PASSION SUNDAY 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.

There are 2 sets of RCL readings this week, one for Palm Sunday the other for Passion Sunday. If you are a member of the congregation or a visitor too that congregation either in person or on Zoom, check with the Readings for the week to discover which set you are using. You are reading ideas for Passion Sunday here, and you will find readings for Palm Sunday here.

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.

Because it is a special day in the life of the Church you might also want to decorate with palm fronds or even use the fallen branches of the trees in your area. Or you could make a template of this, and chalk it on the paths to your home if that is allowed.

IF worshipping in a Uniting Church In Australia you might like to teach the little ones this way to Acknowledge Country

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

Amen (one clap)

(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: Isaiah 50:4-9a

READ: One by Kathryn Otoshi

WATCH:

A Storypath suggestion.

DRAW: those times when you need someone to encourage or support you

PRAY (As you pray this prayer take a block and build a tower as you think of those who might need God’s help today)

Help me Lord

so that I can help

someone

who needs building up

Amen

PSALM 31:9-16

I am exhausted! (place hand near forehead)
My eyes struggle to see (pretend to rub eyes)
my strength fails (drop your shoulders)
my bones waste away. (let your body hang)

I am losing myself in this misery. (drop your head)
I am sinking into a deathly emptiness. (collapse to the floor)

Lord – I trust you! (fold your hands and plead)
I say to myself over and over (twirl your pointing finger around)
“You are my God. (Hands out wide)
My life is in your hands. (hold your hands in a pretend bowl)
Shine your face on me again. (smile)
Save me in your steadfast love. (Make a love heart with your hands)

Words are an exert from http://www.conversations.net.nz/psalm-31-strength-in-exhaustion.html actions (in brackets) are mine.

How does the Psalm make you feel? Draw it, or find an emoji that show’s it.

SECOND READING: Philippians 2:5-11

READ: A Little Peace of Me by Madeleine Lippey

WATCH This is a slide show rather than a video.

A Storypath Suggestion

SHARE: Bake a cake, or hand out fruit. What else can you share?

SING Jesus Christ is Lord on the The resurrection an Easter Collection album by Seeds Family Worship OR Vol 8, The Word of God album

GOSPEL READING:

Matthew 26:14-27: 66

READ: The Spark Story Bible, The Last Supper,( Matt:26:17-30) Jesus is Betrayed,(Matt:26:31-75) The Day Jesus Died,(Matt 27:27-66) pp.364-381

OR Children of God Storybook, Jesus Shares his last meal with his Friends(Matt.26), pp.108-109, The Trial and Death of Jesus (Matt:26-27), pp.110-111

OR Matthew 27:11-54

This is such a long reading if the shorter version is not used, I suggest it be broken down like the Spark Story Bible has

CREATE: Make a set for each scene of the story, (you can make this out of whatever you have around you, lego, cardboard boxes, rocks and trees, etc; then play out the story related to that scene ie The Last Supper, Jesus is Betrayed, The day that Jesus Died, the part of the story the Spark Story book does not cover is that of Jesus’s time with Pilate. Someone could retell this part and another set could be created.

COLOUR_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.

Passion Sunday 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 Passion or Palm Sunday in LENT. It is also the beginning of Holy Week. The Liturgical colour is PURPLE. (Palm Sunday suggestions are on a seperate blog)

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:

Light or turn on 6 Candles (one for each Sunday in Lent) Blow out (or turn off) 6 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 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 31:9-16

Psalm 31: My hiding place

Where can I hide? (cover your eyes with your hands)
I cannot find anywhere that feels safe. (Look around you)
Everywhere there are traps set for me. (reach a hand out then pull it back quickly)
Everywhere people whisper about me. (cusp your hands around your mouth as if passing on a secret)
Be my safe place, O God. (cross your hands over your body)
Be my hiding space, my refuge, my shelter. ( crouch down small)
I put myself in your hands. (cup your hands in front of you)
Be strong! Fill your heart with courage! (make a muscle, then a heart with your hands)
Words by Rev. Purdie action by me.

How does this Psalm make you feel, make a face to show others, or draw how you feel, or point out an emoji that represents how you feel.

SECOND READING: Philippians 2:5-11

READ/WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jknhdB8ZHI MAYBE GOD IS LIKE THAT TOO by Jennifer Grant as suggested by http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-rcl-april-9-2017/

SING: https://www.seedsfamilyworship.com/product/the-word-of-god-vol-8/#

DRAW: What is God like?

SECOND READING: Philippians 2:5-11

READ: Louis 1, King of the sheep by Olivier Tallec

WATCH

A Storypath suggestion understand why?

Question: I wonder why Jesus didn’t act like Louis 1?

SING: No 4, Jesus Christ is Lord from the Word of God Volume 8 by Seeds Family Worship

GOSPEL READING 1: Luke 22: 14-23:56

and GOSPEL READING 2: LUKE 23:1-49

This is a massive reading, so I have broken it down into segments and made recommendations on what I see is the most appropriate Reading for our little ones. There is plenty here to keep you going right through this week and possible into Holy Week. Mix it up with a bit of play or activity then return to the reading as appropriate.

