Welcome
Getting Ready to Worship
Introduction to the Unit
Gathering Song
Getting Ready for Bible Storytelling
Interactive
Storytelling
Saying Sorry to God
Saying Sorry Action
God Gives us a New Start
Prayers for Other People
Prayer Action
Thank You God
Creative Response
Sharing God's Peace
Taking God's Love
Into the World
Interactive Storytelling
For Lent, the Bible stories have been chosen from the Last Week of Jesus’ life (apart from the Temptations, which are at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry).
While many churches normally tell these stories in the last week of Lent, they are central to our Christian faith and relationship with Jesus, so it’s worth devoting time to explore them with small children. The Gospels themselves give these stories – and Jesus’ Last Week as a whole – considerable weight.
We’ve found that familiarizing the children with these stories through Lent – as well as introducing them to acts of worship like waving palm branches and foot washing in meaningful ways – gives our young children confidence to join in with our whole-church acts of worship during Holy Week itself and a deeper
Story 1: Jesus Is Tested in the Wilderness
Story 2: Jesus Enters Jerusalem
Story 3: Jesus Cleans the Temple
Story 5: Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet
Story 6: Jesus’ Last Meal (The Last Supper)
Story 1: Jesus Is Tested in the Wilderness
Matthew 4.1–11; Luke 4.1–13
Song/poem: ‘God’s way of love I’ll go’. Words: © Sharon Moughtin-Mumby
Tune: either say this as a poem or use the tune from ‘Zoom, zoom, zoom! We’re going to the moon! (traditional).
For today’s session, you may like to use:
-
a wilderness tray to support the children in imagining the wilderness. This is a tray filled with sand (or brown sugar) with a few rocks and stones placed around so that it looks desolate. See the website for images;
-
a Jesus figure: at St Peter’s, Walworth, we use the Joseph figure from my daughters’ nativity set. If you have no appropriate figures, you could print a picture of Jesus to lay on the sand.
If your group is not using the ‘I am going to follow Jesus’ Gathering Song, begin by imagining going to the wilderness together, for example:
It’s time to go the ‘wilderness’!
If you’re using a wilderness tray place this in the centre of the circle.
This is the ‘wilderness’:
sand, rocks and sky and nothing else.
Jesus went to the wilderness!
Place Jesus figure in the wilderness.
In Lent we go to the wilderness with Jesus.
Let’s get up and march on the spot:
1, 2, 3, 4 . . . 1, 2, 3, 4 . . .
All groups:
We’re here! We’re in the wilderness with Jesus.
Look over here! Point one way
All we can see is sand and rocks and sky!
Look over there! Point opposite way
Encourage the children to join in after the dots.
All we can see is sand and rocks . . . and sky!
And look behind us! Point behind
Encourage the children to join in after the dots.
All we can see is . . . sand and rocks and sky!
We’re going to tell the story of Jesus in the wilderness.
But, first, we need to learn a song.
Start off by saying the words without any tune.
Let’s say the words ‘my turn’ point to self, ‘your turn’ leader’s hands out to group.
No! No! No! Wag finger from side to side
God’s way of love I’ll go! Cross arms before chest
No! No! No! Wag finger from side to side
God’s way of love I’ll go! Cross arms before chest
You can keep this as a poem, or add the tune at this point.
Now let’s add the tune:
‘my turn’ point to self, ‘your turn’ leader’s hands out to group.
No! No! No! Wag finger from side to side
God’s way of love I’ll go! Cross arms before chest
No! No! No! Wag finger from side to side
God’s way of love I’ll go! Cross arms before chest
Repeat until the children are confident.
If your group is using the What’s in the Box? option:
Invite a child to open the box.
Inside are: stones, a globe (or picture of the world) and an angel (or a picture of an angel).
What’s in the box?
Accept the child’s response.
In the wilderness, Jesus is given three tricky choices about:
stones, the world and an angel!
We need three actions!
If you’re using the What’s in the Box? option, show each item as you ask for the action.
Number 1: show one finger
Who can show us an action for stones?
Choose one of the children’s actions.
Number 2: show two fingers
Who can show us an action for EVERYTHING in the world?
Choose one of the children’s actions.
And number 3: show three fingers
Who can show us an action for an angel?
We’re ready to tell our story!
Jesus was in the wilderness, all by himself.
All he could see anywhere was . . .
Encourage the children to join in:
. . . sand and rocks and sky!
Jesus was very hungry and very thirsty.
Can you show me hungry?
Can you show me thirsty?
Lead the children in looking very hungry and thirsty.
Then at the point that Jesus was MOST hungry
And MOST thirsty, a tester came!
The tester wanted to see if Jesus was ready
to follow God’s way of love. Cross arms on chest
The tester asked THREE tricky questions.
Show three fingers.
And Jesus had to make THREE tricky choices:
1, 2, 3. Count on fingers
Will Jesus follow God’s way of love?! Rhetorical question
Let’s find out!
Choice number 1: let’s hold up one finger.
Lead the children in holding up one finger.
The tester showed Jesus some stones.
If you’re using the What’s in the Box? option, show the stones.
What’s our action for stones?
Encourage the children to show their ‘stone action’.
The tester said, ‘Jesus, you’re very hungry!
You don’t have to follow God! Shake head
Why don’t you just make these stones stone action into bread?’
Mmmmm! Imagine how much Jesus wanted to eat bread!
Can you show me again how hungry Jesus was?
Lead the group in rubbing tummy and looking hungry.
But Jesus knew the tester was trying to trick him!
THAT’s not God’s way of love! Shake head and cross arms on chest
So Jesus said . . .
aside: Let’s see if you can join in . . .
No! No! No! Wag finger side to side
God’s way of love I’ll go! Cross arms
If the children don’t join in naturally, encourage them to join in now.
No! No! No! Wag finger side to side
God’s way of love I’ll go! Cross arms
Choice number 2: let’s hold up two fingers.
Lead the children in showing two fingers.
If you’re using the What’s in the Box? option, show the globe.
Can you show me our action for EVERYTHING in the world!?
Ask a child to lead the group in the ‘everything’ action.
The tester showed Jesus the whole world! Everything action
The tester said, ‘Why don’t you follow me and not God?!
