PALM OR PASSION SUNDAY mark the start of Holy Week. The RCL has readings for each day of the week.
Many churches where I live do not have services for everyday of Holy Week but that does not stop you from gathering the family and looking into the readings.
What a lovely way to prepare the family for Good Friday or the start of any church services face to face or on zoom that your congregation may have.
You can read all the text’s or just choose one or two to for the day.
These ideas are for your family to think through, they are not intended for you to be all knowing(you may actually be surprised what ideas are sparked in your children about faith.
This is a time for you all to get to know the Lord.
THEME SONG: To be like Jesus on the To be like Jesus album by Soveriegn Kids
FIRST READING: Isaiah 42:1-9
READ: The Little Duck by Judy Dunn
A Storypath suggestion (make sure you read why it is suggested)
CRAFT: make a chick to remind you of the things that made the the servant valuable. Here are some ideas 1) Easy chick, 2) Origami Chick 3) Draw a chick 4) Colouring-in
PRAY
Help me
to be
your servant, God,
Amen
PSALM 36:5-11
Your love, O God, reaches up, up beyond the sky, (stretch as tall as you can, arms above your head)
Your goodness goes higher than the clouds, (shade your eyes)
Your power is bigger than the tallest mountains, ( bring your hands together above your head)
Your truth goes deeper than the ocean. (wiggle your hand like waves on the sea)
O God, we treasure your infinite love. (make a love heart with your hands)
All people can hide in the shadow of your wings. (flap your arms like wings)
O God, we celebrate your mighty river of joy. (star jump)
All people can feast together in your house. (pretend to spoon food into your mouth)
O God, you are the fountain of life. (hold arms out wide above your body)
All people can find light in your light. (shield your eyes)
Your love, O God, reaches up, up beyond the sky, (stretch as tall as you can, arms above your head)
Your goodness goes higher than the clouds, (shade your eyes)
Your power is bigger than the tallest mountains, ( bring your hands together above your head)
Your truth goes deeper than the ocean. (wiggle your hand like waves on the sea)
Hold us in your amazing love, now and forever. (Make a love heart with your hands)
With loving hearts we will live in you. Amen. (clap once)
adapted from Rev Purdie’s rewite of Psalm 36, with actions in italics from me.
How does the Psalm make you feel?
Describe that feeling, or draw it, or point out what it feels like from a set of emotional cards https://innovativeresources.org/resources/card-sets/bears-cards/ or the Bears App https://innovativeresources.org/resources/digital-applications/bears-app/
SECOND READING: Hebrews 9:11-15
READ: Mama always comes home by Karma Wilson
I choose this book because it talks about sacrifice, about stead fast love, which is at the centre of this Hebrews reading
PLAY: with parenting animal toys, eg. bear and baby bear,
GOSPEL READING: John 12:1-11
READ: A woman’s love for Jesus pp.104-105 in Children of God By Desmond Tutu
DRAW: Your most precious item? I wonder if you could give it away?
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.
I have qualifications in Education, Theology and Children’s Spirituality, and have worked as a Children and Families Worker in a city church. I use simple and easily found ideas to help you share the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) readings. 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, saving you time from sifting through many websites, facebook , pinterest, instagram, and blog posts.
The Cross in My Backyard 