Christmas Eve/Day 2022: Option 3: Ideas to share the Revised Common Lectionary Readings with all ages.

Welcome Each week I compile a number of resources to help you contemplate the RCL readings with your family. 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 enter a new Church Season, Christmas, and it’s liturgical colour is WHITE (if you find that choice repressive many are now substituting GOLD)

There are 3 sets of reading for use on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services. You will find Option 1 and Option 2 here. Check with the Church you are attending or the on-line service you are viewing to find out which one they are following. Or have all three open so that you are ready to share the message of these amazing worship expereinces with the children in your company.

If worshipping at home you might want to set up a focal point, possibly the Advent Candles, and adding a white Christ candle and maybe a nativity.

For Christmas Eve services some people remove the baby, adding him in for Sunday morning services.

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. And especially today a new something found under the Christmas tree.

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. Young scholars could use a template like this free downlhttps://kidsbibleteacher.com/christmas-sermon-notes-page/%E2%80%8Boad. 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. Very happy for you to copy and paste idesa into your own Order of Service.

LET’S BEGIN:

SING It’s Christmas by David MacGregor

LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE LITURGY

We come to you God and you present us with a baby (pretend to rock a baby in our arms)

to show us how to LOVE others (make a love heart with your fingers)

to bring us JOY (do a star jump)

to teach us PEACE (take a deep breath in)

always to look to for HOPE (arms out wide)

Amen (one clap)

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 – Christmas Present Prayer Response.

In advance wrap a present, if you are environmental, you could wrap the smallest items in hankies, progress to wrapping in a tea towel, or hand towels. Between each layer of wrapping stick a post it note with the names of people or areas of concern to spark people’s ideas so that when the parcel is unwrapped the person taking off the layer, can pray for the person or item of concern, or you can leave space for everyone’s individual prayers to be quietly said. (Some of the notes can just have a drawing or a photo of the area of concern so that even the non-readers can participate.

COLOURING-IN Scroll to the end to find the MERRY CHRISTMAS sheet.

FIRST READING:Isaiah 52:7-10

READ: Ordinary Mary and the Extraordinary Deed by Emily Pearson

WATCH

I choose this book as these ordinary people bought Joy into ordinary peoples lives, like the examples in this reading.

CRAFT

SING You are beautiful by Heather Price on her I am Loved album

PSALM 98

Sing to the Lord a new song!
Marvelous is all he has done!
Victory has been won
and all the earth has seen!
Break out with songs of joy!
Trumpets blast and waves crash
Guitars play and rain claps the beat
Music fills the air and hills cheer!
The Lord is coming, he’s nearly here!
He will set things right
and all will be well.
Sing to the Lord a new song!
Marvelous is all he has done!

FIND or MAKE some instruements to be used as you say this Psalm.

SECOND READING: Hebrew 1:1-4(5-12)

READ: The Light of Christmas by Richard Paul Evans

WATCH

A Storypath suggestion

SING Hebrew 1:1-2, by Coliln Buchanan on Baa Baa Doo Baa Baa

MAKE a suncatcher, (reflecting light to others) hanging on the corners make it almost star shaped.

GOSPEL READING: John 1:1-14

READ: Song of the Stars by Sally Lloyd Jones

WATCH

A Storypath suggestion

SING: Jesus came to Earth on the Awesome God album by Soverign Grace Kids

CRAFT Download, print and colour this simple nativity.

DEPARTING SONG Love has come by David MacGregor

To all a Blessed Christmas

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.

22nd Sunday after Pentecost, Year C, Revised Common Lectionary: ideas to involve even the youngest.

Welcome. 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, a candle 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.

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

FIRST READING: Haggai 1:15b – 2:9

READ:What we’ll Build plans for our future together by Oliver Jeffers

WATCH

DRAW OR MAKE a church or a house.