I’ll give you the whole world and EVERYTHING in it!’
Can you imagine being given EVERYTHING as a present?!
But Jesus knew the tester was trying to trick him!
THAT’s not God’s way of love! Shake head and cross arms on chest
So Jesus said:
Lead the children in singing/saying:
No! No! No! Wag finger side to side
God’s way of love I’ll go! Cross arms
No! No! No! Wag finger
God’s way of love I’ll go! Cross arms
Choice number 3: let’s hold up three fingers.
Lead the children in showing three fingers.
If you’re using the What’s in the Box? option, show the angel.
If appropriate: Can anyone remember our third action?
Accept responses.
Let’s show our angel action.
The tester took Jesus up to the top of a tall, tall tower.
Reach up high.
The tester said: ‘Why don’t you throw yourself off?!
Angels will catch you!
Then everyone will see how special you are!’
It’s nice to feel special, isn’t it!
But Jesus knew the tester was trying to trick him!
THAT’s not God’s way of love! Shake head and cross arms on chest
So Jesus said:
No! No! No! Wag finger side to side
God’s way of love I’ll go! Cross arms
No! No! No! Wag finger
God’s way of love I’ll go! Cross arms
No! No! No! Wag finger
God’s way of love I’ll go! Cross arms
Jesus chose God’s way of love!
Let’s all cross our arms to show love.
Lead the children in crossing arms on your chest.
The way of love is also called the way of the cross.
Look at our arms! We’ve made the sign of the cross.
Show the children how their arms look like a cross.
Let’s close our eyes for a moment.
When the group is ready:
Sometimes we have to make tricky choices.
There are things we really, really want to do,
but we know they’re wrong.
We know they don’t show love. Shake head and cross arms on chest
Hold silence for a few seconds.
Let’s open our eyes again.
When we follow Jesus, we choose to say, ‘No!’ wag finger side to side
to things we know are wrong.
We choose to follow God’s way of love. Cross arms
If we like, we can make Jesus’ words into OUR words. Point to self
Let’s sing/say them as a prayer and a promise to Jesus [this Lent].
Lead the children in singing/saying:
No! No! No! Wag finger side to side
God’s way of love I’ll go! Cross arms
No! No! No! Wag finger
God’s way of love I’ll go! Cross arms
Story 2: Jesus Enters Jerusalem
The story behind Palm Sunday
Matthew 21.1–11; Mark 11.1–10; Luke 19.28–38
Song: ‘Jesus came riding on a donkey’ Words: © Sharon Moughtin-Mumby
Tune: ‘Sing hosanna’ (traditional).
If your group is using the What’s in the Box? Option:
Invite a child to open the box.
Inside is a palm leaf (real or a picture).
What’s in the box?
Accept the child’s response.
This is a ‘palm leaf’
Today we’re going to tell the story of
when all the people waved palm leaves for Jesus.
To tell our story today, we’re going to learn a song.
Let’s sing the words ‘my turn’ point to self, ‘your turn’ leader’s hands out to group.
Jesus came riding on a donkey. Hold reins and jig up and down
Jesus came riding on a donkey. Hold reins and jig up and down
And the people all danced and sang! Wave hands above head
And the people all danced and sang! Wave hands above head
They threw down their cloaks before him.
Lift two hands above head and then bring them down to show throwing cloaks on the floor. If your group is familiar with ‘You are welcome in the name of the Lord!’ (Welcome Song: Option 2), use the action from ‘I can see all over you the glory of the Lord!’
They threw down their cloaks before him
and waved gree-een palm leaves in their hands! Wave hands above head
and waved gree-een palm leaves in their hands! Wave hands above head
That song has lots of words!
Let’s try and sing it all together.
If you can’t remember all the words,
can you help with the actions?
Jesus came riding on a donkey hold reins and jig up and down
and the people all danced and sang! Wave hands above head
They threw down their cloaks before him ‘Glory of the Lord’ sign
and waved gree-een palm leaves in their hands! Wave hands above head
Then we’re going to sing the song that the people sang!
If appropriate: You might recognize it.
I’m going to sing it: see if you can join in!
Lead the children in singing while waving hands above head:
Sing hosanna! Sing hosanna! Wave hands
Sing hosanna wave hands to the King of Kings! Crown action twice
Sing hosanna! Sing hosanna!
Sing hosanna wave hands to the King! Crown action
Let’s try that all together:
Jesus came riding on a donkey hold reins and jig up and down
and the people all danced and sang! Wave hands above head
They threw down their cloaks before him ‘Glory of the Lord’ sign
and waved gree-een palm leaves in their hands! Wave hands above head
Sing hosanna! Sing hosanna! Wave hands above head
Sing hosanna wave hands to the King of Kings! Crown action twice
Sing hosanna! Sing hosanna!
Sing hosanna wave hands above head to the King! Crown action
We’re ready to tell our story.
Jesus and his friends, the disciples, were going to the big city.
Let’s stand up and show a big shape with our body.
Lead the children in stretching out your body into the biggest shape.
Bigger! Even bigger!
Jerusalem was the biggest city in the whole land!
The disciples were feeling excited.
Can you show me excited?
Lead the children in looking excited.
And the disciples were feeling scared.
Can you show me scared?
Lead the children in looking scared.
The big city was busy and full of people.
What if no one liked them there?
Let’s be the disciples and look:
excited . . . excited
and scared . . . scared
Then Jesus said:
‘Look! Point There’s a donkey over there.
Go and get the donkey for me!’ Point
Can you hear the donkey? Hand behind ear
If the children don’t naturally make the sound:
What sound does a donkey make?
Eeyore! Eeyore!
Lead the children in showing the donkey’s ears flapping with your hands.
Let’s take the donkey for Jesus.
Lead the children in holding an imaginary rope.
Let’s stroke our donkey’s nose
so it knows we’ll be gentle. Stroke imaginary donkey’s nose.
Now let’s take our donkey to Jesus.
Listen to this and see if you can do the same!
Tongue click to make a ‘clip clop’ sound and walk in time with the rhythm.
