Adult & All Age
Ideas for a focal point with adults and all ages
Cover a table with a cloth. Put stones of various sizes all over the cloth. Some of these should be small, rough and irregular – that people might carry with them during the week (see
A simple worship activity for all ages and
Live in faith). Others can be much larger to make a better display. Add some sparkle to the display using some gold glitter or tinsel.
Lord, we come before you,
individual and complex people;
yet all with the same desire
to worship you.
We pray that you will speak your love
deep into our hearts this morning.
Be with us, Lord.
Amen.Pray that Christians in danger, and their persecutors, would know the presence of the Holy Spirit
When Jesus died the disciples thought it was a disaster, an end; but when he rose again, Jesus promised to be with them always. He could also, by his Spirit, be everywhere.
Display a simple map of the world. Ask for someone to point out where Israel – where Jesus lived – is on the map. Mark it with a big cross. Then provide plenty of markers (e.g. small coloured dots) and ask for the names of any countries where there are Christians now. Put a dot on the map in the appropriate place as each country is identified, but reserve one colour of dot (e.g. red) to indicate countries where Christians risk their lives if they meet together, or are found to have a bible (you can use an internet search on ‘Where in the world is the worst place to be a Christian?’ to get a helpful list and maps).
Jesus made it clear that his promise of eternal life is for everyone, not just those immediately round him. He also told his followers to love each other – as he loved us: everyone, everywhere, even those who make life difficult for us.
Let us pray together for those who face danger for their faith, and let us pray for those who persecute them, that they may also come to know God’s love.
Active worship
You could use A simple worship activity for all ages from ROOTS Adult & All Age Issue 82, p.37 of the magazine and Active worship: Caring, sharing.
You could also use A prayer of thanksgiving and A prayer for all ages together
Bible notes
Notes on Psalm 148 and ideas for using it together.
Children & Young People
Ideas for a focal point with children
Prepare the space
Place some objects that need polishing on a table, e.g. shoes, silver cutlery or ornaments, brass candlesticks, along with some clean brushes/cloths and the appropriate polish.
Gathering activity
Invite the children to polish the objects until they shine. Talk about how they are bringing out the glory of the object, and doing a loving act of service for the person who owns the object. Glory and love are key words that will feature in today’s story.
God, who lives everywhere
God, who lives everywhere,
and fills everything,
we have seen you already this morning;
at home and on our way to church.
Your light shines on and out of all creation.
We are here to learn and to worship you.
Amen.