EASTER 7, Year A, 2023: Ideas to share the Revised Common Lectionary Readings with all ages

Each week I compile a number of resources to help you, your family, or your congregation 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 your family’s faith formation. My objective is for faith to be a lived experience and for children to learn how to worship, explore the Bible, and pray by participating in Worship with others. 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 idea is to form a lifelong love of Christ, for the Word of God, and to participate in Worship. Faith is portable, we live it and share it, every day. I hope these simple ideas help your family or congregation form their faith.

FOR CONGREGATIONS

:f you are a small congregation, that 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. Create an area as close as possible to where the major liturgies of the service occur, for parents/guardians to worship with their children, and fill this area with books and toys in it that will enhance their spiritual experience. (Ie not toys for “keeping them quiet”). You will find some ideas in these posts Spiritual Delights or Toy Box tat! and Make the books appealing.

Suggest that visiting families pack a special backpack, filled with a children’s storybook bible, other books that speak about ideas in today’s readings, and drawing or craft materials that children can use to respond 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 you can use your iPad or iPhone. You could write a precis of the message (traditional words or pictures), draw, and 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.

We are now in the season of Easter and its liturgical colour is WHITE. This is the last week of the season of Easter.

If worshipping from home you might like to set up a table or space with a white cloth, a cross, a candle, and some things that focus your mind on today’s readings.

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

FIRST READING: Acts:1:6-14

READ: Jesus Ascends, pp 342-345, The Whirl Story Bible

DRAWING: What would you draw from this reading? Draw it.

DO: Disolve Milo into milk or a milk subtitute. What else changes or disappears in front of you? eg. jelly crystals into jelly.

SING Power by Seeds Family Worship No. 3 on Album 8 Power

PSALM 68:1-10 and 32-35

READ:

SING: sovereigngracemusic, Joy from the Album to be like Jesus

SECOND READING: 1 Peter 4:12-14 and 5:6-11

READ:A Place where Sunflowers Grow by Amy Lee-Tai

WATCH

A Storypath Suggestion

SING A Little While by Seeds Family Worship from Album 14 I believe

PRAY:

God,

thank you

that you are there

in my difficult times

as well as in my

good times

Amen

GOSPEL READING: John 17:1-11

READ: Somebody Loves You, Mr Hatch by Eileen Spinelli

WATCH

A Storypath Suggestion

PRAY:

Draw: everyone you know.

Then when you are finished, point to each one and pray for them

OR if you have a play mat

you could pray for the people you might encounter as you play.

OR more prayer options

SING Prayers of the People on Vespers and Matins album by Liturgical Folk

Blessings

Wendy L.

Please check local guidelines before using items that are not mine especially if you are using this page for congregational use. Please acknowledge 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.

If you are in Australia and would like to teach your children to Acknowledge Country here is a video that will help, and a great book to help understand, We love Country. Most Uniting Church Congregations will say an Acknowledgement of Country towards the start of the service.

EASTER 6, Year A, 2023: Ideas to share the Revised Common Lectionary Readings with all ages

FOR CONGREGATIONS

We are now in the season of Easter and its liturgical colour is WHITE.

If worshipping from home you might like to set up a table or space with a white cloth, a cross, a candle, and some things that focus your mind on today’s readings.

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

FIRST READING: ACTS 17:22-31

READ: The Biggest Story Bible Storybook, Chap.95, The God Who can be Known, pp.480-483

PLAY: Take turns to hide and object and for the rest of you to hunt for that hidden object.

PRAY

How do I descibe you God?

Help me find the words

tell tell others about you.

Amen

PSALM 66:8-20

God did not let our feet slip or our enemies overtake us. (look down at your feet, move your feet)
Mind you, it was not always easy: (wag your pointer finger)
we have been tested to the limit, (hand on hips)
carried heavy burdens on our backs. (bend over)
God has led us through fire and through water (bring your hand near each other with the fingers pointing up, now move your hands above your head getting your hands further apart. then wiggle your fingers as you move your hands down to your waist)
and out again into wide open space. (put your arms out wide from your body)

Come, everyone, come and hear: (wave towards yourself)
cry aloud to God, shout your praise! (star jump)
Here we make our vows, (open your mouth wide)
promises that we will keep. (place your pointer finger vertically near your mouth)
Here we bring our offerings,
together with our prayers. (fold your hands in prayer)
Bless the Lord who hears us, (dance)
his everlasting love will never leave us. (make a love heart with your hands)

This is an exert from Rev. Purdie’s interpretation of Psalm 66, the action’s suggested in brackets are by me.

