Year A: Advent 4, 2022 Ideas to share the weekly Revised Common Lectionary Readings with all ages.

Welcome Each week I compile a number of resources to help you contemplate the RCL readings with your family. While designed to be used during a Sunday service at church or by zoom, these readings can also be used during the week to help you remember and build on what you experienced on Sundays. My objective is for faith to be a lived experience and for children to learn how to worship and explore the Bible and pray by participating in Worship with you. The goal here is not for them to learn names or facts though they may want to do that for themselves, but rather to find ways of connecting with the text and sharing that with others. The ideal is to form a life long love of Christ, for the Word of God and to participate in Worship.

If you are worshipping from home you may like to set up a worship area and define it with a PURPLE/BLUE placemat, or ribbons, If you have an Advent Candle holder now is the time to set it up, you can either place all 4 candles in the holder now and light one each week, or add a candle each week. If you do not have an Advent Candle holder or you would like something more personal you might like to make these light holders. Note each week of Advent has a different theme and this weeks theme is PEACE.

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 use a journal with which to record anything that grabs your attention during the service. This could be a special, bound book or use your ipad or iphone. You could write a precis of the message (traditional words or pictures), draw, keep a record of emotions and hymns that you did or did not like. You could use a template like this free download. Remember, this is for you, you do not have to show anyone what is in it unless you want to, and you feel safe to do so.

CONGREGATIONAL USE: Though parents are the best at sharing their faith with their children. If you are a small congregation where children are a very small, or rare part of your congregational life, please feel free to make these suggestions available to your congregation. I am very happy for you to copy and paste ideas from here into your own Order of Service or for you to supply a link to this page. An acknoledgement though is always appreciated.

LET’S BEGIN:

CANDLE LITURGY Week 4 of Advent

We come to you God to find LOVE (find an action or a facial expression that says love for you)

LOVE for others (point away from yourself)

LOVE for our families, (make a circle by clasping your fingers together)

LOVE for ourselves (point to yourself)

We search in You for LOVE (find an action or a facial expression that says love for you)

Amen (one clap)

You might also like to SING/LISTEN to Heather Price’s I am Loved from the I am Loved album

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

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF COUNTRY

If you are in Australia and attending a Uniting Church in Australia, in many cases an Acknowledgment of Country will be said. You can teach your young ones to do this too.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

FIRST READING: Isaiah 7:10-16

READ: A Child called Emmanual pp.162-165 in The Spark Story Bible

PLAY IF you made signs for the church or hous last week, then make a trail around the church or house where you follow the signs.

For those who didn’t make signs now is your change to make signs for your Church or house so that people know where things are. Ie Coffe sign for Church or Toy basket sign for home, etc.

PRAY:

Help me God,

to stop and listen

to the things you want

me to know

Amen

PSALM 80:1-7 and 17-19

Psalm 80: The Restoration Project

Can’t you hear your people, Lord?
Can’t you see the state of things?
Great Shepherd of Israel, hear the cry of your sheep.
Mighty God of Hosts, see your people’s pain.
We are tired of eating the bread of tears
We are worn by strife and fear.
Restore us with your favour, Lord!
Save us in your love.
Your home on earth is past repair
The walls are cracked and broken
The fruiting vine is hacked and burned
Your people turn away.
Send us a Shepherd, Lord!
Send us a Son from your right hand.
All your strength is in him
All your power to heal.
Restore us with your favour, Lord!
Save us in your love.

Thanks again to Rev. Purdie
How do you think the person who wrote this might be feeling?

Describe that feeling, or draw it, or point out an Emoji that shows how you feels like.

SECOND READING; Romans 1:1-7

READ: Paul’s Letters pp.426-427 in The Spark Story Bible

DO: Intoduce yourself to someone? How would you describe yourself? write it down or tell someone. OR

DRAW: a picture of You. God made You.

