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

WELCOME

The mood has changed and we have made it through to the joyful discoveries of Easter Sunday.

Let’s start by singing

WHO ARE THESE IDEAS FOR?

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 when you worship or to keep out everyday..

We have entered the season of Lent and white is the colour of the season. (Though it is the chosen colour you may prefer to use Gold)

Set up a candle, and what ever helps you focus on the season, it might be a cross, some flowers to represent New Life, an empty container, or anything that inspires you.

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 say the Lord’s Prayer within a set place in the service.

Today try this version IN ACTIONS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOugEQpcc_k OR https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMjm93ylL2w

For prayers of the people

Place a big bowl of small easter eggs on the table.

Each person takes one and places it in there mouth letting it disolve slowly

Pray

Thank you God for the good things in life.

Now reach in one at a time take an egg and say

Dear God, help me to share the sweetness of life with ______(name someone who needs uplifting)

(take the egg and place it somewhere safe for a time when you can give it to that person, if you can’t due to social distancing needs, collect all the eggs to savour during the week. As you eat one pray again for the person as you let it dissolve in your mouth)

FIRST READING: Acts 10:34-43

READ: He is Risen by Patti Rokus

WATCH

MAKE this story telling cross from the Baptist church in New Zealand

You will need this template

and instructions

SING: Jesus Came to Earth from Awesome God by Soveriegn Grace

OR Isaiah 25:6-9

READ: I am invited to a Party By Mo Williams

WATCH

Read why this was suggested

OR READ I can only Imagine for little ones by Bart Millard

WATCH

DRAW: Those things that make you happy

PRAY

God,

who keeps promises

Today we Thank you

Amen

PSALM 118:1-2, 14-24

READ: I will Rejoice by Karma Wilson

Describe those feelings in this Psalm. 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: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

READ: Alway’s Remember by Cece Meng

WATCH

A suggestion by http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-rcl-february-10-2019/

SING God always keeps His Promises from The Ology By Soveriegn Grace Kids

OR Acts 10:334-43

READ: He is Risen by Patti Rokus

WATCH

MAKE this story telling cross from the Baptist church in New Zealand

You will need this template

and instructions

SING: Jesus Came to Earth from Awesome God by Soveriegn Grace

GOSPEL READING: John 20:1-18

READ: One Glorious Day, in Brave Girls Bible Stories, by Jennifer Geralds

ACTIVITY BOOK: Download Lost Sheep’s activity book for his book Mary and the Gardner for $4.95 with many activities for the whole tribe regardeless of age. (you can also find a sneak peak of Andrew MacDonough’s book Mary and the Gardener there)

OR Mark 16:1-8

READ: Meet Jesus in Mark by Matthew Sleeman, Mark 16:1-8

MAKE A lego resurrection garden

EXTENTION IDEA: read both Gospel stories and compare the way the women in the story are betrayed? What are the differences? Whay might this be so?

SING: Enjoy Yancy’s free songs for the rest of the day

Blessings (Enjoy those Easter eggs)

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.

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.

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

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.

EASTER SUNDAY: RCL ideas to use with even the littlest at home

Sing: https://www.facebook.com/dmacgreg1/videos/10157393249862986/?multi_permalinks=1111314099208379%2C1111290459210743%2C1110532355953220%2C1111250702548052%2C1111240579215731&notif_id=1585289893143713&notif_t=group_activity He’s Alive Yes He is by David MacGegor sung with Dale MacGregor https://www.amazon.com/Hes-alive-yes-he-is/dp/B001AUNDSK

HE IS RISEN

Easter Sunday is here (finally!)

My experience is that generally everyone is excited for, well many reasons, other than the exciting and unexpected conclusion to this part of His story.

So use that excitement rather than pulling against it. Let them sing loudly, colour wonderfully, listen to stories and pray with vigor or as a quiet time, and accept that odd splash of chocolate flavoured worship.

FIRST READING: Acts 10:34-43

READ: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FY9Abmiykb8 You are all my favourites by Sam Bratney a suggestion by http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-sunday-january-12-2014/

MAKE: Paper chain people, https://www.kidspot.com.au/things-to-do/activity-articles/craft-paper-chain-people/news-story/ee4c2c58f340cd6e512810fca2972148. Decorate with everyone you know or might like to know.

PRAY:

Thank you God

that your story is

for EVERYONE

Amen

OR Jeremiah 31:1-6

READ: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVgxJJIFh7o There There by Sam McBratney a suggestion by http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-easter-sunday-april-20-2014/

MAKE Music, God’s people were so happy they would make music. Make a joyful noise. Use what ever instruments you have (pots and pans work well)

PRAY:

Make a sound for each person you know.