How does this Psalm make you feel, choose an emoji that expreses it’s mood, or draw how it makes you feel, or show it with your body.

SECOND READING: 1 PETER 3:13-22

READ: The Darkest Dark by Chris Hadfield and Kate Fillion

WATCH:

A Storypath Suggestion

SING: The Hope that is in You, Number 3 in Hope Vol. 16 album by Seeds Family Worship

PRAY:

Please Help me God,

To stand firm for you

Nomatter what others think

Amen

GOSPEL READING: John 14:15-21

WATCH

SING: Our Help from The Ology by Soveriegn Grace Kids

PLAY: with Babushka Dolls or anything else that nests in each other

MAKE: A card with a heart shape or drawing. Give this card of God’s love to someone you Love. You might like to make a paper Heart shape like this

Some countries will be celebrating Mother’s Day today in line with the day delared by the United Nations and if you are looking for a specail suprise for mum try this

Blessings

Wendy L.

Please check local guidelines before using items that are not mine especially if you are using this page for congregational use. Please acknowledge 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.

EASTER 5, Year A, 2023: Ideas to share the Revised Common Lectionary Readings with all ages

FOR CONGREGATIONS

We are now in the season of Easter and its liturgical colour is WHITE.

If worshipping from home you might like to set up a table or space with a white cloth, a cross, a candle, and some things that focus your mind on today’s readings.

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

FIRST READING: Acts 7:55-60

READ: The Biggest Story Bible Storybook by Kevin DeYoung and Don Clark, Chap.29 Stephen’s Speech, pp454-457

Craft: Decorate stones with positive statements of faith, eg. God Loves, Jesus is the way, the truth and the Light etc. These can be any size from small pebbles to large pavers. If you use large pavers you could make a path for the church or for your home garden if you have one, or sprinkle smaller ones around a plant.

DO: What emotions do people have in these stories? Describe those feeling, or draw them, or point out emoji that explain them.

PRAY:

PRAYER 1

Help me God, to be brave for you Amen

OR PRAYER 2

May I stay strong and tell others about you, God. Amen

PSALM 31:1-5 and 15-16

READ: Psalm 31: Strength in Exhaustion by Rev Sylvia Purdie

Lord – where are you?!
I seek refuge in you.
I need you now more than ever.
Lord – can you hear me?!

I am slipping, Lord,
the ground beneath my feet has crumbled away.

My energy has been stolen,
my joy in my work has gone.

I feel trapped as a net closes around me.

Lord – come quickly!
Find me some solid ground
Hide me away in a place of safety
Lord – show me what to do!

…

Lord – I trust you!
I say to myself over and over
“You are my God.
My life is in your hands.
Shine your face on me again.
Save me in your steadfast love.
Don’t lose me to shame, O Lord,
for I call on you!”

…

For the full Psalm see

DRAW some of the things that are troubling you, things that you might want to call out to God about.

SECOND READING: 1 Peter 2:2-10

READ: If Rocks could Sing: A discovered Alphabet by Leslie McGuirk

WATCH

A Storypath suggestion

PLAY: Build something big, use rocks or blocks or things you find in the garden or in the house to make a big structure. What’s holding up? What is left when you demolish it?

COOK: Make a nourishing meal, use some vegies or herbs from your garden if you can.

GOSPEL READING: John 14: 1-14

READ: I Miss My Grandpa by Jin Xiaojing

WATCH

A Storypath suggestion

SING: In my Father’s House by Seeds Family Worship

DRAW: OR BUILD a very large house

PLAY with Babushka dolls or other toys that sit inside each other

OR Follow the leader

ENJOY a drink of Milk (or milk substitute together)

Blessings

Wendy L.

Please check local guidelines before using items that are not mine especially if you are using this page for congregational use. Please acknowledge 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.

EASTER 4, Year A, 2023: Ideas to share the Revised Common Lectionary Readings with all ages

FOR CONGREGATIONS

We are now in the season of Easter and its liturgical colour is WHITE.

If worshipping from home you might like to set up a table or space with a white cloth, a cross, a candle, and some things that focus your mind on today’s readings.