PRAY:

Dear God,

Thank you for keeping your promises

help me to share what i know

about You

Amen

GOSPEL READING: Matthew 1:18-25

READ: The Biggest Story Storybook pp. 285-287

OR READ All Will be Well by Lacy Finn Bago

SING/LISTEN: A Holy Miracle from Joyful Vol.17 from Seeds Family Worship

PRAY:

Like Joseph

Help me trust you

Amen

CONCLUDING SONG God is Love by David MacGregor

Blessings

Wendy L.

Please check local guidlines before using items that are not mine especially if you are using this page for congregational use. If you find this page useful an acknowledgment is always appreciated. Thank you.

I am writing this on Wurundjeri land and wish to pay respect to all Elders, past, present and emerging.

Year A: Advent 3, 2022 Ideas to share the weekly Revised Common Lectionary Readings with all ages.

Welcome Each week I compile a number of resources to help you contemplate the RCL readings. While designed to be used during a Sunday service at church or by zoom, these readings can also be used during the week to help you remember and build on what you experienced on Sundays. My objective is for faith to be a lived experience and for children to learn how to worship and explore the Bible and pray by participating in Worship with you. The goal here is not for them to learn names or facts though they may want to do that for themselves, but rather to find ways of connecting with the text and sharing that with others. The ideal is to form a life long love of Christ, for the Word of God and to participate in Worship.

LET’S BEGIN:

CANDLE LITURGY Week 3 of Advent

We come to you God to find JOY (find an action or a facial expression that says joy for you)

JOY for others (point away from yourself)

JOY for our families, (make a circle by clasping your fingers together)

JOY for ourselves (point to yourself)

We search in You for JOY (find an action or a facial expression that says joy for you)

Amen (one clap)

You might also like to sing/Listen to David MacGregor’s More than Dream (Peace be our living)

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

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF COUNTRY

If you are in Australia and attending a Uniting Church in Australia, in many cases an Acknowledgment of Country will be said. You can teach your young ones to do this too.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

https://www.childrens-ministry-deals.com/blogs/childrens-pastors-only/how-to-pray-the-five-finger-prayer

INTRODUCTORY SONG The Joy of Following Jesus by Colin Buchanan on the King of the Jungle album

FIRST READING: Isaiah 35:1-10

READ: Winter Train by Susanna Isern

WATCH

A Storypath suggestion

DRAW or MAKE a place where everyone could be happy together.

PRAY

Creator God,

build your peaceful world,

start with me

Amen

PSALMS (this week there is a choice from 2)

Psalm 146:5-10

You made all things (open arms out wide)
everything we can see (shade your eyes with your hands)
everything we can’t see –(close your eyes)
earth and sea and sky (stamp your feet, move your hands like a wave, then look up)
and all that lives –(take a deep breath)
You keep faith with us forever. (grip your hands together)

You are at work in the world – (pretend to hammer)
you set things right –(stand tall)
food for the hungry (Pretend to eat)
sight for the blind (point to your eyes)
welcome for the stranger (wave)
care for the poor. (hug yourself)
Make these be true for me today (point to yourself)
as I live in you and you in me. (point away from yourself then point to yourself)
Be Lord of this day and every day.
Yes! Be praised!

The last 2 verses of God at work by Rev. Purdie actions by me.

How does the Psalm make you feel?

Describe that feeling, or draw it, or point out an emoji that shows it.

OR Luke 1:46b-55

LISTEN/WATCH Magnificat by Liturgical Folk

God picked Mary and Mary said YES

How does Mary sound?

What makes you happy? draw it, or show it?

SECOND READING: James 5:7-10

READ: Sprout, Seed, Sprout By Annika Dunklee

WATCH

as suggested Storypath

ACTION: What are you waiting for? Draw it, share about the difficulties of waiting

ACTIVITY: Grow something, it can be as simple as a carrot top, some sprouts or plant a pant in the garden or a pot. Record how you feel as you you watch and wait? Are there any other Bible verses that come to mind that might help you.

GOSPEL READING: Matthew 11:2-11

WATCH

COLOURING IN;

Play with road signs

Or Make signs that point you around the Sanctuary. ie This way to the cross, or the piano or the toilets etc. (for the very young a drawing of the object is all that’s needed.) Orif worshipping at home make signs for people visiting your home.

