I use easily found ideas to help you share the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) readings. with 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.
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. You can include this link or share these ideas in your Church newsletter, in your Order of service or on your media notes. .
OR you are a parent wanting something for your children to use either in face to face or with broadcast services, as you parent from the pews or couch
Or during family devotion times.
Though you will find simple ways into the text here THE MOST IMPORTANT THING 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 importance of teaching through story and explains the process I recommend you use with children.
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: 
Everyone is welcome here.
SING/LISTEN Hallelujah!Christ is Coming By Liturgical Folk on their album Advent
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
SEASON: ADVENT
You can find more about the Liturgical calendar here
Advent is the season where we prepare for the arrival of God’s promise. The Liturgical colours are Purple (on the blue side of the spectrum) or Blue. Each Denomination has a slightly different variant but I will be using A Purple candle this week. With a Pink candle on Advent 3. Each week there is a theme, this week is Hope.
ADVENT LITURGY
This year I am giving you the choice of liturgy, one based on the Southern Cross and one from last year.
LITURGY A Week 1- HOPE
You can print this version of the Southern Cross here 
Place a candle on the star. Today I will start on the palest star in the system, Imai.( You can find more information on the Southern Cross here, including the star names, and some information on how The First peoples understand these stars
OR if you have a flag or piece of clothing with the Southern Cross on it you might use a torch behind, to shine through the fabric. DO NOT place the material directly on any heat source, electrical, battery or flame.
(actions in italics)
We stand under the Southern Cross (Arms and eyes high)
As the First People have and still do.
God you were always in this land (plant your feet firmly on the ground)
We light our first star of Advent (twinkle your fingers)
From it may we find our HOPE in You.(shade your eyes as if looking into the distance)
Amen
LITURGY B Week 1- HOPE
Pretend to be a flame as you say or sing (to the tune of Twinkle twinkle little star) this liturgy. Remember to move like a flame. Today’s candle is purple or blue perhaps you can wear or put on something that is purple of blue
Little candle burning bright
Light in my heart
Hope tonight
May it shine
To others lives
Waiting patiently tonight
Little candle burning bright
Light in my heart
Hope tonight
PRAYER’s of the PEOPLE: Light a candle for everyone you know that needs your HOPE today. (at home you might like to bake a special cake and add the candles to the top of it, like a birthday cake) (I always prefer battery operated candles when little ones are around)
FIRST READING: Jeremiah 33:14-16
READ Maple by Lori Nichols
A Storypath suggestion read why?
MAKE: Start a Jesse Tree this Advent. This site has colouring in ornaments as well as Bible references and Family Devotions. A Jesse Tree represents the promise in Jesus that was prepared well in advance, down the Line of King David.
Father God,
You keep your promises
They might not come
When we want them to or
be how we want them to be
But you kept your promise
Amen
PSALM 25:1-10
Psalm 25: Teach me your ways
Walk with me, my friend
let me follow in your footsteps.
We’ve come a long way already, but I still need you.
My pride says “I don’t need help! I can do this on my own!”
but I know I’ll be lost in no time without you.
All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness
for those who walk close with
By Rev Purdie
SING Soverign One by Soveriegn Kids Music from the Awesome God Album
SECOND READING: 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
READ: The Whirl StoryBible Timothy’s report to Paul pp.386-389
DO: find out where Thessalonica is? How far from Jerusalem it is?
Draw a map and mark Thessalonica and Jerusalem. Younger children can decorate athe map.
MAKE: Build a tall tower, how would you stop it falling over and make it even higher?
GOSPEL READING: Luke 21:25-36
READ: Waiting by Kevin Henkes
A Storypath suggestion
DO: Do you Doodle while waiting? Doodle now. I wonder if you see anything in your doodle?
If you like doodlng you might like Praying in Color or you might like to Pray in Color instead of doodling.
MEDITATE
Meditation is a way of waiting, to listen to God. But it takes time to build up the time you meditate. This is not a test for your children to do, it is a spiritual practice. If you have never tried this with your children, start slowly maybe even just 20 seconds, I turn on a candle(battery operated), then turn it off when the time is done, sometimes if the child is not settling I will turn it off quicker than expected, but never tell them that. Sit quietly, relax the body, with a few deep breaths. Each time I do this I extend the time just a little bit longer.
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 