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

Welcome. 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.

If 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.

You might like to introduce THE LORDS PRAYER IN ACTIONS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOugEQpcc_k OR https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMjm93ylL2w

We are now in the season of LENT the liturgical colour is PURPLE (closer to the red spectrum, Advent’s purple is closer to the blue spectrum)

If worshipping from home you might like to set up a table or space with a purple cloth, a cross, and some things that remind you of your time in Lent, or from today’s readings.

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 12 days left (spread your fingers out and count off 12 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

This Liturgy can be said daily in the home, counting each day down as you say the second last line.

FIRST READING: Ezekiel 37:1-14

WATCH: Don’t forget to answer the wondering Questions.

DRAW: a picture of a person, watch your drawing becoming different from those you have drawn before or that others are drawing around you. (I have included a link if you would like instructions on how to draw) or you could use a person shape and dress them (here are some ideas from RIOT).

ACTIVITY: Have you ever seen a plant you thought might be dead, come to life when it is cared for.

Is there such a plant in your home, that you can care for?

OR have you cooked a cake and it has fallen in the middle, instead of throwing it out what other uses have you found for it?

OR recycle or repurpose something

PSALM 130

READ Psalms for Young Children by Marie-Helene Delval

SING Liturgical Folk Psalm Settings album, Number 8

SECOND READING: Romans 8:6-11

READ: The Biggest Story Bible,

READ: Would you rather be a Bullfrog by Dr Suess

WATCH

A Storypath Suggestion

READ: The Biggest Story Bible

PLAY: with Babushka dolls, or anything that nests one inside the other.

PRAY:

Creator God,

help me to rest in you

for you are in me

Amen

GOSPEL READING: John 11:1-45

READ: The Whirl Story Bible, Jesus raises Lazarus, pp.298-301

OR The Spark Story Bible, Lazarus, pp.354-357

WATCH: Make sure you answer the Wondering Questions

SING: Totally God-Totally Man by Sovereign Grace Music

COLOURING-IN

BENEDICTION/LEAVING SONG Heather Price’s Benediction Song on her Full of the Spirit Album

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.

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

Faith is portable, we live it, and share it, every day. I hope these simple ideas help your family or congregation form their faith.

You might like to introduce THE LORDS PRAYER IN ACTIONS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOugEQpcc_k OR https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMjm93ylL2w

We are now in the season of LENT the liturgical colour is PURPLE (closer to the red spectrum, Advent’s purple is closer to the blue spectrum)

If worshipping from home you might like to set up a table or space with a purple cloth, a cross, and somethings that remind you of your time in Lent, or from today’s readings.

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 18 days left (spread your fingers out and count off 18 fingers)

We are getting closer

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

This Liturgy can be said daily in the home, counting each day down as you say the second last line.

FIRST READING:1 Samual 16:1-13

READ: David is Chosen pp.90-93 in The Whirl Story Bible

Colouring In

BAKE: cook or eat a cake that has a secret centre.

PRAY

Creator God,

You made me

and you know

everything about me

Just like only you

Could choose

Jesse’s son, David

Amen

PSALM 23

READ The Shepherd Psalm (for Children by Rev Silvia Purdie)

PLAY: Act out this psalm using toy sheep and a shepherd, and create the different environments.

OR DRAW: the place you feel close to God, or most needing of God.

SECOND READING: Ephesians 5:8-14

READ: When God made Light by Matthew Paul Turner

WATCH

SING : Let your Light Shine on the album Practise Being Godly by Colin Buchanan

PLAY: look at all the different sources of light you can find (ie, candles, lamp, phone light, sun, moon etc)

Older children might like to make a drawing of the many ways that God shines in them (ie helping, feeling calm, soothing a pet, etc)

GOSPEL READING: John 9:1-41

READ: Beginner’s Bible Jesus Heals a Blind Beggar p.511-374

WATCH

PLAY: Prepare first by choosing objects and placing them on a tray, cover the tray in a dark material. Play the game by putting on a sleep mask then take turns to guess what each object on the tray is.