PRAY:

Everything in the world

Shows your Glory

Amen

PSALM 145:1-5 and 17-21

Psalm 145: We will tell your praise

Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised! (Hold your hands out wide)
One generation tells the next generation (pretend to pass on a whisper)
about the awesome things that you have done. (Make a big ball with your arm)
We look for words to tell of how amazing you are – (make a book with your hands)
glory, splendor, magnificent, mighty – (Make a big ball with your hands)
but all our words are too small. (hold your thumb and pointer finger close together)
You burst out of them! (Jump up high with your arms over your head)
You are made of grace and mercy, (pretend to pat an animal)
unbreakable promises, tender affection, (pull your hands apart)
powerful love that goes on and on. (make a heart with your hands)
All the universe speaks about you; (cup your hands around your mouth as if yelling)
we join in as best we can. (hold someone’s hand)
Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised! (make a big ball with your arms)

Words by Rev. Purdie, actions in italics by me

SING/LISTEN: Unsearchable by Seeds Family Worship on HOPE album

OR Psalm 98

Psalm 98: Sing along a new song

(add musical instruments or pretend to play each of the instruments as they are read)

Have a jam session and just enjoy playing your instruements if you will not disturb others by doing so.

SECOND READING: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5 and 13-17

READ: What James said by Liz Rosenberg

WATCH

A Storypath suggestion

PLAY: a game of follow the leader.

PRAY:

God, mighty Leader

Help me to hear your words (cup your hands around your ears)

and not be swayed by others words (move from side to side)

Amen

GOSPEL READING: Luke 20:27-38

READ I walk with Vanessa by Kerascoët

WATCH Stop the Video at 3.12 minutes as the dissusion will take this story into a different space than what is trying to be explained here.

A Storypath Suggestion

Look at the the different emotions. Use a set of emotional cards, or the emoji’s on your ‘phone

or show them on your face or draw them as you read or watch. It’s ok to stall the video or stay on the page to further explore,

What are the girls doing at the window?

If they were praying what would they pray?

Stroypath makes the suggestion that we “Wonder together how our actions reflect the promise of God’s love in our lives. ” think on this, write on this or draw about the answer to this question

COLOURING IN We are children of God

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.

Christmas Eve/Cristmas Day OPTION 3 Revised Common Lectionary ideas to involve even the youngest.

There are 3 sets of reading for use in Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services. Check with the Church you are attending or the on-line service you are viewing to find out which one they are following. Or have all three open so that you are ready to share the message of these amazing worship expereinces with the children in your company.

We enter a new Church Season, Christmas, and it’s liturgical colour is WHITE (if you find that choice repressive many are now substituting GOLD)

If worshipping at home you might want to set up a focal point, possibly the Advent Candles,. and maybe a nativity. For Christmas Eve services some people remove the baby, adding him in for Sunday morning services.

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.Very happy for you to copy and paste idesa into your own Order of Service.

LET’S BEGIN:

WELCOME: Everyone is welcome here.

S ING/LISTEN God Gave Jesus for Ua all by David MacGregor Today is a great day to let little ones “sing” too by playing soft bells or maracca’s

Colouring in sheets Look for the MERRY CHRISTMAS sheet for today

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

I have given you a choice of 2 Christmas day candle liturgies.

SOUTHERN CROSS CHRISTMAS DAY LITURGY

You can print this version of the Southern Cross here

Place a candle on the star. Today I use the brightest star in the constellation. ( You can find more information on the Southern Cross here, including the star names, and some information on how The First peoples understand these stars)

OR if you have a flag or piece of clothing with the Southern Cross on it you might use a torch behind, to shine through the fabric. DO NOT place the material directly on any heat source, electrical, battery or flame.

(actions in italics)

We stand under the Southern Cross (Arms and eyes high)

As the First People have and still do.

God you were always in this land (plant your feet firmly on the ground)

We light our Brightest star (twinkle your fingers)

May Christ guide us to You. (Form the cross with your Body)

Amen

God came into our life,

shining light into the night

We welcome God’s gift

Jesus today

Amen

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

Prepare a present (you might like to put a baby doll in the middle present) in advance, wrap as many layers as you want, then each person removes a piece of wrapping and says a prayer. This may be a silent prayer it doesn’t have to be verbal.

