PALM SUNDAY Year A, 2023: Ideas to share the Revised Common Lectionary Readings with all ages.

Welcome. Each week I compile a number of resources to help you, your family, or your congregation contemplate the RCL readings. While designed to be used during a Sunday service at church or by zoom, these readings can also be used during the week to help your family’s faith formation.

My objective is for faith to be a lived experience and for children to learn how to worship, explore the Bible, and pray by participating in Worship with others. The goal here is not for them to learn names or facts, though they may want to do that for themselves, but, rather to find ways of connecting with the text and sharing that with others. The idea is to form a lifelong love of Christ, for the Word of God, and to participate in Worship.

Faith is portable, we live it and share it, every day. I hope these simple ideas help your family or congregation form their faith.

There are 2 sets of RCL readings this week, one for Palm Sunday the other for Passion Sunday. If you are a member of the congregation or a visitor two that congregation either in person or on Zoom, check with the Readings for the week to discover which set you are using. You are reading ideas for Palm Sunday here, and you will find readings for Passion Sunday here.

If you are a small congregation, that suddenly has children in your pews, these can also be used in your services, shared direct from this site, or copied into your order of service. Create an area as close as possible to where the major liturgies of the service occur, for parents/guardians to worship with their children, and fill this area with books and toys in it that will enhance their spiritual experience. (Ie not toys for “keeping them quiet”). You will find some ideas in these posts Spiritual Delights or Toy Box tat! and Make the books appealing.

Suggest that visiting families pack a special backpack, filled with a children’s storybook bible, other books that speak about ideas in today’s readings, and drawing or craft materials that children can use to respond to today’s readings.

For adults and older students, you might like to use a journal with which to record anything that grabs your attention during the service. This could be a special, bound book or you can use your iPad or iPhone. You could write a precis of the message (traditional words or pictures), draw, and keep a record of emotions and hymns that you did or did not like. You could use a template like this free download. Remember, this is for you, you do not have to show anyone what is in it unless you want to, and you feel safe to do so.

You might like to introduce THE LORDS PRAYER IN ACTIONS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOugEQpcc_k OR https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMjm93ylL2w

We are now in the season of LENT the liturgical colour is PURPLE (closer to the red spectrum, Advent’s purple is closer to the blue spectrum)

If worshipping from home you might like to set up a table or space with a purple cloth, a cross, and some things that remind you of your time in Lent, or from today’s readings.

Because it is a special day in the life of the Church you might also want to decorate with palm fronds or even use the fallen branches of the trees in your area. Or you could make a template of this, and chalk it on the paths to your home if that is allowed.

IF worshipping in a Uniting Church In Australia you might like to teach the little ones this way to Acknowledge Country

LITURGY FOR LENT

Lent is 40 Days, (spread your fingers out and push them in front of yourself 4X)

it’s a long long way (shield your eyes and look around the horizon)

but with each step (walk on the spot)

We get closer,

closer to the JOY of EASTER, (star jump)

Closer to God (give yourself a hug)

We learn more about ourselves (point to yourself)

Like Jesus did in his 40 days in the Wilderness,

Today we only have 4 days left (spread your fingers out and count off 4 fingers)

We are getting closer

So today we wave (wave)

with Palm leaves high (if you have a palm leaf real or created hold it up high)

Amen (one clap)

(Some visual learning suggestions, place 40 stepping stones around the church/or home, these can be made from non-slip tiles or mats (try Bunnings or Spotlight for ideas) such as these or if your church/home has cobble stones or timber stepping stones around them, number them and cross off the days. Another option is to use the Praying in Color steps template, especially good for those with small spaces or where you want people to stay connected away from the communal space.)

NOTE: though we say that LENT is 40 days we do not count the Sundays

This Liturgy can be said daily in the home, counting each day down as you say the second last line.

FIRST READING: Isaiah 50:4-9a

READ: Thank You Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco

WATCH

A StoryPath Suggestion

This is a long book, the youngest ones will find it too long, let them come and go to it as they feel able. Or you can read it just a couple of pages at a time.

PLAY: Do you have one of those wobbly toys that you knock down and they get up again. Or a blackboard that you can draw on and then it is new again after you clean it off. Or playdoh that you can remodel again and again.

This reading talks about being knocked down but getting back up with God’s help.

SING There is One by Snack Music

PSALM 118: 1-2 and 19-29

SING You are my God, Number 4 on Seeds Family Music album When You Lie Down

DRAW: Pictures to go with this music. Draw how the music makes you feel? What colour/s do you see? How do you feel about God when you listen to it?

SECOND READING: Philippians 2:5-11

READ Louis 1. King of the Sheep

You can watch a preview of the movie from the book here

Understand why Storypath made this suggestion

CONTRAST the image of Louis1 with Jesus.

SING: Totally God, Totally Man from The Ology by Soveriegn Grace Kids

GOSPEL READING: Matthew 21:1-11.

WATCH: Start at 1 min 19 sec.

CRAFT Cloaks on a plate the 5th activity on the download

Colouring-In:

BENEDICTION/LEAVING SONG Heather Price’s Benediction Song on her Full of the Spirit Album

Blessings

Wendy L.

Please check local guidelines before using items that are not mine especially if you are using this page for congregational use. Please acknowledge 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.

If you are in Australia and would like to teach your children to Acknowledge Country here is a video that will help, and a great book to help understand, We love Country. Most Uniting Church Congregations will say an Acknowledgement of Country towards the start of the service.

