WELCOME
WHO ARE THESE IDEAS FOR?
They are for use by parents, grandparents and carers, for small congregations who do not have a Child and Family Ministry and for Ministers looking for ways to introduce more all age elements in their worship
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. You could use a template like this free download
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: Pour yourself a drink,
(Photo by Daria Shevtsova from Pexels) and each time you take a sip pray for someone who needs God to fill them up.
FIRST READING: 2 SAMUEL 11:26-12:11a
READ: David Gets into Trouble by David Shannon
a storypath suggestion
DO: Find a Mirror, or use a phone. Sometimes we need someone to show us what we look like. David did, so Nathan told him a story. Look in a mirror and draw a picture of yourself?
PRAY
God remind me
that I am your child
Help me to hear
What you need to tell me
Amen
PSALM 51:1-12
READ: For younger children
Psalms for Children by Marie-Helene Delval
For Older Children:
Psalm 51: The Washing Psalm
(a Psalm of confession)
Be kind to me, O God
Be gentle with me.
I am clogged up with sin
dirt has dried around my heart
I feel terrible about myself
I am not a good person
I have hurt people
and let you down.
Be kind to me, O God
Be gentle with me.
Reach into your deep store of age-old love.
Get out your scrubbing brush
and wash me clean.
Scrape away my guilt
and scrub me on the inside.
You delight in truth,
so teach me to be wise.
Clear out my lies
and soak me in truth.
Create in me a clean heart
and renew your Spirit within me.
Then I will sing of your freedom
and praise your great kindness
with a fresh voice and a light heart.
a rewriting of the Psalm by Rev. Purdie https://www.conversations.net.nz/psalm-51-standing-under-the-shower-of-confession.html
Circle all the images in this Psalm. I wonder which image appeals to you most? Draw this image that appeals to you on one side of the paper?
I wonder which image you like the least? Draw it on the other side of the paper.
What actions would you put with these words?
SECOND READING: EPHESIANS 4:1-16
Draw the outline of a person, then draw as many people that you can think of in that outline
GOSPEL READING: JOHN 6:24-35
EAT a sandwich,
(Photo by Erin Wang from Pexels), or a roll, 
(Photo by Farhad Ibrahimzade from Pexels)or have some pita bread with dip
(Photo by Daria Shevtsova from Pexels)
How do these things fill us up?
What else do we need that fills us up?
( Photo by André Cook from Pexels), 
(Photo by Taryn Elliott from Pexels)
PRAY
From the tips of my toes(wiggle your toes)
To the top of my head(pate your head)
May I be filled (pretend to pour a drink)
With the wonder of You (arms stretched out wide)
Amen
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 