WELCOME
WHO ARE THESE IDEAS FOR?
They are for use by parents, grandparents and carers and for small congregations who do not have a Child and Family Ministry.
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.
Though you will find simple ways into the text here THE MOST IMPORTANT THING THOUGH THAT YOU CAN DO IS SHARE YOURSELF AND YOUR FAITH. I firmly believe that it is in the relationship, that the Faith formation of the next generation truely starts. You will notice that there are very few prompts or questions. This is to allow your child to do the thinking and to work out what is important to them from the texts. Sometimes they may give you an insight or even ask a question? There are no wrong insights or crazy questions, and you are enough, enough to listen, enough to work it out together, ENOUGH to share your love of GOD with your child.
GETTING READY
If worshipping at home. You may want to set up a space/alter/focal spot, to bring out when you worship or to keep out everyday.
You can do this by setting up a candle, and what ever else helps you focus on the season.
We are now in the longest liturgical season, the season after Pentecost. This season takes up half or the year, and it’s liturgical colour is green. There are no major celebrations during this season, and some refer to it as Ordinary Time. For me it is a time to celebrate everyday joys, to see God in the ordinary, in the everyday, and to hear the everyday stories of Jesus.
This is the time to add the things that remind YOU of God, a cross, a word, a special object, even something from one of the readings
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
WELCOME:
SING https://www.snackmusic.com.au/songs/you-are-welcome
THE LORD”S PRAYER:
You might like to start with the Lords prayer if at home, or say the Lord’s Prayer within a set place if following along in a service.
If looking for a version with 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
Or for a more Intergenerational approach try Number 1 on the Table Settings album by Liturgical Folks
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE:
Sing your prayer, Play an instruement, either conventional or homemade.
Make it about the things that are happening in your home this week.
FIRST READING: 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27
READ Tess’s Tree by Jess M. Brallier
This is a Storypath suggestion find out why here
This might be a good time to talk about grief. Some other resources that might come in useful could be
https://buildfaith.org/saying-goodbye-to-pets/?fbclid=IwAR3QvGzPZwDP0Yqc2fYC58kCKVJVrBOSkm1crCyrVntzf1z30PD3ClTVXYs (not all of this article may be applicable)
The Pond by Nicola Davies
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/grief-and-children
https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents/issues/supporting-child-through-grief-and-loss
https://www.abc.net.au/abckids/shows/play-school/play-school-beginnings-and-endings/11403744
DESCRIBE how this reading makes you feel, 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 you can make your own using paper plates and draw a picture for each emotion.
Create a song that tells the history of an ancestor.
PRAY
GOD, You heard David’s tear’s
You helped him through his grief
Be with those who grieve too
Amen
PSALM 130
LISTEN: LITURGICAL FOLK, Psalm Settings, No.8.
DESCRIBE how this Psalm makes you feel, 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 you can make your own using paper plates and draw a picture for each emotion.
SECOND READING: 2 Corinthians 8:7-15
READ It’s Mine! by Leo Lionni
Another suggestion from Storypath
Share: share a piece of fruit, a packet of biscuits, a card. What can you share?
PRAY
God you give to us
Help us to give to others
Amen
GOSPEL READING: Mark 5:21-43
READ: Children of God: Jesus Restores Sight and Raises Life, only the second page.
AND Brave Girls Bible Stories by Jennifer Gerelds The Bleeding Woman – Healing touch pp.153-155
PLAY print and play this matching game on the story of the 12 year old girl.
RETELL the stories from the people involved ie, Jesus, Jarius, Jarius’s Daughter, The woman who touched Jesus, the disciples etc.
OR PLAY out the stories, you can use toys or cut out pictures, or make puppets.
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.
The Cross in My Backyard 