PASSION SUNDAY Year A, 2023: Ideas to share the Revised Common Lectionary Readings with all ages.

Faith is portable, we live it and share it, every day. I hope these simple ideas help your family or congregation form their faith.

There are 2 sets of RCL readings this week, one for Palm Sunday the other for Passion Sunday. If you are a member of the congregation or a visitor too that congregation either in person or on Zoom, check with the Readings for the week to discover which set you are using. You are reading ideas for Passion Sunday here, and you will find readings for Palm Sunday here.

You might like to introduce THE LORDS PRAYER IN ACTIONS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOugEQpcc_k OR https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMjm93ylL2w

We are now in the season of LENT the liturgical colour is PURPLE (closer to the red spectrum, Advent’s purple is closer to the blue spectrum)

If worshipping from home you might like to set up a table or space with a purple cloth, a cross, and some things that remind you of your time in Lent, or from today’s readings.

IF worshipping in a Uniting Church In Australia you might like to teach the little ones this way to Acknowledge Country

LITURGY FOR LENT

Lent is 40 Days, (spread your fingers out and push them in front of yourself 4X)

it’s a long long way (shield your eyes and look around the horizon)

but with each step (walk on the spot)

We get closer,

closer to the JOY of EASTER, (star jump)

Closer to God (give yourself a hug)

We learn more about ourselves (point to yourself)

Like Jesus did in his 40 days in the Wilderness,

Today we only have 4 days left (spread your fingers out and count off 4 fingers)

We are getting closer

Amen (one clap)

NOTE: though we say that LENT is 40 days we do not count the Sundays

This Liturgy can be said daily in the home, counting each day down as you say the second last line.

FIRST READING: Isaiah 50:4-9a

READ: One by Kathryn Otoshi

WATCH:

A Storypath suggestion.

DRAW: those times when you need someone to encourage or support you

PRAY (As you pray this prayer take a block and build a tower as you think of those who might need God’s help today)

Help me Lord

so that I can help

someone

who needs building up

Amen

PSALM 31:9-16

I am exhausted! (place hand near forehead)
My eyes struggle to see (pretend to rub eyes)
my strength fails (drop your shoulders)
my bones waste away. (let your body hang)

I am losing myself in this misery. (drop your head)
I am sinking into a deathly emptiness. (collapse to the floor)

Lord – I trust you! (fold your hands and plead)
I say to myself over and over (twirl your pointing finger around)
“You are my God. (Hands out wide)
My life is in your hands. (hold your hands in a pretend bowl)
Shine your face on me again. (smile)
Save me in your steadfast love. (Make a love heart with your hands)

Words are an exert from http://www.conversations.net.nz/psalm-31-strength-in-exhaustion.html actions (in brackets) are mine.

How does the Psalm make you feel? Draw it, or find an emoji that show’s it.

SECOND READING: Philippians 2:5-11

READ: A Little Peace of Me by Madeleine Lippey

WATCH This is a slide show rather than a video.

A Storypath Suggestion

SHARE: Bake a cake, or hand out fruit. What else can you share?

SING Jesus Christ is Lord on the The resurrection an Easter Collection album by Seeds Family Worship OR Vol 8, The Word of God album

GOSPEL READING:

Matthew 26:14-27: 66

READ: The Spark Story Bible, The Last Supper,( Matt:26:17-30) Jesus is Betrayed,(Matt:26:31-75) The Day Jesus Died,(Matt 27:27-66) pp.364-381

OR Children of God Storybook, Jesus Shares his last meal with his Friends(Matt.26), pp.108-109, The Trial and Death of Jesus (Matt:26-27), pp.110-111

OR Matthew 27:11-54

This is such a long reading if the shorter version is not used, I suggest it be broken down like the Spark Story Bible has

CREATE: Make a set for each scene of the story, (you can make this out of whatever you have around you, lego, cardboard boxes, rocks and trees, etc; then play out the story related to that scene ie The Last Supper, Jesus is Betrayed, The day that Jesus Died, the part of the story the Spark Story book does not cover is that of Jesus’s time with Pilate. Someone could retell this part and another set could be created.

COLOUR_IN

BENEDICTION/LEAVING SONG Heather Price’s Benediction Song on her Full of the Spirit Album

Blessings

Wendy L.

Please check local guidelines before using items that are not mine especially if you are using this page for congregational use. Please acknowledge 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.

Passion Sunday C: Revised Common Lectionary: ideas to involve even the youngest.

WELCOME: Everyone is welcome here.

While designed to be used during a Sunday service at church or by zoom, these readings can also be used during the week to help you remember and build on what you experienced on Sundays. My objective is for faith to be a lived experience and for children to learn how to worship and explore the Bible and pray by participating in Worship. The goal here is not for them to learn names or facts though they may want to do that for themselves, but rather to find ways of connecting with the text and sharing that with others. The ideal is to form alife long love of Christ and for the Word of God.

Today is Passion or Palm Sunday in LENT. It is also the beginning of Holy Week. The Liturgical colour is PURPLE. (Palm Sunday suggestions are on a seperate blog)

If you are worshipping from home you may like to set up a worship area

You can do this by setting up a candle, then add the things that remind YOU of God, a Cross, a Bible that everyone likes to read from, 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 use a journal with which to record anything that grabs your attention during the service. This could be a special, bound book or use your ipad or iphone. You could write a precis of the message (traditional words or pictures), draw, keep a record of emotions and hymns that you did or did not like. You could use a template like this free download. Remember, this is for you, you do not have to show anyone what is in it unless you want to, and you feel safe to do so.

