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.
NOTE: This is the end of the Liturgical year, many churches will be drapped in white this week. Take the time to ask your child what has changed in the church this week. White is the Liturgical colour that represents change. Next week we start a new year and a new season.
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 , The last of 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.
Crepe Ribbon
sticky tape or glue stick
texta’s
2 pigs soft or plastic but not too small that they could be swallowed.
OR 2 of another animal
Coloured card
figure 8 train or car set.
FIRST READING: 2 Samual 23:1-7
READ/WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nj1YJLYkML0
Old Pig by Margaret Wild as suggested by http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-rcl-november-25-2018/
PLAY: 2 pigs, soft or plastic but be mindful of the age of the child that the pigs are not too small that they can be swallowed by a child still putting things in their mouth.
OR 2 of any other animal.
PSALMS: 132:1-12 (13-18)
READ:
http://www.conversations.net.nz/psalm-132-the-forever-king.html
Psalm 132: The Forever King
Once upon a time, God made a promise
to a king called David.
“One of your great great grandsons
will be King forever.
He will be the light of the world
His will be the greatest victory
In him I will be,
in him I will live.
In him I will show my love to the world.”
SECOND READING: Revelation 1:4b-8
READ/WATCH:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJFtl3s1MG4
In a village by the sea by Muon Van
suggested by http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-rcl-november-25-2018/
MAKE: Make an infinity loop. Take a 40cm of crepe ribbon, glue the ends together after you twist the streamer so that you are glueing the back of one end to the front of the other. Now draw a line, straight or wiggly but continually until it meets again, and it will be on both sides of the loop.
If you have older children you might like to make an infinity heart card https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-p7HymHkKI
PRAY: In the beginning God there was you. (Hold your hand out as if reaching to shake someone’s hand)
At the end there you will be too (Put the other hand out, while still leaving the first one in place)
In the middle of it all (look at the gap between your hands)
there is you
Amen
GOSPEL READING: John 18:33-37
READ: Dave the Donkey by Andrew McDonough https://www.lostsheep.com.au/stories/dave-the-donkey-an-easter-story/
This captures the idea the continuity of God’s story as it juxtaposes Jesus’s death and birth
There is a Dave the donkey activity book for $Aus 4.95 that can be downloaded with many activities for many age levels. Pick and choose what would suit.
Colouring -In: https://store.illustratedchildrensministry.com/products/bible-story-coloring-pages-fall-2018 The Last of the AMERICAN FALL OUR Spring.
PLAY: if you have a figure 8 train set or car set to play with, this loop allows them to play infinitely, a game with no biggining or end.
Blessings
Wendy L.
The Cross in My Backyard 