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

FIRST READING: Acts 2: 42-47

READ: The Spark Story Bible, Early Believers, pp.402-403

DRAW: those things that make you happy, or Write about them.

PRAY

Will you use me God,

like the early disciples

to bring others to you?

PSALM 23

Psalm 23: The Shepherd Song
(for children, by Silvia Purdie)

You, Jesus, you are my shepherd (point)
and me, I am your sheep. (pretend to be a sheep)
You lead and I will follow. (reach out one arm)
You lead me to quiet water (Shade your eyes)
you lead me through the dark valley (give yourself a hug)
you lead me to a wonderful feast (pretend to eat)
and you lead me home. (reach out one arm)
With you with me I will not be afraid; (stand tall)
how could I fear? for you are right here! (give yourself a hug)

(actions by me)

For older participants Rev Puride has put together a collection of 23’rd Psalms, Read the full collection and think about what they reflect or if they change your view of this Psalm. Check them out here

DRAW: a place where you feel safe?

SECOND READING: 1 Peter 2:19-25

READ: We’re in the Wrong Book by Richard Byrne

WATCH

PLAY: Follow the Leader or Simon Says

PRAY

Thank you for being the Shepherd in our lives.

so we are better people

Amen

GOSPEL READING: John 10:1-10

WATCH;

PLAY: Any listening game. Try whispers, whisper a sentence, (for example John 10: 6) to one person then have them pass it on. I wonder how it ends, how do we know we heard correctly.

COLOURING-IN and CRAFT: You can find a whole array of colouring-in pages and craft ideas here

SING

Blessings

Wendy L.

Please check local guidelines before using items that are not mine especially if you are using this page for congregational use. Please acknowledge 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.

EASTER 3, Year A, 2023: Ideas to share the Revised Common Lectionary Readings with all ages

My objective is for faith to be a lived experience and for children to learn how to worship, explore the Bible, and pray by participating in Worship with others. 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 idea is to form a lifelong love of Christ, for the Word of God, and to participate in Worship. Faith is portable, we live it and share it, every day. I hope these simple ideas help your family or congregation form their faith.

FOR CONGREGATIONS:

f you are a small congregation, that 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. Create an area as close as possible to where the major liturgies of the service occur, for parents/guardians to worship with their children, and fill this area with books and toys in it that will enhance their spiritual experience. (Ie not toys for “keeping them quiet”). You will find some ideas in these posts Spiritual Delights or Toy Box tat! and Make the books appealing.

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 you can use your iPad or iPhone. You could write a precis of the message (traditional words or pictures), draw, and 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.

We are now in the season of Easter and its liturgical colour is WHITE.

If worshipping from home you might like to set up a table or space with a white cloth, a cross, a candle, and some things that focus your mind on today’s readings, for example, symbols of new life Traditionally they could be a butterfly, egg, emerging plant etc.

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

OR https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMjm93ylL2w

FIRST READING: Acts 2:14a and 36-41.

READ: The Beginners Bible: Timeless Children’s Stories pp.477-479

WATCH “Holy Baptism” a Godly Play story

SING: Have You Heard by Soverign Grace Kids

PRAY:

What can I do for you God?

Amen

PSALM 116:1-4 and 12-19

Psalm 116: Death could not hold me down

(Luke 24)

When Jesus walked the road to Emmaus (pretend to walk)
with Cleopas and his friend (pretend to put an arm around a friedn and then do the same with the other arm)
on the day he rose from the dead (with your hands by your sides, move them up with the palms facing the sky)
he opened the scriptures to them (form your hands into a book)
and told them why he had to die. (shake your pointer finger)
Maybe he read from Psalm 116: (form your hands into a book)
“Death wrapped itself around me (give yourself a hug)
Terrible pain pulled me down. (pretend to crumple)
I cried to the Father “SAVE ME!!” ( clasp your hands around your mouth)
and he did!( jump up and down)
No way could death hold onto me! (shake your head)
I walk in the land of the living!” (pretend to walk)
And then Jesus broke bread with Cleopas and his friend (pretend to break open a roll)
gave thanks to God (put your hands in a prayer position)
lifted up the cup of salvation (pretend to lift up a cup)
and they knew who he was.(show suprise)
Halleluia! He is risen! (shout the wordsout)

Words by Rev. Purdie, actions by me

How does this Psalm make you feel? Describe that feeling, or draw it, or point out what it feels like from a set of emoji’s

SECOND READING: 1 Peter 1:17-23

READ: The Garden of Happiness by Erika Tamar

WATCH

A Storypath suggestions

Is there something near you that has been there for a very long time? Draw it or right about it.