CONGREGATIONAL USE: Though parents are the best at sharing their faith with their children. If you are a small congregation where children are a very small, or rare part of your congregational life, please feel free to make these suggestions available to your congregation. I am very happy for you to copy and paste ideas from here into your own Order of Service or for you to supply a link to this page. An acknoledgement though is always appreciated.

LET’S BEGIN:

Light or turn on 6 Candles (one for each Sunday in Lent) Blow out (or turn off) 6 Candles

PRAY

Into this season of Lent (pretend to Walk)

I go (point to yourself)

Life has it’s seasons (draw a circle in the air)

It’s Joys and (happy face)

It’s sadnesses (sad face)

You go before me (point your arms ahead)

You are there after me (look behind)

Amen

THE LORD’S PRAYER:

You might like to start with the Lord’s Prayer if at home, or say the Lord’s Prayer within a set place if following along in a service. Here are 4 options

2 with ACTIONS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOugEQpcc_k OR https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMjm93ylL2w

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

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF COUNTRY

If you are in Australia and attending a Uniting Church in Australia, in many cases an Acknowledgment of Country will be said. You can teach your young ones to do this too.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE:

PRAY: Use heart shaped post-it notes and as you write a person or an activity you can do out of love, pray for the activity or person.

FIRST READING: Isaiah 50:4-9a

READ: Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell

WATCH:

A Storypath suggestion.

DRAW: those times when you need God.

PRAY: Dear God

You are with us

Always

Thank you

Amen

PSALM 31:9-16

Psalm 31: My hiding place

Where can I hide? (cover your eyes with your hands)
I cannot find anywhere that feels safe. (Look around you)
Everywhere there are traps set for me. (reach a hand out then pull it back quickly)
Everywhere people whisper about me. (cusp your hands around your mouth as if passing on a secret)
Be my safe place, O God. (cross your hands over your body)
Be my hiding space, my refuge, my shelter. ( crouch down small)
I put myself in your hands. (cup your hands in front of you)
Be strong! Fill your heart with courage! (make a muscle, then a heart with your hands)
Words by Rev. Purdie action by me.

How does this Psalm make you feel, make a face to show others, or draw how you feel, or point out an emoji that represents how you feel.

SECOND READING: Philippians 2:5-11

READ/WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jknhdB8ZHI MAYBE GOD IS LIKE THAT TOO by Jennifer Grant as suggested by http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-rcl-april-9-2017/

SING: https://www.seedsfamilyworship.com/product/the-word-of-god-vol-8/#

DRAW: What is God like?

SECOND READING: Philippians 2:5-11

READ: Louis 1, King of the sheep by Olivier Tallec

WATCH

A Storypath suggestion understand why?

Question: I wonder why Jesus didn’t act like Louis 1?

SING: No 4, Jesus Christ is Lord from the Word of God Volume 8 by Seeds Family Worship

GOSPEL READING 1: Luke 22: 14-23:56

and GOSPEL READING 2: LUKE 23:1-49

This is a massive reading, so I have broken it down into segments and made recommendations on what I see is the most appropriate Reading for our little ones. There is plenty here to keep you going right through this week and possible into Holy Week. Mix it up with a bit of play or activity then return to the reading as appropriate.

FOR Luke 22:14-23 READ The Last Supper pp.314-316 from The Whirl Storybook Bible

For Luke 22:32-71 READ: Jesus is Betrayed, pp.370-375 from the Spark Storybook Bible

FOR Luke 23:1-49 (this is also the 2nd Gospel READING) READ The Way of the Cross by Andrew MacDonough

WATCH

COLOUR-IN free colouring in sheet or purchase the Activity Book for many activiteis for all ages.

For Luke 23:26-56 READ Jesus is Crucified pp.322-325 in the Whirl Story Bible

Note: Gospel Reading 2 is included in Gospel Reading 1

PLAY: These readings make a great opportunity for your child to play.

Set a table, let them remake the last supper with teddies and tea sets

Create a dark green hill with books under a green scarf or piece of material. Let them fight out the story with Ikea or lego people, find a rooster from a farm set,

Turn a traditional pew into a courtroom, Let the toys take on the rolls of Herod and Pilate, etc.

Icy pole sticks create good crosses, let them parade up to the hill (books covered in a light green cover)

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.

I have qualifications in Education, Theology and Children’s Spirituality, and have worked as a Children and Families Worker in a city church. I use simple and easily found ideas to help you share the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) readings. 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, saving you time from sifting through many websites, facebook , pinterest, instagram, and blog posts.

Palm Sunday C: Revised Common Lectionary: ideas to involve even the youngest.

WELCOME: Everyone is welcome here.

Today is Palm or Passion Sunday in LENT. The Liturgical colour is PURPLE. (Passion Sunday recommendations are on a seperate blog)

If you are worshipping from home you may like to set up a worship area

You can do this by setting up a candle, then add the things that remind YOU of God, a Cross, a Bible that everyone likes to read from, a special object, even something from one of the readings.

