WHO ARE THESE IDEAS FOR?
For anyone looking for ideas to help share God’s word with everyone including the youngest.
Whether you are preparing traditional worship or an all age or Intergenerational service.
OR you are a parent wanting something for your children to use either in face to face or broadcast services, as you parent from the pews or couch
Or during family devotion times.
I use 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.
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 on this page. 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.
Here is a great presentation on children’s spirituality, but most importantly from the 40 minute mark on, it speaks about the imporantance of teaching through story and explains the process I recommend you use with children.
SEASON: AFTER PENTECOST
We are still in the longest liturgical season, the season after Pentecost. This season takes up half of 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.
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 add the things that remind YOU of God, a cross, a Bible that everyone likes to read from, a word, a special object, even something from one of the readings.
If able to worship in the Church 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 today’s 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. You could use a template like this free download
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 Lord’s Prayer if at home, or say the Lord’s Prayer within a set place if following along in a service. Here are 4 options
2 with ACTIONS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOugEQpcc_k OR https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMjm93ylL2w
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: Draw a large open Cross, then everyone can draw or write a prayer to add to the cross (inspired by a Messy Church idea)
FIRST READING: JOB: 23:1-9,16-17
READ: WE’RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT by Michael Rosen
(I chose this book to represent Job’s search for God, no matter what he might or might not find Job will hunt for God)
Make or draw your own treasure hunt. (Parents can set a search treasure hunt up before time for chidlren to hunt. Depending on the age of the children. (scattering toys or treats or Bible verses around the room or along the pew for the child to find) You might even like to try something like this from Muddy Church
PRAY: Put your found pieces down in front of you,
As you pick up each piece pray whatever comes into your heart.
PSALM 22:1-15
LISTEN Psalm Settings from Liturgical Folk No.3.
Psalm 22: Don’t leave me!
My God, my God, how could you leave me?
Just when I needed you most, you are gone!
I am eaten up by pain,
my life is pouring down the drain
Around and around rage the forces of hate.
Is this the end? Is this my fate?
The answer bursts open the grave –
Christ, who died, is alive!
Tell the world, for all time –
death is defeated, Christ is alive!
A rewrite by Rev. Purdie
How does this Psalm make you feel? Use emogies to demonstrate.
DRAW: You might like to draw a picture to respond to this Psalm.
SECOND READING: HEBREWS 4:12-16
READ: The Book with no pictures by B. J. Novak
A Storypath suggestion
SING The Word of God (Hebrews 4:12)
PLAY: Find a magnifer or use the one on your phone to study anything around you, the timber in the pew, the ant on the floor, your favourite toy, etc. I wonder what it feels like to be looked at as deeply as God looks at us?
GOSPEL READING: MARK 10:17-31
OR READ The Spark Storybible. A Camel through a Needle pp.238-241
OR The Spark StoryBible A Rich Man’s Questions pp278-279
OR Meet Jesus in Mark by Matthew Sleeman Mark 10:1-22, the last paragraph and Mark10:23-52 the first 2 paragraphs.
PRAY
Help me God
To seek you
Above everything else
And always to be
empty before you
Amen
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 