Baptism of Jesus Year A 2023: Ideas to share the Revised Common Lectionary Readings with all ages.

In Australia, many families are still traveling at this time of the year, so I have structured these suggestions around informal family faith formation experiences for those away from home or away from the usual structure.

Faith is portable, we live it, and share it, every day. I hope these simple ideas help your family form their faith, no matter where you are.

If you are a small congregation that suddenly has children in your pews at this time of the year, these can also be used in your services, shared directly from this site, or copied into your order of service.

If away from your usual congregation it might help to mark the space for your family and not just the time by creating a focal point. To do this find something white, create a cross from whatever is around you and light a candle (or use a battery-operated candle) as a center point for your worship experience.

We are now in the Season of After Epiphany, and today’s liturgical colour is white or gold.

FIRST READING: Isaiah 42:1-9

READ: One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of Gambia by Miranda Paul

WATCH

A Storypath suggestion

ACTION: What can you look after? How can you be a servant of God? If you are away from home at the moment: look around you and see if there are things you could do here that you can also do at home

SING I see God in You by Heather Price off her I am Loved album

PSALM 29

Draw some of the images of God from this Psalm, you can do this on paper, on a serviette, in the sand

SECOND READING: Acts:10:34-43

READ: Mooshka, A Quilt Story by Julie Paschkis

WATCH

A Storypath suggestion

Take turns in telling a story, (you may be pleasantly surprised how good even the youngest are at this)

PRAY:

God

Your story is for all to hear

and share in

Amen

GOSPEL READING: Matthew 3:13-17

READ: The Spark StoryBible, Jesus’ baptism pp.224-227.

OR The Bible for Kids App The Beloved Son

ACTIVITY: What can you bathe in? ie Sunshine, the beach, the sprinkler etc. Go and enjoy this today.

Find an emoji that shows how you feel when you are praised.

COLOURING IN

Blessings

Wendy L.

Please check local guidelines before using items that are not mine especially if you are using this page for congregational use. Please acknowledge 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.

Baptism of Jesus Year C: Revised Common Lectionary ideas to involve even the youngest.

Sunday is another significant day in the Church calendar. It is the day we recognise the Baptism of Jesus. It is also the first Sunday in a new liturgical season. The season after Epiphany. Today’s liturgical colour stays white or Gold, but in the following weeks it will be green again.

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, some water, or your Baptismal candle, 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

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.

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

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:

FIRST READING: Isaiah 43:1-7

READ: My Beautiful Child by Lisa Desimini

WATCH

as suggested by Storypath

Play: Name your the teddies and other soft toys, name as many of the congregation as you know. Or bring an extended family photo, and ask your child to name everyone.

PRAY: God you call for me

I am your child

I am precious

I am Loved

I come to your call

Amen

PSALM 29

READ:

ACTIONS: You will need a toy boat and a blue tea towel or scarf. Toss the boat around on the rough tea towel sea, or make it “plain sailing”.

RESPONSE ACTIONS

The Lord our God is strong and mighty! (Show your muscles)
All glory belongs to our God! (arms out wide)
His name is magnificent, (throw your arms wider)
His voice echoes with power! (cup your hands like a megaphone)

Thanks again to Rev Purdie for such a great rewrite of the Psalm, actions by me.

DRAW your favourite part of this Psalm.

SECOND READING: Acts 8:14-17

READ:

In Samaria, people were keen to learn more about God, so the Apostles sent Peter and John to help them.

Peter and John prayed that the Samarians might recieve the Holy Spirit.

The Samarians had only been baptised in Jesus’s name.

Peter and John laid hands on the believers in Samaria and the Holy Spirit came on them.

DRAW: the things that you get excited about?

PLAY: with baby dolls (if child baptism is practised), use a paper bowl of blue shredded crepe paper or with other dolls, baptising in the blue tea towel “water”.

PRAY:

Dear God

In Water I’m Baptised (wiggle your fingers as you move your hands down from your shoulders)

But by your spirit (star jump)

I am alive. (wiggle all over)

thank you. (one clap)

GOSPEL READING: Luke 3:15-17, 21-22.

WATCH

READ: Children of God StoryBible by Desmond Tutu, Jesus is Baptised pp.68-69

OR Whirl Story Bible, Jesus is Baptised pp. 166-169

MAKE 2 ideas here, I like the dove one but the sensory idea is similar to, but different again, to the one I used for the Second Reading. ( I first used this idea independantly 3 years ago) The theology may or may not align with yours, worthy of thinking about your beliefs.

