MAUNDY THURSDAY 2022

WELCOME: Everyone is welcome here.

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. The goal here is not for them to learn names or facts though they may want to do that for themselves, 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 for the Colour PURPLE as it is the last day of Lent.

If you are worshipping from home you may like to set up a worship area

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:

WATCH

LISTEN Maundy Thursday The Washer of Feet on Liturgical Folks Album Lent

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.

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: Exodus 12:1-4(5-10) and 11-14

READ: The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones pp.88-91 (part of the God to the Rescue chapter)

PREPARE You might consider a simplified sedar meal like the first one in the link

DO: If you made a Palm or paper cross on Palm Sunday, one tradition is to attach that to your door, where it stays until Ash Wednesday next year, when you take it down and burn it ( in a safe controlled manner)

PSALM 116: 1-2 and 12-19 (actions in italics)

God hears me (cup your hand near your ear as straining to hear)

I love God (make a love heart with your hand)

What do I have to give? (Flop your arms down away form your body with the palms up)

I will honour God (Cross your arms across your body)

I will tell others of God’s goodness (make a megaphone with your hands)

God cares about me (give yourself a hug)

I will serve you (pretend to give someone a plate of food)

I come from those who serve you (look behind)

What shall I give you? (shake your pointing finger)

I will tell others of God’s goodness (make a megaphone with your hands)

Everywhere (open your arms wide)

Praise the LORD (arms out wide and above your head)

OR READ God Hears by Stephanie Carmichael

How does the Psalm make you feel?

Describe that feeling, or draw it, or point out what it feels like from a phones emoji’s

SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

WATCH start from thr 3 minute mark stop at the 5 minute 20 second mark

SING: Brick after Brick by Sovereign Grace Kids album The Ology

COLOURING-IN

GOSPEL READING: John 13: 1-17 and 31b-35

READ: Children of God Storybook Bible by Desmond Tutu, Jesus Becomes a Servant pp. 106-107

DO: Wash your washable toys feet, like Jesus did in todays story

Older family members may help out with something, such as setting the table, folding clothes etc

Pray

Take a wet flannel, wash cloth, sponge

As you wipe your toes

Start with the small toe,

Today God, I would like to remember the children, and name them

Then wipe the toe next to it and say Today God, I would like to remember the ill, and name them,

Then wipe the middle toe and say Today God, I would like to remember the poor and name them

Then wipe the toe next to your big toe and say Today God, I would like to remember those living in war areas and name them.

Then wipe your Big toe and say Today God, I would like to remember those who guide us, and name them.

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.

HOLY WEEK 2022-Wednesday

We are now in Holy Week. The RCL(Revised Common Lectionary) has readings for each day of the week.

Many churches where I live do not have services for every day of Holy Week but that does not stop you from gathering the family and looking into the readings.

What a lovely way to prepare the family for Good Friday or the start of any church services face to-face or on Zoom that your congregation may have.

You can read all the texts or just choose one or two for the day.

These ideas are for your family to think through, they are not intended for you to be all knowing(you may actually be surprised what ideas are sparked in your children about faith.

This is a time for you all to get to know the Lord.

Though if you require a place to start, you might like these Questions.

I wonder what this story/game/colouring in/prayer etc reveals to us about God?
I wonder how you see yourself in this story/game/colouring in/prayer?

This is a time for you all to get to know the Lord.

LITURGY FOR LENT

Lent is 40 Days, (spread your fingers out and push them in front of yourself 4X)

it’s a long long way (shield your eyes and look around the horizon)

but with each step (walk on the spot)

We get closer,

closer to the JOY of EASTER, (star jump)

Closer to God (give yourself a hug)

We learn more about ourselves (point to yourself)

Like Jesus did in his 40 days in the Wilderness,

Today we only have 2 days left (spread your fingers out and count off 2 fingers)

We are getting closer

(Some visual learning suggestions, place 40 stepping stones around the church/or home, these can be made from non-slip tiles or mats (try Bunnings or Spotlight for ideas) such as these or if your church/home has cobble stones or timber stepping stones around them, number them and cross off the days. Another option is to use the Praying in Color steps template, especially good for those with small spaces or where you want people to stay connected away from the communal space.)

NOTE: though we say that LENT is 40 days we do not count the Sundays

FIRST READING: ISAIAH 50: 4-9a

READ: Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell

WATCH:

A Storypath suggestion.