PRAY

Help me follow the signs to You GOD

Amen

LEAVING SONG YOU SHALL GO OUT WITH JOY

Blessings

Wendy L.

I am writing this on Wurundjeri land and wish to pay respect to all Elders, past, present and emerging.

Year A: Advent 2, 2022 Ideas to share the weekly Revised Common Lectionary Readings with all ages.

LET’S BEGIN:

CANDLE LITURGY Week 2 of Advent

We come to you God to find Peace (find an action or a facial expression that says peace for you)

Peace for others (take a deep breath in)

Peace for our families, (make a circle by clasping your fingers together)

Peace for ourselves (point to yourself)

We search for Peace in you (find an action or a facial expression that says peace for you)

Amen (one clap)

You might also like to sing/Listen to David MacGregor’s More than Dream (Peace be our living)

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

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF COUNTRY

If you are in Australia and attending a Uniting Church in Australia, in many cases an Acknowledgment of Country will be said. You can teach your young ones to do this too.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

https://www.childrens-ministry-deals.com/blogs/childrens-pastors-only/how-to-pray-the-five-finger-prayer

INTRODUCTORY SONG Hallelujah Christ is Coming Number 2 on the Advent Album by Liturgical Folk

FIRST READING: Isaiah 11:1-10

READ: God’s Peaceful World in The Spark Story Bible, pp.166-169

OR tell your child about their family tree and what they have from their ancestors. If the child has been adopted or fostered share what they bring to the family tree.

DRAW: What would a peaceful world look to you? OR play with toy animals putting those that might not “play nicely” together and would normally need to be seperated

JESSE TREE activity and Devotional

PSALM 72:1-7 and 18-19

Psalm 72: Long live the King!

Praise to the King!          Long live the King!
Our King is full of grace and truth,
          from him come springs of living water.
He brings peace and justice,    good news to the poor.
He lifts up the broken     and takes down the proud.
He will out-shine the sun    and out-live the moon.
And he shall reign for ever and ever
                                   his kingdom will have no end.

adapted from http://www.conversations.net.nz/psalm-72-long-live-the-king.html

READ/WATCH The Lion King especially when Simba realises he can be a good King

SECOND READING: Romans 15:4-13

READ: Jews and Gentile Together, in Whirl Story Book, pp.370-373

MAKE a Welcome sign for the church or your home

SING The Welcome Song by Heather Price from her I am Loved album

GOSPEL READING: Matthew 3:1-12

READ: The Pointer and the Point in The Biggest Story Bible Story Book, pp.292-295

COLOUR-IN

PLAY a game of Snap, OR find things that go together such as Salt and pepper, knife and fork etc, John and Jesus

Blessings

Wendy L.

I am writing this on Wurundjeri land and wish to pay respect to all Elders, past, present and emerging.

Year A: Advent 1, 2022 Ideas to share the weekly Revised Common Lectionary Readings with all ages.

Welcome, to the start of a new Liturgical year. Watching this might help you to understand more about the Liturgical Year. The Revised Common Lectionary consists of 3 cycles, A, B and C. We recommence with Year A, and it’s emphasis on the Book of Matthew.

Each year is broken into seasons and we begin with the season of Advent. The time of anticipation. Each season has a liturgical colour, and the season of Advent is either Purple or Royal Blue. To find out more about hte season of Advent you might like to watch this Godly Play presentation

Each week I compile a number of resources to help you contemplate the RCL readings. While designed to be used during a Sunday service at church or by zoom, these readings can also be used during the week to help you remember and build on what you experienced on Sundays. My objective is for faith to be a lived experience and for children to learn how to worship and explore the Bible and pray by participating in Worship with you. The goal here is not for them to learn names or facts though they may want to do that for themselves, but rather to find ways of connecting with the text and sharing that with others. The ideal is to form a life long love of Christ, for the Word of God and to participate in Worship.

