operated candle ( not a tea light) ask them to sit still until you turn the candle off, make it very quick so they succeed and build up the time, the candle is on, until they get bored with this.
GOSPEL READING:
Read: could not find a children,s story book with these stories in this week if you know of one please let me know?
Colour in
:Illustrated children’s ministry
Play: retell the stories from today’s gospel reading and let them play them out with dolls or soft toys
Blessings
Wendy L
The Cross in My Backyard 