WELCOME
WHO ARE THESE IDEAS FOR?
They are for use by parents, grandparents and carers and for small congregations who do not have a Child and Family Ministry.
You have found a page that uses easily found ideas to help you share the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) readings with children. Instead of sifting through many websites, facebook , pinterest, instagram, and blog posts; this is a one stop shop where I have done the sifting for you to find theologically and developmentally appropriate material for your congregation or family.
These ideas can be used in a church setting as you parent in the pews or in your own home while connecting to a broadcast service or for your daily family devotions.
Though you will find simple ways into the text here THE MOST IMPORTANT THING THOUGH THAT YOU CAN DO IS SHARE YOURSELF AND YOUR FAITH. I firmly bleive that it is in the relationship, that the Faith formation of the next generation truely starts.
GETTING READY
If worshipping at home. You may want to set up a space/alter/focal spot, to bring out when you worship or to keep out everyday.
Set up a candle, and what ever else helps you focus on the season.
As this Sunday is Trinity Sunday, the liturgical colour is White( though if you would prefer you can use Gold), so you might like to start with a white/gold table cloth, add some 3 leaf clovers, a braid, an egg, or anything else that reminds us of 3 in one. It is also Reconcilliation Week in Australia so you might want to include an Australian plant.
If able to worship in the Chruch 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 readings.
For adults and older students you might like to take a journal with which to record anything that grabs your attention during the service. Write a precis of the message (traditional or sensory word), draw or write a response in and keep a record of emotions.
LET’S BEGIN
Here are some ideas on the theme
SIng Three in One by Soveriegn Grace Music on the album Awesome God
Draw a trinity shield.
You might like to listen to or sing this meditative version of The Lord’s Prayer, by Liturgical Folk Number 12 or Number 1 on the Table Settings album
FIRST READING: Isaiah 6:1-8
READ: this from a Children’s Bible such as the Beginner’s Bible or through Biblegateway
OR from Children of God StoryBook Bible, Isaiah becomes God’s Messinger pp.52-53
For any child who loves Science Fiction, Dr Who, Minefield or any other fantasy genre. They get this.
Ask them to draw the image the words create. OR ask them to draw how they would envisage God.
OR Draw where you would take God’s word.
PRAY
Dear God,
please make me ready
to serve you
When you need me
Amen
PSALM 29
Start by asking the Question I wonder what would God’s voice sounds like?
You might like to review some portrayals of God in film ie The Chronicles of Narnia Try whoopi at 2.27-2.30 minutes or as a contrast try 9.16-38 OR 10.16-28.
READ from a Children’s Bible such as the Beginner’s Bible or through Biblegateway
DRAW: as many representations of the sound of God as you can remember from the Psalm or list them as you read the Psalm and draw them.
SECOND READING: Romans 8:12-17
READ: God’s Dream by Desmond Tutu
a suggestion from Storypath
This is Reconcilliation Week in Australia and I see parallels with this book and the Roman’s reading for this week
READ Sorry Day by Coral Vass
PRAY:
Father God,
we are all part
of your family
Help us act like
you want us to be
Amen
GOSPEL READING: John 3:1-17
SING: Nicodeamus from New Testament Big Bible Story Songs by Colin Buchanan
AND SING No. 7 Eternal Life on Seeds of Faith by Seeds Family Worship
PRAY
Help me Lord
To live in Love
Amen
Please check local guidlines before using items that are not mine and acknowledge this page if you have found it useful, especially if you are using this page for congregational use.
The Cross in My Backyard 