WHO ARE THESE IDEAS FOR?
For anyone looking for ideas to help share God’s word with everyone including the youngest.
Whether you are preparing traditional worship or an all age or Intergenerational service. You can include this link or share these ideas in your Church newsletter, in your Order of service or on your media notes. .
OR you are a parent wanting something for your children to use either in face to face or with broadcast services, as you parent from the pews or couch
Or during family devotion times.
I use 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.
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 on this page. 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.
Here is a great presentation on children’s spirituality, but most importantly from the 40 minute mark on, it speaks about the importance of teaching through story and explains the process I recommend you use with children.
SEASON: AFTER PENTECOST
We are still in the longest liturgical season, the season after Pentecost. This season takes up half of 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 Bible that everyone likes to read from, 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: Everyone is welcome here.
SING https://www.snackmusic.com.au/songs/you-are-welcome
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
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE: Love this idea from Still Waters adapt it for younger members by asking them to draw their concerns.
FIRST READING: Job 42:1-6, 10-17
READ: Wanda’s Roses by Pat Brisson
A Storypath suggestion, find out why?
DRAW: what do you persist at? eg. tying knots on your shoes,( if you are at this stage you might like to make this craft, remembering to say nice things to people, cursive writing etc
PRAY
God,
give me the strength
to always search
for you
Amen
PSALM 34:1-8 (19-22)
I will bless the Lord all the time! (put your hands in a praying position)
We’ll never stop praising our God! (cross your hands over each other)
Magnify the Lord with me. ((Pretend to look through a magnifying glass)
Together we’ll lift his name high. (Palms facing the sky, lift your hands high)
Taste and see – the Lord is good! (Lick your lips)
He rescues us from all our fears. (shake)
Listen everyone – this is the way to live: (cup your hand around your ear as if trying to hear)
speak truth, speak kindness, (pretend to pat a cat)
walk away from what is wrong, (turn your back)
choose to do what is right, (point your finger)
seek peace and follow peace. (take a deep breath in)
We’ll never stop praising our God! (hold your arms above your head)
An edited version of Rev Sylvia Purdie’s remake of Psalm 34 Always Praising You can read her full version here
Actions in italics are mine
COLOURING-IN you may need to scroll down a fair way.
SECOND READING: Hebrew 7:23-28
READ: How do I pray for Grandpa by Laura Alary ( I could not find a video of this book but I did find a beautiful review of the book to share with your chidl If you do not have the book)
DRAW: What does an earthly priest look like?
PRAY (for someone you know)
Intercessory Jesus,
please be with (say their name)
I know they are having a tough time
Amen
GOSPEL READING: Mark 10:46-52
READ: Spark Story Bible, Bartemaeus Sees, pp.280-283
OR Whirl Story Bible, Bartemaeus Sees, pp.242-245
SING Oh Have you Heard by Snack Music
DRAW: A picture of this miracle.
OR older children might want to look back at similar miracles in the last 2 chapters of Mark.
I wonder if they are similar?
I wonder if we could take any out and still have a good understandign of Jesus’s ministry?
I wonder which of the miracles you relate to?
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 