How wonderful that you have bought your young child to church, don’t waste this opportunity to share the faith stories and experience the wonder of worship.
If you are a parent or Guardian
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.
Sing or sway during the Hymns
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. Don’t throw these out when you leave the church. Keep them at home in a special box, and bring them out to remind your child what has been happening or use as future prayer points.
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.
If you are a small congregation without a Child and Family Minister have an area available near the front for parents/guardians to worship with their children, and print off this information so that it is readily available or direct them to this site. Set up an area with books and toys in it that will enhance their spiritual experience. (Ie not just toys for “keeping them quiet”).Spiritual Delights or Toy Box tat! andMake the books appealing
If you would like these ideas as a PDF file sent to you each week, please contact me.
FIRST READING: 2 KINGS 2:1-2, 6-14
READ: The Beginner’s Bible, Chariot of Fire, pp.216-221
OR My First read a-loud Bible by Batchelor and Boshoff, Elijah and Elisha pp.98-99
PSALM 77: 1-2.11-20
You can leave out lines 4-10 to mirror this weeks reading, but i have printed Rev. Purdie’s full version as it is a Psalm that many children can relate too
Psalm 77: The Sleepless Psalm
It is late but I can’t sleep (stamp your foot)
I toss and turn in my bed (put your hands up to form a cushion then jiggle your shoulders as if tossing and turning)
Troubles crowd in on me (Put your hands up as if shielding your face)
I cry out to you but I’ve nothing to say (Put your hands up like a megaphone over your mouth)
I try to pray but all I can do is moan (let out a sigh)
Around and around in my mind (use your pointer finger to make circles around your ears)
spin questions with no answers … (trace a question mark with your finger)
Don’t you love me anymore? (look sad)
Was I foolish to trust God? (sigh)
Don’t I deserve your kindness? (give yourself a hug)
It helps to remember (rest one elbow on the hand of your arm which is horizontal, then rest you head on the vertical arm)
the times I knew for sure that God was with me. (Give yourself a hug)
It helps to remind myself (rest one elbow on the hand of your arm which is horizontal, then rest you head on the vertical arm)
of what I know about you, O God. (cross your arms and nod)
You are good and you are great! (Waggle a finger above your head)
The rain falls heavy on the roof (make rain drops with your fingers)
Lightning flashes in the dark and thunder crash (clap your hands)
I know that you made the storm (place your hands over your ears)
and you are Lord of all, even my troubles. (hug yourself)
by Rev. Purdie http://www.conversations.net.nz/psalm-77-the-sleepless-psalm.html actions by me
How does this Psalm make you feel? Show it or draw it.
Colouring In: https://store.illustratedchildrensministry.com/products/bible-story-coloring-pages-summer-2019 For purchase for $10US digital download
SECOND READING: GALATIANS 5:1,13-25
WARNING: Our under 3’s take things as they understand them, so talking about fruit of the spirit, may very well get you a gift of well, fruit, their sultana, an apple etc. It just means they already understand the gift of generosity. So build on it.
Over time they will come to associate the idea/term of Fruits of the Spirit with good responses that come from God but at this stage I would concentrate on what those good things are – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness gentleness and self-control
READ: Maybe God is like that too by Jennifer Grant https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jknhdB8ZHI as suggested by http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-rcl-june-30-2019/
Extension reading: read https://www.lostsheep.com.au/stories/basil-the-branch/ Basil the Branch by Andrew McDonough
WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZrlDT3k84U
SING: https://www.seedsfamilyworship.com/product/seeds-of-character-vol-6/# number 4 The Fruit
OR https://sovereigngracemusic.org/music/songs/because-you-first-loved-me/
OR https://sovereigngracemusic.org/music/songs/gentle-like-jesus/
Draw people showing love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness gentleness and self-control
CRAFT: https://flamecreativekids.blogspot.com/2012/09/fruits-of-spirit-love-with-5-7s.html
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 9:51-62
READ: Don’t say NO to God (waggle your finger)
It is your choice to Love God (make a love heart with your hands)
God wants no-one to be harmed. (make a cross with your hands)
Don’t make excuses to love God (make a love heart with your hands)
Don’t let anything hold you back (put your arms to your back)
from loving God (make a heart with your hands)
Colouring In: You might like to subscribe to this site for 12 months of colouring in sheets. Again in US$25 https://stushieart.com/2019/06/24/ordinary-13c-art-luke-951-62-psalm-16/
PRAY:
Line up your toys to follow Jesus
Pray as you place each toy in line for someone you know to love Jesus.
NOO! You are not finished even if the service has.
Now is the time to continue teaching your child beyond the walls of the church.
Use the craft or drawings during the week to talk about the service or the stories.
Use any of the readings during the week, at bedtime, as story time or during the day in play or prayer.
Enjoy sharing your faith with your child.
Blessings
Wendy L.
The Cross in My Backyard 