PRAY:

Continue God,

To help people to see,

For all may come to you

Amen

cover your eyes with your hands as you say the prayer.

BENEDICTION/LEAVING SONG Heather Price’s Benediction Song on her Full of the Spirit Album

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.

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

Faith is portable, we live it, and share it, every day. I hope these simple ideas help your family or congregation form their faith.

You might like to introduce THE LORDS PRAYER IN ACTIONS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOugEQpcc_k OR https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMjm93ylL2w

We are now in the season of LENT the liturgical colour is PURPLE (closer to the red spectrum, Advent’s purple is closer to the blue spectrum)

If worshipping from home you might like to set up a table or space with a purple cloth, a cross, and somethings that remind you of your time in Lent, or from today’s readings.

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 24 days left (spread your fingers out and count off 24 fingers)

We are getting closer

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

This Liturgy can be said daily in the home, counting each day down as you say the second last line.

FIRST READING: Exodus 17:1-7

READ: 5 Minute Bible Stories by Batchelor and Boshoff, God gives Water pp.52-53

OR The Spark StoryBible, pp.94-95

COLOURING-IN:

DRAW/WRITE OR TELL: Who do you relate to in the story? Moses, the Israelites, someone else? Why?

PSALMS 95

READ Snuggle Time Psalms by Glenys Nellist

OR Psalm 95: Come let us sing for joy

Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord! (Dance)
Let us shout aloud to the rock of our salvation! (make a megaphone with your hands)
Come, make a joyful noise! (hands in the air)
Come, bring all your “thank you”s ((bob your head)
For in God’s hand are the mountain tops (make a mountain with your hands)
and the ocean floors. (make waves with your hands)

Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord! (Dance)
Let us shout aloud to the rock of our salvation!(make a megaphone with your hands)
Come, bow down and worship (Bow)
Come, kneel and be humble (kneel)
For in God’s hand are all his people (cup your hands together)
we are his sheep and he is our Shepherd (be a sheep)

from http://www.conversations.net.nz/psalm-95-come-let-us-sing-for-joy.html

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 the phone.

SECOND READING: Romans 5:1-11

READ: Hope is an Open Heart by Lauren Thompson

WATCH:

A Storypath suggestion. Read the reason why they chose this book.

SING Snack Music’s Thank you for Loving me

PRAY:

MEDITATE: A time of sitting quietly to hear God. Turn on a Battery operated candle, sit quietly and enjoy God’s peace. (our little ones won’t sit long, and this is not an endurance test, set a timer, 10 seconds, 20 seconds, whatever they can achieve then each time you try this make it just a little bit longer.)

GOSPEL READING: John 4:5-42

READ: The Spark Story Bible, the Woman at the well, pp.338-343

SING/LISTEN: https://www.seedsfamilyworship.com/product/the-character-of-god-vol-7/#

THINK/LIST/DRAW: Those things that fill you with ___(eg happiness, love, etc)

BENEDICTION/LEAVING SONG Heather Price’s Benediction Song on her Full of the Spirit Album

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. Most Uniting Church Congregations will say an Acknowledgment of Country, very early in their service.

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

Faith is portable, we live it, and share it, every day. I hope these simple ideas help your family or congregation form their faith.

You might like to introduce THE LORDS PRAYER IN ACTIONS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOugEQpcc_k OR https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMjm93ylL2w

We are now in the season of LENT the liturgical colour is PURPLE (closer to the red spectrum, Advent’s purple is closer to the blue spectrum)

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 30 days left (spread your fingers out and push them in front of yourself 3X)

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 Bunnnings or Spotlight for ideas) 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

This Liturgy can be said daily in the home, counting each day down as you say the second last line.