LET’S BEGIN:

LISTEN: On the album Lent, Palm Sunday Foolish Knight, by Liturgical Folk

MAKE: though there are no Palms in the Gospel reading for today one of the traditions I love is to make a cross and put it on my front door, until Ash Wednesday next year. This year you could make a paper cross and put that on your door and it will still burn on Ash Wednesday next year.

Palm free traditions could be to

Draw coats on the footpath to the church or to your door
Leave a coat outside the door, (if it does go to another home treat that as a socially responsible Lent response)
Wear a coat to church and remove it when you get to the door, or if worshipping at home, place your coat on the floor of the space where you are worshipping

Light or turn on 6 Candles (one for each Sunday in Lent) Blow out (or turn off) 6 Candles

PRAY

Into this season of Lent (pretend to Walk)

I go (point to yourself)

Life has it’s seasons (draw a circle in the air)

It’s Joys and (happy face)

It’s sadnesses (sad face)

You go before me (point your arms ahead)

You are there after me (look behind)

Amen

THE LORD’S PRAYER:

You might like to start with the Lord’s Prayer if at home, or say the Lord’s Prayer within a set place if following along in a service. Here are 4 options

2 with ACTIONS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOugEQpcc_k OR https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMjm93ylL2w

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

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF COUNTRY

If you are in Australia and attending a Uniting Church in Australia, in many cases an Acknowledgment of Country will be said. You can teach your young ones to do this too.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE:

PRAY: Use heart shaped post-it notes and as you write a person or an activity you can do out of love, pray for the activity or person.

PALM SUNDAY

FIRST READING: Isaiah 50:4-9a

God has given me the tongue (poke out your tongue)

Of a teacher (Point your finger as if making a Point)

That I (point to yourself)

May know how to energize the tired with a word (jump up and down)

Each morning God wakes me (stretch as if waking up)

To listen to those being taught (Place your hand behind your ears)

God opened my ear (point to your ear)

I obeyed and did not look back( look behind you)

I turned away from those who hurt me (turn around)

I turned my back on those who hit me (turn around)

I did not hide from insults (crouch down)

God helps me (give yourself a hug)

I am not bought low (hold your head high)

I smile(smile)

knowing that You God (hold your hands in a prayer position)

are always with me (give yourself a hug)

I stand with God (show your muscles)

God helps me (give yourself a hug)

Actions in Italics

DRAW a face on a paper plate.

PLAY: With a weighted toy that wobblies but gets up right again when it falls down, such as this

PSALM 118: 1-2 and 19-29

READ: Pointing to the risen Lord

This is the day that the Lord has made (stamp your foot)
Let us rejoice and be glad in it! (Put your hands up high)
The Lord is my energy and my strength (show your muscle)
He has become my salvation! (stand with feet apart and chest out)

The stone that the builders rejected (get a toy block)
has become the corner stone, (use it to start a row with other blocks)
the foundation on which everything is built. (continue to build) (you might like to build a cross)
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!

O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good (put your hands in a praying position)
His steadfast love goes on forever! (shelter your eyes and look far ahead)
Words by Rev Purdie actions in italics by me

PLAY: The full version has such beautiful imagery and metaphor, let them build something with blocks. Ask them how they built it? where is the door, the windows? Are they happy with what they have built. Let them know that God is our base, and it make’s us happy.

SECOND READING: Philippians 2:5-11

READ The day I became a Bird by Ingrid Chabbert

WATCH

Understand why Storypath made this suggestion

SING: Totally God, Totally Man from The Ology by Soveriegn Grace Kids

PRAY

Jesus

Help me to be in your

Praise team

Amen

GOSPEL READING: Luke 19:28-40

Every Children’s Story book Bible I am aware of mixes the Gospel stories of Jesus’s truimphant entry. None of them therefore tell the Luke story. You might like to read the different versions and find what is and is not missing in each gospel. HINT There are no Palm leaves mentioned in Luke. All children’s books I know show palm fronds in their pictures. Therefore I have chosen this book which focus’s on the Donkey, like Luke does.

READ: Dave the Donkey by Andrew MacDonough

WATCH

ACTIVITIES: Purchase and Download the accompanying Activities Book

PLAY: Act out the story, find a toy donkey, some dolls clothes, lots of toys or dolls to be the crowd.

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.

Palm Sunday Year B: ideas to engage the whole family(especially the youngest) in the set RCL readings for today

WELCOME

This week there are 2 distinct sets of readings, one for Palm Sunday every child and young at hearts favourite or Passion Sunday normally a more solomn service. I will post them seperately.

Either service marks the start of Holy Week, here are some Holy Week resources you might like to use with your family at home here, or here.

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.

They are for use by parents, grandparents and carers and for small congregations who do not have a Child and Family Ministry.

GETTING READY

If worshipping at home. You may want to set up a space to bring out or keep up through Lent.

The colour of Lent is purple, not the same blue based purple as Advent but a red based purple.

Set up a candle, and what ever helps you focus on the season, it might be a cross, some sand (to symbolise the desert times of the people of God), or cactus plants, some rocks(to represent challenge) for example, or anything that inspires you from any Lent studies you or your family ae doing.

A Book that I would rcommend for sharing about Lent with Children is Make Room A Child’s Guide to Lent and Easter by Laura Alary You can see an adaption of this book in a Godly Play method here

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

You might like to start with the Lords prayer if at home, or either of these suggestions can be used when the Lord’s Prayer is said within a set service.

either IN 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

To set the Palm Sunday mood you might like to Sing or watch, Wave those branches High by David MacGregor.