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

FIRST READING:Isaiah 52:7-10

READ: from

How beautiful is the person (Shade your eyes)
    who comes over the mountains to bring good news. (rub your hands together)
How beautiful is the one who announces peace. (take a deep breath in)
    He brings good news (rub your hands together)
    and announces salvation. (pretend your hands are a book)
How beautiful are the feet of the one who says to Jerusalem, (shade your eyes)
    “Your God is king.” (bow)
⁸Listen! Your guards are shouting. (cup your hands around your ear pretending to hear)
    They are all shouting for joy! (star jump)
They all will see with their own eyes (point to your eyes)
    when the Lord returns to Jerusalem.
⁹Jerusalem, your buildings are destroyed now. (wipe away a tear)
    But shout and rejoice together. (star jump)
You can rejoice because the Lord has comforted his people.(give yourself a hug)
    He has saved Jerusalem. (jump for joy)
¹⁰The Lord will show his holy power (flex your muscle in your arm)
    to all the nations.
Then everyone on earth
    will see the salvation of our God. (point to your eyes)

actions in italics by me

SING: Choose your favourite Christmas hymn and sing with gusto.

CRAFT

PSALM 98

READ: Psalms for Young People by Marie-Helene Delval

How does this Psalm make you feel? Draw how you feel, or show how you feel, or point out which emoji this Psalm makes you feel like.

SECOND READING: Hebrew 1:1-4(5-12)

READ: Room for a Little One by Martin Waddell

WATCH

A Storypath suggestion

SING Hebrew 1:1-2, by Coliln Buchanan on Baa Baa Doo Baa Baa

PRAY

Father God,

In the beginning

you were there

Unchanging

While everything else

Changes

You spoke through your son Jesus

Who you sent from his home

With you

To be one of us

Amen

GOSPEL READING: John 1:1-14

READ: I am a Story by Dan Yaccarino

WATCH

A Storypath suggestion

SING: Jesus came to Earth on the Awesome God album by Soverign Grace Kids

CRAFT Download, print and colour this simple nativity.

To all a Blessed Christmas

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.

Easter 6B: ideas to engage the whole family(especially the youngest) in the set RCL readings for today Including some Mother’s Day ideas

WELCOME

Mother’s Day is not a part of the Liturgical calender it is a public day for honouring the mother’s in our midst.

Two women from the past talk to me about mothering they are Suzanne Wesley and Katherine Luther.

We here about Jesus’s mother in the Bible, and her cousin Elizabeth, John’s mother and their faithfulness we learn of Sarah’s struggle with infertility and jealousy in the Old Testament, and Samual’s mother Hannah’s devotion, we learn of Lot’s wife’s disobedience and Noah’s wife’s support. We learn of the length’s that Joseph’s mother’s care required to save him. We hear of Ruth’s mother-in-laws protection of her daughter in law. The early mother’s of the Church such as Lydia. All different all with their eyes on God foremostly. Add to this list. How many more mother’s or references to mother’s can you find.

I think of my own mother.

I also think of the women in the Church’s I have attended who mothered me in faith. I am still surrounded by great faithful mothers guiding me and teaching me. That’s perhaps, why I have a preference for all welcoming services where everyone worship’s together.

So today, I encourage you to not just think about your own mother but to look to the women in your congregation that share Sophia’s wisdom easily and unselfishly.

WHO ARE THESE IDEAS FOR?

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.

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

GETTING READY

If worshipping at home. You may want to set up a space to bring out when you worship or to keep out everyday..

We have entered the season of EASTER and white is the colour of the season. (Though it is the chosen colour you may prefer to use Gold)

Set up a candle, and what ever helps you focus on the season, it might be a cross, some flowers to represent New Life, an empty container, a circle of some kind or anything that inspires you.

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.

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

You might like to start with the Lords prayer if at home, or say the Lord’s Prayer within a set place in the service.

Today try this version 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

PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE:

(Sophia is the feminine name for God’s wisdom in the Bible)

Today Sophia,

We pray for your wisdom

Becasue we know that mother’s need it.

