14th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C, Revised Common Lectionary: ideas to involve even the youngest.

You have found a collection of ideas to help you contemplate the RCL readings. While designed to be used during a Sunday service at church or by zoom, these readings can also be used during the week to help you remember and build on what you experienced on Sundays. My objective is for faith to be a lived experience and for children to learn how to worship and explore the Bible and pray by participating in Worship with you. The goal here is not for them to learn names or facts though they may want to do that for themselves, but rather to find ways of connecting with the text and sharing that with others. The ideal is to form a life long love of Christ, for the Word of God and to participate in Worship.

We are now in the longest season of the Liturgical calendar, After Pentecost, it is often refered to as Ordinary Time, as no big celebrations occur in this season. The Liturgical colour is Green.

If you are worshipping from home you may like to set up a worship area and define it with a GREEN placemat, or ribbons.

For Season of Creation you might like to add flowers, animal toys, twigs, dirt etc. as well as setting up a candle,(or as this years theme is the burning bush you might like to add something like this) then add the things that remind YOU of God, a Cross, a Bible that everyone likes to read from, 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 use a journal with which to record anything that grabs your attention during the service. This could be a special, bound book or use your ipad or iphone. You could write a precis of the message (traditional words or pictures), draw, keep a record of emotions and hymns that you did or did not like. You could use a template like this free download. Remember, this is for you, you do not have to show anyone what is in it unless you want to, and you feel safe to do so.

CONGREGATIONAL USE: Though parents are the best at sharing their faith with their children. If you are a small congregation where children are a very small, or rare part of your congregational life, please feel free to make these suggestions available to your congregation. I am very happy for you to copy and paste ideas from here into your own Order of Service or for you to supply a link to this page. An acknoledgement though is always appreciated.

LET’S BEGIN:

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

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF COUNTRY

If you are in Australia and attending a Uniting Church in Australia, in many cases an Acknowledgment of Country will be said. You can teach your young ones to do this too.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

https://www.childrens-ministry-deals.com/blogs/childrens-pastors-only/how-to-pray-the-five-finger-prayer

INTRODUCTORY SONG Hey Ha Ha from the Full of the Spirit Album by

Heather Price Music

OR To celebrate the Season of Creation SING/LISTENto this song by Heather Price from the Full of the Spirit Album No.8 Nature to Nurture

FIRST READING: JEREMIAH 4:11-12 and 22-28

READ: Mallee Sky by Jodi Toering and Tanya Harricks for an Aussie view on disasters,

WATCH

Then reinforce the idea that God is there in good and bad, we just need to turn to Him

PLAY: Build something with blocks knock it down and build it again

PRAY:

Creator God

You have the power to create or destroy

We have the power to love you or to turn away

Help us choose wisely

Amen

PSALM 14

Psalm 14: “There is no God”

“There is no God!” everyone says. (hands on hips)
“I can do what I like!” everyone thinks. (point to yourself)
“Who cares about God?” everyone asks. (flop your arms away from your body)
“I’m here for me, I don’t answer to anyone!” (point to yourself)
God looks for faith, will he find it anywhere? (shade your eyes)
God looks for care for the poor.(pretend to put your arm around the shoulder of a mate)
God looks for love, will he find it in me? (make a heart shape with your hands)

Words by Rev. Purdie, actions by me

How does the Psalm make you feel? Draw it or show it or point out an emoji .

SECOND READING: 1 TIMOTHY 1:12-17

READ: Tickle Monster by Edouard Manceau

WATCH

A Storypath Suggestion

SING/LISTEN: Gotta-wait from Sovereign Grace Kids album To Be Like Jesus

PLAY: with any toys that transform from one thing to another.

GOSPEL READING: LUKE 15:1-10

READ: The Whirl Story Bible, The Lost Sheep and Lost Coin, pp262-265

OR The Spark Story Bible, The Lost Sheep and Lost Coin, pp.312-315

Colouring -In THE LOST SHEEP

PARABLE OF THE LOST COIN

PLAY: Let them play at being the shepherd, you might want some plastic sheep and some green material, or just a soft toy sheep to cuddle.

Let them play at searching for anything, you might like to hide something in the pew and ask your child to find it. This could be a book mark hidden in a pew book or a toy in your bag, or a sheep sitting on the pew.

REMEMBER: not to let them play with anything that might cause a chocking hazard.

SING Lost is Found from the Listen Up album by Soverign Grace Kids

SENDING SONG 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. If you find this page useful an acknowledgment is always appreciated. Thank you.

I am writing this on Wurundjeri land and wish to pay respect to all Elders, past, present and emerging.

After Pentecost 9B: ideas to engage the whole family(especially the youngest) in the set RCL readings for Sunday

WELCOME

WHO ARE THESE IDEAS FOR?

They are for use by parents, grandparents and carers and for small congregations who do not have a Child and Family Ministry.

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.

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. 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.

SEASON: AFTER PENTECOST

We are now 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.

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 Lords prayer if at home, or say the Lord’s Prayer within a set place if following along in a service.