Colour-in a life and death cycle of a flower, or an animal

PRAY: Draw a chalk heart or make a heart shape with blocks, then try and put all the things you love in the shape?

Or you could draw the shape on a piece of paper and draw the things you love in the shape.

As you put each item in pray for them.

GOSPEL READING: Luke 24:13-35

WATCH:

READ: The Spark Story Bible, The Road to Emmaus, pp.388-391

OR The Whirl Story Bible, On the Road to Emmaus, pp.330-333

DRAW or write about where you like to walk. Is this a place you feel close to God. Where do you feel close to God.

CRAFT: You will need to download a template, scissors, colouring in pencils or textas, and an icy pole stick

Blessings

Wendy L.

Please check local guidelines before using items that are not mine especially if you are using this page for congregational use. Please acknowledge 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.

EASTER 2, Year A, 2023: Ideas to share the Revised Common Lectionary Readings with all ages

FOR CONGREGATIONS:

We are now in the season of Easter and its liturgical colour is WHITE.

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

OR https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMjm93ylL2w

FIRST READING: Acts 2:14a and 22-32

READ: Ralph tells a Story by Abby Hanlon

WATCH

A Storypath suggestion

WRITE your own speech or give your toys a speech, it could be about Jesus it might be about something else important to you.

PRAY:

Thank you, God

that you keep your promises.

Amen

PSALM 16

Psalm 16: A goodly heritage

I know who I am and I know where I come from: ( point to yourself, stamp your foot)
God is my home, God is my heritage.(trace out a house shape with your hands)
My heart is glad, my soul sings for joy! (make a love heart with your hands then jump for joy)
I know who I am and I know what I’ve chosen: (point to yourself, stamp your foot)
God is my cup and his Spirit fills it. (Cup your hands together)
My heart is glad, my soul sings for joy! (make a love heart with your hands then jump for joy)
I know who I am and I know where I’m going: (Point to yourself, stamp your foot)
Christ is my guide, he shows me the path of life. (Shade your eyes)
My heart is glad, my soul sings for joy! (make a love heart with your hands then jump for joy)
words by Rev. Purdie , actions by me

DRAW a picture of how this Psalm makes you feel or find an emoji of or show how it makes you feel

SECOND READING: 1 Peter 1:3-9

READ All my Treasure: A book of Joy by Jo Witek

A Storypath suggestions

MAKE. A treasure box of your own. How would you decorate something so special? What would you put in it?

SING: Joy by Sovereign Grace Kids

GOSPEL READING: John 20:19-31

READ: The Whirl Story Bible, Thomas Wonders, pp.334-337

PLAY: put a blindfold on one person at a time, then place an object in front of them for them to feel, they have to describe what that object is. Now try to explain it with your eyes uncovered.

COLOUR-IN

Blessings

Wendy L.

Please check local guidelines before using items that are not mine especially if you are using this page for congregational use. Please acknowledge 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.

EASTER 7C: Revised Common Lectionary: ideas to involve even the youngest.

You have found a collection of ideas 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 and for the Word of God.

Today is the last day of the EASTER season. The Liturgical colour is White (though many substitute GOLD).

If you are worshipping from home you may like to set up a worship area and define it with a white or gold, placemat, or ribbons.

You can do this by setting up a candle, then add the things that remind YOU of God, a Cross, a Bible that everyone likes to read from, 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 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:

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.

FIRST READING: Acts 16:16-34

READ: The Spark Story Bible, Paul and Silas, pp.421-425

OR The Whirl Story Bible, Paul and Silas, pp. 362-365

PLAY: Act out this play, make puppets or create characters for all involed, don’t forget the slave girl or the jailer.

PRAY: SING any song you know make it into a prayer, check out Snack Music or Colin Buchanen’s

PSALM 97

Rejoice! The Lord is King!
Lift up your heart,
lift up your voice; rejoice;
again I say, rejoice.