LET’S BEGIN:

CANDLE LITURGY Week 1 of Advent

We come to you God with Hope, (find an action or a facial expression that says hope for you)

Hope for others (open yours ams out wide)

Hope for our families, (make a circle by clasping your fingers together)

Hope for ourselves (point to yourself)

And always Hope in you (find an action or a facial expression that says hope for you)

Amen (one clap)

You might also like to sing/Listen to David MacGregor’s In this time of Waiting

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

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF COUNTRY

If you are in Australia and attending a Uniting Church in Australia, in many cases an Acknowledgment of Country will be said. You can teach your young ones to do this too.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

https://www.childrens-ministry-deals.com/blogs/childrens-pastors-only/how-to-pray-the-five-finger-prayer

INTRODUCTORY SONG Hallelujah Christ is Coming Number 2 on the Advent Album by Liturgical Folk

THE LORDS PRAYER IN ACTIONS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOugEQpcc_k OR https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMjm93ylL2w

FIRST READING: Isaiah 2:1-5

READ: The Whirl Story Bible, Isaiah’s Message, pp.114-117

ACTIVITY:

PRAY

You God,

guide my way

Amen

PSALM 122

Psalm 122: The Peace of Jerusalem

Jerusalem, O Jerusalem,
the home of the Lord, (Make a house with your hands)
the house of David, (Make a house with your hands)
the gates of Israel, (fold your hands across your body with finger tips touching the swing your arms open like a gate)
the Holy Land.
Jerusalem, O Jerusalem,
we pray for peace inside your walls, (make a peace sign)
peace between your peoples, (make a peace sign)
peace through your land. (make a peace sign)
We will seek your good (shield your eyes as if losing for something)
and pray for the peace of Jerusalem. (hold your hands in prayer)
Thanks again to Rev. Purdie actions in italics from me

RESPONSE: When you think of your home how does it make you feel? Describe that feeling, or draw it, or point out an emoji that shows it.

SECOND READING: Roman’s 13:11-14

READ: Pete the Cat and His magic Sunglasses By Kimberley and James Dean

WATCH

A Storypath suggestion Read to find why.

ACTIVITY: Find things that change the way you see the world. eg, Lead light windows, Magnifer, Bug Eye Lens, cellopane, etc.

MAKE: a staned glass window like this one from “let their light shine”

GOSPEL READING: Matthew 24:36-44

Reread the story of Noah’s ark, try The Beginners Bible storybook or the Bible for Kids app two by two (third story in) https://bibleappforkids.com, or your favourite Bible story book.

ACTIVITY: Play with a Noah’s Ark, or make one like Noah did?

THINK about the types of things you need to do to “get ready”, eg: clean teeth, brush hair, check backpack, choose clothes, set up ingredients and bowls if baking, put on sunhat and long sleeves and sunscreen in summer, etc.

When getting ready this week talk about being ready to live God’s way everyday: what do you need, eg. pray, read the Bible, worship etc.

PRAY

LIKE NOAH,

GOD

HELP ME TO BE READY

TO DO YOUR WILL

AMEN

CONCLUDING SONG Seed of Hope by Heather Price from the Carols in the Sun Album

Blessings

Wendy L.

I am writing this on Wurundjeri land and wish to pay respect to all Elders, past, present and emerging.

ADVENT 4 Year C: Ideas to engage everyone in Sunday’s RCL Bible readings (especially the youngest), for small Churches or families worshipping at home.

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. Or set up an Advent Candle Countdown like the one above.

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

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

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 it is LOVE.

Colouring in sheets Look for the LOVE sheet for today

LISTEN Let us be known by our love No.10 on Liturgical Fok’s album Crumbs

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 4- LOVE

You can print this version of the Southern Cross here

Place a candle on the star. Today I use GACRUX as it is the second brightest star in the constellation. ( 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 next star of Advent (twinkle your fingers)

May it guide us to find our Love in You. (Make a love heart with your hands)

Amen

Liturgy B WEEK 4 LOVE

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 candles are purple or blue perhaps you can wear or put on something that is purple of blue

This can be sung to the tune of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

Little candle burning bright

Light in my heart (make a love heart with your hands)

Love tonight

May it shine

To others lives

Caring deeply

As we go

Little Candle burning Bright

Light in my heart (make a love heart with your hands)

Love tonight

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE: Buy a pad of sticky heart shapes, without tearing them write on them the name of people who love God, and those people who you would like to see love God.