Becasue we know that people can be sad today

Sad becasue they did not get to know their mother,

due to adoption, laws, illhealth or death

Sad for the mother’s who did not get to know thier children

because of adoption, laws, illhealth or death

For those of us who have mums,

we are sorry when we take her for granted

when we don’t listen

when we don’t consider her needs

Help me to absorb and look for the wisdom

Of the mother’s in the Bible,

to the Sophia’s in our church

who teach us how to be mother’s

Amen

FIRST READING: Acts 10:44-48

WATCH

READ: The Big Orange Splot by Daniel Manus Pinkwater

WATCH

READ why this book is recommended here

PRAY

Get a bowl of water, and some pebbles, drop the pebble into the water. Watch what happens. Just sit quietly and drop as many pebbles into the water as you want.

PSALM 98

READ

Get or make music instuments and play them as you say(sing) the Psalm

SECOND READING:1 John 5:1-6

READ Chair for my Mother by Vera Williams

WATCH

READ why this is suggested for this reading here

Do: look at pictures of your family, what features do you share with those who have come before. What things would you like to be known for in your faith community? at school? in the community? Draw them, say them aloud or write them down.

MAKE a card for your mother, include a heart and draw those things you like her doing for you.

OR try this idea

GOSPEL READING: John 15:9-17

READ: You are spoilt for choice here Andrew McDonough has written 4 books, on this theme and anyone of them would do. (if you read one of these books last week, choose another one, or read your favourite.)

They are Basil the Branch, WATCH, Bill the Brillant Branch, WATCH, The Gardner and the Vine, WATCH, and Basil and the Seceuters WATCH you can read excerts here

All have activity books for $AUs4.95 to download, with enough activities to keep the whole family busy, and each story has 2 free activities to download.

SING No Greater Love(remain in Me) from Seeds of Faith Seeds Family Worship

PRAY

Make a heart with your hand, cup your hands, make a heart with your hands.

PLAY: with Babushka dolls

Blessings

Have a Happy Mother’s Day

Wendy L.

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.

Nativity 3 B: Ideas to help the whole family relate to the RCL readings

Have a Blessed Christmas. May the story speak anew to you this season.

This is a page that has collated ideas that suport the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) readings, which are theologically and developmentally approriate, saving you time in finding resources admist this busy season, be it those in paid church employment or families looking for resources. If you use this page please refer to it as appropriate.

We are entering a new season and you will notice that the colour for the season of Christmas is White ( if you find this offensive please feel free to use gold this season.) The season of Christmas starts on the 24th of Decemeber and there are 3 RCL reading sets for the 24th and 25th of December Services. If you can check with the congregation you are worshipping with either physically or virtually this season to see which reading they will be using it may help your preparation.

I will post on each of these options, Nativity 1B, 2B, 3B and there is a general Christmas page if you are unsure what the readings might be. If you would like to start with some singing there are some songs that you may enjoy on this page, as well as some Christmas stories, and genral activity and colouring in pages.

If at home prepare a worship space, place a white table cloth, your advent candles, and light the final white Christ candle today. You may also include any items that help you concentrate on the season of Christmas.

PRAY:

God came into our life,

shining light into the night

We welcome God’s gift

Jesus today

Amen

FIRST READING: Isaiah 52: 7-10

READ/WATCH: Song of the Stars by Sally Lloyd-Jones, the first half until the Angels appear in the story or 2.31min on the you tube clip.

Make a mega phone, roll a piece of paper with a small and a large end like a trumpet. Listen to how it makes your voice louder when you speak into it.

OR Make an Angel https://lettheirlightshine.com/2020/11/04/how-to-make-an-angel-craft-video/

PRAY Dear God

Help me to listen

to those who tell

of your love

Amen

PSALM 98

READ: Psalms for young Children by Marie-Helene Delval (This is abeautiful book that is worth purchasing)

“Sing to God a new song,

becasue he has done

many wonderful things.

Play a trumpet or a horn!

Join the rivers and mountains

in singing praise to God!

SING/Play an instrument it can be pot lids, salt and pepper shakers what ever you have at hand.