‘Clip clop’ Holding reins Ee – yore! Ears flapping
‘Clip clop’ Holding reins Ee – yore! Ears flapping
‘Clip clop’ Holding reins Ee – yore! Ears flapping
‘Clip clop’ Holding reins Ee – yore! Ears flapping
The disciples gave the donkey to Jesus.
Lead the children in miming passing the donkey’s rope over.
Then Jesus got on the donkey.
Let’s be Jesus and get on our donkey.
Lead the children in being Jesus getting on the donkey.
Bob up and down on the spot holding reins as if you’re riding a donkey.
Let’s ride our donkey to the big city.
Lead children in trotting on the spot:
‘Clip clop’ Holding reins Ee – yore! Ears flapping
‘Clip clop’ Holding reins Ee – yore! Ears flapping
‘Clip clop’ Holding reins Ee – yore! Ears flapping
‘Clip clop’ Holding reins Ee – yore! Ears flapping
And freeze!
In Jerusalem, the people heard Jesus coming!
Let’s be the people together.
Sssssh! Listen! Hand behind ear Can you hear?
What can we hear?
Lead the children in very quietly saying:
‘Clip clop’ Holding reins Ee – yore! Ears flapping
‘Clip clop’ Holding reins Ee – yore! Ears flapping
Interrupt Who’s that?
Let’s stand on our tiptoes and try to see . . .
Lead the children in tiptoeing up with hand shading eyes.
Look! Can you see Jesus? Point
The people saw Jesus coming on the donkey!
They thought Jesus was going to be the new king!
They whispered to each other.
After 3, let’s whisper, ‘Jesus is the new king!’ Sound excited and amazed
Lead the children in whispering louder and louder, turning to each other.
1, 2, 3 . . . Jesus is the new king!
Jesus is the new king!
Jesus is the new king!
Everyone was so excited!
They pulled their cloaks off.
Lead the children in miming ripping a cloak off.
They threw them in front of Jesus.
Lift two hands above head and then bring them down to show throwing cloaks on the floor.
If your group is familiar with ‘You are welcome in the name of the Lord!’ (Welcome Song: Option 2):
Look, the people can see the ‘glory of the Lord’ all over Jesus!
Lead the children in shouting ‘Hosanna’, getting louder and louder. They will almost certainly instinctively copy you. If not, encourage them to.
Hosanna! Raise hands above head
Hosanna! Raise hands above head
Hosanna! Raise hands above head
Hosanna! Raise hands above head
Hosanna! Raise hands above head
Hosanna! Raise hands above head
Then they began to pull branches off the palm trees!
Let’s climb up the tree . . .
Lead the children in miming shimmying up a tree.
Let’s pull branches off to wave for Jesus.
Lead the children in reaching up and pulling down branches.
Not little leaves. Show little with your fingers
But huge green branches with long green leaves.
Lead the children in reaching up tall to show a tall long branch.
Branches taller than me.
They waved their palm branches in the air!
Mime being the branch, swaying with your whole body with your hands raised above your head.
Let’s wave our whole body, like a branch, in the air.
Lead the children in shouting ‘hosanna’, getting louder and louder.
If they don’t instinctively copy you, encourage them to:
Hosanna! Raise hands above head
Hosanna! Raise hands above head
Hosanna! Raise hands above head
Hosanna! Raise hands above head
Hosanna! Raise hands above head
Hosanna! Raise hands above head
Jesus is HERE!
That was exciting, wasn’t it?
That’s the story of Palm Sunday!
Let’s tell our story again with our song.
If appropriate, you could distribute branches, leaves, green imaginative aids (or a mixture).
You might like to try singing the song while moving around the room or even leaving the room if appropriate. At St Peter’s Church, we use the chairs we’ve set out for the adults as an ‘island’ to walk around in a circle as we sing. With the school, we take the procession around the church or even out into the churchyard if it’s not raining.
When the group is ready:
What do we need to get on to start our song?
If the children need a clue: What did Jesus ride into Jerusalem on?
Accept the children’s responses.
Let’s get on our donkey!
‘Clip clop’ Holding reins Ee – yore! Ears flapping
‘Clip clop’ Holding reins Ee – yore! Ears flapping
Jesus came riding on a donkey hold reins and jig up and down
and the people all danced and sang! Wave hands above head
They threw down their cloaks before him ‘Glory of the Lord’ sign
and waved gre-en palm leaves in their hands! Wave hands above head
[and they sang]
Sing hosanna! Sing hosanna! Wave hands above head
Sing hosanna wave hands to the King of Kings! Crown action twice
Sing hosanna! Sing hosanna!
Sing hosanna wave hands above head to the King! Crown action
Repeat.
Continue singing as you collect any imaginative aids, leaves or branches. When the group is ready:
Hosanna! Raise hands above head
Hosanna! Raise hands above head
Hosanna! Raise hands above head
Hosanna! Raise hands above head
Hosanna! Raise hands above head
Hosanna! Raise hands above head
We’ll find out what happens to Jesus
in the big city next week.
Story 3: Jesus Cleans the Temple
Aka: ‘Jesus makes a mess!’ This is what the Diddy Disciples at St Peter’s, Walworth, call it!
Matthew 21.8–13; Luke 19.45–46
Song: ‘The people in the Temple’. Words: © Sharon Moughtin-Mumby
Tune: ‘The wheels on the bus’ (traditional)
If your group is using the What’s in the Box? Option:
Invite a child to open the box.
Inside are cows and/or sheep (toys or a picture).
What’s in the box?
Accept the child’s response.
We’re going to tell the story of when Jesus
CHASED the cows and sheep out of God’s House.
Today’s story starts with a BIG house.
Let’s stand up and make a big shape with our bodies.
Lead the children in reaching out big with their arms.
Bigger! Bigger!
This house is God’s House, the Temple.
It’s huge!
It’s the biggest house in the biggest city in the whole land.
Can you show me big again?
And freeze!
That’s big!
People went to the Temple to pray,
a bit like our church.
Let’s sit down quietly and PRAYERfully.
When the children are seated say slowly and clearly:
‘The people in the Temple, they pray, pray, pray.’
Let’s sing that – ssssshhhh! – ever so peacefully.
Either hold your hands upwards or put them together in prayer.
