After Epiphany 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.

Today is the FIFTH Sunday after Epiphany. The Liturgical colour is GREEN.

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:

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

THE LORD’S PRAYER:

You might like to start with the Lord’s Prayer if at home, or say the Lord’s Prayer within a set place if following along in a service. Here are 4 options

2 with ACTIONS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOugEQpcc_k OR https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMjm93ylL2w

A more contemplative version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NuUo-igXDU&fbclid=IwAR2FasYCU-9mP1PaLQDjweXyhyUnJutt4J28KycjzeUEttWSesipX2jmJxE

Or for a more Intergenerational approach try Number 1 on the Table Settings album by Liturgical Folks

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF COUNTRY

If you are in Australia and attending a Uniting Church in Australia, in many cases an Acknowledgment of Country will be said. You can teach your young ones to do this too.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

FIRST READING: Isaiah 6:1-8(9-13)

READ: On the Night You wer Born By Nancy Tillman

WATCH

a Storypath suggestion

SING: God is Holy on The character of God Vol. 7 from Seeds Family Worship

OR For You are Holy on Awesome God by Sovereign Grace Music

DRAW or MAKE something wonderful.

PSALM 138

DRAW: some of the things to be thankful for

SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

READ Another Important Book by Margaret Wise Brown

WATCH

Another Storypath suggestion

PLAY:Have a relay game, Keep the toy going around the room or along the pew without it dropping.

PRAY

Help me God,

to tell others

of you love for us

Amen

GOSPEL READING: Luke 5:1-11

READ: Children of God by Desmond Tutu, Jesus goes fishing

OR Peter The Fisherman by Andrew MacDonough

OR the youngest might enjoy The Play a long Bible, Fishing for People by Bob Hartman

DO: You can purchase a great downloadable book of activities for all ages about 5$AUS.

COLOUR-IN downloadable sheet on the Peter the Fisherman sheet

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

Blessings

Wendy L.

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

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

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

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

WELCOME

The mood has changed and we have made it through to the joyful discoveries of Easter Sunday.

Let’s start by singing

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 when you worship or to keep out everyday..

We have entered the season of Lent and white is the colour of the season. (Though it is the chosen colour you may prefer to use Gold)

Set up a candle, and what ever helps you focus on the season, it might be a cross, some flowers to represent New Life, an empty container, or anything that inspires you.

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 say the Lord’s Prayer within a set place in the service.

Today try this version IN ACTIONS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOugEQpcc_k OR https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMjm93ylL2w

For prayers of the people

Place a big bowl of small easter eggs on the table.

Each person takes one and places it in there mouth letting it disolve slowly

Pray

Thank you God for the good things in life.

Now reach in one at a time take an egg and say

Dear God, help me to share the sweetness of life with ______(name someone who needs uplifting)

(take the egg and place it somewhere safe for a time when you can give it to that person, if you can’t due to social distancing needs, collect all the eggs to savour during the week. As you eat one pray again for the person as you let it dissolve in your mouth)

FIRST READING: Acts 10:34-43

READ: He is Risen by Patti Rokus

WATCH

MAKE this story telling cross from the Baptist church in New Zealand

You will need this template

and instructions

SING: Jesus Came to Earth from Awesome God by Soveriegn Grace

OR Isaiah 25:6-9

READ: I am invited to a Party By Mo Williams

WATCH

Read why this was suggested

OR READ I can only Imagine for little ones by Bart Millard

WATCH

DRAW: Those things that make you happy

PRAY

God,

who keeps promises

Today we Thank you

Amen

PSALM 118:1-2, 14-24

READ: I will Rejoice by Karma Wilson

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: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

READ: Alway’s Remember by Cece Meng

WATCH

A suggestion by http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-rcl-february-10-2019/

SING God always keeps His Promises from The Ology By Soveriegn Grace Kids

OR Acts 10:334-43

READ: He is Risen by Patti Rokus

WATCH

MAKE this story telling cross from the Baptist church in New Zealand

You will need this template

and instructions

SING: Jesus Came to Earth from Awesome God by Soveriegn Grace

GOSPEL READING: John 20:1-18

READ: One Glorious Day, in Brave Girls Bible Stories, by Jennifer Geralds

ACTIVITY BOOK: Download Lost Sheep’s activity book for his book Mary and the Gardner for $4.95 with many activities for the whole tribe regardeless of age. (you can also find a sneak peak of Andrew MacDonough’s book Mary and the Gardener there)

OR Mark 16:1-8

READ: Meet Jesus in Mark by Matthew Sleeman, Mark 16:1-8

MAKE A lego resurrection garden

EXTENTION IDEA: read both Gospel stories and compare the way the women in the story are betrayed? What are the differences? Whay might this be so?