DRAW: those times when you need God.

PRAY: Dear God

You are with us

Always

Thank you

Amen

PSALM 70

Psalm 70: Hurry up!

Hurry up, God, I need your help! (Look behind and swat your hand forward)
NOW would be good! (stamp your foot)
Come on, God, get a move on! (put your hands on your hips)
I’m in trouble, I’m under attack, (stamp your feet)
people are out to get me! (point to yourself)

I want everything that’s been thrown at me (crouch down)
to bounce back in their faces, (pretend to punch)
see how they like that! (Hands on hips)
Hurry up, God! Save me! Protect me! (look behind and swat your hand forward)

I feel small, poor and needy, (make yourself as small as possible)
but you are my help and my saving power. (plead)
I trust you no matter what. (give yourself a hug)
With all your people I will say “God is great!”( clench your fist and push your arm out from the shoulder)
Everyone who loves you will find joy in you. (star jump)
But right now … (stamp your foot)
I wish you would hurry up and do something! (Look behind and swat your hand forward)

Word by Rev Purdie, actions in italics by me

How does the Psalm make you feel?

Describe that feeling, or draw it, or point out what it feels like from the emoji’s on someone’s phone.

SECOND READING: HEBREW 12:1-3

READ: The Hare and the Tortoise by Aesop

WATCH

I chose the traditional story of the Hare and the Tortoise because the hare keeps his eye on what needs to be done working towards the ending as quickly as he can, despite insults or opposition.

MAKE an origami rabbit. (hare and rabbit are different, they are from the same family but different species) Suitable for older children and adults.

COLOUR-IN this Hare’s mask.

OR DRAW a Tortoise

MAKE a Tortoise

SING I want to be like Jesus on To be like Jesus by Sovereign Grace Kids

GOSPEL READING: JOHN 13:21-32

READ: The Beginner’s Bible pp.440-441

OR Biblegateway International Children’s Bible

DRAW or WRITE about a friend who turned against you, or when you turned against a friend.

PRAY:

Dear God,

help me to be a good friend

Amen

SENDING HYMN Tell the World by Hillsong Kids Learn the actions here

Blessings

Wendy L.

Please check local 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.

HOLY WEEK 2022-TUESDAY

We are now in Holy Week. The RCL(Revised Common Lectionary) has readings for each day of the week.

Many churches where I live do not have services for every day of Holy Week but that does not stop you from gathering the family and looking into the readings.

What a lovely way to prepare the family for Good Friday or the start of any church services face to-face or on zoom that your congregation may have.

You can read all the texts or just choose one or two to for the day.

These ideas are for your family to think through, they are not intended for you to be all-knowing (you may actually be surprised what ideas are sparked in your children about faith.

This is a time for you all to get to know the Lord.

Though if you require a place to start, you might like these Questions.

I wonder what this story/game/colouring in/prayer etc reveals to us about God?
I wonder how you see yourself in this story/game/colouring in/prayer?

OPENING PRAYER

Find some small pebbles.

As you pray make a picture with the pebbles.

This is a time for you all to get to know the Lord.

LITURGY FOR LENT

Lent is 40 Days, (spread your fingers out and push them in front of yourself 4X)

it’s a long long way (shield your eyes and look around the horizon)

but with each step (walk on the spot)

We get closer,

closer to the JOY of EASTER, (star jump)

Closer to God (give yourself a hug)

We learn more about ourselves (point to yourself)

Like Jesus did in his 40 days in the Wilderness,

Today we only have 3 days left (spread your fingers out and count off 3 fingers)

We are getting closer

NOTE: though we say that LENT is 40 days we do not count the Sundays

FIRST READING: ISAIAH 49:1-7

READ: The Libarian on the Roof by M. G. King

WATCH start at the 2.49 minute mark

A Storybook suggestion. Follow the link to find out why it was suggested.

DRAW OR WRITE: about the things that you are good at.

PRAY:

God,

Show me the gifts that you have given me

So I can help you

Amen

PSALM 71: 1-14

Psalm 71: All our lives long

(for a child and an old person to read – child’s voice in bold)

In you, O Lord, do I live
In you, O Lord, I grow
You are our God, our rock and refuge
You are my rock, like a rock to dive off into the river
You are my rock, like a home well fenced and protected
Hear us when we call, O God, lift us into your arms.