Lead the children in singing. The words are so repetitive they won’t need teaching: the children will naturally begin to join in as you sing.
The people in the Temple
they pray, pray, pray, prayer action
pray, pray, pray, prayer action
pray, pray, pray . . . prayer action
The people in the Temple
they pray, pray, pray, prayer action
all day long!
Very peaceful . . .
But the problem was
there were other people in the Temple!
There were people trying to sell things!
First of all they were selling cows!
What noise do cows make?
Accept the children’s responses.
And what action could we use for cows?
Choose one or more of the actions suggested by one of the children and invite the others to follow their lead.
The cows in the Temple
go ‘Moo, moo, moo, cow action
moo, moo, moo, cow action
moo, moo, moo!’ Cow action
The cows in the Temple
go ‘Moo, moo, moo,’ cow action
all day long!
Hmm. It’s getting a bit noisy.
This feels more like a cow shop than God’s House.
And that wasn’t the only animal in the Temple.
The sellers were also selling sheep!
What noise do sheep make?
Accept the children’s responses.
And what action could we use for sheep?
Choose one or more of the actions suggested by one of the children and invite the others to follow their lead.
The sheep in the Temple
go ‘Baa, baa, baa, sheep action
baa, baa, baa, sheep action
baa, baa, baa!’ Sheep action
The sheep in the Temple
go ‘Baa, baa, baa,’ sheep action
all day long!
The sellers in the Temple were making lots of money
selling cows and sheep. .
The sellers were taking money from poor people!
Let’s be the poor people and hold our empty hands out.
Lead the children in holding empty hands out.
No more money! Shake head and look sad
Let’s be the sellers and hold our bags of money in our hands.
Lead the children in holding imaginary money bags.
Let’s jingle our money bags to show ALL the money!
Jingle, jingle, jingle! Shake money bags
Listen to all that money:
all the money we’re taking from the poor people.
The sellers in the Temple
go jingle, jingle, jingle, shake money bags
jingle, jingle, jingle, shake money bags
jingle, jingle, jingle! Shake money bags
The sellers in the Temple
go jingle, jingle, jingle shake money bags
all day long!
What a lot of noise! Hold hands on ears
Encourage the children to fill in the gaps.
We have cows going . . .
Sheep going . . .
Sellers and their money going . . .
What a lot of noise! Hold hands on ears
I can’t pray!
I can’t even hear myself think!
Then one day Jesus came riding on a donkey.
Hold reins and move hands up and down as if on a donkey.
If appropriate, you could recap the story from last week here with the words:
‘Clip clop’ Holding reins Ee – yore! Ears flapping
‘Clip clop’ Holding reins Ee – yore! Ears flapping
and/or the Palm Sunday song:
Jesus came riding on a donkey hold reins and jig up and down
and the people all danced and sang! Wave hands above head
They threw down their cloaks before him ‘Glory of the Lord’ sign
and waved green palm leaves in their hands! Wave hands above head
[And they sang]
Sing hosanna! Sing hosanna! Wave hands above head
Sing hosanna wave hands to the King of Kings! Crown action twice
Sing hosanna! Sing hosanna!
Sing hosanna wave hands above head to the King! Crown action
Jesus came riding on a donkey!
And Jesus went straight to the Temple.
He wanted to pray in God’s House.
Let’s be Jesus and walk on the spot into the Temple.
Lead the children in walking on the spot.
And freeze!
We’re here! We’re in the Temple!
Let’s pray.
Hang on a minute!
What can Jesus hear? Hand behind ear
Encourage the children to fill in the gaps.
We have cows going . . .
Sheep going . . .
Sellers and their money going . . .
And the poor people with no more money.
Shake head and hold hands out and look sad.
Jesus was CROSS!
Can you show me angry like Jesus?
Lead the children in looking angry.
Jesus was ANGRY!
Can you show me angry?
Lead the children in looking furious.
Even MORE angry!
And Jesus shouted . . .
Can you shout after me:
‘my turn’ point to self, ‘your turn’ leader’s hands out to group?
Loudly and authoritatively in outrage:
This is GOD’s House! Two hands pointing down
This is GOD’s House!
You’ve turned it into a SHOP! Arms folded
You’ve turned it into a SHOP!
Raise voice and sound even more angry.
And now you’re taking money from POOR people! Hands on hips
And now you’re taking money from POOR people!
Then Jesus THREW OVER all the shop tables! Pushing action
He turned the tables upside down! Topsy turvy! Diddy Disciples ‘New Start’ sign
And all the money fell on the floor! Throw arms outwards
Let’s show Jesus turning the tables topsy turvy!
Lead the children in the ‘New Start’ sign.
If appropriate: Look! Jesus is giving the Temple a new start!
Jesus in the Temple said, ‘This is God’s House.’
Let’s sing and show Jesus turning over the tables
with our arms. ‘New Start’ sign
If appropriate:
But for the rest of our song we won’t sing ‘all day long’ at the end
we’ll sing ‘on that day!’
Let’s practise that:
Lead the children in singing ‘on that day!’
Don’t worry too much if this last change of words is too much for your group when you come to singing the rest of the song.
And remember, Jesus is CROSS! Show cross face
Let’s sound cross as we sing!
Jesus in the Temple said, ‘This is God’s House!’ ‘New Start’ sign
‘This is God’s House!’ ‘New Start’ sign
‘This is God’s House!’ ‘New Start’ sign
‘This is God’s House!’ ‘New Start’ sign
Jesus in the Temple said, ‘This is God’s House!’ ‘New Start’ sign
on that day!
Then Jesus chased all the cows and sheep out!
Let’s be the cows for the first half of the song.
Then let’s be the sheep!
Lead the children in sounding unsettled as you ‘moo’ and ‘baa’.
The cows in the Temple
went ‘Moo, moo, moo, cow action
moo, moo, moo, cow action
moo, moo, moo!’ Cow action
Interrupt: And now the sheep!
The sheep in the Temple
went ‘Baa, baa, baa,’ sheep action
on that day!
Now the leaders in the Temple saw this.
Let’s be the leaders in the Temple and look important.
Lead the children in looking important.
How do you think the leaders felt
when Jesus turned the tables topsy turvy? ‘New Start’ sign
Can you show me with your face?
