Adult & All Age
Use the activity and prayers to gather the group and introduce the theme
Use the Jump menu on the right to find Prayers and other resources.
Slow down
- It is, for many, school/college holiday season. Invite people to share their holiday experiences. What is different about being on holiday? How does being on holiday make you feel? And when it is over? The root of the word is, of course, ‘holy day’ – which implies time spent with God. How does it feel to spend time with God, and afterwards?
- Some people may talk of holidays as a time to reset, to focus on what is precious and worthwhile in their lives. Some may speak of time spent with God in a similar way. Time, perhaps, to notice the things of God – which are around us all the time, but often are obscured by the busy-ness of life.
- Today, we explore how, when we slow down and pay attention, we may begin to see the things of God more clearly. Waiting and trusting are important conditions for it to happen.
First impressions
You could also use the image and following questions to help introduce the theme.
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Click on the image to view a larger version
or use the Jump menu to go to This week's images.
For artist's details, see this issue's illustrators.
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Questions
- How does it feel to be waiting and trusting?
- What everyday examples might you use to describe the kingdom of heaven?
- What is your part in making it a reality?
Children & Youth
Activities marked with an asterisk 
next to the activity title are in addition to the resources in the Ready-to-go sessions. Suggested timings for these activities are also shown. NB The inclusion of additional activities varies from week to week.
FOR CHILDREN
Gathering song
Sing to the tune: If you’re happy and you know it
If you’re waiting and you’re trusting, clap your hands.
If you’re waiting and you’re trusting, clap your hands.
If you’re waiting and you’re hoping and you’re trusting,
God will answer,
if you’re waiting and you’re trusting, clap your hands.
(Repeat with ‘nod your head’, ‘stamp your feet’)
Treasure hunt 10 mins E
You will need: prizes such as chocolate coins or plastic gems.
- Before the session, hide a large quantity of ‘treasures’ around the venue. Explain the rules of play and challenge the children to set off and find the treasure!
Storytelling circle W E
- Gather the children together in a circle, facing inwards.
- Explain that everyone will take turns to say one word and create a story together. Appoint a child to start the story. If the story collapses, you can restart with a new first word. Explain that Jesus told surprising stories.
FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
Time to grow 15 mins S A
You will need: toilet roll tubes, compost, packet of red radish seeds, masking tape.
- Each person seals one end of a toilet roll tube with masking tape and fills it with compost. Plant two or three radish seeds 1cm below the surface. Water sparingly. How can they be sure something will grow? Ask them to guess how many days it will take to see a seedling. Write it on their tube, keep it damp at home and wait.
First impressions
You could also use the image and following questions to help introduce the theme.
|
Click on the image to view a larger version
or use the Jump menu to go to This week's images.
For artist's details, see this issue's illustrators.
|
Questions
- How does it feel to be waiting and trusting?
- What everyday examples might you use to describe the kingdom of heaven?
- What is your part in making it a reality?
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