SECOND READING: Hebrews 1:1-4, (5-12)

READ/WATCH: Continue reading/watching Song of the Stars by Sally Lloyd-Jones (See First Reading)

SING: https://sovereigngracemusic.org/music/songs/jesus-came-to-earth/

OR https://colinbuchanan.com.au/products/baa-baa-doo-baa-baa-cd-mp3-backing-track-sheet-music 21 Hebrews 1:1-2

DO: How are you like your parents? draw, or write.

GOSPEL READING: JOHN 1:1-14

WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qAOR5U1i7k&fbclid=IwAR0xUZsJNJJoF3YB6McPTxX0PpUsi5o1Pb9SkdlVMDOIPM2MiwxQp9uFxQo

SING: https://colinbuchanan.com.au/products/baa-baa-doo-baa-baa-cd-mp3-backing-track-sheet-music 25 In the Beginning

OR https://sovereigngracemusic.org/music/songs/jesus-came-to-earth/

DO: Shine a torch or the light in the mobile phone into dark places. What is different?

Have a Blessed Christmas

Wendy L.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Year A: Ideas to help 3’s and under relate to this weeks RCL readings

It’s finally arrived. Christmas Day. One last candle to light. And look at the colours in the church. We are in a new season, the Season of Advent.

PRAY:

Little Candle Burning bright (make yourself tall, with a flame- Arms over your head with your palms together in prayer)

Light my path (shade your eyes and look ahead)

to Christ your Son – (Blow out the candles and watch the smoke float out into the world.)

May I bring, Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love (point to each of the previous candles)

into the World

Amen

No matter where you are. At your home church, with relatives or travelling. Make sure you are ready to share this amazing time of Worship with your children.

The Uniting Church has 3 different lectionaries to choose from, so it might make being prepared cumbersome if you do not know in advance which readings to prepare for. So I will try to make it as simple as I can. Especially if you are travelling as being weighed down by books and equipment is not always possible (20kg if your flying, or an overflowing family car, can make life difficult), and the idea is to enjoy sharing this experience. Yes, even with overexcited children, fussing in-laws and exhaustion off the scale. I know a quiet service that allows you to snooze quickly is soo tempting. But then you would miss out on the spiritual awakening of your child. And that is worth staying awake to share in..

If you have older children this sheet might help them stay focused during the service https://reflectionaryb.files.wordpress.com/2016/12/christmas1.pdf

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

If you need

3 Possible FIRST READINGS

A) Isaiah 9: 2-7

B) Isaiah 62:6-12

C) Isaiah 52:7-10

3 Possible PSALMS

A) Psalm 96

B) Psalm 97

C) Psalm 98

3 Possible SECOND READINGS

A) Titus: 2:11-14

B) Titus 3:4-7

C) Hebrews 1:1-4, (5-12)

3 Possible GOSPEL READINGS

A) Luke 2:1-14, (15-20)

B) Luke 2:( 1-7), 8-20

C) John 1:1-14

You will find last years suggestions here A) https://wordpress.com/post/thecrossinmybackyard.wordpress.com/478

B) https://wordpress.com/post/thecrossinmybackyard.wordpress.com/481

C) https://wordpress.com/post/thecrossinmybackyard.wordpress.com/488

They are the same readings as for Year C and for that matter Year B.

Have a Blessed Christmas

Wendy L.

22nd Sunday after Pentecost Year C: Ideas to help you share this weeks RCL readings with the 3’s and under.

Change is in the air. The end of the Ecclesiastic year is fast approaching. I hope you and your children enjoy spending time together in Church this week.

Here are some ideas to help you share the Readings from the Revised Common Lectionary with your children.

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: Haggai 1:15b – 2:9

READ/WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLdAXyZ7_iQ The thing that Lou can’t do by Ashley Spires as suggested by http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-rcl-november-10-2019/

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, starting September the 1st. which can be downloaded for US$10. NOTE Illustrated Children’s Ministry is now Illustrated Ministry.

PRAY:

Everything in the word

Show your Glory

Amen

PSALM 145:1-5, 17-21

Psalm 145: We will tell your praise

Words by http://www.conversations.net.nz/psalm-145-we-will-tell-your-praise.html actions by me

SING/LISTEN: https://sovereigngracemusic.org/music/songs/the-god-of-wow/

OR Psalm 98

Psalm 98: Sing along a new song

(add musical instruments or pretend to play each of the instruments as they are read) my suggestion.