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.

I have qualifications in Education, Theology and Children’s Spirituality, and have worked as a Children and Families Worker in a city church. I use simple and easily found ideas to help you share the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) readings. 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 saving you time from sifting through many websites, facebook , pinterest, instagram, and blog posts.

TRINITY SUNDAY (2021): ideas to engage the whole family(especially the youngest) in the set RCL readings for today

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 bleive that it is in the relationship, that the Faith formation of the next generation truely starts.

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.

Set up a candle, and what ever else helps you focus on the season.

As this Sunday is Trinity Sunday, the liturgical colour is White( though if you would prefer you can use Gold), so you might like to start with a white/gold table cloth, add some 3 leaf clovers, a braid, an egg, or anything else that reminds us of 3 in one. It is also Reconcilliation Week in Australia so you might want to include an Australian plant.

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.

LET’S BEGIN

Here are some ideas on the theme

SIng Three in One by Soveriegn Grace Music on the album Awesome God

Draw a trinity shield.

You might like to listen to or sing this meditative version of The Lord’s Prayer, by Liturgical Folk Number 12 or Number 1 on the Table Settings album

FIRST READING: Isaiah 6:1-8

READ: this from a Children’s Bible such as the Beginner’s Bible or through Biblegateway

OR from Children of God StoryBook Bible, Isaiah becomes God’s Messinger pp.52-53

For any child who loves Science Fiction, Dr Who, Minefield or any other fantasy genre. They get this.

Ask them to draw the image the words create. OR ask them to draw how they would envisage God.

OR Draw where you would take God’s word.

PRAY

Dear God,

please make me ready

to serve you

When you need me

Amen

PSALM 29

Start by asking the Question I wonder what would God’s voice sounds like?

You might like to review some portrayals of God in film ie The Chronicles of Narnia Try whoopi at 2.27-2.30 minutes or as a contrast try 9.16-38 OR 10.16-28.

READ from a Children’s Bible such as the Beginner’s Bible or through Biblegateway

DRAW: as many representations of the sound of God as you can remember from the Psalm or list them as you read the Psalm and draw them.

SECOND READING: Romans 8:12-17

READ: God’s Dream by Desmond Tutu

WATCH

a suggestion from Storypath

This is Reconcilliation Week in Australia and I see parallels with this book and the Roman’s reading for this week

READ Sorry Day by Coral Vass

WATCH

PRAY:

Father God,

we are all part

of your family

Help us act like

you want us to be

Amen

GOSPEL READING: John 3:1-17

SING: Nicodeamus from New Testament Big Bible Story Songs by Colin Buchanan

AND SING No. 7 Eternal Life on Seeds of Faith by Seeds Family Worship

Colouring-In

PRAY

Help me Lord

To live in Love

Amen

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.

The Baptism of Jesus

WELCOME:

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.

Today is the day we acknowledge the Baptism of Jesus, it is the first Sunday after Epiphany (when we acknowledge the arrival of the Magi. The litergical colour is white (but if you find that offensive you may like to use Gold instead).

If worshipping at home you might like to prepare a space to worship which can be permanent or set aside and bought out when you are having private or family devotions.

You might like to start by finding a tablecloth in the liturgical colour, find a candle( I prefer battery operated ones around children) and add any other touches that remind you of the present season, for example a dove, a cross, etc.

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

If you like colouring in, by registering with Illustrated Ministries you can recieve a free colouring in page for one of today’s readings? https://www.illustratedministry.com/free-resources/?ck_subscriber_id=136888700

FIRST READING: GENESIS 1:1-5

READ: The Whirl Story Bible pp.6-7

OR The Spark Story Bible p.7 (except last paragraph)

OR The Jesus Storybook Bible pp.18-20 (only the first 4 sentances of p.20)

DO: Create something from scratch, eg. bake a cake, build a city, draw something, write a story

SING

PRAY

God

who created the world

and all in it from nothing

Thank you

for bringing light

to dark spaces

Amen

PSALM 29

READ

For the words in Bold do these actions

The Lord our God is strong and mighty! (show your muscles)
All glory belongs to our God! (put your hands up and open wide above your shoulders)
His name is magnificent, (open your mouth in wonder)
His voice echoes with power!(place your hands near your mouth like a megaphone)

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: ACTS 19:1-7

READ: Paul, originally called Saul, was travelling and came to Ephesus ( a town in Modern day Turkey).

He found 12 believers there and asked them if they had recieved the Holy Spirit.