Power! All the forces in the planet (punch out your fist thrusting from your body)
are powered by the Lord.
Love! All the love in the universe (Make a love heart with your hands)
flows from the Lord.
Joy! All the happiness in the world (Jump)
is given by the Lord.
Thanks! All our thanks we give back to you. ( spray open your hands at shoulder level as you push them forward from your body)

My thanks again to Rev. Purdie, actions by me

HOw does this psalm make you feel? Express it by drawing, showing it on your faceor finding an emoji that reflects how you feel. Is there a word that seems important to you?

SECOND READING: Revelation 22:12-14 and 16-17 and 20-21

READ: Possum’s Harvest Moon by Anne Hunter

WATCH

A Storypath Suggestion

LOOK: There are a lot of symbols we use in this reading. So point out the symbols in your church, they may include the alpha and omega, the lamb or the Bride as mentioned or you might have some other symbols around the church.

PRAY

We wait for your world to come (hands on your waist)

Amen

GOSPEL READING: John 17:20-26

READ: BECOMING ME A STORY OF CREATION by Martin Boroson

WATCH:

A Storypath suggestion

PLAY: Play with Babushka Dolls, or nesting toys to signify that we all rest in Christ.

PRAY: the five finger prayer, this is alsoa great prayer of teh people for Children

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.

EASTER 6C: Revised Common Lectionary: ideas to involve even the youngest.

We are now in the season of EASTER and the Liturgical colour is White (though many substitute GOLD).

If you are worshipping from home you may like to set up a worship area and define it with a white or gold, placemat, or ribbons.

You can do this by setting up a candle, then add the things that remind YOU of God, a Cross, a Bible that everyone likes to read from, a special object, even something from one of the readings. Today you might like to add some purple cloth or ribbon today.

LET’S BEGIN:

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.

FIRST READING; Acts 16:9-15

READ: Spark Story Bible, Lydia, pp.418-42

WORKSHEEThttps://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3uNEVAAKowpZkZ3RTJpbTFhUnc/edit?resourcekey=0-WhK36kaN6F4BOHkStFSCnA

DRAW: A picture of Paul baptising Lydia

PSALM 67

Everyone Praise God, our God, be good to us and bless us (hold your hands in prayer)

make your face to shine upon us (trace your face with your finger)

make your ways known in all the earth (hold your hands as if they were a book)

show your saving power in all the nations. (shield your eyes as if looking into a bright light )

God, our God, has been good to us and blessed us (Hold your hands in prayer)

God is blessing us now and will keep on blessing. (point to an imaginary watch)

All you peoples – praise our God! (hold your hands out at about head level)

All you nations – be glad, sing for joy! (make a happy face)

For God rules with justice and peace ( point your finger)

and guides all the nations (hold your hand out with the palm up)

God brings forth goodness on the earth. (Crouch down low then grow tall)

All you peoples – praise our God! (hold your hands out at about head level)

To the very ends of the earth – (look into the distance)

honour and rejoice in God! (look very happy)

Words from Rev. Purdie http://www.conversations.net.nz/psalm-67-all-you-peoples-praise.html

actions by me

RESPONSE: How does this Psalm make you feel? Make a face, Happy or Sad?

SECOND READING: Revelation 21:10 and 22-22:5

READ: God Created By Mark Francisco Bozzuti-Jones

WATCHhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JH71nftqTLg

A suggestion by Storypathhttp://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-sunday-may-1-2016/

DRAW: Your most favourite place or a place that you would really love to be in.

PRAY

Let your Light shine out God Amen

GOSPEL READING: John 14:23-29

READ: Llama Llama misses Mama

WATCH

as suggested by Storypath read the explanation to see why this is a good fit for this reading.

DRAW: Fold an A4 paper into thirds. Draw a heart on the first third Draw a Peace sign on the Second third Draw a cross on the third third. Let your child colour them in, or copy the shapes if they are closer to 3 years old.

PRAY

Help my heart to be yours God

My we live in peace With faith in you

Amen

OR John 5:1-9

READ/WATCH: This is a Very long video for the younger age group so you might want to watch the video in small time bites. You could stop the video at 4.30 minutes mark for the little ones. Perfect for mid-to senior primary school kids.

COLOURING-IN

PLAY: act out the story using your toys.

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.

EASTER 4C: Revised Common Lectionary: ideas to involve even the youngest.

WELCOME: Everyone is welcome here.

