These are suggestions only to help parents engage their children in services that use the Revised Common Lectionary. They can be used by parents or those who help out in small congregations that can not afford to pay Child and Families Ministry. Some congregations use all 4 readings in their services others only two. Prepare a special church bag in advance each week so that you are ready for the rush on Sunday Morning. Read during the Bible readings, Pray during the prayers, Colour, Draw or Craft during the sermon. Remember that little ones will need their own space to move and wiggle, and sit towards the front so they can see what is going on. Craft or drawing or play are for spiritual responses not for a perfectionist piece that can be shown off.
Remember you have bought your child to worship. Enjoy engaging them in it.
Epiphany 2 John 1:43-51
READ: I could not find a version of this story suitable for this age group either of these Bible storybooks contain a page on choosing and names all 12 disciples.
The Beginner’s Bible Timeless Children’s Stories pp.312-313
OR The Lion Picture Bible pp.250- 251
DRAW: take some plain paper or let them draw on the pewsheet.
Ask them to draw a picture of themselves and a friend meeting Jesus.
PLAY: Take dolls or soft toys let them play at making friends and creating a friendship group. (This age group is too young to play with other children, but being around other children is important for them to make that next step)
Thank you God,
That I can be your friend too.
1 Samuel 3:1-10
READ: The Rhyme Bible pp.114-116
DRAW: https://www.cbcgb.org/files/public/children/resources/Really%20Big%20Book%20of%20Bible%20Story%20Coloring%20Pages/pp89-90.pdf this also has the story attached. Just print off both pages and no need for the story book bible suggested above
PLAY: Play listen games;
Chose a word, such as Jesus and ask them to tell you when they hear it in the sermon.
Take a quiet baby rattle or other quiet noise makers (macaroni in a plastic container etc.) and use them during the Hymns to find the rhythm in the music.
PRAY: Speak Lord, I (insert name) am listening?
1 Corinthians: 6:12-20
READ: (this was suggested by http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-rcl-january-14-2018/) As I could not find it in the Australian bookstores I found this You tube version. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8NcXsBvCXk
This story is about caring about others. An easier read then the Bible version this week.
PLAY: Get out the family toys, group of dolls or soft animals, to play in a group and take care of.
CRAFT/COLOUR: Prepare in Advance Create a paper doll chain, http://www.mefirst.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Dolly-Dizzler-final.pdf
or buy one from the Reject shop, Officeworks or Riot for your child to colour.
Get them to create different people. Ask them who they want to include in God’s family or maybe point out some people in the congregation they could draw, (emphasis the point that we are part of God’s group and we all need to care about ourselves. This age group are still separating and developing an individual persona. They do understand being a part of something, ie Mum, a family.)
PRAY: Father God
I need to care (hug themselves) for me
Because I’m part of God’s family (arms out wide as if giving a group hug)
Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18.
You might like to read the book or ebook When God Made You by Matthew Paul Turner.
Read from the Beginners Bible NiRV
And ask them after each verse if the words make them happy or sad. Make happy or sad faces too.
Draw Sad face
Draw Happy face