All my life long you have been with me
When I was born and took my first breath,
you held me
All through the years, I have leaned on you
Through all the years ahead I will lean on you.
When I was young you taught me
When I grow old you will bless me
I remember all you have done for me
I will tell everyone how great you are!

an exert from http://www.conversations.net.nz/psalm-71-all-our-lives-long.html

How does the Psalm make you feel?

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

Go and find a rock, it doesn’t matter if it is big or small. Think of all the uses you have for a rock. Draw one or some on it.

SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

READ: Ordinary Mary’s Extraordinary Deed by Emily Pearson

WATCH

A Storypath suggestion

FIND: objects and their use, or draw or write about objects and what their use is

PRAY

God,

you made me,

For your purpose,

Amen

GOSPEL READING: JOHN 12:20-36

READ: Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney

WATCH

A Storypath suggestion find out why

GROW: Love this idea from Sun hats and Wellie Boots, sew cress seeds in the form of a cross.

PRAY:

Thank you, God,

that

I can always trust you

Amen

SENDING HYMN Tell the World by Hillsong Kids Learn the actions here

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.

HOLY WEEK 2022-MONDAY

PALM OR PASSION SUNDAY marks the start of Holy Week. The RCL has readings for each day of the week.

Many churches where I live do not have services for every day of Holy Week but that does not stop you from gathering the family and looking into the readings.

What a lovely way to prepare the family for Good Friday.

You can read all the texts or just choose one or two for the day.

These ideas are for your family to think through, they are not intended for you to be all knowing (you may actually be surprised what ideas are sparked in your children about faith.)

This is a time for you all to get to know the Lord.

LITURGY FOR LENT

Lent is 40 Days, (spread your fingers out and push them in front of yourself 4X)

it’s a long long way (shield your eyes and look around the horizon)

but with each step (walk on the spot)

We get closer,

closer to the JOY of EASTER, (star jump)

Closer to God (give yourself a hug)

We learn more about ourselves (point to yourself)

Like Jesus did in his 40 days in the Wilderness,

Today we only have 4 days left (spread your fingers out and count off 4 fingers)

We are getting closer

So today we wave (wave)

with Palm leaves high (if you have a palm leaf real or created hold it up high)

Amen (one clap)

NOTE: though we say that LENT is 40 days we do not count the Sundays

THEME SONG: To be like Jesus on the To be like Jesus album by Soveriegn Kids

FIRST READING: Isaiah 42:1-9

READ: The Little Duck by Judy Dunn

WATCH

A Storypath suggestion (make sure you read why it is suggested)

CRAFT: make a chick to remind you of the things that made the servant valuable. Here are some ideas 1) Easy chick, 2) Origami Chick 3) Draw a chick 4) Colouring-in

PRAY

Help me

to be

your servant, God,

Amen

PSALM 36:5-11

Your love, O God, reaches up, up beyond the sky, (stretch as tall as you can, arms above your head)
Your goodness goes higher than the clouds, (shade your eyes)
Your power is bigger than the tallest mountains, ( bring your hands together above your head)
Your truth goes deeper than the ocean. (wiggle your hand like waves on the sea)

O God, we treasure your infinite love. (make a love heart with your hands)
All people can hide in the shadow of your wings. (flap your arms like wings)
O God, we celebrate your mighty river of joy. (star jump)
All people can feast together in your house. (pretend to spoon food into your mouth)
O God, you are the fountain of life. (hold arms out wide above your body)
All people can find light in your light. (shield your eyes)
Your love, O God, reaches up, up beyond the sky, (stretch as tall as you can, arms above your head)
Your goodness goes higher than the clouds, (shade your eyes)
Your power is bigger than the tallest mountains, ( bring your hands together above your head)
Your truth goes deeper than the ocean. (wiggle your hand like waves on the sea)

Hold us in your amazing love, now and forever. (Make a love heart with your hands)
With loving hearts we will live in you. Amen. (clap once)

adapted from Rev Purdie’s rewite of Psalm 36, with actions in italics from me.

How does the Psalm make you feel?