No, they said, we know nothing of the Holy Spirit.

They explained they had been Baptised according to John.

Paul explained that John Baptised people who were sorry for their sins.

But had always told them to believe in the one who came after him, Jesus.

The believers at Ephesus heard more and wanted to be Baptised in Jesus’s name.

Paul, laid his hands on them.

The Holy Spirit came to them

And they began to speak in Tongues and tell others of things to come.

DO: You could print each line out on a seperate A4 sheet, and ask your family to draw a picture for each line. When all are done, you will have made a picture storybook of this passage.

HINT: You can increase the font size for younger readers.

ASK: If you have been baptised ask about your own baptism or ask about the Baptism of someone you know.

GOSPEL READING: MARK 1:4-11

READ: Meet Jesus in Mark by Matthew Sleeman Mark 1:1-20, start at 2nd sentance and finish at the end of the 3rd sentance in paragraph 2

OR The Beginner’s Bible pp. 303-307

OR for the youngest The 5 minute Bible Stories pp. 114-115 or My First Read-aloud Bible pp.150-151

CRAFT: This is my favourite craft and I have used it over the years https://flamecreativekids.blogspot.com/2016/01/printable-baptism-of-jesus-spinner.html

You might also prefer the colouring in page

Blessings

Wendy L.

Please check local guidlines before using items that are not mine and acknowledge this page if you have found it useful.

YEAR A After Epiphany, Baptism of Jesus: Ideas to help 3’s and under relate to this weeks RCL readings

Whether you are at your home church or holidaying away from home don’t let this be an excuse not to worship together. If you attend a congregation that uses a traditional Sunday School during service set up you will find some ideas here to here to engage your young ones with the readings and to enjoy Worship and Lifelong faith formation.

For older children you might like to purchase Jillians Life Packs https://feedmyfamilyblog.com

OR https://store.illustratedministry.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/illustrated-worship-resources-winter-2019-2020?variant=31032325210210

Or use a Sermon Note pages such as https://paththroughthenarrowgate.com

You can find some ideas here https://wordpress.com/post/thecrossinmybackyard.wordpress.com/910 as to where to sit and what to bring.

THE LORDS PRAYER IN ACTIONS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOugEQpcc_k OR https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMjm93ylL2w

FIRST READING: Isaiah 42:1-9

READ: The Little Duck by Judy Dunn https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1e9CvRA_vfc

PLAY: PLAY WITH YOUR FAVOURITE TOYS. How do they care for each other?

PRAY:

Thank you God

that you sent Jesus

A different King

Who cares for all

Amen

PSALM 29

If your child has been impacted by the Australian fires either directly or indirectly this Psalm is a wonderful way of sharing about the impact of God in our World. Could you hear God in the fire storm. Verses 7 and 8 may describe what they have experienced. Allow them to draw what they have seen or experienced. Then end with the Vs 11 said as a prayer

May the Lord give strength ( show your muscles)

To his people!

May the Lord bless

his people with peace (place your hands over your ears)

Amen

You will find a lovely version of this Psalm here http://www.conversations.net.nz/psalm-29-the-hurricane-psalm.html

I love pairing this Psalm with Mallee Sky by Jodi Toering and Tanya Harricks, like the Psalm it lists all the sounds and magnificence of the Mallee, and then ends with the change ( the strength and peace in the Psalms last verse) in the Environment that rain brings. https://www.dymocks.com.au/book/mallee-sky-by-jodi-toering-and-tannya-harricks-9781925381672

SECOND READING: Acts:10:34-43

READ:The Big Umbrella By Amy June Bates and Juniper Bates https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8g0363DaEU as suggested by http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-rcl-january-12-2020/

COLOURING IN: https://store.illustratedministry.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/bible-story-coloring-pages-winter-2019-2020?variant=31032290738274 This resource has colouring in pages until the 23rd of February 2020. And costs about $A20.

PRAY:

Dear God

(spread your arms wide) You have room for all

Amen

GOSPEL READING: Matthew 3:13-17

READ: The Beginners Bible pp.306-307

OR The Lion Storey Bible: John The Baptist p140.

MAKE: http://flamecreativekids.blogspot.com/2016/01/printable-baptism-of-jesus-spinner.html This is a favourite of mine, so if you made it last year and want something different try this instead

OR https://lettheirlightshine.com/category/jesus-is-baptised/ which has both Jesus and John and is truer to the Matthew Reading.

