While some States in Australia are close to retuning to school, it seems that most of Australia is still on the move this week. As some may visit churches other than their home church, while others might zoom into services and others might take a break from formal worship at this time; I have stuctured these suggestions around informal family faith formation experiences for those away from home or away from the usual structure.
Faith is portable, we live it, share it everyday. I hope these simple ideas help your family form their faith, no matter where you are.
If you are a small congregation who suddenly has children in your pews, these can also be used in your services, shared direct from this site or copied into your order of service. Or you can print out handouts here
We are now in the Season of After Epiphany and the liturgical colour is GREEN.
If you are worshipping away from a Church it might help to create a centrepoint for your worship time. To do this you might like to Find something green (the liturgical colour), create a cross from whatever is around you and light a candle, you can add anyhng else that speaks to you about God from the readings or from your week with God.
FIRST READING: ISAIAH 49:1-7
READ: Librarian on the Roof: A true story by M.G. King
a Storypath suggestion
ACTIVITY: Build anything that requires many pieces, play with lego or a jigsaw puzzle or make a meal or bake cakes or biscuits. Every bit is an individual piece but when we put them all together they become something greater.
PRAY (say this prayer as you build, bake, join etc.)
May each person,
may each part
become better
when joined with others
Amen
PSALM 40:1-11
READ: Psalm 40: Stuck in the swamp
I was stuck, stuck in mud (pretend to wiggle free)
up to my knees in it, sinking down (lift up your leg vry high, then the next one)
Help! I yelled, Hurry! (place your hands around your mouth like a pretend megaphone)
and help came, strong hands (flex your muscles)
pulled me out to safety. (give yourself a hug)
Solid ground never felt so good!(stamp your feet)
What a great God we serve! (arms out wide)
You inspire new songs (pretend to sing)
you multiply your awesomeness!(pretend to count on your fingers)
I love to live your way, (clasp your hands over your heart)
your law is in my heart. (Leave your hands on your heart)
Thanks again to Rev. Purdie You can also read a short description of the Psalm there too. Actions in italics by me
SING: from Seeds Family Worship on the Seeds of Courage Album-vol-1 Number 4 Out of the Mud
SECOND READING: 1 CORINTHIANS 1:1-9
READ: God’s Dream by Desmond Tutu
A Storypath suggestion
SING:Seeds Family Worship on the The Character of God album vol-7, No. 7 God is faithful.
DO: Make a Mandala as suggested by Roots pp.1-2
GOSPEL READING: JOHN 1:29-42
READ: The Beginners Bible, He Chooses His Disciples, pp.308-313 and p.306 (for the first part of today’s reading)
DO: Re-enact today’s Bible story, make puppets out of what you have available or draw the story in the sand.
PRAY:
Help me to seek you God,
like John’s disciples did
Amen
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 