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 believe that it is in the relationship, that the Faith formation of the next generation truely starts. You will notice that there are very few prompts or questions. This is to allow your child to do the thinking and to work out what is important to them from the texts. Sometimes they may give you an insight or even ask a question? There are no wrong insights or crazy questions, and you are enough, enough to listen, enough to work it out together, ENOUGH to share your love of GOD with your child.
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.
You can do this by setting up a candle, and what ever else helps you focus on the season.
We are now in the longest liturgical season, the season after Pentecost. This season takes up half or the year, and it’s liturgical colour is green. There are no major celebrations during this season, and some refer to it as Ordinary Time. For me it is a time to celebrate everyday joys, to see God in the ordinary, in the everyday, and to hear the everyday stories of Jesus.
This is the time to add the things that remind YOU of God, a cross, a word, a special object, even something from one of the readings
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
WELCOME:
SING https://www.snackmusic.com.au/songs/you-are-welcome
THE LORD”S PRAYER:
You might like to start with the Lords prayer if at home, or say the Lord’s Prayer within a set place if following along in a service.
If looking for a version with ACTIONS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOugEQpcc_k OR https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMjm93ylL2w
Or if you are looking for a more contemplative version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NuUo-igXDU&fbclid=IwAR2FasYCU-9mP1PaLQDjweXyhyUnJutt4J28KycjzeUEttWSesipX2jmJxE
Or for a more Intergenerational approach try Number 1 on the Table Settings album by Liturgical Folks
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE:
FIRST READING: 2 SAMUEL 7:1-14a
READ: Watcha Building? by Andrew Daddo
A suggestion by Darren Wright
MAKE: A special container, to put special things in. Either decorate a box, or make a lego or brick box, or you could make a box. What is so special that you would put inside this?
Do you know what a relic is? You can find out more here Many protestant churches do not have them, but Orthodox or Catholic churches may have a very special relic kept in a very ornate box.
PRAY
God
you promised
that you would always be with David’s family
And you sent Jesus
many years after David
part of David’s family
Thank you that you keep promises
Amen
PSALM 89:20-37
A vision of the messiah
God spoke to Ethan the Ezrahite in a vision, saying
“I have chosen one to be King
I have anointed him with my holy oil.
I have laid my hand on him, my strong arm is his.
He is the firstborn, the everlasting king,
to rule until the stars cease to burn.
My love, strong to save, is on him forever.
He will cry to me, “You are my Father,
my God and the Rock of my salvation!”
The covenant between me and my Messiah
can never be broken.
Once and for all I declare my promise:
while the sun shines he will reign,
while the moon gleams he is my witness.”
This is a section of Rev. Purdie’s interpreation of this Psalm, I have chosen the segment that most reflects today’s reading https://www.conversations.net.nz/psalm-89-the-chosen-one.html
DRAW: a picture of a part of this Psalm.
SECOND READING: EPHESIANS 2:11-22
READ: Where Does God Live? by Holly Bea
a suggestion by Elizabeth Raine
DRAW: Where God lives?
GOSPEL READING: MARK 6: 30-34,53-56
MEDITATE:
Use a battery operated candle
Turn it on
Watch the “flame”
Chase all thoughts away
Keep coming back to the flame
(how long you do this for depends on how old the child is and what it’s temprament is like. It is not a challenge, do not make it impossible for your child to feel success at this task. When we meditate we make space to open ourselves to hearing God)
COLOUR IN a sheep, or many sheep, cut them out and play being their shepherd
SENDING HYMN Tell the World by Hillsong Kids Learn the actions here
Blessings
Wendy L.
Please check local guidlines before using items that are not mine especially if you are using this page for congregational use. Please acknowedge this page if you find it useful.Thank you.
I am writing this on Wurundjeri land and wish to pay respect to all Elders, past, present and emerging.
The Cross in My Backyard 