.COLOURING IN: http://flamecreativekids.blogspot.com/2014/06/reflective-colouring-baptism-of-jesus.html

https://stushieart.com for an annual fee of $25 or encourage your church to have a subscription.

Blessings

Wendy L.

Sunday Reflection: Thoughts on the Australian Bushfires And ideas for traumatised kids.

As a five or six year old, I watched the Dandenong’s burn from the safety of my front verandah. I still remember the air thick with smoke and the colour of the flames observed from the safety of the base of the Mountain. I remember the displaced animals, predominantly birds, But I will never forget the fear my mother was trying valiantly to hide, especially when my father, a local policeman failed to return from his shift. We later found out he had been deployed to the fire zone on a double shift, this was in the day not just of no mobile phones but of no house phones. Fear is catching even when being disguised.

At school, the normal rhythm of the day was replaced with story telling, sharing and art. My picture of the fire, as seen from my porch was on our classroom notice board for weeks. Never an artist, drawing dancing flames in smudgy colours on a darkened background even I could capture, and for once my art work accurately reflected the image in my head.

But this has been the year of flirting with fire. Earlier this year my brother and sister in law, enacted their fire plan and the first we knew of a fire was their text message saying they had left their farm. At that stage, they expected to be away from the land for a day. Weeks later they were lucky to return, to an untouched home but where the fires had burnt within spitting distance of the house. Everything else was destroyed, all outhouses, fences, play area, and chook shed (including chooks), the cattle strayed into the neighbour’s care but the lack of feed meant that they were sold much earlier than expected. They were very fortunate and able to attend the weddings of their sons this year, and the births of two new grandchildren.

Last November, we were due to be in California for work and a short break, just hours before flying out my husband’s company suspended travel to the area. And we watched with horror as the state was consumed by fires, including the areas we were meant to be visiting. We are looking forward to personally thanking the Hotel Manager who refunded our booking fee after a rushed phone call in the middle of their night, when we head that way later this year.

Last night, from the safety of my home, I went to bed wondering if the Lodge my husband and his mates had built in the Alpine region would survive. It did, I can’t even start to think what it might be like to have my home destroyed. My heart goes out to so many. When I see the photo’s of those caught in the fires on the beach of a much loved holiday destination I feel concern for my own families health, many of whom suffer from asthma and my prayers take wing for those to whom the weather has not bought cleaner air but more uncertainty. How angry would I be if I was one of those vulnerable individuals, the very old and very young who were not evacuated! I’ve only struggled for 2 days with very poor air quality.

I was also comforted by the support of prayers from the Northern Hemisphere as a friend promised me she would continue my prayers as I slept as she did day. I would also like to thank the Californian Firefighters that have come to help. What a feat after battling their own fires. And the Reserves who have been called out of their everyday to help.

I have never experienced a situation like this, a region yes, but not as much of our country burning over 4 states.

Even the term environmental refugee, causes me concern, for those in our community who have been political or religious refugees these evacuations and the loss of possession may reach a deeper grief than anything I am aware of. A feeling of insecurity in a place where safety was hoped for.

Now what about our kids.

I am not an expert in Childhood trauma but I have studied a little in this area. So,

these are my thoughts and some resources that might be useful

Prayer (adapted from next week’s RCL Psalm 29)

God as powerful (show your muscles)

As the Wind (blow),

Fire (wiggle your hands from your shoulders down)

And Rain (wiggle your fingers down from the shoulder)

Bring peace (take a deep breath and relax your shoulders)

Amen (clap)

I also love Praying in Color by Sybil MacBeth https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFBx9FZT–c when the prayers are too big to easily express

Dr Vivienne Wood wrote a small book

Building Emotional Health and Wellbeing by Vivienne Mountain https://www.amazon.com.au/Building-Emotional-Health-Wellbeing-Pastoral/dp/0648271420/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Vivienne+Mountain&qid=1565740999&s=gateway&sr=8-1, available as an ebook as well as bound

Let your child draw or play out their experiences. The town mat and fire engines are good tools to facilitate play.