Take one from the stack and pray for that person creating a heart shape with the heart sticky notes.

FIRST READING: Micah 5:2-5a

READ: The Spark Story Bible, A Ruler from Bethleham

SING/LISTEN Seeds Family Worship No.2 To the ends of the Earth on the Seeds of Christmas EP.

Mighty God,

YOu keep your promises

Like your people from the past

Help me to wait patiently

Amen

PSALM: LUKE 1:46b- 55

LISTEN No.7 Song of Mary from Matins and Vespers by Liturgical Folk

How does the Psalm make you feel? Use an emoji to show or draw the feeling?

Psalm 80:1-7

excerpt from

THE Restoration Project By Rev Purdie at Conversations

How does this Psalm make you feel? Can you point out how you feel using an emoji, or can you draw it?

SECOND READING: Hebrews 10:5-10

READ: Good People Everywhere by Lynea Gillen

WATCH

a suggestion by Storypath

DRAW a picture of a good deed you can do or one from the story?

Create a circle and draw stories of Jesus’s life from his birth to his death.

GOSPEL READING: Luke 1:39-45(46-55)

READ: The Spark Story Bible, Mary Visits Elizabeth

LISTEN from the Advent Album, Our Lady Sings magnificant no.6 by Liturgical Folk

OR WATCH

COLOURING-IN

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.

ADVENT 3 Year C: Ideas to engage everyone in Sunday’s RCL Bible readings (especially the youngest), for small Churches or families worshipping at home.

WHO ARE THESE IDEAS FOR?

For anyone looking for ideas to help share God’s word with everyone including the youngest.

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.

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.

LET’S BEGIN:

WELCOME: Everyone is welcome here.

SING/LISTEN JOY

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

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 (that’s this week). Each week there is a theme, this week is JOY.

There are a few reasons for the Pink Candle, the flower for today is a Pink Rose.(At home you might like to put out a vase with a PINK Rose in it.

Colouring in sheets Look for the JOY sheet for today

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 3- JOY

You can print this version of the Southern Cross here

Place a candle on the star. Today I used Mimosa as I have been working from least to brightest star, but if you prefer you could use Gacrux, as it is the only Red/organge star in the conselation. ( 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)

(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 next star of Advent (twinkle your fingers)

May it guide us to find our JOY in You.(do a star jump)

Amen

Week 3 JOY

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 are is pink, perhaps you can wear or put on something that is pink. Do a few star jumps as your flame jumps for JOY.

Little candle burning bright

Light in my heart

Joy tonight

May it shine

To others lives

Sharing what we have

Is nice

Little candle burning bright

Light in my heart

Joy tonight

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE: Get a pack of Christmas stars (cardboard with a shiny metalic side) and write on the non-shiny side the name of people that make your like JOYful. If you can’t find any, cut stars out of metalic cardboard. Pray for the person as you hang the star on a Christmas Tree.

FIRST READING: Zephaniah 3:14-20

READ: Be Careful by Viginia Miller

WATCH

I chose this book, because, in today’s reading we hear about how happy the people of Isreal are when God looks favourably on them, very much like the cat in this book must feel at the end of this story.

SING Mighty to Save by Seeds Family Worship Vol.3 no.8

DRAW: I wonder what you feels like for you? Can you draw it, it might be a picture it might be a colour or shape?