If looking for a version with 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

Or for a more Intergenerational approach try Number 1 on the Table Settings album by Liturgical Folks

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE: Praying in Color Video

FIRST READING: 2 SAMUEL 11: 1-15

READ: Ruthie and the Not So Teeny Tiny Lie by Laura Rankin

WATCH

find out why it was chosen

I don’t feel that we should run away from reading this story with children, but for the majority they will understand the concepts better when you share the concept in a story book like the one above.

At some stage though you will realise that it is time to share the actual Bible story,(this might be when your child asks you about the real story) I suggest you get your child/teenager to read the story, maybe rewrite it in their own words and draw a picture about the series, then use something like the set of emotional cards https://innovativeresources.org/resources/card-sets/bears-cards/ to help look at the emotions invovled. Use what ever Bible you child/teenager feels comfortable with. You don’t have to be a theologian, you just have to listen and speak openly and honestly about the story.

If you think your child/teenager is ready for the story you might like to share this video with them.

This article might help you sharing the Bible story with your kids https://ministryspark.com/how-to-teach-kids-david-bathsheba/

PLAY: is a great way of thinking beyond ourselves, pretending to be someone else, acan encourage empathy. Get out the dolls house, or the famyard sets and enjoy playing OR older children, might like to write and even perform a play.

PRAY

You know my heart God

I make mistakes

Do the wrong thing

help me to always be honest with you

Amen

PSALM 14

Psalm 14: “There is no God”

“There is no God!” everyone says.
“I can do what I like!” everyone thinks.
“Who cares about God?” everyone asks.
“I’m here for me, I don’t answer to anyone!”
God looks for faith, will he find it anywhere?
God looks for care for the poor.
God looks for love, will he find it in me?

A rewrite of the Psalm by Rev. Purdie

Draw something important to you from this Psalm.

SECOND READING: EPHESIANS 3:14-21

READ: Did I tell you I love you today by Deloris and Roslyn M. Jordan

WATCH

a suggestion from Storypath

DO: This reading talks of filling up. You might like to see how much you can fill a jar with? Watch this as an idea https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozTL7P9LJJI

Where does God fit in your life?

Younger children, can just fill containers up with things, flour, sand, macaroni, (anything that is ok to eat or too large to swallow)

PRAY

tell God about something that you did or that conerns you

then sit quietly with a battery operated candle on, after each time you pray.

This is a prayer, meditation patttern,

then end with

AMEN or That’s it from me God, I’m listening for you.

GOSPEL READING: JOHN 6:1-21

READ: The Whirl Story Bible, Jesus feeds 5,000. pp.290-293

MAKE: One of the details that is different between all the Gospels that tell this story is that the bread is specifically stated as being Barley bread. You might like to make some Barley bread, a bread used by the poorest people at the time. You can make it in advance and eat a little during a face to face or broadcast service, or you can make some during the week or after the service.

SING:

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.

14th Sunday after Pentecost Year C: Ideas to help you share this weeks RCL readings with the 3’s and under.

I love that you have made the effort to bring your child to church, that you will share the faith stories and experience the wonder of worship together. If you keep your mind open you may learn more than you share.

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 4:11-12, 22-28

READ: Mallee Sky by Jodi Toering and Tanya Harricks for an Aussie view on disasters, https://www.dymocks.com.au/book/mallee-sky-by-jodi-toering-and-tannya-harricks-9781925381672 or get as an ebook https://www.amazon.com.au/Mallee-Sky-Kerry-McGinnis-ebook/dp/B00E3JK7Q6

Then reinforce the idea that God is there in good and bad, we just need to turn to Him

PLAY: Build something with blocks knock it down and build it again

Father God

You have the power to create or destroy

We have the power to love you or to turn away

Help us choose wisely

Amen

PSALM 14

Psalm 14: “There is no God”

Words by Rev. Purdie http://www.conversations.net.nz/psalm-14-all-fall-short.html actions by me

How does the 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/

SECOND READING: 1 TIMOTHY 1:12-17

READ/WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTupF7EsDxE Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertie as suggested by http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-sunday-september-15-2013/

COLOURING -IN: https://store.illustratedchildrensministry.com/collections/coloring-sheets-posters/products/bible-story-coloring-pages-fall-2019 Under the USA term of Fall 2019, there are 13 colouring in sheets for the next 13 weeks, which can be downloaded for US$10.

SING/LISTEN: https://sovereigngracemusic.org/music/songs/gotta-wait/

PLAY: with any toys that transform from one thing to another.

GOSPEL READING LUKE 15:1-10

READ: Stories Jesus Told by Nick Butterworth and Mick Inkpen, The Lost Sheep. and The 10 Silver Coins https://www.koorong.com/product/stories-jesus-told-omnibus-edition-nick-butterworth-mick_1859855881?ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.koorong.com%2F

or WATCH https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=094upaf4BME

COLOURING IN

THE LOST SHEEP http://www.bible-printables.com/Coloring-Pages/Jesus-Parables/P-19-The-Good-Shepherd-01.htm

PARABLE OF THE LOST COIN https://sermons4kids.com/lost_coin_colorpg.htm

PLAY: Let them play at being the shepherd, you might want some plastic sheep and some green material, or just a soft toy sheep to cuddle.

REMEMBER: not to let them play with anything that might cause a chocking hazard.

NOW THAT WAS FUN,

You are not finished even if the service has.

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.