Today you might like to Pray during Prayers of the People, by pointing to or pulling off a leaf from either a Palm frond or one that you have drawn, and as you do so name and pray for those people you admiire or those who you want to encourage. If you have drawn a palm frond you could put the names of the people you mention on each frond.

FIRST READING: Isaiah 50:4-9a

READ: Mae’s first Day of School by Kate Berube

WATCH

Understand why it was suggested here

PSALM 118:1-2,19-29

READ: We will Rejoice by Karma Wilson

WATCH

How does this Psalm make you feel?

Describe those feelings, 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 the Bears App https://innovativeresources.org/resources/digital-applications/bears-app/

SECOND READING: Phillipians 2:5-11

READ: There was an old woman who lived in a shoe by Jane Cabrera

WATCH

Understand why it was suggested here

SING Seeds Family Worship Vo. 8 The Word of God No.4 Jesus Christ is Lord

PRAY:

For those you love today.

GOSPEL READING: Mark 11:1-11

READ: from a children’s Bible my choice is The Beginner’s Bible

OR Meet Jesus in Mark by Matthew Sleeman first paragraph only

OR 10 great stories from Mark pp48-51

ACT: out the passage. You can do this with people, or your toys, you could make puppets for each of those mentioned, you could make a felt scene( use a firm felt board as the background and cut out shapes from coloured felt squares, they will stick to the backing board)

COLOURING IN: the Beginner’s Bible Easter Coloring IN Kit

QUESTION? Where are the palm leaves in today’s reading?

OR John 12: 12-16

READ from a Children’s Bible my choice is the Beginner’s Bible

OR Biblegateway

EXTENSION: read the two passages at home and spot the differences. Then remember an event you were all at do you all remember it the same way?

Blessings

Wendy L.

Please check local guidlines before using items that are not mine and acknowledge this page if you have found it useful, especially if you are using this page for congregational use.

Passion Sunday : RCL ideas to use with even the littlest at home

Most families, enjoy the pageantry of Palm Sunday, but there is an alternative set of resources for the day which is known as Passion Sunday. If you would like to try an alternative service, in preparation for the sentiments of the week ahead you might prefer these readings, all are suitable for sharing with even the youngest.

Let’s start with a SONG: vhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTdiQF9DMvQ&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR38YhtDzWAKPMOVVKWT5ZZRU0iFmYFtGq3vKBHLC5oWf4_j2npGGNyWQWE

THE LORDS PRAYER IN ACTIONS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOugEQpcc_k OR https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMjm93ylL2w

TODAY’S REVISED COMMON LECTIONARY READINGS

FIRST READING: Isaiah 50:4-9a

READ/WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5mVqQ_Ysmw Mae’s First day of School by Kate Berube as suggested by http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-rcl-palm-sunday-april-14-2019/

Play: Do you have one of those wobbly toys that you knock down and they get up again. Or a blackboard that you can draw on and then it is new again after you clean it off.

This reading talks about being knocked down but getting back up with God’s help.

PRAY

Renew me Lord

So I can stand up for you

Amen

PSALM 31:9-16

(DO NOT TOUCH YOUR FACE)

I am exhausted! (place hand near forehead)
My eyes struggle to see (pretend to rub eyes)
my strength fails (drop your shoulders)
my bones waste away. (let your body hang)

I am losing myself in this misery. (drop your head)
I am sinking into a deathly emptiness. (collapse to the floor)

Words are an exert from http://www.conversations.net.nz/psalm-31-strength-in-exhaustion.html actions (in brackets) are mine.

How does the Psalm make you feel?

Describe that feeling, 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 the Bears App https://innovativeresources.org/resources/digital-applications/bears-app/

SECOND READING: Philippians 2:5-11

READ: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8n-2I3Nsqs There was an old woman who lived in a shoe by Jane Cabrere ( a slightly different interpretation than the traditional)

PLAY: Fill and Empty containers with what ever you have, sand, dirt, rice, water.

PRAY:

So many people (open arms wide)

are helping people today (place one hand on top of the other and go high)

like Jesus gave everything (arms out wide above your head)

for us (point to yourself)

Amen (one firm clap)

GOSPEL READING:

Matthew 26:14-27: 66

READ: The Lion Picture Bible from p322-334

OR Matthew 27:11-54

READ:The Jesus Storybook Bible; The Sun stops shining pp.302-306

PLAY: Get your toys out and retell the stories. There are many stories within todays readings no matter which one you choose,

What was your best story?

What would you leave out?

COLOUR_IN step 1 communion

https://lettheirlightshine.files.wordpress.com/2019/03/lords-supper-cup-and-bread-1.pdf https://lettheirlightshine.com/category/easter-with-toddlers/page/1/ She would appreciate a Pound Donation

Step 2: Jesus carrying the cross

from https://www.lostsheep.com.au/stories/the-way-of-the-cross/

and https://www.zonderkidz.com/resources/freebies/

Blessings

Wendy L.

Palm Sunday : RCL ideas to use with even the littlest at home

You know that the season of Lent is drawing to a close when the excitement of Palm Sunday occurs. It’s a day of celebration, but we know from the hindsight of history that things are about to change. So embrace the complete story from Palm Sunday to the Open tomb at home with your family. Don’t skimp on any of the emotion, take your family through the highs and the lows, from the very little to the Eldest.

