PALM OR PASSION SUNDAY marks the start of Holy Week. The RCL has readings for each day of the week.
Many churches where I live do not have services for every day of Holy Week but that does not stop you from gathering the family and looking into the readings.
What a lovely way to prepare the family for Good Friday.
You can read all the texts or just choose one or two for the day.
These ideas are for your family to think through, they are not intended for you to be all knowing (you may actually be surprised what ideas are sparked in your children about faith.)
This is a time for you all to get to know the Lord.
LITURGY FOR LENT
Lent is 40 Days, (spread your fingers out and push them in front of yourself 4X)
it’s a long long way (shield your eyes and look around the horizon)
but with each step (walk on the spot)
We get closer,
closer to the JOY of EASTER, (star jump)
Closer to God (give yourself a hug)
We learn more about ourselves (point to yourself)
Like Jesus did in his 40 days in the Wilderness,
Today we only have 4 days left (spread your fingers out and count off 4 fingers)
We are getting closer
So today we wave (wave)
with Palm leaves high (if you have a palm leaf real or created hold it up high)
Amen (one clap)
(Some visual learning suggestions, place 40 stepping stones around the church/or home, these can be made from non-slip tiles or mats (try Bunnings or Spotlight for ideas) such as these or if your church/home has cobble stones or timber stepping stones around them, number them and cross off the days. Another option is to use the Praying in Color steps template, especially good for those with small spaces or where you want people to stay connected away from the communal space.)
NOTE: though we say that LENT is 40 days we do not count the Sundays
THEME SONG: To be like Jesus on the To be like Jesus album by Soveriegn Kids
FIRST READING: Isaiah 42:1-9
READ: The Little Duck by Judy Dunn
A Storypath suggestion (make sure you read why it is suggested)
CRAFT: make a chick to remind you of the things that made the servant valuable. Here are some ideas 1) Easy chick, 2) Origami Chick 3) Draw a chick 4) Colouring-in
PRAY
Help me
to be
your servant, God,
Amen
PSALM 36:5-11
Your love, O God, reaches up, up beyond the sky, (stretch as tall as you can, arms above your head)
Your goodness goes higher than the clouds, (shade your eyes)
Your power is bigger than the tallest mountains, ( bring your hands together above your head)
Your truth goes deeper than the ocean. (wiggle your hand like waves on the sea)
O God, we treasure your infinite love. (make a love heart with your hands)
All people can hide in the shadow of your wings. (flap your arms like wings)
O God, we celebrate your mighty river of joy. (star jump)
All people can feast together in your house. (pretend to spoon food into your mouth)
O God, you are the fountain of life. (hold arms out wide above your body)
All people can find light in your light. (shield your eyes)
Your love, O God, reaches up, up beyond the sky, (stretch as tall as you can, arms above your head)
Your goodness goes higher than the clouds, (shade your eyes)
Your power is bigger than the tallest mountains, ( bring your hands together above your head)
Your truth goes deeper than the ocean. (wiggle your hand like waves on the sea)
Hold us in your amazing love, now and forever. (Make a love heart with your hands)
With loving hearts we will live in you. Amen. (clap once)
adapted from Rev Purdie’s rewite of Psalm 36, with actions in italics from me.
How does the Psalm make you feel?
Describe that feeling, 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: Hebrews 9:11-15
READ: Mama always comes home by Karma Wilson
I choose this book because it talks about sacrifice, about steadfast love, which is at the centre of this Hebrews reading
PLAY: with parenting animal toys, eg. bear and baby bear,
GOSPEL READING: John 12:1-11
READ: Mary Anoints Jesus pp.302-305 in the Whirl Story Book Bible
DRAW: Your most precious item? I wonder if you could give it away?
SENDING HYMN Tell the World by Hillsong Kids Learn the actions here
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.
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.
The Cross in My Backyard 