FOR Luke 22:14-23 READ The Last Supper pp.314-316 from The Whirl Storybook Bible

For Luke 22:32-71 READ: Jesus is Betrayed, pp.370-375 from the Spark Storybook Bible

FOR Luke 23:1-49 (this is also the 2nd Gospel READING) READ The Way of the Cross by Andrew MacDonough

WATCH

COLOUR-IN free colouring in sheet or purchase the Activity Book for many activiteis for all ages.

For Luke 23:26-56 READ Jesus is Crucified pp.322-325 in the Whirl Story Bible

Note: Gospel Reading 2 is included in Gospel Reading 1

PLAY: These readings make a great opportunity for your child to play.

Set a table, let them remake the last supper with teddies and tea sets

Create a dark green hill with books under a green scarf or piece of material. Let them fight out the story with Ikea or lego people, find a rooster from a farm set,

Turn a traditional pew into a courtroom, Let the toys take on the rolls of Herod and Pilate, etc.

Icy pole sticks create good crosses, let them parade up to the hill (books covered in a light green cover)

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.

Passion Sunday Year B: ideas to engage the whole family(especially the youngest) in the set RCL readings for today

WELCOME

This week there are 2 distinct sets of readings, one for Palm Sunday, every child and young at hearts favourite or Passion Sunday normally a more solomn service. I will post them seperately.

Either service marks the start of Holy Week, here are some Holy Week resources you might like to use with your family at home here, or here. or this one.

WHO ARE THESE IDEAS FOR?

You have found a page that uses easily found ideas to help you share the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) readings with children. Instead of sifting through many websites, facebook , pinterest, instagram, and blog posts; this is a one stop shop where I have done the sifting for you to find theologically and developmentally appropriate material for your congregation or family.

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

They are for use by parents, grandparents and carers and for small congregations who do not have a Child and Family Ministry.

GETTING READY

If worshipping at home. You may want to set up a space to bring out or keep up through Lent.

The colour of Lent is purple, not the same blue based purple as Advent but a red based purple.

Set up a candle, and what ever helps you focus on the season, it might be a cross, some sand (to symbolise the desert times of the people of God), or cactus plants, some rocks(to represent challenge) for example, or anything that inspires you from any Lent studies you or your family ae doing.

A Book that I would recommend for sharing about Lent with Children is Make Room A Child’s Guide to Lent and Easter by Laura Alary You can see an adaption of this book in a Godly Play method here

If able to worship in the Chruch 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 readings.

For adults and older students you might like to take a journal with which to record anything that grabs your attention during the service. Write a precis of the message (traditional or sensory word), draw or write a response in and keep a record of emotions.

LET’S BEGIN

You might like to start with the Lords prayer if at home, or either of these suggestions can be used when the Lord’s Prayer is said within a set service.

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

Or if you are looking for a more contemplative version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NuUo-igXDU&fbclid=IwAR2FasYCU-9mP1PaLQDjweXyhyUnJutt4J28KycjzeUEttWSesipX2jmJxE

During Prayers of the People, Ask God’s guidance to find a person to do something really nice for.

FIRST READING: Isaiah 50:4-9a

READ: Mae’s first Day of School by Kate Berube

WATCH

Understand why it was suggested here

PSALM 31:9-16

Psalm 31: My hiding place

Where can I hide? (look around you)
I cannot find anywhere that feels safe. (shake)
Everywhere there are traps set for me. (look around you)
Everywhere people whisper about me. (put your hands over your ears)
Be my safe place, O God. (give yourself a hug)
Be my hiding space, my refuge, my shelter. (crouch down small)
I put myself in your hands. (hold out your hands)
Be strong! Fill your heart with courage! (show the muscles on your arms)

A psalm retold by Rev Purdie https://www.conversations.net.nz/psalm-31-strength-in-exhaustion.html Actions by me

Describe those feelings in this Psalm. Show how these feelings look like in your body 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: Phillipians 2:5-11

READ: There was an old woman who lived in a shoe by Jane Cabrera

WATCH

Understand why it was suggested here

SING Seeds Family Worship Vo. 8 The Word of God No.4 Jesus Christ is Lord

PRAY:

For those you love today.

GOSPEL READING: Mark 14:1-15,47

READ: Meet Jesus in Mark by Matthew Sleeman omit the last paragraph

OR The Jesus StoryBook Bible, Washed with tears, pp.280-285

DO: Use your nose to find things with a lovely aroma, ie, cooking, flowers, perfume, clean sheets etc

DRAW:How would you honour someone, maybe for their birthday?

