Gather

For children
For young people

FOR CHILDREN

Very young childrens Session

Gathering song

Sing to the tune: Baby shark

Little donkey (do do do, etc.)
Carry Jesus…
To the city…
Jerusalem.

Crowds cheer…
Hosanna…
Lay your coats…
and palm leaves.

Here comes Jesus…
King Jesus…
Hosanna…
to our King!

Childrens Session

What is a king like? W A

You will need: a list of words to read out or print and place round the room.

Create a list of words to describe what a king is typically like/treated like: powerful, rich, grand, wears fine clothes, people bow, has servants… Also have some words to describe Jesus: servant, lives simply, helps others, humble…
Children decide which words describe a king. The words left describe Jesus.

The king is coming W E

You will need: if relevant, you might like to have some images of the Coronation of King Charles III.

What might it be like to meet a king?
How would you prepare?
What would you say and wear?
How would you greet them and how would you feel?

FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Young people Session

What makes a king? W E

You will need: images of several kings: Henry VIII, Charles III, Aslan the Lion, King Triton (Little Mermaid).

Invite the young people to look at the images and discuss what they know about each of the kings.
If they had to rank them, who of the royal leaders would be first and who would be last? What judgement criteria did they use in their choices?
Ask: Which king do you like the best? Why? What do you think makes a good king? Are kings relevant to us today?

First impressions

You could also use the image and following questions to help introduce the theme.

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or use the Jump menu to go to This week's images.
For artist's details, see this issue's illustrators.

Questions