Accept all suggestions.
In our story, some of the leaders were cross!
Can you show me cross?
Lead the children in looking cross.
Now angry! Really angry!
Lead the children in looking angry.
The leaders wanted Jesus OUT of the Temple! Point outwards in anger
OUT of the big city! Point outwards in anger
The leaders wanted NO MORE JESUS! Shake head and point finger
Let’s be the angry leaders and sing
Speak in the rhythm of the last line of the song:
‘NO MORE JESUS!’ on . . . that . . . day. Point finger in anger in time
The leaders in the Temple
said, ‘No more Jesus!’ Point finger in anger three times
‘No more Jesus!’ Point finger in anger three times
‘No more Jesus!’ Point finger in anger three times
The leaders in the Temple
said, ‘No more Jesus!’ Point finger in anger three times
on that day.
That was when the leaders decided to put Jesus on the cross.
Hold arms out in a cross shape.
We’ll find out what happens next in two weeks.
(Next week is Mothering Sunday.)
Story 4: Jesus Is like a Mother Hen
Luke 13: 34–35 and Matthew 23.37–39
Song: ‘I am so important! Look, look, look at me!’ Words: © Sharon Moughtin-Mumby
Tune: ‘Chick, chick, chick, chick, chicken! (Lay a little egg for me!)’ (traditional)
The fourth Sunday of Lent is traditionally held as Mothering Sunday. The following material is designed to enable groups to celebrate the themes of this day while continuing the unit’s exploration of Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem and the cross.
If your group is using the What’s in the Box? Option:
Invite a child to open the box.
Inside is a chick (either a toy or a picture).
What’s in the box?
Accept the child’s response.
Today’s story is all about little chicks!
Can you show me what a little chick looks like?
What does a little chick sound like?
Lead the children in pretending to be a chick.
Freeze!
We’re going to sing a chicken song!
Let’s learn it ‘my turn’ point to self, ‘your turn’ leader’s hands out to group.
Sing it with the tune straight away.
Chick, chick, chick, chick, chicken!
Cheep, cheep, cheep, cheep, cheep!
Chick, chick, chick, chick, chicken!
Cheep, cheep, cheep, cheep, cheep!
Chicks don’t know what they’re doing
or where they’re going.
They wander this way and that and get lost.
Then they cheep for their mummy hen.
Let’s turn around on the spot and look lost while we sing our song.
Lead the children in pretending to be a lost chick.
Chick, chick, chick, chick, chicken! Flap wings
Cheep, cheep, cheep, cheep, cheep!
Chick, chick, chick, chick, chicken! Flap wings
Cheep, cheep, cheep, cheep, cheep!
Freeze!
Chicks also spend a lot of time hiding and resting
under their mummy’s wing.
Let’s sit down and pretend we’re hiding under our mummy’s wing,
while she keeps us safe and warm.
Lead the children in sitting down. Make your arm into a wing and pretend it’s your mummy hen’s wing to hide behind.
Sssssh! Let’s sing our song ever so quietly.
Chick, chick, chick, chick, chicken!
Cheep, cheep, cheep, cheep, cheep!
Chick, chick, chick, chick, chicken!
Cheep, cheep, cheep, cheep, cheep!
I wonder how the little chicks feel
when they’re with their mummy hen?
Accept responses.
We’re ready to tell our story.
Jesus went to the big city Jerusalem.
Let’s make a big shape with our body
to show the big city!
Lead the children in making a big shape.
Bigger! Even bigger!
Lots of people in the big city
saw themselves as ever so important.
Can you show me how you look
when you’re being important?
Lead the children in looking important and a little snooty.
We’re going to sing a song for the important people.
It goes like this:
‘my turn’ point to self, ‘your turn’ leader’s hands out to group.
To the same tune as ‘Chick, chick, chick, chick, chicken’.
I am so important! Puff chest up and stand tall
Look, look, look at me! Point at yourself with both hands
I am so important! Puff chest up and stand tall
Look, look, look at me! Point at yourself with both hands
The people in the big city
saw themselves as always right.
Can you show me what you look like
when you think you’re completely right?
Let’s sing our song again.
I am so important! Puff chest up and stand tall
Look, look, look at me! Point at yourself with both hands
I am so important! Puff chest up and stand tall
Look, look, look at me! Point at yourself with both hands
But when JESUS looked at the people of the big city.
They didn’t look important or right at all! Shake head
They looked like little lost chicks,
running around getting lost
and cheeping for their mummy.
Can you show me little chicks again?
Lead the children in being little chicks.
Chick, chick, chick, chick, chicken!
Cheep, cheep, cheep, cheep, cheep!
So the people in the big city
thought they looked important and always right.
Lead the children in singing:
I am so important! Puff chest up and stand tall
Look, look, look at me! Point at yourself with both hands
But when Jesus saw them they looked like little chicks.
Lead the children in singing:
Chick, chick, chick, chick, chicken! Flap wings
Cheep, cheep, cheep, cheep, cheep!
Let’s sit down for a moment.
When the group is ready:
Jesus wanted to keep the people of the big city safe,
to love them, to cuddle them under his wing
like a mummy hen.
And so Jesus did a very surprising thing.
Jesus cried. Run fingers down cheeks to show tears
Can you make your fingers run down your cheeks
to show Jesus crying?
Lead the children in the crying action.
And Jesus said a beautiful thing to Jerusalem.
Let’s say Jesus’ words together,
‘my turn’ point to self, ‘your turn’ leader’s hands out to group.
Jesus said . . .
Like a mummy hen flap wings gently
Like a mummy hen flap wings gently
Keeps her chicks safe and warm cross arms on chest
Keeps her chicks safe and warm cross arms on chest
I want to take care of you! Hands outwards, palms up
I want to take care of you! Hands outwards, palms up
Let’s close our eyes for a moment.
When the group is ready:
Sometimes we feel very small.
Sometimes we feel lost.
And everyone else around us can look so big and important
and always right.
When we feel like that, let’s imagine Jesus saying those words to us.
Let’s say them after Jesus
and take them deep in our heart.
Jesus said . . .
