These are suggestions only to help parents/caregivers engage their children in services that use the Revised Common Lectionary. They can be used by parents/caregivers or those who help out in small congregations that can not afford to pay Child and Families Ministry. Some congregations use all 4 readings in their services others only two. Prepare a special church bag in advance each week so that you are ready for the rush on Sunday Morning.
Read during the Bible readings,
Pray during the prayers,
Colour, Draw or Craft during the sermon.
Remember that little ones will need their own space to move and wiggle,
Sit towards the front so they can see what is going on. Craft or drawing or play are for spiritual responses not for a perfectionist piece that can be shown off.
Remember you have bought your child to worship. Enjoy engaging them in it.
You might need to prepare these in advance, and place them in a special Church Bag ready to go for Sunday Morning.
https://store.illustratedchildrensministry.com/collections/coloring-sheets-posters/products/bible-story-coloring-pages-summer-2018 Will get you 14 colouring in pages, that is 14 Sundays worth and I will refer to them over the coming weeks.
https://ministry-to-children.com/printable-bread-of-life-craft-booklet/
When I’m feeling Sad by Trace Moroney, sold individually at David Jones https://www.davidjones.com/Product/21636058/When-I’m-Feeling—-Sad or as part of a set at KMART. https://www.kmart.com.au/product/the-when-im-feeling-collection—pack-of-8-books/1125325
food toys
community building toys such as dolls house, cooking set, road or train sets
texta’s
Drawing paper or Journal
FIRST READING: 2 Samual:18:5-9, 15, 31-33
READ/WATCH When I’m Feeling Sad by Trace Moroney https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrhbrxcGEBM Read or watch in small amount then put it down as it is too long and too complex for most in this age.
DRAW: a sad picture
PRAY: When I’m sad (make a sad face)
I am not alone (shake your head)
Thankyou that you are with me God. (clasp your hands together)
Amen
PSALM 130
READ:
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Psalm 130: Out of the depths
I cry out to you, O God I’m in too deep, I’m out of my depth Save me! I wait for you, O God The night is long, too long and I wait for the light of dawn. I hope in you, O God for your love breaks through – great power to save, great power to save! |
SECOND READING: Ephesians 4:25-5:2
READ/WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gh7X8Qask2E Do unto Otters by Laurie Keller Read or watch in small amounts then put it down or close it down, as it is too long and too complex for most in this age.
COLOURING-IN:
PLAY: with community making toys, eg. dolls house, road mat ie like this at IKEA https://www.ikea.com/au/en/catalog/products/10361911/, cooking sets,
Anything that suggests the creation of community. 2+ love this but are not ready yet to play with others they will play alongside them though and this is the start of communal play
GOSPEL: John 6:35, 41-51
WATCH/READ: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=td2RgD5eNOQ Bread Bread Bread by Ann Morris
OR READ p.102 of The Jesus Storybook Bible
I have deliberately not addressed the issue of People not accepting Jesus’ claimm of who he is. So much but not all of this is similar to last weeks suggestions.
PLAY: with food toys, such as the IKEA https://www.ikea.com/au/en/catalog/products/20262005/
CRAFT: https://ministry-to-children.com/printable-bread-of-life-craft-booklet/
The Cross in My Backyard 