We are now in Holy Week. The RCL(Revised Common Lectionary) 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 or the start of any church services face to-face or on zoom that your congregation may have.
You can read all the texts or just choose one or two to 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.
Though if you require a place to start, you might like these Questions.
- I wonder what this story/game/colouring in/prayer etc reveals to us about God?
- I wonder how you see yourself in this story/game/colouring in/prayer?
OPENING PRAYER
Find some small pebbles.
As you pray make a picture with the pebbles.
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 3 days left (spread your fingers out and count off 3 fingers)
We are getting closer
(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
FIRST READING: ISAIAH 49:1-7
READ: The Libarian on the Roof by M. G. King
WATCH start at the 2.49 minute mark
A Storybook suggestion. Follow the link to find out why it was suggested.
DRAW OR WRITE: about the things that you are good at.
PRAY:
God,
Show me the gifts that you have given me
So I can help you
Amen
PSALM 71: 1-14
Psalm 71: All our lives long
(for a child and an old person to read – child’s voice in bold)
In you, O Lord, do I live
In you, O Lord, I grow
You are our God, our rock and refuge
You are my rock, like a rock to dive off into the river
You are my rock, like a home well fenced and protected
Hear us when we call, O God, lift us into your arms.
All my life long you have been with me
When I was born and took my first breath,
you held me
All through the years, I have leaned on you
Through all the years ahead I will lean on you.
When I was young you taught me
When I grow old you will bless me
I remember all you have done for me
I will tell everyone how great you are!
an exert from http://www.conversations.net.nz/psalm-71-all-our-lives-long.html
How does the Psalm make you feel?
Describe that feeling, draw it, or point out an emoji that describes it.
Go and find a rock, it doesn’t matter if it is big or small. Think of all the uses you have for a rock. Draw one or some on it.
SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31
READ: Ordinary Mary’s Extraordinary Deed by Emily Pearson
A Storypath suggestion
FIND: objects and their use, or draw or write about objects and what their use is
PRAY
God,
you made me,
For your purpose,
Amen
GOSPEL READING: JOHN 12:20-36
READ: Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney
A Storypath suggestion find out why
GROW: Love this idea from Sun hats and Wellie Boots, sew cress seeds in the form of a cross.
PRAY:
Thank you, God,
that
I can always trust you
Amen
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 