Like a mummy hen flap wings gently
Like a mummy hen flap wings gently
Keeps her chicks safe and warm cross arms on chest
Keeps her chicks safe and warm cross arms on chest
I want to take care of you! Hands outwards, palms up
I want to take care of you! Hands outwards, palms up
Let’s imagine we’re with Jesus, our mummy hen, right now.
Let’s imagine hiding safe under our mummy’s wing.
After a moment.
Let’s open our eyes.
How did that feel to be safe with Jesus?
Can you show me with your face?
If appropriate (for instance, in the UK):
Today is Mothering Sunday when we celebrate mummies.
We celebrate mummies in three ways.
If your church also celebrates Mary as Jesus’ mother, adapt the material to read four.
Let’s count to 3.
Lead the children in counting to three on fingers.
1, 2, 3.
1: lead the children in showing one finger
We remember how Jesus wants to be like a mummy hen to us
2: lead the children in showing two fingers
We remember how the Church can be like a mummy to us.
If your church also celebrates Mary as Jesus’ mother, add:
3: lead the children in showing three fingers
We remember Mary, Jesus’ mummy.
And, what’s next?
3 or 4: lead the children in showing three (or four) fingers
We remember all the people who have been like mummies to us:
men like Jesus, and women too.
I wonder who’s been like a mummy to you?
At this point, you can:
either end this time of storytelling;
or lead into the Prayers for Other People, using the material below as the Prayer Action;
or move straight into the following material that gives thanks for and prays for everyone who has been like a mother to us.
Mothering Sunday thank you prayers
Either: placing flowers as prayers on a ‘garden’ (a tray with brown cloth/paper folded on it). The flowers could be real flowers, silk flowers, paper flowers, ‘flowers’ made from tissue/crepe paper, or pictures of flowers, etc. At St Peter’s, Walworth, we pick daisies on the way to church and use these;
or: placing little chicks onto a mother hen template (p. 379 or website);
or: placing paper hearts on a cross (continuing the theme of Lent).
Let’s close our eyes for a moment.
Let’s remember someone who’s been like a mummy to us.
Let’s say thank you to God for all our mummies!
Let’s open our eyes again.
Show the children the symbols you have chosen in one or more baskets or trays.
Name and Name are going to bring around these flowers/hearts/chicks.
If you like, you can take a flower/heart/chick and hold it up.
Let’s ask God to see these flowers/hearts/chicks as a thank you prayer for someone who’s been like a mummy to us.
As the symbols are taken around, lead the group in:
Either: humming the refrain of your prayer song together, with the words ‘Jesus, hear our prayer’ as a refrain as usual.
Or: singing new words to the tune of ‘Chick, chick, chick, chick, chicken’.
Let’s sing our song again. This time let’s sing:
‘Thank you for our mummies!
Thank you, thank you God!’
Thank you for our mummies!
Thank you, thank you God!
Repeat as appropriate.
When the group is ready, place your ‘garden’/cross/mother hen in the centre of the circle.
Either:
If you like, you can place your flower in our ‘garden’ as a prayer.
Let’s say thank you for everyone who’s like a mummy
and makes the world beautiful.
Or:
If you like, you can place your heart on this cross as a prayer.
Let’s say thank you for everyone who’s like a mummy
and shows us how to love as Jesus loves.
Or:
If you like, you can place your chick on this mummy hen as a prayer.
Let’s say thank you for everyone who’s like a mummy
and shows us how to love as Jesus loves.
Hum or sing together again while the children place their symbols. Some groups may like to invite two children to carry the ‘garden’/cross/hen around the group to collect the symbols. These can then be placed in the centre.
End by singing the final verse of your prayer song, or by singing the ‘Thank you for our mummies’ song one last time.
Story 5: Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet
John 13.1–17
Song: ‘I am going to follow Jesus’. Words: © Sharon Moughtin-Mumby
Tune: ‘Bobby Shaftoe’.
Today’s session includes the option of an act of footwashing. If your group takes part in this, it’s important to think through the logistics beforehand and it may make sense to have extra helpers available.
Where will the footwashing take place?
At St Peter’s, Walworth, we don’t set up tables for the Creative Response time this week. Instead, we place a ring of chairs (with a space left for entry!) where the tables normally stand. Ideally, there should be one chair for every pair of children.
Where will you place the towels?
We place one towel under each chair so they don’t get sat on!
Where will the water come from?
Footwashing really requires warm water to be poured out by an extra helper during the Bible Storytelling. We recommend giving out the bowls of water when the children are in place, to prevent spillages. This is where your extra helpers will come in handy. We place the bowls of water in the centre of the circle of chairs while the children who will sit on the chairs find their places. We then move a bowl next to each child’s feet and send their partners over one by one to kneel by the bowl.
How will you manage taking shoes and socks off?
At St Peter’s, Walworth, we ask the children to take their shoes and socks off at the beginning of the session as they enter the room to keep the flow of our worship time together. We make sure they place their socks inside their shoes!
Be aware that there will be children who do not wish to take their socks/tights/shoes off. They can take the role of ‘footwasher’ in the footwashing or they can simply watch.
If there are children wearing tights who need help to remove them, make sure that the child does want to take her/his tights off, then make sure that this is done by their parent/carer or that you check the safeguarding procedures for your church/group for helping children change clothes. At St Peter’s we make an announcement in the weeks prior to the session asking children and parents to make sure that tights aren’t worn to that session. However, it inevitably happens! For children wearing tights and shorts, who want to join in, we provide spare skirts in different sizes that they can slip on in order to take their shorts and tights off appropriately.
If your group is using the What’s in the Box? Option:
Invite a child to open the box.
Inside is a crown.
What’s in the box?
Accept the child’s response.
Today we’re going to tell a story about a king.
King Jesus, the Servant King.
To get ready for today’s story,
we’re going to practise being servants and kings!
Tip
For the storytelling this week, it’s preferable to use the language of ‘king’ for both girls and boys as it will be the ‘Servant KING’, Jesus, that we’re talking about later.
Invite a child to be ‘king’.
Name is going to be our king!
Here’s your crown! Place an imaginary crown on the king’s head
Can you show us your crown on your head?
If necessary help the king in making a crown action with her/his hands.