The kids helpline have these suggestions. https://www.facebook.com/KidsHelpline/?__tn__=kCH-R&eid=ARC_GxiGXJHuIiRGHkRaK3ci0egZdxYVBlOUv6721VE3hDfMVhXQTdW_kwpsG5yh_mWVfmjMV3Rqa1dU&hc_ref=ARR4xye5QmCaSlJDiy_wxls_cKNx_ZbmwNPUFyK1-kVux0hee7ZDED8_Pp0WpzamM6w&fref=nf&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARAz8HPxFws1upObCB-QfZRhMXINR5kN7CHy3yC-qKjHlzSmT1ia6TypYwD-z43jKzEX-O5l1z9XpEFU_fl9plgNCtIMBDVD6gl3pLOyrFYm2DwsRWBV_ehyeEoOX2ochDv8sXoHu_fK7pFvPfJuF-RNPB8t-DF3ctDokGPnIVH29ew8lFnHyd6EV-S9mcnt9wuphSrV-oF3R9ZkW6c7LyaaxJaW7EwoX6CuoqGZSiZsBxarRK_udI0JkaHLA1pgJbrxFxcnFNCNMcDpmYtc3PViv3Qqy5jGFhgNeoe0rJCGqkGtNpGaiTVFyOkni8dZzEMfzYuLSJMJfCsczHqrLHoNFGAIr7nVvQXSJeV-HeIfsCHFBDlnP6eHhVQYEWAK4Bb7OGhxoqYSGnyTr7n6yOSXHmrqU6b5D2E04mwkdeXi13pX-Ja4bTLFr8Xsr-CHKWH3IyVb2tscNlcnfVWcsprednB-aJkxq5W6w0uy6HAZTtbyec2dKA

As a faith community.

Provide a safe space and environment for children to express themselves and have safe people with which to express their concerns.

Hold the family in your prayers,

you may be able to help out with food or fees

and continue to stay a positive, safe space for all.

Parents may find it difficult during the school holidays to limit media reports, but try to limit the viewing or use sources or check details when your child is absent, or asleep.

Be aware of their trauma, use the Bear App https://innovativeresources.org/resources/digital-applications/bears-app/ or the Tracee Moroney feeling books https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XegIx_zgXqM such as When I’m feeling Sad

When I’m feeling SCARED https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kY5PklAYIBM, etc

Yarra Plenty Regional Library put together this list of books dealing with disasters https://yprl.bibliocommons.com/list/share/411301297_library_geek/1555452799_books_about_dealing_with_disaster_for_children?_ga=2.101564481.1104479734.1577959991-302965281.1486347740&fbclid=IwAR2N8–A5b6FAVoBgnFHHA_Zkgs3aDhOkofYc3ZCnlgWhH010z2pFh4exog

Professional help may be needed, You could recommend http://viviennemountain.com.au/index.html if in Melbourne Australia

Or find a child or family therapist in your area

Blessings

Wendy L.

After Epiphany: Baptism of Jesus: Ideas to help you and your 3’s and under enjoy church and relate to the RCL readings

Prepare a special church bag in advance each week so that you are ready for the rush on Sunday Morning.

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,

Sit towards the front so they can see what is going on.

Remember that you have bought your child to worship. Enjoy engaging them in it.

Older children might enjoy https://store.illustratedchildrensministry.com/products/illustrated-worship-resources-winter-2018-2019

LOOK for the colour change. We have entered a new season, known as After Epiphany.

FIRST READING: Isaiah 43:1-7

READ/WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuT5e1C_5NY HELLO HELLO by Brendan Wenzel

Play: Name your the teddies and other soft toys, name as many of the congregation as you know. Or bring an extended family photo, and ask your child to name everyone.

PRAY: God you wanted me

I am your child

I am precious

I am Loved

Thank you

PSALM 29

READ: http://www.conversations.net.nz/psalm-29-the-hurricane-psalm.html

ACTIONS: You will need a toy boat and a blue tea towel. Toss the boat around on the rough tea towel sea, or make it “plain sailing”.

How would you feel? Make a face to show how you might feel after each verse.

SECOND READING: Acts 8:14-17

READ/WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozSeUrYEPxU BE KIND by Pat Zietlow Miller as suggested by http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-rcl-january-13-2019/

PLAY: with baby dolls (if child baptism is practised), use a paper bowl of blue shredded crepe paper or with other dolls, baptising in the blue tea towel “water”.

PRAY:

Dear God

In Water I’m Baptised

But by your spirit I am saved

thank you.

GOSPEL READING: Luke 3:15-17, 21-22.