FIRST READING: GENESIS: 12:1-4a

READ: Abram’s Call from The Spark Storybook Bible, only pp.30-31

COLOURING-IN

SING Abraham believed on Colin Buchanan’s album Old Testament Sing-a-long

PRAY

Trust,

God help me

to trust You

Amen

PSALM: 121

Psalm 121: I lift my eyes to the hills

I lift my eyes to the hills; (look up)
who is coming to help me? (drop your shoulders)
The Lord! Jesus has come to help me! (point to yourself)
He is right here, all the time.
Every step I take is a step with him. (take a step forward)
He has promised to take care of me, (give yourself a hug)
and he never sleeps on the job! (pretend to place your head on a pillow of your hands)
The Lord will keep you safe.
The Lord will keep your going out
and your coming in
from now on and always and always.

What emotions does this Psalm bring out in you? Show it or draw it or find an emoji that shows me.

SECOND READING: ROMANS: 4:1-5 and 13-17

READ: The Whirl Story Bible, Roman Believers, pp.366-369

CREATE a play about a situation that contrasts someone getting what they deserve because they followed the rules and someone receiving something due to God’s grace.

GOSPEL READING: JOHN 3:1-17

READ: Nicodemus in the Whirl Story Book Bible pp.282-285

COLOURING-IN

SING I am Loved from the I am Loved album by Heather Price

OR MATTHEW: 17:1-9

READ: Children of God, by Desmond Tutu, Jesus is changed on the Mountaintop, pp.102-103

Colouring-In

PRAY

Let me hear about the glory of God

And help me share

the Wonder

Amen

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.

Lent 5 C: Revised Common Lectionary: ideas to involve even the youngest.

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, but rather to find ways of connecting with the text and sharing that with others. The ideal is to form alife long love of Christ and for the Word of God.

Today is the Fifth(5) Sunday in LENT. The Liturgical colour is PURPLE.

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:

LISTEN: On the album Lent, Lent 5 Willing Minds, by Liturgical Folk

Light or turn on 6 Candles (one for each Sunday in Lent) Blow out (or turn off) 5 Candles

PRAY

Into this season of Lent (pretend to Walk)

I go (point to yourself)

Life has it’s seasons (draw a circle in the air)

It’s Joys and (happy face)

It’s sadnesses (sad face)

You go before me (point your arms ahead)

You are there after me (look behind)

Amen

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:

PRAY: Use heart shaped post-it notes and as you write a person or an activity you can do out of love, pray for the activity or person.

FIRST READING: Isaiah 43:16-21

READ: Beyond the Pond By Joseph Kuefler

WATCH

A suggestion by Storypath

RECYCLE: make something from rubbish? Or make a new item out of an old t-shirt or other item of clothing, eg a sock puppet.

PRAY: Download and print this sheet of blocks and write the names of someone you want to pray for on each brick, as you pray for that person.

PSALM 126

Psalm 126: A Harvest of Joy

Remember feeling amazing! (Show how you feel when your happy)
Remember a time of celebration – (blow out a pretend candle)
that was the Lord God at work!
Laughter rang out, (pretend to laugh)
everyone was happy, (smile)
everyone laughed till they shook with joy! (big pretend belly laugh)
The Lord has done great things for us (hold hands out wide)
and we reply with shouts of joy! (jump and spread your arms and legs out)

Remember feeling sad? (make a sad face)
Remember tears running down your face –(rub your eyes as if your were crying)
God was with you then. (pretend to put your arm around a pretend friend)
Your pain planted seeds (double over holding stomach)
and your tears watered them. (catch the pretend tears from your eyes)
The seeds grew in the tender mercy of God (go from a small ball to stretch tall)
growing fruit of wisdom ( Hand someone a pretend fruit)
fruit of kindness. (give a pretend hug)
Gather the fruit, and celebrate (fling arms and legs out wide)
that all things work for good in God’s ways.
Those who go out weeping
shall come home rejoicing.
The Lord has done great things for us (hold hands out wide)
and we reply with shouts of joy! (jump and spread your arms and legs out)

words by Rev Purdie actions by me

SHOW: How does this psalm make you feel, act it out, choose and emoji shows how you feel, or draw it.

