Here in Melbourne Australia it’s Finals weekend, so no matter what code or what team you barrack for may you enjoy this long weekend (literally we get a day off, yah!) https://www.afl.com.au/finals
or next weekend https://www.nrl.com
And i see no reason why you can’t wear your colours to Church, you might even find a retired player amongst the congregation. (We have one)
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 32:1-3a, 6-15
READ: Florette by Anne Walker https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKcZqwOWP9s
I’ve chosen this book, because like Jeremiah’s idea that it is alright to set down roots here, this is what happens in Florette, they have left their garden behind and they make the space their own, as Judah was too in today’s reading
DO: plant a tree, shrub, or veggies and see over time how God’s things grow, Or for a quicker idea, cut the top off a carrot, place it on wet cotton wool and watch it grow over the coming weeks.
DO: Make a plant that grows. Take an A4 Sheet, draw a tree trunk up the paper, draw branches and leaves at the top of the page then fold the middle third like a fan,
PSALM: 91;1-6,12-16
Read:
Psalm 91: The Trust Psalm
Trust! Trust in God!
God is our shelter,
we are safe in his shadow.
God is our refuge,
we are protected in his power.
God is like a mother bird and we are like chicks,
tucked warm under her wing.
God is our shield and our armor
nothing can strike us down.
God is with us all the way
our guard and our guide.
You may trip on a stone
but angels will catch you.
So don’t be afraid of snakes and spiders,
don’t be afraid of evil attack.
In God’s love we are safe, no matter what.
In God’s strength we are saved!
by the Rev. Purdie http://www.conversations.net.nz/psalm-91-an-invitation-to-deeper-prayer.html
SING: https://colinbuchanan.com.au/products/boom-chicka-boom-cd-mp3
DO: 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/
OR go to the https://www.fischytunes.com/?fbclid=IwAR2wcZy8PZz924dKNUCeWMJZJJqLDWWsOYKNi1TwBfiUS5-cqT1pVtzQkhw choose your emotion then choose a song (website only for the kids)
SECOND READING: 1 Timothy 6:6-19
READ: What is given from the heart by Patricia C McKissack https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jEcwHrwAYA suggested by http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-rcl-september-29-2019/
SING Practice Being Godly by Colin Buchanan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gl_5jLTfUE
COLOURING -IN: https://store.illustratedministry.com/collections/coloring-sheets-posters/products/bible-story-coloring-pages-fall-2019?variant=29474498478178 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. NOTE Illustrated Children’s Ministry is now Illustrated Ministry.
PLAY with your toys, animals or families, practice being Godly
GOSPEL READING: Luke 16:19-31
READ/WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBfJXE9t5h8 Betty Bunny wants Everything by Bailey Byrne This is a long read or watch for our little ones watch in advance and choose small parts. try 1.43-2.15 3.12-3.35, then 7.20- 7.52, 8.26 to end suggested by http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-nl-march-26-2017/
SING: https://sovereigngracemusic.org/music/songs/welcome-in/
PLAY with your toys, animals or families, practice sharing.
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.
The Cross in My Backyard 