Describe that feeling, or draw it, or point out what it feels like from a set of emotional cards https://innovativeresources.org/resources/card-sets/bears-cards/ or the Bears App https://innovativeresources.org/resources/digital-applications/bears-app/

SECOND READING: Hebrews 9:11-15

READ: Mama always comes home by Karma Wilson

WATCH

I choose this book because it talks about sacrifice, about steadfast love, which is at the centre of this Hebrews reading

PLAY: with parenting animal toys, eg. bear and baby bear,

GOSPEL READING: John 12:1-11

READ: Mary Anoints Jesus pp.302-305 in the Whirl Story Book Bible

DRAW: Your most precious item? I wonder if you could give it away?

COLOURING-IN

SENDING HYMN Tell the World by Hillsong Kids Learn the actions here

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 SATURDAY: RCL ideas to use with even the littlest at home

Yes, there are readings for Easter Saturday, and as we all stay at home this is the ideal time to stay the distance and keep going to Easter Sunday.

I will continue to list all the Revised Common Lectionary Readings, but will only supply ideas for the Psalm and Gospel Readings.

FIRST READING: Job 14:1-14

OR Lamentations 3:1-9, 19-24

PSALM 31:1-4, 15-16

Psalm 31: My hiding place

Where can I hide?
I cannot find anywhere that feels safe.
Everywhere there are traps set for me.
Everywhere people whisper about me.
Be my safe place, O God.
Be my hiding space, my refuge, my shelter.
I put myself in your hands.
Be strong! Fill your heart with courage!
Thanks again to Rev. Purdie http://www.conversations.net.nz/psalm-31-strength-in-exhaustion.html

Point out the hiding places in your garden or home. Where do you feel safest?

SECOND READING: 1 Peter 4:1-8

GOSPEL READING: Matthew 27:57-66

READ: the Lion Story Book Buried in a tomb pp.216-217

MAKE: I love this garden by https://lettheirlightshine.com/2020/04/07/easter-garden-to-make-at-home/

But I suggest that it can be easily adapted to use for both Easter Saturday and Easter Sunday by adding the flowers on Sunday, and the words on the rock on Sunday. For today seal the tomb, with Jesus in it. (an old fashioned peg, wrapped in white ribbon will do the trick) BUT LIKE THE TOOTH FAIRY make sure on Sunday morning the tomb is open and Jesus is gone. Then finish off as per Let their Light Shine on Sunday

Older children might like to make a scene out of lego, and then change it on Sunday.

OR John 19:38-42

Read: My First read a loud Bible by Batchelor and Boshoff A Sad Day , pp.222-223 also in 5 Minute Bible Stories pp.168-169

the Lion Story Book Buried in a tomb pp.216-217

DO: find things that smell nice in your home?

MAKE: I love this garden by https://lettheirlightshine.com/2020/04/07/easter-garden-to-make-at-home/

Older children might like to make a scene out of lego, and then change it on Sunday.

Blessings

Wendy L.

HOLY WEEK, Maundy Thursday: RCL ideas to use with even the littlest at home

Everything is different this year. We are experiencing our own bit of the world turned upside down. It’s so easy to relate to the Easter story this year because all of us, young and old are having a “it’s not supposed to be like this” moment in history. Jesus was not meant to die, that was not what people, even his closest disciples were not expecting this even though Jesus had been trying to tell them. in today’s gospel reading we have another one of those moments. The Psalms this week have reminded us that we can call out to God in the really tough times.

So before I suggest ideas for relating to today’s readings. May I suggest you mix it up even more and make an occasion of these very special days this weekend.

Starting tonight. One of my favourite Maundy Thursday services is the turning off of the lights in the Church, I love the stillness even though the idea of darkness descending is the aim. So from this concept. I thought of 2 worship experiences. 1) Do these readings at bedtime, and then ritualistically have the kids turn off the lights. With the prayer.

And darkness fell on the house

And darkness fell on the earth

And we wait for the light

Amen

They could even blow out the lights as you turn off the switch.

(This will not work at all if you have a child who is afraid of the dark or has night terrors, one of mine fitted that category. DO NOT TRAUMATISE YOUR CHILD)

MY SECOND IDEA. Is to camp in the backyard, most countries at this time of the year have weather almost suitable for this. If it’s not or you do not have a garden or are not allowed to do this due to lockdown then camp out inside. This idea is taken from the Jewish passover culture of erecting a structure in their yards. Read the Maundy Thursday readings in your camp, sleep and then wake up to the GOOD FRIDAY readings with the sunrise.