SECOND READING: Philippians 3:4b-14

READ: Imagine by Juan Felipe Herrera

WATCH

A Storypath Suggestion

DRAW or MAKE something wonderful. When finished see if there is anything you can do to make it even more wonderful?

SING Nothing Better Than Jesus on Soverign Grace Music album To be like Jesus

PRAY

Dear God

I love (name the things you love)

but nothing is

better than You

Amen

GOSPEL READING: John 12:1-8

READ: The Whirl Story Bible, Mary anoints Jesus, pp.302-305

WATCH

COLOURING-IN:

DRAW: something that is really important to you? Could you give it away? If you ever did whom would you give it too?

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.

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

WELCOME: Everyone is welcome here.

Today is the Fourth Sunday in LENT. The Liturgical colour is PURPLE.

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.

LET’S BEGIN:

LISTEN : On Lent Lent 4 Set our Hearts Ablaze, by Liturgical Folk

Light or turn on 6 Candles (one for each Sunday in Lent) Blow out (or turn off) 4 Candles

PRAY

Into this season of Lent (pretend to Walk)

I go (point to yourself)

Life has it’s seasons (draw a circle in the air)

It’s Joys and (happy face)

It’s sadnesses (sad face)

You go before me (point your arms ahead)

You are there after me (look behind)

Amen

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:

PRAY: Use heart shaped post-it notes and as you write a person or an activity you can do out of love, pray for the activity or person.

FIRST READING: Joshua 5:9-12

READ: That’s not a Daffodil by Elizabeth Honey

WATCH

I have suggested this book as the Isrealists had been supported by manna until they could have food from the land, and when that was the case they then celerated passover for the memory of their ancestors escape from Eygpt. In That’s not a daffodil, the young boy keeps looking for the daffadil in his pot, in much the same way the Isrealists were looking for the promised land and whne they arrived they could celebrate, as the young boy did in the book i’ve recommended.

If you want to recap the idea of Passover read The Lion Picture Book p.83

SING

PLAY with play food or a play picnic to celebrate as the Israelites did.

PRAY:

I feel safe God (wrap your arms around your body)

When I trust you, God

Amen

PSALM 32

READ: Psalm 32: The mad donkey

Will you buck against God, (kick one leg backwards)
kick and fight what is right (make fists and pretend to box)
like a mad donkey?? (put your hands straight on either side of your head)
True happiness happens (smile and hug yourself)
when you let God be in charge. (salute)
So say sorry when you stuff up. (make a sad face)
Say sorry when you hurt people. (make a sad face)
You are forgiven and adored (smile)
more than you know,(pretend to count your fingers)
so start over, fresh each day. (lay your head to one side placing your hands underneath it)
Rejoice in the Lord and stand tall. (do a star jump)

Words by Rev. Purdie, actions by me.

How does this Psalm make you feel, draw a picture, or show how you feel on your face, or find an emoji that fits your thinking about this Psalm.

SECOND READING: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21

READ: Florette by Anne Walker

WATCH

I chose this book as it represents new beginnings and things created differently to what went before, in much the same manner that “everything old has passed away:see everything has become new” in v.17. In that newness is reconciliation to the new environment Mae has found herself in, which reminded me of God’s reconcilliation to us, V.19.

DRAW: Take a blank piece of paper and transform it into your work of art.

OR Build something with bricks and then tear it down and make something else.

GOSPEL READING: Luke 15:1-3 and 11b-32

READ: The Whirl Story Bible p.262-264 then p.266-269

OR The Whirl Story Bible, pp.pp.312-313, then pp.316-321

PLAY: re tell the stories with toy pigs, sheep and dolls, or make your own puppets

MAKE: The Tiny Truths bookmark “I am one of HIs Sheep”

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.

It’s not too late to practice Lent at home?

This Lent did not start out in the controlled manner that I would have liked. I’ve been tired, so very tired, caring for my husband who had emergency surgery and is now Rehab(ing) at home.

On Shrove Tuesday’s pancakes were eaten for desset at dinner (nothing wrong with that) but our families tradition had been pancakes for breakfast each Shrove Tuesday, but by the time bathing, dressing and physio happened. Dinner it was.

