WHO ARE THESE IDEAS FOR?
For anyone looking for ideas to help share God’s word with everyone including the youngest.
Whether you are preparing traditional worship or an all age or Intergenerational service. You can include this link or share these ideas in your Church newsletter, in your Order of service or on your media notes. .
OR you are a parent wanting something for your children to use either in face to face or with broadcast services, as you parent from the pews or couch
Or during family devotion times.
I use 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.
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 believe that it is in the relationship, that the Faith formation of the next generation truely starts. You will notice that there are very few prompts or questions on this page. This is to allow your child to do the thinking and to work out what is important to them from the texts. Sometimes they may give you an insight or even ask a question? There are no wrong insights or crazy questions, and you are enough, enough to listen, enough to work it out together, ENOUGH to share your love of GOD with your child.
Here is a great presentation on children’s spirituality, but most importantly from the 40 minute mark on, it speaks about the importance of teaching through story and explains the process I recommend you use with children.
Last Day of the Liturgical Year
Today is the last day of the longest liturgical season, the season after Pentecost. It is a special day, The Reign of the King and we are reminded that God’s Kingdom does not end. Advent the season where we prepare for the arrival of God’s promise starts next week. Traditionally the liturgical colour is White, though some prefer to use Gold for these special days.
You can find more about the Liturgical calendar here
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.
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, 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
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
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
From Matins and Vespers Prayer of the People Intersections and Thanksgivings from Liturgical Folk. You can listen to this as silent prayer, or stop it after each refrain and mention those on your heart.
FIRST READING: 2 Samuel 23:1-7
READ: OLD PIG by Margaret Wild
A suggestion fron Storypath, read why.
WRITE: What important things would you like to be remembered for
DRAW: on one side of a sheet of paper, draw the night, on the other side of the paper draw the day
PSALM 132:1-12(13-18)
Psalm 132: The Forever King
Once upon a time, God made a promise (make a big circle with your arms)
to a king called David. (pretend to put your crown on)
“One of your great great grandsons (pretend to count a lot of people standing next to you)
will be King forever. (pretend to put on your crown)
He will be the light of the world (pretend to light a candle)
His will be the greatest victory (arms up high)
In him I will be, (point to yourself)
in him I will live. (jump)
In him I will show my love to the world.” (make a love heart with your hands)
Words by Rev Purdie actions in brackets by me
How does this Psalm make you feel? Draw how you feel or choose an emoji that shows how it makes you feel
SECOND READING: Revelation 1:4b-8
READ: The Whirl Story Bible, Alpha and Omega pp.398-409
DRAW/PLAY: How would you imagine someone important arriving at your home. Draw a picture of it or play out the scene with puppets or toys etc.
MAKE: an infinite flipper
GOSPEL READING: John 18:33-37
SING Is this the King by Colin Buchanan on Boss of the Cross
PRAY
Father God,
Help me listen to Jesus
To hear His voice
Only
Amen
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.
The Cross in My Backyard 