READ: The Beginners Bible pp.304-307

OR My First Read aloud Bible by Batchelor and Bashoff John Baptises Jesus pp150-151

Watch: the Bible for kids https://www.bible.com/kids

Colouring-In: https://store.illustratedchildrensministry.com/products/bible-story-coloring-pages-winter-2018-2019?variant=13700704632930

Make: Spinner

You will need

straw

sticky tape

template https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0RweH-3RyI0Qkc4MWJGSTZUSnM/view

texta’s

from http://flamecreativekids.blogspot.com/2016/01/printable-baptism-of-jesus-spinner.html

You might need to print:

https://store.illustratedchildrensministry.com/products/bible-story-coloring-pages-winter-2018-2019?variant=13700704632930 IF purchased this week (about $15 Aus ) it will supply you with colouring in sheets for the next 8 weeks)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0RweH-3RyI0Qkc4MWJGSTZUSnM/view

Down load this App. https://www.bible.com/kids

You might need

straw

sticky tape

texta’s

blue tea towel

baby dolls or other toys (depending on the type of Baptism your church practises)

toy boat

Blessings

Wendy L.

Trinity Sunday: Ideas to help the 3’s and under connect with the RCL readings

These suggestions are for use with the 3’s and under who are in worship with you. Or use them during the week to keep connecting with Sunday’s worship.

You may need to organise some resources before Sunday and place in a special Church Bag so you can pick it up and run and have everything with you to share worship with your little one.

AS this is Trinity Sunday a beautiful book for sharing about the multifaceted aspect of God is In God’s Name by Sandy Eisenberg Sasso https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byeuazEzFvA or you can find it on Kindle https://www.amazon.com.au/Gods-Rabbi-Sandy-Eisenberg-Sasso-ebook/dp/B01HT6C2EE/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1526988415&sr=1-1&keywords=In+God%27s+Name

YOU might need to down load

The new season of https://store.illustratedchildrensministry.com/collections/coloring-sheets-posters/products/bible-story-coloring-pages-summer-2018 Will get you 14 colouring in pages, that is 14 Sundays worth and I will 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 Summer, 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://familygodtime.wordpress.com/2018/05/21/daily-devos-isaiah-is-sent/

Find pictures of the sea

Cedar forest

an Ox

Fire

desert

Oak forest

Flood waters

OR FIND

Coloured cardboard

Journal or paper for drawing

Curling Ribbon

hole Punch

An atlas OR world ball

GOD LOVES by Stephanie Carmichael https://www.koorong.com/search/product/god-loves-books-for-little-ones-series-stephanie/9781922206886.jhtml

FIRST READING: ISAIAH 6:1-8

WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09UFBIBPdtY

SING: https://www.seedsfamilyworship.com/product/the-character-of-god-vol-7/# number 2 God is Holy ( this might be best saved for Family Faith Formation time during the week)

DO: Knowing God changes the way we see the world, So have coloured cellophane (squares about 10cm are good), to look at the world differently through. Or if you have them or can get them the ants’s eyes lenses, or child’s magnifying glass for example https://shop.australiangeographic.com.au/navir-megalens-display.html

DRAW: Love this colouring in suggestion from https://familygodtime.wordpress.com/2018/05/21/daily-devos-isaiah-is-sent/

PSALM 29

DRAW: any of the strong images of God’s voice

MAKE: a Psalm book by sticking pictures of the images (from magazines or off the internet) of each verse into a book. ie. p.1 picture of the sea,

p.2 a Cedar forest

p.3 an Ox

p.4 Fire

p.5. desert

p. 6 Oak forest

p.7 Flood waters

PRAY:

Your Voice God

Is LOUD ( put your hands over your ears)

So I can hear You (point to your ears)

Amen

SECOND READING: Romans 8:12-17

READ/WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMXULIYojHk God’s Dream by Desmond Tutu

DRAW: God’s children at worship today

MAKE: a baby bunting, using triangles cut from coloured cardboard ( I got three per A4 sheet). Write the letters I AM A CHILD OF GOD, on seperate triangles,

punch a hole in 2 corners

Then thread them together with curling ribbon.

Take them home and put them up in your child’s room OR hang them on the pew.

GOSPEL READING: JOHN 3:1-17

READ: https://lettheirlightshine.com/2018/05/23/followers-of-jesus-nicodemus/

OR GOD LOVES by Stephanie Carmichael

COLOURING IN https://store.illustratedchildrensministry.com/collections/coloring-sheets-posters/products/bible-story-coloring-pages-summer-2018

SING: https://www.seedsfamilyworship.com/product/seeds-of-faith-vol-2/# No.4

PRAY: Bring an Atlas or a ball of the world and pray for each country. Starting, God so Loved the World, that he sent his only Son, that the people of _______ might come to know Him. continue as long as the child wants to. Your young child can participate in the prayer by simply pointing to the Atlas.