Usually I’d head to the Ash Wednesday service, but the morning routine was still going and it was a face to face service only, and I could not leave the patient/husband.

I started to get the feeling that this was going to be a very different Lent.

Yet looking back over the years, though I have settled into a pattern, I realised it had not always been this way.

There were years when I had babies and post natal depression.

When we were travelling.

When I was mourning.

Yes there had been plenty of tough times, when the Lent routine got lost.

The season of Lent doesn’t go away just because the going get’s tough.

We started this years Revised Common Lectionary readings for Lent with a story about challenges, of being in the desert, of being tempted.

What a reminder that no matter what we are experiencing, and this year I am very aware of those being displaced at the start of Lent. Lent is here, and it’s worth acknowledging that it is, and turn the mis/adventures of the faith practice for Lent into THE practice of Lent.

No matter what is happening around me, whether I can make it to a face-to-face church service or not. My Lenten journey is between God and me.

When we live in families, be that a family of 1, you, or a tribe of kids, grandparents cousins etc.it is still Lent.

Lent is still the season of preparation. There is more to be done than just attending services each Sunday or heading to church for the annual visit come Easter. I personally understand that, because that was basically the pattern of my experience of Lent as I was growing up.

So why would I want to encourage families to adopt Lenten practices when I grew up with few in a Christian Household?

What has changed in me, that I now feel that this opportunity for spiritual development and community building should be embraced and practiced by the whole Christian community, and especially by family groups?

This is the list I came up with

Practicing at home extends the experience of Lent into the lived experience, and beyond the church door.
It extends the opportunity for children to learn and use the concepts and words of faith, away from the Church buildings, especially when faith practices are being discouraged in the wider communities and in our schools
It unifies the Christian community, Catholic and Protestant.
Gives an opportunity to deepen our spiritual practices of Biblical Study, Prayer and Action.
Allows us to share intergenerationally, grandparents, parents and children.
Faith Transmission appears to be stronger in families where faith practices are encouraged in all family members in their daily life. Youth studies show the influences, and John W. Westerhoff III”s Will our Children have Faith (Harrisburg, Moorehouse, 2012) explores this idea to.
United Nations Convention of the rights of the child to spiritual expression

8. As well as my own personal experiences as I have opened my life up to Lenten practices and what I have observed in the children of the Families I have ministered to.

Lenten practices do not have to be complicated. This year my Lenten plan is very simple. So if you have never experienced a Lenten preparation may I make these very simple starting practice suggestions, and encourage you to find time this Lent to be intentional and share it with your family. Even if you are running late for the start of Lent.

Mark the time.

I have found young children find it a very long season, it helps if they can count it down. The very young or the very tired or time poor can use the Lenten Calendar from Praying in Color

OR try a Lent scripture chain, for the very young you could omit the bible verses.

OR The Jesus Story Book Lent Guide also uses a chain activity. The draw back with this one is that though free, you must sign up to recieve the guide and you need to have The Jesus storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones It is wonderful though for busy families.

You may not have thought of this as a Lenten practice, suitable for all ages, try Picture Lent

FOR a study that is about to begin( so you are not late for this at all) Try the Lego Lent Challenge great for all ages

Something outdors? How about these Wonder Walks for Lent

For a small payout, Ideal for a child who loves colouring try Illustrated Ministry

SING IT OUT

You might like to sing it out, it could be changing what you do such as listening to a Christian radio station, or search Lent songs on Spotify.

Listen to Lent by Litrugical Folk

For someone new try Dan Warlow

GOOD DEEDS

Or do Lent with a good cause see

OR Lent Event can give you some ideas of things to give up for Lent.

Give it a go.

And no it’s never too late to start.

Blessings

Wendy L.

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

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

WELCOME: Everyone is welcome here.

Today is the Second Sunday in LENT. The Liturgical colour is PURPLE.

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.