The rest of us are going to be servants! Point around the group
Name, we’re your servants.
What would you like us to do?
If necessary, aside to the king: Say, ‘Mop the floor!’ or ‘Cook some food!’
King: ‘Mop the floor!’
We’re King Name’s servants, we have to do as the king says!
Let’s mop the floor! Lead the children in miming mopping the floor
Choose another child to be king.
Now Name is going to be our king!
Here’s your crown! Place an imaginary crown on king’s head
Can you show us your crown on your head?
If necessary help the king in making a crown action with her/his hands.
Name, we’re your servants.
What would you like us to do?
If necessary, aside to the king: Say, ‘Wash my clothes!’ or ‘Run on the spot!’
King: ‘Run over there!’
We’re King Name’s servants, so let’s run on the spot.
Lead the children in running on the spot.
Repeat as appropriate.
Let’s sit down.
When the group is ready:
We’re ready to tell our story about Jesus the King.
Jesus’ friends, the disciples, were excited!
Can you show me excited?
Lead the children in looking excited.
Really excited!
Jesus had invited them to a special party!
If appropriate: the Passover!
And . . . ssssh! Look around
Listen! Hand behind ear
Whispering: ‘Jesus is going to tell us he’s the King!’
Let’s turn to each other and whisper, ‘Jesus is the King!’
Lead the group in whispering to each other:
Jesus is the King!
Jesus is the King!
Jesus is the King!
So the disciples were sitting down ready to eat.
Let’s look ready for our special meal.
Let’s sit up!
Lead the children in sitting up and looking expectant.
Then Jesus the King did something very surprising!
Let’s all be Jesus.
Jesus stood up.
Let’s stand up! Lead the children in standing.
He tied a towel around his waist like an apron.
Let’s put our apron on . . . Lead the children in tying apron on
Then Jesus poured water into a bowl.
Lead the children in miming pouring water
Jesus knelt on the floor. Lead the children in kneeling
and washed the feet of one of his disciples. Diddy Disciples ‘New Start’ sign
The words to this song are so straightforward, if you start singing the children will gradually join in.
Washing, washing, washing feet, ‘New Start’ sign
washing, washing, washing feet, ‘New Start’ sign
washing, washing, washing feet, ‘New Start’ sign
washing, washing feet. ‘New Start’ sign
The room went silent!
This is the hard bit of the story!
Let’s try one second of complete silence after 3!
Let’s put our hands over our mouth to show silent!
1, 2, 3 . . .
Lead the children in clamping hands on mouth.
Leave a second or as long as you think the group can, then:
Silence!
The room went silent!
The disciples looked at each other shocked.
Let’s be the disciples again.
Can you show me your shocked face?
Lead the group in look at each other shocked.
Nobody spoke.
Kings don’t wash feet! Crown action and shake head
Kings don’t kneel on the floor! Crown on head and shake head
Servants wash feet! ‘New Start’ sign
Not kings!
The disciples were shocked!
Can you show me shocked? Lead the group in shocked action
Then it was Peter’s turn.
Let’s be Peter.
Let’s put our feet in front of us and wiggle them.
Lead the children in wiggling feet.
Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle!
Jesus came to wash Peter’s feet. Keep wiggling feet
But Peter said, ‘NO! Wag finger
Not MY feet! No!’ Wag finger
Let’s be Peter and say, ‘No! Wag finger
No!’ Wag finger
Peter wanted Jesus to act like a REAL king. Crown on head
Not like a servant. ‘New Start’ sign and shake head
But Jesus said, ‘Yes!’
Jesus washed Peter’s feet!
Let’s be Peter. Wiggle feet
Let’s close our eyes and imagine Jesus
Kneeling down before us and washing our feet.
Singing gently and making the ‘New Start’ sign throughout:
Washing, washing, washing feet,
washing, washing, washing feet,
washing, washing, washing feet,
washing, washing feet.
I wonder how Peter felt when Jesus washed his feet?
Can you show me with your face?
That was when the disciples knew:
Jesus wasn’t just the king! Crown action
Jesus was the SERVANT ‘New Start’ sign KING! Crown action
Let’s say that ‘my turn’ point to self, ‘your turn’ leader’s hands out to group.
Slowly: Jesus is the SERVANT ‘New Start’ sign KING! Crown action
Jesus is the SERVANT ‘New Start’ sign KING! Crown action
And again:
Jesus is the SERVANT ‘New Start’ sign KING! Crown action
Optional Footwashing
Then Jesus said something surprising.
Let’s be Jesus.
Let’s say these words ‘my turn’ point to self, ‘your turn’ leader’s hands out to group.
YOU must wash each other’s feet! Point to children then feet
YOU must wash each other’s feet! Point to children then feet
YOU must be like a servant! Point to children then ‘New Start’ sign
YOU must be like a servant! Point to children then ‘New Start’ sign
When we wash each other’s feet.
We’re showing we’re ready to be a servant like Jesus.
We’re following Jesus!
We’re going to wash each other’s feet this morning.
We’re going to follow Jesus.
Be very clear about what you would like the children to do, according to your resources and space. This is especially important if you have a large group.
Tip
If there are a range of ages in your group, pair up younger children with older children for the footwashing where possible. Where there are parents/carers with babies and toddlers, the baby/toddler can sit on their knee on the chairs.
We’ve found it’s easier to assume that the children will join in with the footwashing unless they make it clear that they don’t want to. It’s hard for young children to imagine what’s involved until it happens, so it doesn’t seem to work to ask them. Instead, we follow their reactions when they have seen what will take place.
If there are children who have not wanted to take their shoes and socks off, ask them to join the second half of the group (who will become the ‘footwashers’).
If it emerges at any point that any of the children do not want to have their feet washed, simply swap them over to become the ‘footwasher’. If they also don’t want to do this, then simply let them watch and help the group sing. They may like to take part in the drying of feet later
For example:
Either (in groups of the same age): Can this half of the room go and sit on the chairs?
Or (in mixed age groups): Can everyone who doesn’t go to school sit on the chairs? These children may need some help to identify themselves and go to the chairs.
Now everyone in nursery. Now everyone in reception. Until half the group is sitting
As they find their places, let’s sing:
I am going to follow Jesus,
I am going to follow Jesus,
I am going to follow Jesus,
follow, follow Jesus!
