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.
OR you are a parent wanting something for your children to use either in face to face or 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 imporantance 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 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 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
PRAYER OF THE PEOPLE: Praying in Color
FIRST READING: PROVERBS 31:10-31
READ Mama Miti: Wangari Maathai and the Trees of Kenya by Donna Jo Napoli
a storypath suggestion
(WE finish our readings from Proverbs today but if you would like to read more there is a great book on Proverbs by Andrew McDonough called Proverbs you can read a sample here and also buy it and the activity book)
DRAW: something good that happened in the above story or draw something the womwn in the Bible verse did for others
PRAY
God,
you made me
You know what I can do
may I be known for the good things I do
(use actions to show the good things you do for others, eg, pretend to mix a bowl, pretend to plant a seed, pretend to wash the dishes or stack the dishwasher, keep making up good things to do.)
Amen (one clap)
PSALM 1
READ Psalms for Young Children by Marie-Helene Delval
READ: Tina the Tree by Andrew McDonough you can read a sample here and buy the book or the activity sheet. There is also great free downloads a maze or some “buttons’ to print out you can use these to retell the story
LISTEN How does this version of the Psalm make you feel?
SECOND READING: JAMES 3:13-4:3, 7-8a
READ: Lousy Rotten Stinkin’ Grapes by Margie Palatini
WATCH
A Storypath suggestion
PLAY Game 1 Magic Cane, this is a team building game but can be played by anyone, you all must work together . If there is only 2 of you I suggest using a straw, or a shewer (please remove any pointy ends)
Helium ballon sticks work well in this game.
GOSPEL READING: MARK 9:30-37
READ: WHIRL STORYBIBLE Who’s the Greatest, pp.230-233.
DO: DRAW a circle, then draw your most important thing in the centre of it
OR build a circle with blocks, rocks, sticks etc, and place your most important thing in the middle of it
Photo by Skyler Ewing on Pexels.com 
Photo by Stas Knop on Pexels.com
PRAY:
Teacher God,
The least important
Is the most important
Help me to understand
so that I can live like that
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 