LET’S BEGIN:

SING https://www.snackmusic.com.au/songs/you-are-welcome

Light or turn on 6 Candles (one for each Sunday in Lent) Blow out (or turn off) 3 Candles

PRAY

Into this season of Lent (pretend to Walk)

I go (point to yourself)

Life has it’s seasons (draw a circle in the air)

It’s Joys and (happy face)

It’s sadnesses (sad face)

You go before me (point your arms ahead)

You are there after me (look behind)

Amen

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:

PRAY: Use heart shaped post-it notes and as you write a person or an activity you can do out of love, pray for the activity or person. (place your heart shapes on a Jar outline or on a vase or jug)

FIRST READING: ISAIAH 55:1-9

READ: The Magic Gourd by Baba Wague Diakite

WATCH

A sugggestion by Storypath

PLAY: for the very young, let them play tea parties.

Older ones might like to prepare a sumpteous morning tea.

PRAY

(with a cup or glass)

Take a sip,

God who quenches me

Please quench (and name someone who needs God that you know)

Amen

PSALM 63: 1-8

READ

SING: No.1. Better than Life on Seeds Family Worship album Vol. 3

If you were to rerwitethis Psalm for you what are the items you would refer to?

SECOND READING: 1 CORINTHIANS 10:1-13

READ: Dear Girl By Amie Krouse Rosenthal and Paris Rosenthal illustrated by Holley Hatam

WATCH

A suggestion by Storypath (if you find this reading sexist, rewrite it and tell your son or non-binary child a similar story for them)

Do: follow a pattern, for example 3 blocks red, green, red get them to repeat it. Make the pattern more complex the older they are.

Following Prayer

you say a sentence, then your child, ie Thank you God For (insert name or item)

GOSPEL READING: LUKE 13:1-9

WATCH:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STfw6gZtt7M

DO eat a fig, either fresh or dried, or make this fig dish for desert

PRAYER:

Help me Father

To give others

a chance

Amen

Action (crouch down low then grow, grow tall)

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.

Lent 2 C: Revised Common Lectionary ideas to involve even the youngest.

WELCOME: Everyone is welcome here.

Today is the Second Sunday in LENT. The Liturgical colour is PURPLE.

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.

LET’S BEGIN:

SING https://www.snackmusic.com.au/songs/you-are-welcome

Light or turn on 6 Candles (one for each Sunday in Lent) Blow out (or turn off) two Candles

PRAY

Into this season of Lent (pretend to Walk)

I go (point to yourself)

Life has it’s seasons (draw a circle in the air)

It’s Joys and (happy face)

It’s sadnesses (sad face)

You go before me (point your arms ahead)

You are there after me (look behind)

Amen

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: PRAY: Use heart shaped post-it notes and as you write a person or an activity you can do out of love, pray for the activity or person. (you might like to place your post-it notes in a heart shape as you pray)

FIRST READING: GENESIS 15:1-12 and 17-18

READ: The Spark story Bible, God’s Promises to Abram. pp.34-37

OR The Whirl Story Bible: Abraham and Sarah, pp.18-21

COUNT: Hundreds and Thousands. You might need to sweep up the area for those that might have escaped small mouths. We can’t see the night sky to count the stars during the service this is something else that is too numerous to count. What a big promise, You can also do this at night before bed time and actually try counting stars.

COLOURING-IN

PSALM 27:

READ: Psalms for Young Children by Marie-Helene Delval

COLOURING-IN Don’t forget to think about the questions too.

SECOND READING: Philippians 3:17-4:1

READ: Me Too! by Jamie Harper

WATCH

A suggestion by Storypath

PLAY: with your child, make a face and ask them to copy it, or make a pattern with your fingers, like a heart.

Older children might like to play Simon Say’s.

DRAW: Copy something, a flower, a person in church, your pet or a colouring in picture.

I wonder how easy it is to copy something?

I wonder what you need to do your way?

I wonder when a copy of something is a copy or a different thing?