SING: Enjoy Yancy’s free songs for the rest of the day

Blessings (Enjoy those Easter eggs)

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.

Epiphany 5: Ideas to help parents/guardians relate Sunday’s RCL readings to their 3’s and under.

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.

FIRST READING: ISIAH 6:1-8(9-13)

READ: The Jesus Story Book Bible p.144 stopping at the start of the 2nd last paragraph.

DRAW: Things you can do to help others.

PRAY: Dear God:

The only thing you find small (open up your hand as if holding something very tiny)

Is our understanding of you. (Fling your arms wide open)

Amen.

PSALM 138

READ: http://www.conversations.net.nz/psalm-138-thank-you-for-your-love.html

DO: When you hear the words heart or Love make a love heart with your hands

When you hear the words power or strength show off a muscle in your arm.

SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

READ/WATCH: https://youtu.be/QGbAE-KS8LM Remember Me by Cecelia Meng

PLAY: with nesting dolls, or building cups that grow larger out of each other.

MAKE: Cut out paper dolls, showing how by cutting one we can grow to be many.

https://www.origami-resource-center.com/paper-dolls.html

GOSPEL READING: Luke 5:1-11

READ: The Lion Story Book, by Sophie Piper, Jesus and the Fisherman pp148-149

OR My First Read a loud Bible by Batchelor and Boshoff, Peter Goes Fishing pp. 156-157.

Colouring-In: https://store.illustratedchildrensministry.com/collections/coloring-sheets-posters/products/bible-story-coloring-pages-winter-2018-2019

MAKE: a picture Use blue paper or stiffened felt, make a simple boat out of brown paper, or brown felt, such as a simple rectangle. Collect the net around lemons or limes or oranges and use it to make a net from the boat into the water.

Blessings

Wendy L.

Easter Sunday: Suggestions to help the 3’s and under connect with the RCL readings

With such a short week, and preparations for the long weekend, or the start of the school holiday’s for Victoria and Queensland, prepare in advance, so you just have to pick up the bag and go. HINT: prepare both Easter Sunday and Good Friday and place all you need in the same bag.

You might need

BOOKS

Mary and The Gardner by Andrew McDonough

The Lion Story Book https://www.koorong.com/search/product/the-lion-story-bible-sophie-piper-ruth-rivers/9780745964003.jhtml

The Jesus Story Book Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones https://www.koorong.com/search/product/the-jesus-storybook-bible-sally-lloyd-jones-jago/0310708257.jhtml

The early reader Bible https://www.word.com.au/The-Early-Readers-Bible/V-Gilbert-Beers-Terri-Steiger-Illustrator/9780310701392

The Beginners Bible Timeless Children’s stories THE BEGINNERS BIBLE TIMELESS CHILDREN’S STORIES https://www.koorong.com/search/product/the-beginners-bible-timeless-childrens-stories-beginners-bible/9780310750130.jhtml

The Lion Picture Bible https://www.koorong.com/search/product/the-lion-picture-bible-sarah-dodd/9780745963037.jhtml

My first read- a- loud Bible https://www.koorong.com/search/product/my-first-read-aloud-bible-mary-batchelor/9781860247712.jhtml

DOWNLOAD and PRINT

https://store.illustratedchildrensministry.com/collections/illustrated-worship-resources/products/bible-story-coloring-pages-spring-2018 (The price you pay will get you 14 colouring in pages, that is 14 Sundays worth and I will possibly refer to them over the coming weeks. To reduce the cost further, you could share with other families or ask your church to purchase them for you. Note this is a USA publication so the season for them is Spring, and the price is in US$, so it will cost a little more and possible attract international transaction charges depending on whom your credit card is with)

https://store.illustratedchildrensministry.com/collections/lenten-2018-resources/products/psalms-coloring-pages-8-5×11 (This series has 9 colouring in pages, including a simplified version for younger hands. They cover the Psalms in the RCL until Easter Sunday. I do suggest you purchase them, just remember the price is in $US so will be slightly higher and may attract an international transaction fee. You might like to share this product with other families or ask your congregation to purchase it for you.)

