I hope you and your children enjoy spending time together in Church this week.
Here are some ideas to help you share the Readings from the Revised Common Lectionary with your children.
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.
Always have plain drawing paper, washable TEXTA’S , the books that are suggested and the toys or craft suggested for this week
Remember to download the colouring sheets and check out the links before 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.
THE LORDS PRAYER IN ACTIONS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOugEQpcc_k OR https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMjm93ylL2w
FIRST READING: JEREMIAH 29:1,4-7
READ: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWws5lg5NeI Blackout by John Rocco
as suggested by http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-rcl-october-9-2016/
OR Florette by Anne Walker https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKcZqwOWP9s
PLAY: with toys that change, a doll that is two things, or a truck that changes into a robot, etc
PRAY:
Thank you God
that You are always with me
Amen
PSALM 66:1-12
READ; http://www.conversations.net.nz/psalm-66-come-and-hear.html
How does this Psalm make you feel?
Draw it or show it or point out the emotion 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/
COLOURING -IN: https://store.illustratedministry.com/collections/coloring-sheets-posters/products/bible-story-coloring-pages-fall-2019?variant=29474498478178 Under the USA term of Fall 2019, there are 13 colouring in sheets for the next 13 weeks, starting September the 1st. which can be downloaded for US$10. NOTE Illustrated Children’s Ministry is now Illustrated Ministry.
SECOND READING: 2 TIMOTHY 2:8-16
READ: I like myself by Karen Beaumont https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vPI4gKWDGg as suggested by http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-rcl-october-9-2016/
PLAY: Play with your favourite toys. It’s all about being part of God’s community.
PRAY
God you made me
from my toes (point to your toes)
to my head (point to your head)
from my fingers to my fingers
I will be my best
for You. Always
Amen
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 17:11-19.
READ: My First Read-a loud Bible by Batchelor and Boshaoff, Saying Thank you pp.188-189
OR The Beginner’s Bible Ten Lepers pp.405-408.
PLAY: With your favourite toys and concentrate on saying Thank you
PRAY:
Prayer of thanks
Fold an A4 page like a fan,
Then draw something on each flat piece that you are thankful for.
Now hold the page and pray aloud about each thing you have drawn.
THE SERVICE MIGHT BE FINISHED BUT
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 