We are now in the season of EASTER and the Liturgical colour is White (though many substitute GOLD). It is also Mother’s Day in Australia.

If you are worshipping from home you may like to set up a worship area and define it with a white or gold, placemat, or ribbons.

You can do this by setting up a candle, then add the things that remind YOU of God, a Cross, a Bible that everyone likes to read from, a special object, even something from one of the readings.

LET’S BEGIN:

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.

SONG FOR THE DAY No 3 God is Here Dancing on the Full of teh Spirit album by Heather Price

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE: Try and draw a continuous line from a spot at the centre of the page until it spirals out to fill the page. Repeating the words “You are a wonderful God”

FIRST READING: Acts 9: 36-43

READ The Whirl StoryBible, Peter Raises Tabitha, pp.348-361

MAKE: Something to give to your Mum or a special woman. eg. Lavender Sachet, A jewlery pouch from a hankerchief, tea towel printing or a wrapped Letter so love these pressed flower book marks

DRAW: Take the authors description of Tabitha as a guide and draw those things you really appreciate about your Mum or a special woman.

PSALM 23

READ: Found by Sally Lloyd-Jones

WATCH

SING Psalm 23 on Colin Buchanan’s Old Testament Big Bible Story Songs No.24

SECOND READING: Revelation 7:9-17

READ: The Jesus story Book Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones middle pages of A Dream Of Heaven

SING: Amen No. 3 on Seeds of Praise Vol.3 by Seeds Family Worship

PLAY: What do you struggle with? Write about it or act it out or play with your toys about it.

GOSPEL READING: John 10:22-30

WATCH

PLAY: with toy sheep, pull out the blocks and make paddocks let them move the sheep around. Let them be the shepherd.

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.

EASTER 3C: Revised Common Lectionary: ideas to involve even the youngest.

WELCOME: Everyone is welcome here.

We are now in the season of EASTER and the Liturgical colour is White (though many substitute GOLD)

If you are worshipping from home you may like to set up a worship area and define it with a white or gold, placemat, or ribbons.

You can do this by setting up a candle, then add the things that remind YOU of God, a Cross, a Bible that everyone likes to read from, a special object, even something from one of the readings.

LET’S BEGIN:

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: Acts 9:1-6 (7-20)

READ: THE SPARK Story Bible, Saul to Paul, pp.408-413

OR The Children of God Storybook Bible, Paul, Follows Jesus, pp.120-121

COLOURING -IN

PLAY:Seeing things differently. Get a magnifying glass or use a phone App, to magnify, a bug eye glass (for example) even celepephane, in different colours or smooth it out then crush it up, then look at things through them. Use any of these things to look at the world around you differently. You could make a stained glasss window.

PSALM 30

Psalm 30: Joy in the morning

The night was dark,(Cover your eyes with your hands) but joy came with the morning.(do a star jump)
I was so sick (pretend to vomit)I thought I would die,(put the back of our hand on your forehead)
but you healed me,( pretend to wrap a bandage on your arm) you helped me, you saved me! (look up)
You turned my sadness (make a sad face) into dancing!(do a little dance)
You took off my weeping (pretend to wipe away tears)and dressed me in joy! (a star jump)
O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever. (fold your hands in prayer)

A rewrite by Rev Purdie actions (in italics) by me

How does this Psalm make you feel? make your face show how you feel, or draw it or find an emoji that shows how you feel.

SECOND READING: Revelation 5:11-14

READ: The Jesus Storybook Bible By Sally Lloyd-Jones pp.344-345 the 2 middle paragraphs.

DRAW: What do you do when you are happy?

The image of the lamb is used in this passage, you might want to have a toy lamb with you to play with. Explain that it is one of the images we use for Christ. ( your child will not understand now but in time this will start to make sense to them, especially as the imagery reoccurs during the church year.) Older members could see how many images there are for Christ in the Bible.

GOSPEL READING: John 21:1-19 .

WATCH

READ: Peter and the Big Breakfast by Andrew Macdonough

WATCH

OR The Beginner’s Bible, A net full of fish pp. 462-465

DO: You might like to purchase the downloadable activity book that goes along with the Lost Sheep story Peter and the Big Breakfast. For $Aus4.95 you will have lots of activities for everyone to enjoy.

OR Print off the freebie bookmarks and use them to retell the story.

COLOURING-IN D is for Disciple download scroll down

CRAFT

.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.