PRAY: God,

help me to follow you

not just copy you

but live my life your way

Amen

GOSPEL READING: Luke 13:31-35

WATCH

I love the image of Vs.34, especially at this time of the year

MAKE: You might like to make this chicken family to play with.

PLAY: with animal families, especially a hen and chicks if you can.

OR WATCH

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.

Lent 1 C: Revised Common Lectionary ideas to involve even the youngest.

WELCOME: Everyone is welcome here.

Today is the FIRST Sunday in LENT. The Liturgical colour is PURPLE. Here is an article that might help you explain the season of Lent to your children

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.

LET’S BEGIN:

LISTEN Lent 1 Refuse the Bait, on Lent by Liturgical Folk

Light or turn on 6 Candles (one for each Sunday in Lent) Blow out (or turn off) one Candle

PRAY

Into this season of Lent (pretend to Walk)

I go (point to yourself)

Life has it’s seasons (draw a circle in the air)

It’s Joys and (happy face)

It’s sadnesses (sad face)

You go before me (point your arms ahead)

You are there after me (look behind)

Amen

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: DEUTERONOMY 26:1-11

WATCH:

READ: Love by Matt de la Pena

A suggestion by Storypath

PLAY: make a card, include a love heart on the front and make it for someone you know who might need a little extra love at the moment

OR decide what you can you do this Lent to help others. Just to get you started here are 3 suggestions, collecting money for refugees or food donations, helping a neighbour, writing a letter to a member of Parliment about Climate change just to

PRAY: Use heart shaped post-it notes and as you write a person or an activity you can do out of love, pray for the activity or person. (you might like to place your post-it notes in a heart shape as you pray)

PSALM 91:1-2, 9-16.

READ: Psalm 91: The Trust Psalm

Trust! Trust in God!
God is our shelter, (make a tent with your hands)
we are safe in his shadow.
God is our refuge, (put your tent shape above your head)
we are protected in his power.
God is like a mother bird and we are like chicks, (flap your arm like a chicken)
tucked warm under her wing.
God is our shield and our armor (hold your arm across your body as if holding a shield)
nothing can strike us down.
God is with us all the way
our guard and our guide. (point your finger as if showing someone something)
You may trip on a stone
but angels will catch you. (hold your arms out as if to catch something)
So don’t be afraid of snakes and spiders, (wiggle your hand up your arm)
don’t be afraid of evil attack.
In God’s love we are safe, no matter what. (make a love heart with your hands)
In God’s strength we are saved!

words from http://www.conversations.net.nz/psalm-91-an-invitation-to-deeper-prayer.html actions by me

SING No. 18 Psalm 91:14-16 on Boom Chick Boom by Colin Buchanan

SECOND READING: ROMANS 10:8b-13

READ

WATCH

READ: A book of Friends by Dave Ross

A Storypath suggestion

DO: share, share stickers or a bookmark (some of the Lost sheet books have free bookmarks to collect and colour at the end of the books print some off and have your child colour them in then share them with those around you or at church https://www.lostsheep.com.au/stories/jesus-and-the-storm/

OR make a love heart card that says I love God and I love you to give to members of the congregation.

GOSPEL READING: Luke 4:1-13

WATCH

READ: Jesus in the Desert, pp.70-71 in Children of God Storybook Bible By Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Make a desert. Make it three dimensional, use yellow or red material if you don’t have sand or make it two dimensional with felt pieces or make a picture using coloured paper or felt. Use rocks, plastic snake, plants etc.

PRAY:

Like Jesus

Help me trust you always.

Amen

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

Blessings

Wendy L.

Please check local guidlines before using items that are not mine especially if you are using this page for congregational use. Please acknowedge this page if you find it useful. Thank you.

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

I have qualifications in Education, Theology and Children’s Spirituality, and have worked as a Children and Families Worker in a city church. I use simple and easily found ideas to help you share the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) readings. This is a ONE STOP SHOP where I have done the sifting for you to find theologically and developmentally appropriate material for your congregation or family saving you time from sifting through many websites, facebook , pinterest, instagram, and blog posts.