Amen (loud clap)

PSALM 118:1-2, 14-24

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! (say VERY Loudly)
The Lord is my energy and my strength
He has become my salvation! (say VERY loudly)

The stone that the builders rejected (build something with your blocks, -what happens if you pull a piece out?)
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! (say VERY loudly)
thanks again to http://www.conversations.net.nz/psalm-118-pointing-to-the-risen-lord.html

actions in italics by me

SECOND READING: Colossians 3:1-4

READ/WATCH Claudia the Caterpillar by Andrew MacDonough You can read an excerpt here https://www.lostsheep.com.au/stories/claudia-the-caterpillar/ Colour in the free colouring sheet or buy the Activity sheet to download with enough in it to keep the whole family busy. You can hear Andrew read it here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGjsVwT7XGQ

OR READ/WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_vcu8QIMT0 Perfect Square by Michael Hall as suggested by http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-easter-sunday-april-20-2014/

DO: Take a piece of paper and find out how many things you can do with it, eg, draw a picture, make a plane, make a paper chain etc

OR Acts 10:34-43

READ: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FY9Abmiykb8 You are all my favourites by Sam Bratney a suggestion by http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-sunday-january-12-2014/

PRAY:

Thank you God

that your story is

for EVERYONE

Amen

GOSPEL READING: John 20:1-18

READ: Mary and The Gardener by Andrew MacDonough there is an exert here https://www.lostsheep.com.au/stories/mary-and-the-gardener/ and you can down load an activity pack with enough activities for everyone in the household.

OR Matthew 28:1-10

WATCH https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQ9hXPy9vBE

MAKE: If you did not make the Easter Garden yesterday, you can make it as is now https://lettheirlightshine.com/2020/04/07/easter-garden-to-make-at-home/

If you did make it yesterday, you can complete it today with the stone rolled away, and flowers in the garden.

If you need more to do today how about https://lettheirlightshine.com/2020/04/06/easter-egg-colouring-printables/

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.

EASTER SUNDAY Year C: Ideas to help you share the RCL readings with the 3’s and under.

Don’t forget to point out the change of colour in the church (White), and that it is a start of a new season Easter.

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.

YES, given the significance of the day it is alright for them to eat a chocolate egg during the service if you want. Just make sure you have the Wet Wipes or Damp Flannel/Washer ready for the mess!!

FIRST READING: Acts 10:34-43 Theme: acceptance of all

WATCH/READ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ho2teowtaXM Hurry up and Slow Down by Layn Marlow a suggestion by http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-easter-sunday-april-5-2015/

Play: free play with favourite toys, perhaps use a play mat (such as this one from Ikea https://www.ikea.com/au/en/catalog/categories/departments/childrens_ikea/tools/coch/roomset/20182_coch03a/ ) To create community play. Or a dolls house.

PRAY: Entwine your fingers
God help us all to come together

Amen

OR Isaiah 65:17-25

READ/WATCH: https://www.amazon.com.au/Peace-Wendy-Anderson-Halperin-ebook/dp/B0088PDJSY Peace by Wendy Anderson Halperin available as both an ebook or Hardcover. as suggested by http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-rcl-april-21-2019/

PLAY: Build with blocks something new.

PSALM 118:1-2,14-24

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!

by http://www.conversations.net.nz/psalm-118-pointing-to-the-risen-lord.html

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.

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

DRAW: Anything that makes you happy.

COLOURING-IN:

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

SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 15:19-26

READ/WATCH https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niwHUvDf7Z4 Can I play Too by Mo Willems a suggestion by http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-rcl-april-21-2019/

PLAY: with blocks to build something new.

OR Acts 10:34-43

WATCH/READ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ho2teowtaXM Hurry up and Slow Down by Layn Marlow a suggestion by http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-easter-sunday-april-5-2015/

PLAY: free play with favourite toys, perhaps use a play mat (such as this one from Ikea https://www.ikea.com/au/en/catalog/categories/departments/childrens_ikea/tools/coch/roomset/20182_coch03a/ ) To create community play. Or a dolls house.

PRAY: Entwine your fingers
God help us all to come together

Amen

GOSPEL READING: John 20:1-18

READ/WATCH: https://www.lostsheep.com.au/stories/mary-and-the-gardener/ You can also buy the book for continued reading.

ACTIVITIES: Download the free bookmarks (great for retelling the story) and colouring in sheet or if could buy the Activity pack and have enough activities for the whole family for all ages.

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 (7 WEEKS IN)

OR Luke 24:1-12

The Luke reading does not have Mary’s encounter with Jesus in the garden.

READ: The Beginner’s Bible pp.456-457

Colouring-IN: http://www.thebeginnersbible.com//includes/files/base/documents/bb-Coloring-jesusIsRisen.pdf

CRAFT: You might like to make an Easter garden with the empty tomb https://lettheirlightshine.com/2016/01/07/easter-with-toddlers/ OR save this for making at home.

For more ideas check out last years blog, as many of the readings are the same Easter Sunday: Suggestions to help the 3’s and under connect with the RCL readings

HE has Risen Indeed

Blessings

Wendy L.