Thanks again to http://www.conversations.net.nz/psalm-98-sing-along-a-new-song.html

SING: try You are good by Bethel Music Kids Come Alive track 4 https://bethelmusickids.com

SECOND READING: 2 Thessalonians 20:27-38

READ/LISTEN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fe-7NOiGA9s The terrible plop by Ursula Dubosarsky

Play with your toys. Practice being a part of community.

PLAY: a game of follow the leader on the way home from church or at the endow the service.

GOSPEL READING: Luke 20:27-38

WATCH/LOOk at I walk with Vanessa https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StF5RdslK0w as suggested by http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-rcl-november-10-2019/

Look at the the different emotions. Use 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 show them on your face or draw them as you read” watch” it’s ok to stall the video or stay on the page to further explore,

What are the girls doing at the window?

If they were praying what would they pray?

Being together as a community is special. PLAY with your toys, practice being part of a community that is there for each other.

PRAY:

God,

you are always where I am

You don’t let words get in the way

Amen

THE SERVICE MIGHT BE FINISHED BUT

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.

You might like start watching https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPTWq1AsCao

Blessings

Wendy L.

Christmas Day 3 Year C: Ideas to help you and your 3’s and under enjoy church and relate to the RCL readings

There are 3 Reading options suggested for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day services. I will post for each set of readings over the coming days.

If you are a small congregation please feel free to print these pages and hand them to parents as they arrive.

If you are a parent or guardian, check with the church you are attending as to what readings they will be using at their services, this will make it easier on you if you can prepare in advance.

I will also post some Christmas Day service general ideas for those who visit a congregation that does not use the Revised Common Lectionary.

No matter where you are or where you go, the important part is that you enjoy this holy day together.

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

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

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.

Also leave when you need to but make sure you return quickly.

You and your child/ren have as much right to worship as any other member of the congregation.

Point out the change in the colours in the church, they should now be White, no longer purple, as we have stopped waiting, Christmas has come.

Remember every parent/guardian, even Holy ones, will be sleep deprived Christmas Morning. So be kind to yourself.

FIRST READING: ISAIAH 52:7-10

READ/WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McBKknb2J2U The wonderful happened by Cynthia Rylant You can add that the wonderful happened when God’s promises became Jesus

DRAW: all the wonderful things God made

PRAY: How beautiful Lord is the world you made

Lets sing for Joy

And tell all about you

Amen

PSALM 98

READ: Psalm 98: Sing along a new song

FROM REV. PURDIE http://www.conversations.net.nz/psalm-98-sing-along-a-new-song.html

If you are in a congregation that tolerates noise make music during this Psalm, if not use a soft rattle or skin drum or tap lightly on a Hymnal or book, to make quiet noise during the reading of this Psalm

Make a happy or sad face, depending on how this Psalm makes you feel. (some children sensitive to noise may not like this Psalm and that is Ok)

Show what your body does when you are excited.

Draw anything that make you happy.

SECOND READING: HEBREW 1:1-4 (5-12)

READ/WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCHDJ6jqEGA A Room for a Little one by Martin Waddel suggested by http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-christmas-day-december-25-2011/

PLAY with a nativity or make your own http://www.catholicicing.com/diy-printable-nativity-for-kids/ (Hint if you print on heavy paper you do not need the toilet rolls. For hygiene reasons if sharing with others use cardboard rolls.)

PRAY: Use the nativity to suggest a prayer for each person represented ie for the baby to have a safe home to grow up in, ie for dad to love Mum, for people to care enough to find you etc. (if you do not have a play nativity you can make one here http://www.catholicicing.com/diy-printable-nativity-for-kids/ (Hint if you print on heavy paper you do not need the toilet rolls. For hygiene reasons if sharing with others use cardboard rolls.)