If you are looking for multilingual resources for the season head to Max7 https://www.max7.org/en/resource/ee0d7f9d-aed3-4739-a3fc-1a855b630485?fbclid=IwAR0WmQFm-arwbztcXYoNwaLM4e7_rM0WgRMBEDTqVCrp3JT4Od5S8XhL8tg

Lets start with this Palm Sunday Prayer by the LOST SHEEP Author , Andrew MacDo https://www.lostsheep.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Palm-Sunday-Prayer-print.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1q22bwmp6RzbrdWMCZOm9icUOK64Fjz6_H3yrcUh2Di7ygZFe03iWjZtw

For a Fun Family Read and activities head to https://www.lostsheep.com.au/stories/dave-the-donkey-an-easter-story/ Hardcopies of the story and pages of great activities for young an old can be purchased here too.

MAKE A PALM CROSS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrEorJngmrM&fbclid=IwAR15kAppk6lZxyn9mVJrnTSaJ0ij-cvBSHNdVv2EXnfuFy7gZ8P-tXr0rEs

THE LORDS PRAYER IN ACTIONS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOugEQpcc_k OR https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMjm93ylL2w

TODAY’S REVISED COMMON LECTIONARY READINGS

FIRST READING: Isaiah 50:4-9a

READ/WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5mVqQ_Ysmw Mae’s First day of School by Kate Berube as suggested by http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-rcl-palm-sunday-april-14-2019/

Play: Do you have one of those wobbly toys that you knock down and they get up again. Or a blackboard that you can draw on and then it is new again after you clean it off.

This reading talks about being knocked down but getting back up with God’s help.

PRAY

Renew me Lord

So I can stand up for you

Amen

PSALM 118:1-2, 19-29

READ: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmSUgxqOHAE I will Rejoice, by Karma Wilson

Sing: https://www.seedsfamilyworship.com/product/when-you-lie-down-lullabies-scripture-songs/# 4 You are my God

SECOND READING: Philippians 2:5-11

READ: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8n-2I3Nsqs There was an old woman who lived in a shoe by Jane Cabrere ( a slightly different interpretation than the traditional)

PLAY: Fill and Empty containers with what ever you have, sand, dirt, rice, water.

PRAY:

So many people (open arms wide)

are helping people today (place one hand on top of the other and go high)

like Jesus gave everything (arms out wide above your head)

for us (point to yourself)

Amen (one firm clap)

GOSPEL READING: Matthew 21:1-11.

WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIrUrXMvtiE&fbclid=IwAR0JzjygJlw0NpSn2TxliTyEx68b2V_TyxHyCYxYOdnsKlPKcthmaa9DUlk

OR https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAcaa-w5u_E&fbclid=IwAR2WXjQ50yY5igUhEKxQn2T0tm2ORGb-8n40VZ19CfUwJHjanhFl6mEMvkg

Sing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMoP_oSuN70

Colouring-In: FREE https://www.illustratedministry.com/2020/palm-frond-coloring-page/?fbclid=IwAR3FGusU7nRPHeeIQ6ylmjhGGjt8uUdM-dJ6xk-v2YlI3JQjyCY3oTlRxiA

Make sure to place your palm in the window or place on your gate so that others know that today is a special day.

Blessings

Wendy L.

Passion Sunday: Ideas to help you share this weeks RCL readings with the 3’s and under.

The Revised Common Lectionary has two choices this Sunday, readings for Passion Sunday and Readings for Palm Sunday.

You will find posts for each.

There is some overlap with readings, but a very different emphasis.

If possible, check in advance, with the Church you are worshipping at this Sunday, as to which set of readings they are following.

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.

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.

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: Isaiah 50:4-9a

READ/WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmX5i8Pf3_0 One by Kathryn Otoshi as suggested by http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-sunday-march-24-2013/

PRAY: Dear God

You are with us

Always

DRAW: those times when you need God.

PSALM 31:9-16

Psalm 31: My hiding place

Colouring In https://store.illustratedchildrensministry.com/collections/lent/products/psalms-coloring-posters?variant=5702410895392 Poster 6 You may have bought this series last year so check your download folder.

SECOND READING: Philippians 2:5-11

READ/WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jknhdB8ZHI MAYBE GOD IS LIKE THAT TOO by Jennifer Grant as suggested by http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-rcl-april-9-2017/

SING: https://www.seedsfamilyworship.com/product/the-word-of-god-vol-8/#

DRAW: What is God like?

GOSPEL READING 1: Luke 22: 14-23:56 This is a massive reading, so I have broken it down into segments and made recommendations on what I see is the most appropriate Reading for our little ones. There is plenty here to keep you going right through this week and possible into Holy Week. Mix it up with a bit of play or activity then return to the reading as appropriate.

FOR Luke 22:14-20 READ Easter Love Letters from God by Glenys Nellist, The secret Supper pp. 12-15

OR The Beginners Bible, The Last Supper pp.442-445

FOR Luke 22:31-34, 54-62 READ https://www.lostsheep.com.au/stories/peter-and-the-rooster/ You can also Buy it to have it permanently on hand.

Colouring in: Download the free colouring in sheet (scroll down to find it) or purchase the activities pack to keep everyone focused

OR READ My First read-aloud Bible by Batchelor and Boshoff Peter Lets Jesus Down pp. 218-219

FOR Luke 22:63-71 READ The Jesus Storybook Bible p.301 (the page before he sun Stops Shining)

For Luke 22: 39-53 READ My First read-aloud Bible by Batchelor and Boshoff Jesus is taken Prisoner pp.216-217.