PSALM Isaiah 12:2-6

AS found on Biblegateway

Isaiah 12:2-6 International Children’s Bible

²God is the one who saves me. (point to yourself)
    I trust him. I am not afraid. (shake your head)
The Lord, the Lord, gives me strength and makes me sing. (show your muscles)
    He has saved me.” (point ot youself)
³You will receive your salvation with joy. (do a star jump)
    You will take it as you would draw water from a well. (cup your hands and pretend to drink from them)

⁴At that time you will say, (open your mouth)

“Praise the Lord, and worship him. (do a star jump)
    Tell everyone what he has done. (cup your hands around your mouth as if they form a megaphone)
    Tell them how great he is. (arms out wide)
⁵Sing praise to the Lord, because he has done great things.(Open your mouth as if to sing)
    Let all the world know what he has done. (pretend to make a large ball with your hands)
⁶Shout and sing for joy, you people of Jerusalem. (pretend to make a megaphone with your hands)
    The Holy One of Israel does great things before your eyes.”( shield your eyes as if looking into the distance)

DRAW: there as such great images in these words draw some of them.

SECOND READING: Phillipians 4:4-7

READ: Whirl Story Bible Rejoice in the Lord

SING Do not be Anxious by Seeds Family Worship Vol. 1 No. 2

DO: How does this reading make you feel? Use the emojies on the phone to show your feeelings or draw them.

GOSPEL READING: Luke 3:7-18

WATCH

DO: Make a Christmas card, to share with someone you don’t know so well yet. You might like to make this one.

PRAY

God,

may I learn

how to share,

to use what comes my way

Not because I think I should

but because I love

the way you showed me how me

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.

ADVENT 2 Year C: Ideas to engage everyone in Sunday’s RCL Bible readings (especially the youngest), for small Churches or families worshipping at home.

WHO ARE THESE IDEAS FOR?

For anyone looking for ideas to help share God’s word with everyone including the youngest.

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.

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.

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

Colouring in sheets Look for the HOPE sheet for today

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 2- PEACE

You can print this version of the Southern Cross here

Place a candle on the star. Today We will use Ginan, the first star name using the name one of Australia’s First People’s nations use for it. ( 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)

(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 next star of Advent (twinkle your fingers)

May it guide us to find PEACE in You.(shade your eyes as if looking into the distance)

Amen

WEEK 2 PEACE

Little candle burning bright

Light in my heart

Peace tonight

May it shine

To others lives

Calm may we be

To-night

Little candle burning bright

Light in my heart

Peace tonight

FIRST READING: Malacki 3:1-4

READ: The Whirl Storybook Bible, Malachi’s message pp.130-133

Play, mix 2 items together then seperate them out so that you have 2 items. Ie cars and blocks, rice and flour, dirt and rocks etc.

Do, take a message for someone to someone else or play with your toys and pretend that you have something important to tell them

PSALM Luke 1:68-79 (psalms are songs and can be found throughout the Bible as well as in the book of Psalms)

God loves His people

He gave us a Saviour

in King David’s offspring,

God’s prophets told us

That we would be saved

God has remembered His promises

He promised Abraham,

That we would be rescued from our enemies

And be able to worship God fearlessly

in a safe and holy space

You, child, will be an important prophet

As you will prepare the way for the Lord

teach them salvation through forgiveness

Because God is good

For those who are sad and dying

A new dawn will happen

Guiding our feet

To PEACE.

(a rewrite by me)

DO: How do you think the person saying this Psalm might have felt, find an emoji that shows how they feel?

Read the background story in The Lion Story Bible, Cousin John

SECOND READING: Phillipians 1:3-11

READ: The Spark Story Book Bible, Paul and the Phillipians

Write a letter or an email, telling someone how important they are to you.

PRAY

May my love (make a love heart with your hands)

for you God, (arms out wide)

Overflow (tumble your hands one in fron of the other)

as I learn more (pretend to write)

and understand more (tap the side of your head)

Just like Paul

prayed for the Phillipians

Amen (one clap)

GOSPEL READING: Luke 3:1-6

WATCH

SING:

PLAY: with toy road signs or create a road or drive a car on a play mat road. I wonder why we have signs? I wonder how friends would find our house without a street sign? I wonder what sign could be if it is not a road sign?

OR How do you get started on a new task, what do you need to cook, to sew, to knit etc?

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.

