WELCOME
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 EASTER 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, a circle of some kind 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
Or if you are looking for a more contemplative version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NuUo-igXDU&fbclid=IwAR2FasYCU-9mP1PaLQDjweXyhyUnJutt4J28KycjzeUEttWSesipX2jmJxE
FIRST READING: ACTS 1:15-17, 21-26
READ/WATCH Are You my Mother? by PD Eastman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c65vo1b2HKM
The disciples/apostles are looking for a new apostle. This story has a baby bird looking for his mother, just like the apostle’s were looking for another to join them. Point out how inappropriate the alternatives are for the baby bird.
PLAY: through out the service set up opportunities for choice, Where will we sit today?
Which toy will you play with? What colour texta will you use? etc
PRAY:
Making choices can be hard
But you are with me Lord
Amen
PSALM 1
READ Tina the Tree by Andrew McDonough
You can also purchase the activity pack for lots of activities to keep the whole family busy click on the picture at the end of the scroll down page.
DRAW a Happy and a Sad face, point to which one is expressed as the Psalm is read.
SECOND READING: 1 JOHN 5:9-13
READ: Snuggletime Prayers by Glynis Nellist
LISTEN/SING https://www.seedsfamilyworship.com/product/seeds-of-character-vol-6/# NO.3 (If it is not suitable to listen and sing during worship, then listen to this during the week at home)
PLAY: with Babushka Dolls, all inside each other like all who believe live in God.
GOSPEL READING: John 17:6-19
ACTIVITY:
Here is a simple way to make a people chain
Draw those people/friends that we want to pray for.
PRAY:
Pray over the people that you have made. Keep them during the week so as to continue to pray for them.
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.
The Cross in My Backyard 