JOHN 1: 1-14

READ/WATCH https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFbm0wS3rlg SONG OF THE STARS BY SALLY LLOYD-JONES suggested by http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-christmas-day-december-25-2011/

MAKE: you will need a black and a white or silver sheet of A4 paper. Glue the perimeter of the black sheet over the white (or silver )sheet. Now tear a hole in the middle, of the black sheet to let the white/silver sheet through. (like a star shining in the night sky)

OR MAKE A STORY BOOK OF JESUS BIRTH You can do this free handed by drawing a scene fro the story on a sheet of paper and stapling the pages together. OR print off this free colouring in book https://www.marymarthamama.com/kid-stuff/printable-advent-coloring-book/ You will find the download link about half way down the page.

Prepare a special church bag in advance so that you are ready for the rush on Monday Night or Tuesday Morning.

TO Do LIST:

You might need to bring with you

Quiet musical instruments

texta’s

drawing paper

Child’s nativity

Black or white/silver paper

You might want to download

and buy the activity sheet at the the end of https://www.lostsheep.com.au/stories/jed-and-roy-mccoy-a-christmas-story/

http://www.catholicicing.com/diy-printable-nativity-for-kids

Blessings

Wendy L.

Easter 6: ideas for helping 3’s and under connect with this weeks 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.

You might need to visit these sites to read or download

https://store.illustratedchildrensministry.com/collections/illustrated-worship-resources/products/bible-story-coloring-pages-spring-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 Spring, 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)

BRING

paper

texta

heart cushion

soft ball

toys to share, such as blocks, cars and mat, etc

FIRST READING: ACTS 10:44-48

READ/WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysPxSHHE8Lg In this story, everyone is needed and welcome to help do the task. Like in today’s reading everyone is welcome to know the Lord and be be baptised into the faith.

PLAY: Bring a sharing toy, such as a soft ball,( roll don’t throw in church) it might amaze you how many around you will have such a simple game with a young child, especially if there are no other children during worship. I’ve always been surprised at whom it is that want to “play”

DO: Make or buy a people chain, and create a chain of all the people that worship together.

Here is a simple way to make a chain https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZo68K6vWZ4

this age is too young to make their own chain, you make it and let them colour it in

PSALM 98

Praise the Lord!

Sing a new song to the Lord;

he has done wonderful things!

By his own power and holy strength

he has won the victory….

Sing for joy to the Lord, all the earth;

praise him with songs and shouts of joy!

Sing praises to the Lord!

Play music on the harps!

Blow trumpets and horns,

and shout for joy to the Lord, our king.

Roar, sea, and every creature in you;

sing, earth, and all who live on you!

Clap your hands, you rivers;

you hills, sing together with joy before the Lord,

because he comes to rule the earth.

He will rule the peoples of the world

with justice and fairness.

written

Carolyn C. Brown

https://worshipingwithchildren.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/year-b-sixth-sunday-of-easter-may-10.html

DRAW: or make a Joyful face

and some of the instruments or the earth or the sea.

PRAY:

I am Joyful (make a joyful face)

that you made the world (make a BIG world with your hands.)

I want to Shout (cup hands in a megaphone)

About you God

Amen.

SECOND READING: 1 John 5:1-6

READ/WATCH

suggested by http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-rcl-may-6-2018/

Look at all the acts of love in the story. Dip in and out of this story, stopping it after each act of love so as to keep the under 3’s engaged with it.

DRAW: A large love heart then draw a picture of either one of the acts of love in the story, or of something loving you do for someone or they do for you.

PRAY:

God you love me (point to yourself)

Help me to love others (point away from yourself)

Amen

GOSPEL JOHN15:9-17

READ/WATCH

Suggested by https://worshipingwithchildren.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/year-b-sixth-sunday-of-easter-may-10.html

COLOURING-IN https://store.illustratedchildrensministry.com/collections/illustrated-worship-resources/products/bible-story-coloring-pages-spring-2018

PLAY: This age don’t play well with others yet, though they may play along side another child. Learning the steps of being a good friend and playing together needs to start somewhere. If there are other children, play with something others can join in with today such as blocks or cars on a car mat.

Blessings

Wendy l.