ADVENT 1 Year C: Ideas to engage everyone in Sunday’s RCL Bible readings (especially the youngest), for small Churches or families worshipping at home.

WHO ARE THESE IDEAS FOR?

For anyone looking for ideas to help share God’s word with everyone including the youngest.

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.

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.

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 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

(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

WATCH

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

WATCH

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.

Advent ideas for Family and Church

It’s that time of the year again.

The time of the year for lists, shopping lists, present lists, todo lists, and Advent idea lists.

So here is mine for 2021

I like my ideas to be free, preferably; downloadable if possible; and often child centred (well it is that season after all – we are awaiting a birth). No matter where you are in the world, I hope you and your community or family will benefit from preparing your hearts and home for Christmas.

Advent starts next Sunday.

ADVENT MUSIC

Listen to this Advent album by Liturgical Folk

Downloadable from Word and Wonder The Songs of Christmas; Advent Worship Guide, and you can also download the Colouring in book to match

ADVENT LEGO

The Episcopal Church of Arkansas have produced this Lego Advent prayer countdown using this years Lego city Advent calendar. Even if you can’t buy or afford the lego kit you could make or find the type of person/vehicle etc mentioned in the prayer and use the prayers each day.

(I will be doing this as my personal Advent practice so follow the Facebook page and see what insights come out of it for me, I would love to hear yours)

Family Project (actually if meeting together you might build one week by week during the sermon, or as a joint community project) If Zoom meeting, everyone can build one and then all show and tell in a special service or on Christmas Morning.

You might like to build a nativity set from Lego such as this one from Frugal Fun for Boys

or this one I found on someone else’s Advent list (when I remember I’ll let you know who it was)

COLOURING-IN

Always love the Praying in Color templates, these can be a visual journey of your own Advent prayers or you can use a more guided Advent study and use these templates as your visual prayer response to it. Suitable for all ages. She has some suggestions on how to use these on the linked pages.

Sunhats and Wellie boots have a dfferent take on an Advent Colouring-in calendar.

Advent Studies

This is one for all the family from the Presbyterian Church of Canada

Either for home or church use from INTERGEN there is a colouring in downloadable too

ADVENT FAITH TRAIL

Love this trail idea from Sun Hat and Wellie Boots

This one has lots of choice for families of different aged children by the Uniting Church In Australia South Australia Synod

This is one for the Community and is a Northern Hemisphere idea but could easily be adapted to the Southern Hemishpere using coloured plants(new growth/new birth) could be used instead of coloured lights and would suit a situation where social distancing and outside worship is required.

Especially for Families at home

Here is a downloadable one from CandlePress

Mainly Ministries have produced this one

Try this I wonder series from Muddy Church

ADVENT STUDIES BASED ON BOOKS

I look forward to this each year though it does require a copy of the Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones with illustrations by Jago. Downloadable

I’m going to sneak this one in, you need the book “Twas the Season of Advent by Glenys Nellist and there is a lovely activity pack download available that expands on the book.

SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE IDEAS

Either at home or in Community instead of using the eternal circle to place your Advent Candles each week you could place them on the Southern Cross,(note the links do do work on this page, but the Biblical connects are worth reading). (I have a liturgy I’m working on at the moment when it is finished I will add a link to that here.) Any liturgy could be used with this idea though.

A watery Advent from Engage Together 2020(sorry it’s an old one but you get the idea) from p.13

There are many more wonderful resources out there. I hope I have not added to your confusion. Pick one and use it for the whole of Advent and if that isn’t working for your family change to something else. The important thing is that you find a practice that brings your family closer to God and helps them wait.

May you have a blessed Advent

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.

ADVENT 4 B: SIMPLE IDEAS TO USE IN WORSHIP AT HOME OR AT CHURCH THAT HELP EVEN THE YOUNGEST MEMBER RELATE TO THIS WEEKS RCL READINGS

WELCOME:

YOU HAVE FOUND A PAGE THAT USES EASILY FOUND IDEAS TO HELP YOU SHARE THE 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

These ideas can be used in a church setting as you parent in the pews or in your own home while connecting to a broadcast service or for your daily family devotions.

