We are now in Holy Week. The RCL(Revised Common Lectionary) 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.
Though if you require a place to start, you might like these Questions.
- I wonder what this story/game/colouring in/prayer etc reveals to us about God?
- I wonder how you see yourself in this story/game/colouring in/prayer?
FIRST READING: ISAIAH 50: 4-9a
READ: Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell
A Storypath suggestion.
DRAW: those times when you need God.
PRAY: Dear God
You are with us
Always
Thank you
Amen
PSALM 70
Psalm 70: Hurry up!
Hurry up, God, I need your help! (Look behind and swat your hand forward)
NOW would be good! (stamp your foot)
Come on, God, get a move on! (put your hands on your hips)
I’m in trouble, I’m under attack, (stamp your feet)
people are out to get me! (point to yourself)
I want everything that’s been thrown at me (crouch down)
to bounce back in their faces, (pretend to punch)
see how they like that! (Hands on hips)
Hurry up, God! Save me! Protect me! (look behind and swat your hand forward)
I feel small, poor and needy, (make yourself as small as possible)
but you are my help and my saving power. (plead)
I trust you no matter what. (give yourself a hug)
With all your people I will say “God is great!”( clench your fist and push your arm out from the shoulder)
Everyone who loves you will find joy in you. (star jump)
But right now … (stamp your foot)
I wish you would hurry up and do something! (Look behind and swat your hand forward)
Word by Rev Purdie, actions in italics by me
How does the Psalm make you feel?
Describe that feeling, or draw it, or point out what it feels like from the emoji’s on someone’s phone.
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: HEBREW 12:1-3
READ: The Hare and the Totoise by Aesop
I chose the traditional story of the Hare and the Tortoise becasue the hare keeps his eye on what needs to be done working towards the ending as quickly as he can, despite insults or opposition.
MAKE an origami rabbit. (hare’s and rabbits are different, they are from the same family but different species) Suitable for older children and adults.
COLOUR-IN this Hare’s mask.
OR DRAW a Tortoise
MAKE a Tortoise
SING I want to be like Jesus on To be like Jesus by Soverign Grace Kids
GOSPEL READING: JOHN 13:21-32
READ: The Beginner’s Bible pp.440-441
DRAW or WRITE about where you feel safe?
PRAY:
Dear God,
help me to be a good friend
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.
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 