I would recommend also reading Andrew McDonough’s Peter and the Rooster, you can find out where to buy it as a hard or ebook or see an exert here https://www.lostsheep.com.au/stories/peter-and-the-rooster/ and you can purchase a downloadable activity book with enough activities to keep everyone busy at the camp site.

Andrew read this story here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0fnDifymj8

Today’s RCL Readings are below.

I have posted suggestions for 2 of the 4 readings. The Psalm, which generally echoes the First Reading, but which speaks to emotion, because we are all finding our emotional responses more highly alive this week. So I am including it to give your preparation for Good Friday an emotional context. The second reading I will be including is the Gospel reading which sets the pace for the coming weekend. I will list the other readings but not supply suggestions in case you wish to explore these reading’s on your own.

FIRST READING: Exodus 12:1-4(5-10), 11-14

PSALM 116: 1-2, 12-19 (actions in italics)

God hears me (cup your hand near your ear as straining to hear)

I love God (make a love heart with your hand)

What do I have to give? (Flop your arms down away form your body with the palms up)

I will honour God (Cross your arms across your body)

I will tell others of God’s goodness (make a megaphone with your hands)

God cares about me (give yourself a hug)

I will serve you (pretend to give someone a plate of food)

I come from those who serve you (look behind)

What shall I give you? (shake your pointing finger)

I will tell others of God’s goodness (make a megaphone with your hands)

Everywhere (open your arms wide)

Praise the LORD (arms out wide and above your head)

How does the Psalm make you feel?

SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

GOSPEL READING: John 13: 1-17, 31b-35

READ:My First Read -aloud Bible by Batchelor and Boshoff, Washing feet pp.212-213 OR 5 Minute Bible Stories by Batchelor and Boshoff, pp.158-159

AND Snuggle Time Prayers by Glenys Nellist, Loving Others

DO: Wash your washable toys feet, like Jesus did in todays story

AND help out with something, such as setting the table, carrying pillows out to the camp site, etc.

Pray

Dear God,

we are there for each other

The great,

and the weak

Amen

Blessings

Wendy L.

Holy Week, Wednesday: RCL ideas to use with even the littlest at home

With most of the world home bound, and many new traditions taking shape you might want to add Holy Week to them. The Revised Common Lectionary has readings assigned for every day this week. So each day until Good Friday I will post suggestions for 2 of each day’s 4 readings. The Psalm, which generally echoes the First Reading, but which speaks to emotion, because we are all finding our emotional responses more highly alive this week. So I am including it to give your preparation for Good Friday an emotional context. The second reading I will be including is the Gospel reading which sets the pace for the coming weekend. I will list the other readings but not supply suggestions in case you wish to explore these reading’s on your own.

FIRST READING: ISIAIH 50: 4-9a

PSALM 70

READ: http://www.conversations.net.nz/psalm-70-hurry-up.html

How does the Psalm make you feel?

SECOND READING: HEBREW 12:1-3

GOSPEL READING: JOHN 13:21-32

READ: The Beginner’s Bible pp.440-441

Where at home do you feel safe?

Show me, point them out or draw them,

PRAY:

Dear God,

help me to be a good friend

Amen

Blessings

Wendy L.

Holy Week, TUESDAY: RCL ideas to use with even the littlest at home

FIRST READING: ISAIAH 49:1-7

PSALM 71: 1-14

Psalm 71: All our lives long

(for a child and an old person to read – child’s voice in bold)

All my life long you have been with me
When I was born and took my first breath,
you held me
All through the years I have leaned on you
Through all the years ahead I will lean on you.
When I was young you taught me
When I grow old you will bless me
I remember all you have done for me
I will tell everyone how great you are!

an exert from http://www.conversations.net.nz/psalm-71-all-our-lives-long.html

How does the Psalm make you feel?

Go and find a rock, it doesn’t matter if it is big or small. Think of all the uses you have for a rock. Draw one or some on it.

SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

GOSPEL READING: JOHN 12:20-36

WATCH/READ: Owl Babies by Martin Waddell https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyiBDPJCDFY

MAKE: Something with play dough or lego. To make something else you need to pull this apart and start again. Something new comes from destroying the first effort.

PRAY:

Thank you God,

that you don’t forget your children

I can always trust you

Amen

Blessings

Wendy L.