WELCOME TO A NEW YEAR:
A NEW LITURGICAL YEAR
You can read about the yearly calender and the 3 year cycle HERE https://wordpress.com/post/thecrossinmybackyard.wordpress.com/1661 and find some activities to use to know where you are in the cycle.
We are now in Year B of the three year Cycle.
We are in the season of Advent
And our Liturgical colour is Purple or Blue
Today you might like to start an Advent wreath, and prepare a space to worship at home or which is set aside or bought out when you are having private or family devotions.
This might consist of a purple table cloth, and any items that help you conccentrate or which represent the seaon of waiting for you.
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 you daily family devotions.
Start by saying/being this Candle Liturgy
You can see all four weeks here https://wordpress.com/post/thecrossinmybackyard.wordpress.com/1648
Week 1- HOPE
Pretend to be a flame as you say or sing (to the tune of Twinkle twinkle little star) this liturgy. Remember to move like a flame. Today’s candle is purple or blue perhaps you can wear or put on something that is purple of blue
Little candle burning bright
Light in my heart
Hope tonight
May it shine
To others lives
Waiting patiently tonight
Little candle burning bright
Light in my heart
Hope tonight
FIRST READING: Isaiah 64:1-9
WATCH/READ: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEYFjxF0WSQ Are we Still Friends? by Ruth Horowitz
You can read why this story suits the reading here http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-rcl-december-3-2017/
Do: what is something that reminds you that you are part of the family of GOd? Draw it or bring it and put it on the worship table.
OR play with two of your toys, play about being a friend.
PRAY: Tie a bow on each finger (you might need someone else to do this for you as it is very hard to tie a bow one handed) OR slip a ring on each finger (you might like to make a ring for each finger before saying this prayer)
I have wrapped my fingers in bows
To remind me
That you love me God
and you are a good friend
(Name each friend that you may have hurt resently
Take off a bow or ring from your finger each time you tell God you are sorry
and ask his forgivenes)
Amen
(You might need to say sorry to some of your friends too, some time this week)
PSALM 80: 1-7, 17-19
Psalm 80: The Restoration Project
(For Advent: The Lectionary Psalm for Sunday 3 December 2017)
Can’t you hear your people, Lord?
Can’t you see the state of things?
Great Shepherd of Israel, hear the cry of your sheep.
Mighty God of Hosts, see your people’s pain.
We are tired of eating the bread of tears
We are worn by strife and fear.
Restore us with your favour, Lord!
Save us in your love.
Your home on earth is past repair
The walls are cracked and broken
The fruiting vine is hacked and burned
Your people turn away.
Send us a Shepherd, Lord!
Send us a Son from your right hand.
All your strength is in him
All your power to heal.
Restore us with your favour, Lord!
Save us in your love.
Many thank to Rev Purdie for these words http://www.conversations.net.nz/psalm-80-godrsquos-shining-smile.html
DRAW a picture of the images in this psalm that get your attention?
SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 1:3-9
READ/WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWNFRkuS91M Pebble: A story about belonging by Susan Milord
You can read why this story suits the reading here http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-rcl-december-3-2017/
Colouring In ; I will continue to recommend the work of Illustrated Ministries, though not free it is easily downloadable, the American $ 12.99 price give you enough colouring in sheets forevery member of the family until February 14, 2021. If your children love colouring it is worth the investment https://store.illustratedministry.com/collections/coloring-sheets-posters/products/bible-story-coloring-pages-winter-2020-2021?variant=32002480373858
SING/LISTEN: https://www.seedsfamilyworship.com/product/the-character-of-god-vol-7/#
GOSPEL READING: Mark 13:24-37
READ: Meet Jesus in Mark: His Gospel in 24 readings by Matthew Sleeman, Mark 13
(I suggest buying this book as this year we read predominately from the Gospel of Mark and I will refer to it often)
What are you waiting for? Your turn at a game, A birthday, Christmas Day, the pandemic to be over?
DRAW: Can you draw what you are waiting for?
Do you find it easy to wait?
What do you do to distract yourself or make the waiting time easier? Show us what you do?
You might like to conclude with the Lords prayer or use either of these options in the 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
Blessings
Wendy L.
The Cross in My Backyard 