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
The longest liturgical season, the season after Pentecost, is drawing to a close. There are only 2 more weeks before Advent begins. Currently our 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: Print some play money or buy a packet of play money, then write or draw a skill or note something people you know contribute to God’s World.
FIRST READING: RUTH 3:1-5, 4:13-17
READ: BRAVE GIRLS BIBLE STORIES By Jennifer Gerelds pp.75-77
OR for the full story The Playalong Bible, by Bob Hartman A new Start, p.38
PLAY with Babooshka dolls, to see the concept of succession, (you might even like to explain your own family tree this way.
PSALM 127
SECOND READING: HEBREWS 9:24-28
READ:The Promise by Nicola Davies
A recommendation by Storypath
DO: what can change, take on a different form?
Do at home
1) heat up some ice or icecream, or just let it sit in a bowl,
2)bake a cake or biscuits, 
Do at church
3)If you have the colour change textas draw a picture than change the colour with the change pen. eg.
4)Make some Origami Butterfly’s
I wonder if you are different with different people? I wonder why that is?
PRAY
Timeless God
Thank you that
Your Son’s story
changes us
Amen
GOSPEL READING: MARK 12:38-44
READ: Spark Story Bible, The Widow’s Offering pp. 284-287
COLOURING-IN You can choose a page to print, or if their are a few of you each can colour in a page and then you can out them in sequence to make a book, or disply.
PRAY
Bless all that we bring, (hold your hands in a prayer position)
oursleves(point to yourself)
our money (pretend to count coins in your palm)
our skills (hammer one hand into the other palm)
our joy (star jump)
our pain, (hang your head)
May no one judge (waggle a finger as if telling someone off)
our gifts for your work (open arms out wide)
except You (arms up high)
Amen( one clap)
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 