https://www.lostsheep.com.au/shop/browse/purchase

http://www.catholicicing.com/religious-easter-craft-for-kids-make/ print on thicker paper

ALSO

Journal

thick paper

green paper

pattypans

glue stick

paper plates

FIRST READING: ACTS 10:34-43

WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50YbsqkW9-c

this is a trailer for the book, but is just the right length for this age. Point out the colour the little girl brings to her black and white world. This is a picture only book so describe, or let them tell you what is happening or just let them enjoy it wordlessly.

thanks again to http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-rcl-april-1-2018/

for this suggestion. Her words are “Jesus Christ is a gift of peace to each of us, making us and our world different than it was before. He is a message of peace to us.”

MAKE: a simple flower picture. You will need some green paper to cut out stems and leaves, and coloured patty pans to make the flower head. Use a glue stick to assemble the picture in your journal or on A4 heavy paper or a paper plate.

OR ISAIAH 25:6-9

MAKE/DRAW This piece on being glad and rejoicing in God’s care, has a lot of imagery which the child might want to draw, such as a feast, etc.

OR you might like to concentrate on the emotion, athttps://lettheirlightshine.com/category/easter-with-toddlers/ scroll down to telling the easter story, there you will find a download for emotional faces to print off and attach to a paper plate.

Or you could draw your owns

PSALM 118:1-2,14-24

COLOURING-IN:

https://store.illustratedchildrensministry.com/collections/lenten-2018-resources/products/psalms-coloring-pages-8-5×11

SHOW: A glad /happy face or use the idea for the Isaiah reading

you might like to concentrate on the emotion, athttps://lettheirlightshine.com/category/easter-with-toddlers/ scroll down to telling the easter story, there you will find a download for emotional faces to print off and attach to a paper plate.

Or you could draw your own.

SECOND READING

1 Corinthians 15:1-11

READ: My first read- a- loud Bible pp.228-229

OR ACTS 10: 34-43 (same as for First Reading)

WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50YbsqkW9-c

thanks again to http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-rcl-april-1-2018/

for this suggestion. Her words are “Jesus Christ is a gift of peace to each of us, making us and our world different than it was before. He is a message of peace to us.”

GOSPEL: JOHN: 20:1-18

READ/WATCH https://www.lostsheep.com.au/stories/mary-and-the-gardener/

DO: You might also enjoy the purchased activities that complement this book https://www.lostsheep.com.au/shop/browse/purchase cost is $4.95 and it will have enough activities to keep the whole family talking about the Easter Sunday story for the long weekend.

READ: My first read- a- loud Bible pp.459-463

Or The Early Readers Bible pp.224-3

Or The Lion Story Bible pp.218-219

Or The Lion Picture Bible pp.336-338

COLOURING-IN:

https://store.illustratedchildrensministry.com/collections/illustrated-worship-resources/products/bible-story-coloring-pages-spring-2018

MAKE:

https://www.buildfaith.org/make-a-resurrection-set-hands-on-easter-learning/

http://www.catholicicing.com/religious-easter-craft-for-kids-make/

for Protestant use I would only use Mary in p.6 and delete p.7. or just use the empty cloth.

great way to express themselves in play. If the child is young, have this ready for them to just play with, print on thick paper so they can stand up by themselves and remember for hygiene reasons DO NOT use toilet rolls. If you really have time you can laminate for longer life. This was suggested for use on Good Friday, now you can complete the play.

OR MARK 16:1-8

READ: The Jesus Story book Bible God’s wonderful surprise, pp.310-313 (first 4 pages)

Or The Beginners Bible: timeless bible stories, pp.456-457

MAKE:

https://www.buildfaith.org/make-a-resurrection-set-hands-on-easter-learning/

http://www.catholicicing.com/religious-easter-craft-for-kids-make/

for Protestant use I would only use Mary in p.6 and delete p.7. or just use the empty cloth.