When the children are sitting ready, ask helpers to move the bowls of water in front of each seated child. Continue singing as this takes place.
When the bowls are in place, to the remaining children (which should be half the group):
Can you go and kneel next to one of the children sitting on a chair?
In large groups, you may find it helpful to send the children over one by one, telling them the name of the child they should kneel in front of.
As they find their places, let’s sing:
I am going to follow Jesus,
I am going to follow Jesus,
I am going to follow Jesus,
follow, follow Jesus!
When the group is ready:
It’s time for our foot washing.
If you’re sitting on a chair,
you’re going to have your feet washed!
If you’re kneeling on the floor,
you’re going to be washing feet!
Let’s sing as we wash.
Lead the children in singing as they wash feet.
Washing, washing, washing feet,
washing, washing, washing feet,
washing, washing, washing feet,
washing, washing feet.
I am going to serve like Jesus,
I am going to serve like Jesus,
I am going to serve like Jesus,
serve like, serve like Jesus.
I am going to follow Jesus,
I am going to follow Jesus,
I am going to follow Jesus,
follow, follow Jesus!
Repeat as appropriate.
When the group is ready:
Now if you’re kneeling,
it’s time to dry your friend’s feet.
Let’s take our towel . . .
If appropriate: it’s under the chair!
Let’s dry our friend’s feet.
Lead the children in singing as they wash feet.
Drying, drying, drying feet,
drying, drying, drying feet,
drying, drying, drying feet,
drying, drying feet.
I am going to serve like Jesus,
I am going to serve like Jesus,
I am going to serve like Jesus,
serve like, serve like Jesus.
I am going to follow Jesus,
I am going to follow Jesus,
I am going to follow Jesus,
follow, follow Jesus!
Repeat as appropriate.
If there’s time, you could invite the children to swap and repeat the material. If there are pairs where this doesn’t work, the helpers could join that pair to have their feet washed by both children at this point, now the children know what they’re doing. Or groups of two to three children could wash one child’s feet.
When the footwashing is over:
When we wash each other’s feet
We’re showing we’re ready to serve people like Jesus.
We’re following Jesus, the SERVANT ‘New Start’ sign KING! Crown action
Let’s say that ‘my turn’ point to self, ‘your turn’ leader’s hands out to group.
We follow the SERVANT ‘New Start’ sign KING! Crown action
We follow the SERVANT ‘New Start’ sign KING! Crown action
Let’s say that three times!
Lead the children in saying:
We follow the SERVANT ‘New Start’ sign KING! Crown action
Louder!
We follow the SERVANT ‘New Start’ sign KING! Crown action
Even louder!
We follow the SERVANT ‘New Start’ sign KING! Crown action
Encourage the children to find their shoes and put them on again before any time of Creative Response.
Story 6: Jesus’ Last Meal
The Last Supper
Luke 22.14–23
Poem: ‘Do this to remember me’ © Sharon Moughtin-Mumby
For the bread in this story, you could use matzo (unleavened) bread, pitta bread or everyday bread. We cut the bread into small squares beforehand with scissors. There are benefits in making connections both with the kind of bread that you use in your church’s communion service and with the kind that your children will be familiar with from home, school or nursery. As this story is told at Easter time as well, you could move between the different kinds of bread to support the children in making these connections
To tell the story of Jesus’ Last Supper, you’ll need to have ready two or more trays: one set holding a piece of bread for each child and adult; the other set holding a cup with a small amount of grape juice at the bottom for each child and adult.
If you’re using the What’s in the Box? Option:
Invite one of the children to open the box. Inside will be bread and a cup or chalice.
What’s in the box? Ask the child to respond.
We’re going to tell the story of when Jesus shared bread and wine.
Show cup and bread.
Jesus’ friends, the disciples, were excited!
Can you show me excited?
Lead the children in looking excited.
Really excited!
They were in the big city, Jerusalem!
If you’re telling this story on Palm Sunday before or after a procession:
Jesus had ridden into the city on a donkey!
Everyone had waved palm leaves and shouted:
Lead the children in shouting Hosanna, getting louder and louder.
If necessary: Let’s shout ‘my turn’ point to self, ‘your turn’ leader’s hands out to group.
Hosanna! Raise hands above head
Hosanna! Raise hands above head
Hosanna! Raise hands above head
Hosanna! Raise hands above head
Hosanna! Raise hands above head
Hosanna! Raise hands above head
Now Jesus had invited them to a special party!
If appropriate: The Passover!
and . . . ssssh! Look around
Listen! Hand behind ear
Whispering with finger near lips: ‘Jesus is going to tell us he’s the King!’
Let’s turn to each other and whisper, ‘Jesus is the King!’
Lead the group in whispering to each other:
Jesus is the King!
Jesus is the King!
Jesus is the King!
The sun had gone down . . .
Let’s show the sun going down with our arms.
Lead the children in raising your arms then lowering them to your sides to show the sun setting.
It was dark!
It was time!
Then after dinner, Jesus did something new.
If appropriate:
We tell this story every week in church.
It’s one of our most important stories!
Invite two children to take around small pieces of bread in two baskets for everyone who wants to receive them.
Name and Name are going to
bring around some bread now.
If you’d like some bread,
can you hold your hands out like this?
Model to the children holding out cupped hands.
Name and Name will give you a piece.
Keep the bread in your hands till everyone has some.
Don’t eat it yet!
If your group is using ‘I am going to follow Jesus’ as a Gathering Song, you may like to sing this as you wait for your bread. Or you could sing another appropriate song that the group is familiar with.
When the group is ready:
After dinner, Jesus did something new.
Can you say these words after me and copy my actions,
‘my turn’ point to self, ‘your turn’ leader’s hands out to group?
Jesus took the bread. Take bread in one hand
Jesus took the bread. Take bread in one hand
He said, ‘Thank you, God!’ Hold bread up if this is in your tradition
He said, ‘Thank you, God!’ Hold bread up if this is in your tradition
Jesus broke the bread. Break bread
Jesus broke the bread. Break bread
Then he shared it. Mime handing bread out in a circle