Note: Gospel Reading 2 is included in Gospel Reading 1

GOSPEL READING 2: Luke 23:1-49

READ/WATCH: https://www.lostsheep.com.au/stories/the-way-of-the-cross/ Buy the book

ACTIVITIES: Purchase the Activity Pack or Download the free bookmarks- good for retelling the story and the Colouring In page

MAKE: These readings make a great opportunity for your child to play.

Set a table, let them remake the last supper with teddies and tea sets

Create a dark green hill with books under a green scarf or piece of material. Let them fight out the story with Ikea or lego people, find a rooster from a farm set,

Turn a traditional pew into a courtroom, Let the toys take on the rolls of Herod and Pilate, etc.

Icy pole sticks create good crosses, let them parade up to the hill (books covered in a light green cover)

If you want more ideas check last years post as all but the Gospel readings are the same https://wordpress.com/post/thecrossinmybackyard.wordpress.com/112

Palm Sunday: Ideas to help you share this weeks RCL readings with the 3’s and under.

The Revised Common Lectionary has two choices this Sunday, readings for Passion Sunday and Readings for Palm Sunday.

You will find seperate posts for each.

There is some overlap with readings, but a very different emphasis.

If possible, check in advance, with the Church you are worshipping at this Sunday, as to which set of readings they are following.

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.

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.

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 would like these ideas as a PDF file sent to you each week, please contact me.

FIRST READING:Isaiah 50:4-9a

READ/WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmX5i8Pf3_0One by Kathryn Otoshi as suggested by http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-sunday-march-24-2013/

PRAY: Dear God

You are with us

Always

DRAW or Make the cross under the Gospel Reading and say this prayer touching the cross

DEAR GOD touch the smallest section

YOU ARE point to the left side of the crossbar

WITH US point to the left side of the crossbar

ALWAYS Hold the cross with the stem of the cross.

DRAW: times when you need God.

PSALM 118:1-2,19-29

READ:Psalm 118: Pointing to the risen Lord

(Read Acts 4)

This is the day that the Lord has made
Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
The Lord is my energy and my strength
He has become my salvation!

The stone that the builders rejected
has become the corner stone,
the foundation on which everything is built.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!

O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good
His steadfast love goes on forever!
from http://www.conversations.net.nz/psalm-118-pointing-to-the-risen-lord.html

OR WATCH/READ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmSUgxqOHAE I will rejoice by Karma Wilson

DRAW: Anything that makes you happy.

SECOND READING: Philippians 2:5-11

READ/WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jknhdB8ZHI MAYBE GOD IS LIKE THAT TOO by Jennifer Grant as suggested by http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-rcl-april-9-2017/

SING: https://www.seedsfamilyworship.com/product/the-word-of-god-vol-8/# Number 4

DRAW: What is God like?

GOSPEL READING: Luke 19:28-40

READ/WATCH: https://www.lostsheep.com.au/stories/dave-the-donkey-an-easter-story/ OR BUY

ACTIVITIES: Purchase and Download the accompanying Activities Book

PLAY: Act out the story, find a toy donkey, some palms, some dolls clothes, some dolls,

MAKE: a non palm cross by taking a long stretch of green paper making a palm sunday cross

This is hard for little fingers so cut cut out a long and short piece of green paper of the same length and glue into a cross. You might like to feather the edges if the child is up to using safety scissors.

COLOURING IN: COLOURING-IN: https://store.illustratedchildrensministry.com/collections/coloring-sheets-posters/products/bible-story-coloring-pages-spring-2019 PURCHASE IS DOWNLOADABLE AND IS IN AMERICAN DOLLARS FOR 14 WEEKS (6 WEEKS IN)

If you want more ideas check last years post as all but the Gospel readings are the same https://wordpress.com/post/thecrossinmybackyard.wordpress.com/112

Lent Palm/Passion/ Ideas for 3’s and under to connect them with the readings of the day

This is such a “spoilt for choice” Sunday as there are 3 sets of readings set down for this Sunday. Most services will stay within one of the themes – Palm Sunday/Passion Sunday or Annunciation of the the Lord, rather than choose from different reading sets.

My guess is that most churches with a children’s ministry will opt for Palm Sunday. But if you are visiting a congregation hopefully there will be enough ideas here to help your under 3 connect with whatever is on offer, where ever you are.

Things you may need

The early reader Bible https://www.word.com.au/The-Early-Readers-Bible/V-Gilbert-Beers-Terri-Steiger-Illustrator/9780310701392

The Beginners Bible Timeless Children’s stories THE BEGINNERS BIBLE TIMELESS CHILDREN’S STORIES https://www.koorong.com/search/product/the-beginners-bible-timeless-childrens-stories-beginners-bible/9780310750130.jhtml

Or the Beginners Bible for Toddlers https://www.koorong.com/search/product/the-beginners-bible-for-toddlers-kelly-pulley-illus/9781859857410.jhtml

Toy Donkey (toys r us)

play paper or Journal

Texta’s

Glue stick

felt

brown material

brown and green paper

dolls clothes

green crepe paper

paper plates

https://store.illustratedchildrensministry.com/collections/illustrated-worship-resources/products/bible-story-coloring-pages-spring-2018 (The price you pay will get you 14 colouring in pages, that is 14 Sundays worth and I will possibly refer to them over the coming weeks. To reduce the cost further, you could share with other families or ask your church to purchase them for you. Note this is a USA publication so the season for them is Spring, and the price is in US$, so it will cost a little more and possible attract international transaction charges depending on whom your credit card is with)

PALM SUNDAY

OLD TESTAMENT: Isaiah 50:4-9a

DRAW: A face as this reading is read, start with the tongue, (v.4), ear(v.4b), cheeks(v.6), beard(v.6),

OR draw the face on a paper plate for something different.