If worshipping at home you might like to prepare a space to worship which can be permanent or set aside and bought out when you are having private or family devotions.

This might consist of a purple table cloth, and any items that help you conccentrate or which represent the season of waiting for you.

During this season of Advent you might like to set up an Advent wreath that stays in place for the four weeks of Advent. This Sunday is Week 4 – LOVE

Start by saying/being/singing this Candle Liturgy

You can see all four weeks here https://wordpress.com/post/thecrossinmybackyard.wordpress.com/1648

WEEK 4 LOVE

This can be sung to the tune of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

Little candle burning bright

Light in my heart (make a love heart with your hands)

Love tonight

May it shine

To others lives

Caring deeply

As we go

Little Candle burning Bright

Light in my heart (make a love heart with your hands)

Love tonight

FIRST READING: 2 Samual 7:1-11, 16

READ The Whirl Story Book Bible pp.98 King David and Solomon Read half way doen the page

MAKE: If you were to design a house for God, what would it look like? Draw it, make it with blocks, write about it. Choose the best way you can express yourself to complete this task.

Pray

God all I have to offer

Is me

for you to live in

Amen

PSALM

Luke 1:46b- 55

Look https://teachingcatholickids.com/why-not-the-magnificat-marys-song-of-humble-joy-ought-to-be-our-song-too/

Instead of reading these verses just show the picture at the start of this page.

I wonder what you see in the picture?

I wonder what emotions it stirs in you?

I wonder what you would draw differently?

Colouring In: I will continue to recommend the work of Illustrated Ministries, though not free it is easily downloadable, the American $ 12.99 price give you enough colouring in sheets for every member of the family until February 14, 2021. If your children love colouring it is worth the investment https://store.illustratedministry.com/collections/coloring-sheets-posters/products/bible-story-coloring-pages-winter-2020-2021?variant=32002480373858

OR Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26.

READ: Psalms for Young Children by Marie-Helene Delval (worth purchasing as I will refer to it as the year goes on)

SING/LISTEN; https://www.seedsfamilyworship.com/product/when-you-lie-down-lullabies-scripture-songs/# Number 9

SECOND READING: Romans 16:25-27

READ: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+16%3A25-27&version=ICB or from any Children’s Bible

OR READ/WATCH Let the whole earth sing praise by Tommy DePaola a suggested by http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-sunday-december-21-2014/

TRY: Take a tissue, you can dip the tissue(one for blowing noses) into some water with food dye added, and create joyful patterns as the coloured water spreads over the tissue. OR draw on a tissue with a texta sprinkle water over it watching the colour absorb into the tissue. Just like we absorb God’s ideas into us.

DO: As you wrap Christmas Presents this week, think of the mystery that the wrapping will make, can you wrap a present for someone so they can’t guess what the present might be, it will only be revealed when it’s unwrapped.

GOSPEL READING: Luke 1:26-38

WATCH https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMo9gkm2xfY&fbclid=IwAR27_bqhAqo2zHKarU4xZgj_yDDkknv_S2erit-jK1ZKNU_AazM_-RypjDY

OR READ Brave Girls Bible Stories by Jennifer Geraldspp.135-136 (except the last paragraph)

TASK: Start a book on the Christmas story in Luke. Draw a picture or write in your own words, or make a cartoon on todays Gospel Reading. Continue this for each Luke reading from now until the end of the seaon of Christmas .

NOTE: We say goodbye to the colour purple this week as from Friday we start the season of Christmas for which the liturgical colour is White (or if you would prefer you can use Gold)

PRAY

When I am scared (shake)

strengthen me (stand still)

When I am brave (show your muscles)

stand with me (pretend to put your arm around someone standing next to you)

When I am hurt (pretend to hold a hurt arm)

comfort me (give yourself a hug)

Thank you that Mary was Brave

Amen (one clap)

Blessings

Wendy L.

(please acknowledge this blog if you use this work, thank you)