SING A Generous Heart from Waking With the Wise by Soveriegn Grace Kids

OR Mark 15:1-39(40-47)

READ: Meet Jesus in Mark by Matthew Sleeman, read both Mark 14:14:53-15:24 and Mark 15:25-47 omiting the first paragraph of Mark 14:53-15:24

OR The Easter Story retold by Rachel Elliot published by Parragon start at the page that begins “The Chief Priest took Jesus to Pontias Pilate”end on the page that finishes “his last breath” you can read the fist paragraph on th enext page but stop there for today.

ACT: out the passage. You can do this with people, or your toys, you could make puppets for each of those mentioned, you could make a felt scene( use a firm felt board as the background and cut out shapes from coloured felt squares, they will stick to the backing board)

PRAY

It must not have been nice,

for you to die

like that

but I know there is more to the story

Help me to understand that

Amen

Blessings

Wendy L.

Please check local guidlines before using items that are not mine and acknowledge this page if you have found it useful, especially if you are using this page for congregational use.

Look out for daily ideas during Holy Week on the Facebook and Instagram pages

Passion Sunday: Ideas to help you share this weeks RCL readings with the 3’s and under.

The Revised Common Lectionary has two choices this Sunday, readings for Passion Sunday and Readings for Palm Sunday.

You will find posts for each.

There is some overlap with readings, but a very different emphasis.

If possible, check in advance, with the Church you are worshipping at this Sunday, as to which set of readings they are following.

If you are a parent or Guardian

Prepare a special church bag in advance each week so that you are ready for the rush on Sunday Morning.

Sit towards the front so they can see what is going on.

Read during the Bible readings,

Pray during the prayers,

Colour, Draw or Craft during the sermon.

Craft or drawing or play are for spiritual responses not for a perfectionist piece that can be shown off.

Remember that little ones will need their own space to move and wiggle,

You have bought your child to worship. Enjoy engaging them in it.

If you are a small congregation without a Child and Family Minister have an area available near the front for parents/guardians to worship with their children, and print off this information so that it is readily available or direct them to this site. Set up an area with books and toys in it that will enhance their spiritual experience. (Ie not just toys for “keeping them quiet”).Spiritual Delights or Toy Box tat! andMake the books appealing

If you would like these ideas as a PDF file sent to you each week, please contact me.

FIRST READING: Isaiah 50:4-9a

READ/WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmX5i8Pf3_0 One by Kathryn Otoshi as suggested by http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-sunday-march-24-2013/

PRAY: Dear God

You are with us

Always

DRAW: those times when you need God.

PSALM 31:9-16

Psalm 31: My hiding place

Colouring In https://store.illustratedchildrensministry.com/collections/lent/products/psalms-coloring-posters?variant=5702410895392 Poster 6 You may have bought this series last year so check your download folder.

SECOND READING: Philippians 2:5-11

READ/WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jknhdB8ZHI MAYBE GOD IS LIKE THAT TOO by Jennifer Grant as suggested by http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-rcl-april-9-2017/

SING: https://www.seedsfamilyworship.com/product/the-word-of-god-vol-8/#

DRAW: What is God like?

GOSPEL READING 1: Luke 22: 14-23:56 This is a massive reading, so I have broken it down into segments and made recommendations on what I see is the most appropriate Reading for our little ones. There is plenty here to keep you going right through this week and possible into Holy Week. Mix it up with a bit of play or activity then return to the reading as appropriate.

FOR Luke 22:14-20 READ Easter Love Letters from God by Glenys Nellist, The secret Supper pp. 12-15

OR The Beginners Bible, The Last Supper pp.442-445

FOR Luke 22:31-34, 54-62 READ https://www.lostsheep.com.au/stories/peter-and-the-rooster/ You can also Buy it to have it permanently on hand.

Colouring in: Download the free colouring in sheet (scroll down to find it) or purchase the activities pack to keep everyone focused

OR READ My First read-aloud Bible by Batchelor and Boshoff Peter Lets Jesus Down pp. 218-219

FOR Luke 22:63-71 READ The Jesus Storybook Bible p.301 (the page before he sun Stops Shining)

For Luke 22: 39-53 READ My First read-aloud Bible by Batchelor and Boshoff Jesus is taken Prisoner pp.216-217.

Note: Gospel Reading 2 is included in Gospel Reading 1

GOSPEL READING 2: Luke 23:1-49

READ/WATCH: https://www.lostsheep.com.au/stories/the-way-of-the-cross/ Buy the book

ACTIVITIES: Purchase the Activity Pack or Download the free bookmarks- good for retelling the story and the Colouring In page

MAKE: These readings make a great opportunity for your child to play.

Set a table, let them remake the last supper with teddies and tea sets

Create a dark green hill with books under a green scarf or piece of material. Let them fight out the story with Ikea or lego people, find a rooster from a farm set,

Turn a traditional pew into a courtroom, Let the toys take on the rolls of Herod and Pilate, etc.

Icy pole sticks create good crosses, let them parade up to the hill (books covered in a light green cover)

If you want more ideas check last years post as all but the Gospel readings are the same https://wordpress.com/post/thecrossinmybackyard.wordpress.com/112