PRAYER: The good God helps me. Amen

PSALM 118:1-2, 19-29

DRAW: How this psalm makes you feel. Draw a happy or sad face, inside a love heart.

PRAY: God’s Love (make a love heart with your hand)

Lasts forever (put your hands wide out from the body)

Thank you God

Amen

PLAY: with a favourite toy. Tell your child that God loves them to.

NEW TESTAMENT: PHILIPPIANS 2:5-11

READ/WATCH: DR SUESS HORTON HEARS A WHO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgPcAxkxoio

Horton helps out without thinking about what people think of him.

ACTION: Bow down every time Jesus’s name is said during today’s worship.

GOSPEL MARK 11:1-11

READ: THE Early Readers Bible Jesus on a Donkey pp. 435-439

OR The Beginners Bible The True King p. 427-432 or The Beginners Bible for Toddlers The True King

OR the Lost sheep Dave the Donkey https://www.lostsheep.com.au/stories/dave-the-donkey-an-easter-story/

COLOURING-IN

MAKE: A Simple palm leaf. You need A4 green paper, fold long ways, cut out an oval shape, tear or cut pieces out to give a palm shape.

CREATE: Recreate the scene

Option 1: Brown material, approximately 1 metre ( from Spotlight or Lincraft)

dolls clothes, smaller palm leaves then suggested above,(not too small we don’t want a swallowing hazard) cut from green felt.

(You will need to prepare these in advance)

Toy Donkey ( i bought a soft toy one from TOY’s R US)

Let them play

Option 2 Brown paper, clothes cut from paper, palm leaves cut from crepe paper. Glue with a Glue stick to make a picture.

Option 3 Stiff Brown Felt, coloured felt to make clothes, green felt to make palm leaves. (cut these out at home before going to church) The pieces will stick on the stiff felt and the picture remade as many times as liked. Take it home and let them continue playing with it all week.

OR JOHN 12:12-16

READ: The Lion Storybook Riding to Jerusalem

or Bible for Kids app https://www.bible.com/kids The donkey and the king

Activities as for Mark readings

MAKE: A Simple palm leaf. You need green paper, cut out an oval shape, tear or cut pieces out to give a palm shape.

CREATE: Recreate the scene

Option 1: Brown material, approximately 1 metre ( from Spotlight or Lincraft)

dolls clothes, smaller palm leaves then suggested above,(not too small we don’t want a swallowing hazard) cut from green felt.

(You will need to prepare these in advance)

Toy Donkey ( i found mine at Toy’s r US)

Let them play

Option 2 Brown paper, clothes cut from paper, palm leaves cut from crepe paper. Glue with a Glue stick to make a picture.

PASSION SUNDAY

Things you may need

The Lion Story Bible https://www.koorong.com/search/product/the-lion-story-bible-sophie-piper-ruth-rivers/9780745964003.jhtml

plain paper or Journal

TEXTAs

toys, people and animals

https://store.illustratedchildrensministry.com/collections/lenten-2018-resources/products/psalms-coloring-pages-8-5×11 (This series has 9 colouring in pages, including a simplified version for younger hands. They cover the Psalms in the RCL until Easter Sunday. I do suggest you purchase them, just remember the price is in $US so will be slightly higher and may attract an international transaction fee. You might like to share this product with other families or ask your congregation to purchase it for you.)

OLD TESTAMENT: Isaiah 50:4-9a

Activities as for Palm Sunday

DRAW: A face as this reading is read, start with the tongue, (v.4), ear(v.4b), cheeks(v.6), beard(v.6),

OR draw the face on a paper plate for something different.

PRAYER: The good God helps me. Amen

PSALM 31:9-16

HOW DO YOU LOOK WHEN YOUR UPSET? make that face.

COLOURING-IN

NEW TESTAMENT: PHILIPPIANS 2:5-11

Activities the same as Palm Sunday

READ/WATCH: DR SUESS HORTON HEARS A WHO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgPcAxkxoio

Horton helps out without thinking about what people think of him.

ACTION: Bow down every time Jesus’s name is said during today’s worship.

GOSPEL READING: Mark 14:1-15:47

READ: The Lion Story Book pp. 204-216

also The lost sheep The Way of the cross https://www.lostsheep.com.au/stories/the-way-of-the-cross/

and/Or https://www.lostsheep.com.au/stories/peter-and-the-rooster/

PLAY Chose a section to play out, ie The last supper,

DRAW: Draw a part of the story you like.

OR Mark 15:1-39 (40-47)

READ: The lost sheep The Way of the cross https://www.lostsheep.com.au/stories/the-way-of-the-cross/

OR The Lion Story Book pp.211-216

Activities the same for the longer reading

PLAY Chose a section to play out, ie The last supper,

DRAW: Draw a part of the story you like.

look for ANNUNCIATION OF THE LORD as a seperate post later today.