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

Easter Sunday: Suggestions to help the 3’s and under connect with the RCL readings

With such a short week, and preparations for the long weekend, or the start of the school holiday’s for Victoria and Queensland, prepare in advance, so you just have to pick up the bag and go. HINT: prepare both Easter Sunday and Good Friday and place all you need in the same bag.

You might need

BOOKS

Mary and The Gardner by Andrew McDonough

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

The Jesus Story Book Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones https://www.koorong.com/search/product/the-jesus-storybook-bible-sally-lloyd-jones-jago/0310708257.jhtml

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

The Lion Picture Bible https://www.koorong.com/search/product/the-lion-picture-bible-sarah-dodd/9780745963037.jhtml

My first read- a- loud Bible https://www.koorong.com/search/product/my-first-read-aloud-bible-mary-batchelor/9781860247712.jhtml

DOWNLOAD and PRINT

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)

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.)

https://www.lostsheep.com.au/shop/browse/purchase

http://www.catholicicing.com/religious-easter-craft-for-kids-make/ print on thicker paper

ALSO

Journal

thick paper

green paper

pattypans

glue stick

paper plates

FIRST READING: ACTS 10:34-43

WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50YbsqkW9-c

this is a trailer for the book, but is just the right length for this age. Point out the colour the little girl brings to her black and white world. This is a picture only book so describe, or let them tell you what is happening or just let them enjoy it wordlessly.

thanks again to http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-rcl-april-1-2018/

for this suggestion. Her words are “Jesus Christ is a gift of peace to each of us, making us and our world different than it was before. He is a message of peace to us.”

MAKE: a simple flower picture. You will need some green paper to cut out stems and leaves, and coloured patty pans to make the flower head. Use a glue stick to assemble the picture in your journal or on A4 heavy paper or a paper plate.

OR ISAIAH 25:6-9

MAKE/DRAW This piece on being glad and rejoicing in God’s care, has a lot of imagery which the child might want to draw, such as a feast, etc.

OR you might like to concentrate on the emotion, athttps://lettheirlightshine.com/category/easter-with-toddlers/ scroll down to telling the easter story, there you will find a download for emotional faces to print off and attach to a paper plate.

Or you could draw your owns

PSALM 118:1-2,14-24

COLOURING-IN:

https://store.illustratedchildrensministry.com/collections/lenten-2018-resources/products/psalms-coloring-pages-8-5×11

SHOW: A glad /happy face or use the idea for the Isaiah reading

you might like to concentrate on the emotion, athttps://lettheirlightshine.com/category/easter-with-toddlers/ scroll down to telling the easter story, there you will find a download for emotional faces to print off and attach to a paper plate.

Or you could draw your own.

SECOND READING

1 Corinthians 15:1-11

READ: My first read- a- loud Bible pp.228-229

OR ACTS 10: 34-43 (same as for First Reading)

WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50YbsqkW9-c

thanks again to http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-rcl-april-1-2018/

for this suggestion. Her words are “Jesus Christ is a gift of peace to each of us, making us and our world different than it was before. He is a message of peace to us.”

GOSPEL: JOHN: 20:1-18

READ/WATCH https://www.lostsheep.com.au/stories/mary-and-the-gardener/

DO: You might also enjoy the purchased activities that complement this book https://www.lostsheep.com.au/shop/browse/purchase cost is $4.95 and it will have enough activities to keep the whole family talking about the Easter Sunday story for the long weekend.

READ: My first read- a- loud Bible pp.459-463

Or The Early Readers Bible pp.224-3

Or The Lion Story Bible pp.218-219

Or The Lion Picture Bible pp.336-338

COLOURING-IN:

https://store.illustratedchildrensministry.com/collections/illustrated-worship-resources/products/bible-story-coloring-pages-spring-2018

MAKE:

https://www.buildfaith.org/make-a-resurrection-set-hands-on-easter-learning/

http://www.catholicicing.com/religious-easter-craft-for-kids-make/

for Protestant use I would only use Mary in p.6 and delete p.7. or just use the empty cloth.

great way to express themselves in play. If the child is young, have this ready for them to just play with, print on thick paper so they can stand up by themselves and remember for hygiene reasons DO NOT use toilet rolls. If you really have time you can laminate for longer life. This was suggested for use on Good Friday, now you can complete the play.

OR MARK 16:1-8

READ: The Jesus Story book Bible God’s wonderful surprise, pp.310-313 (first 4 pages)

Or The Beginners Bible: timeless bible stories, pp.456-457

MAKE:

https://www.buildfaith.org/make-a-resurrection-set-hands-on-easter-learning/

http://www.catholicicing.com/religious-easter-craft-for-kids-make/

for Protestant use I would only use Mary in p.6 and delete p.7. or just use the empty cloth.

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

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

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

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.