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.
SEASON: AFTER PENTECOST
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.
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 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 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 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: Praying in Color Video
FIRST READING: 2 SAMUEL 11: 1-15
READ: Ruthie and the Not So Teeny Tiny Lie by Laura Rankin
find out why it was chosen
I don’t feel that we should run away from reading this story with children, but for the majority they will understand the concepts better when you share the concept in a story book like the one above.
At some stage though you will realise that it is time to share the actual Bible story,(this might be when your child asks you about the real story) I suggest you get your child/teenager to read the story, maybe rewrite it in their own words and draw a picture about the series, then use something like the set of emotional cards https://innovativeresources.org/resources/card-sets/bears-cards/ to help look at the emotions invovled. Use what ever Bible you child/teenager feels comfortable with. You don’t have to be a theologian, you just have to listen and speak openly and honestly about the story.
If you think your child/teenager is ready for the story you might like to share this video with them.
This article might help you sharing the Bible story with your kids https://ministryspark.com/how-to-teach-kids-david-bathsheba/
PLAY: is a great way of thinking beyond ourselves, pretending to be someone else, acan encourage empathy. Get out the dolls house, or the famyard sets and enjoy playing OR older children, might like to write and even perform a play.
PRAY
You know my heart God
I make mistakes
Do the wrong thing
help me to always be honest with you
Amen
PSALM 14
Psalm 14: “There is no God”
“There is no God!” everyone says.
“I can do what I like!” everyone thinks.
“Who cares about God?” everyone asks.
“I’m here for me, I don’t answer to anyone!”
God looks for faith, will he find it anywhere?
God looks for care for the poor.
God looks for love, will he find it in me?
A rewrite of the Psalm by Rev. Purdie
Draw something important to you from this Psalm.
SECOND READING: EPHESIANS 3:14-21
READ: Did I tell you I love you today by Deloris and Roslyn M. Jordan
a suggestion from Storypath
DO: This reading talks of filling up. You might like to see how much you can fill a jar with? Watch this as an idea https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozTL7P9LJJI
Where does God fit in your life?
Younger children, can just fill containers up with things, flour, sand, macaroni, (anything that is ok to eat or too large to swallow)
PRAY
tell God about something that you did or that conerns you
then sit quietly with a battery operated candle on, after each time you pray.
This is a prayer, meditation patttern,
then end with
AMEN or That’s it from me God, I’m listening for you.
GOSPEL READING: JOHN 6:1-21
READ: The Whirl Story Bible, Jesus feeds 5,000. pp.290-293
MAKE: One of the details that is different between all the Gospels that tell this story is that the bread is specifically stated as being Barley bread. You might like to make some Barley bread, a bread used by the poorest people at the time. You can make it in advance and eat a little during a face to face or broadcast service, or you can make some during the week or after the service.
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.
The Cross in My Backyard 