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.
Texta’s
Toys, dolls, soft toys, or animals
Blocks
FIRST READING:1 Samuel 1:4-20
READ: The Lion Picture Bible p.118 only Samuel Listens to God’
OR The Beginner’s Bible, Hannah’s Prayer p.156-158
OR If you have older children you might like to read Brave Girls Bible Stories Hannah’s Cry for Help, pp. 79-82 only.
Colouring In: https://www.coloring.ws/t.asp?t=https://www.coloring.ws/bible/nw-hannah1.gif
PSALM: 1 Samuel: 2:1-10
READ:My First Read a Loud Bible pp.72-73 God answers a Prayer
DRAW: https://store.illustratedchildrensministry.com/products/bible-story-coloring-pages-fall-2018 THIS IS AMERICAN FALL, OUR Spring
What emotion is Hannah feeling as she prays?
Use any of the methods previously used such as drawing a face or putting the facial expression on a plate or using https://e2epublishing.info/posters/ (scroll down a long way to find them)
or try these feeling cards http://flamecreativekids.blogspot.com/2013/09/responding-to-bible-feelings-cards.html
PRAY : Draw a Praying in Colour Prayer for Hannah https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFBx9FZT–c
SECOND READING: Hebrew 10:11-14. (15-18),19-25
Read:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_CGUaEvEqw Flight School by Lita Judge
A book about encouragement like the second half of this reading.
PLAY: with dolls, or soft toys or animals. Encourage encouragement play with your child.
Draw: a picture of encouragement OR what colour does encouragement feel like, colour the page using that colour.
GOSPEL READING: Mark 13:1-8
Read:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sUiEEmgvM4 A dark dark Tale by Ruth Brown as recommended by http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-rcl-november-18-2018/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sUiEEmgvM4
Play: Build with blocks, even let them destroy their creations, or you do so. Ask them how they feel about their work being broken? Then ask what is left? What will they do about it?
PRAY: When all falls down (collapse to the floor)
You are still there God.
Amen
The Cross in My Backyard 