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)

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If your group is using the What’s in the Box? Option:

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Invite a child to open the box.

Inside are cows and/or sheep (toys or a picture).

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What’s in the box?

Accept the child’s response.

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We’re going to tell the story of when Jesus

CHASED the cows and sheep out of God’s House.

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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!

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People went to the Temple to pray,

a bit like our church.

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Let’s sit down quietly and PRAYERfully.

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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.

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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!

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Very peaceful . . .

But the problem was

there were other people in the Temple!

There were people trying to sell things!

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First of all they were selling cows!

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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.

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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!

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Hmm. It’s getting a bit noisy.

This feels more like a cow shop than God’s House.

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And that wasn’t the only animal in the Temple.

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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.

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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!

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The sellers in the Temple were making lots of money

selling cows and sheep. .

The sellers were taking money from poor people!

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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

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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.

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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!

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What a lot of noise! Hold hands on ears

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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!

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Then one day Jesus came riding on a donkey.

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Hold reins and move hands up and down as if on a donkey.

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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

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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.

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Let’s be Jesus and walk on the spot into the Temple.

Lead the children in walking on the spot.

And freeze!

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We’re here! We’re in the Temple!

Let’s pray.

Hang on a minute!

What can Jesus hear? Hand behind ear

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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.

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Jesus was CROSS!

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Can you show me angry like Jesus?

Lead the children in looking angry.

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Jesus was ANGRY!

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Can you show me angry?

Lead the children in looking furious.

Even MORE angry!

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And Jesus shouted . . .

Can you shout after me:

‘my turn’ point to self, ‘your turn’ leader’s hands out to group?

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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!

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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

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Let’s show Jesus turning the tables topsy turvy!

Lead the children in the ‘New Start’ sign.

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If appropriate: Look! Jesus is giving the Temple a new start!

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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

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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.

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And remember, Jesus is CROSS! Show cross face

Let’s sound cross as we sing!

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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!

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Then Jesus chased all the cows and sheep out!

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Let’s be the cows for the first half of the song.

Then let’s be the sheep!

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Lead the children in sounding unsettled as you ‘moo’ and ‘baa’.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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)

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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.

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If your group is using the What’s in the Box? Option:

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Invite a child to open the box.

Inside is a chick (either a toy or a picture).

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What’s in the box?

Accept the child’s response.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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Chick, chick, chick, chick, chicken! Flap wings

Cheep, cheep, cheep, cheep, cheep!

Chick, chick, chick, chick, chicken! Flap wings

Cheep, cheep, cheep, cheep, cheep!

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Freeze!

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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.

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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!

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I wonder how the little chicks feel

when they’re with their mummy hen?

Accept responses.

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We’re ready to tell our story.

Jesus went to the big city Jerusalem.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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But when JESUS looked at the people of the big city.

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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.

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Can you show me little chicks again?

Lead the children in being little chicks.

Chick, chick, chick, chick, chicken!

Cheep, cheep, cheep, cheep, cheep!

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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

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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!

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Let’s sit down for a moment.

When the group is ready:

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Jesus wanted to keep the people of the big city safe,

to love them, to cuddle them under his wing

like a mummy hen.

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And so Jesus did a very surprising thing.

Jesus cried. Run fingers down cheeks to show tears

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Can you make your fingers run down your cheeks

to show Jesus crying?

Lead the children in the crying action.

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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.

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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

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Let’s close our eyes for a moment.

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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.

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When we feel like that, let’s imagine Jesus saying those words to us.

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Let’s say them after Jesus

and take them deep in our heart.

Jesus said . . .

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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

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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?

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If appropriate (for instance, in the UK):

Today is Mothering Sunday when we celebrate mummies.

We celebrate mummies in three ways.

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If your church also celebrates Mary as Jesus’ mother, adapt the material to read four.

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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

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2: lead the children in showing two fingers

We remember how the Church can be like a mummy to us.

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If your church also celebrates Mary as Jesus’ mother, add:

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3: lead the children in showing three fingers

We remember Mary, Jesus’ mummy.

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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.

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I wonder who’s been like a mummy to you?

At this point, you can:

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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.

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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;

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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).

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Let’s close our eyes for a moment.

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Let’s remember someone who’s been like a mummy to us.

Let’s say thank you to God for all our mummies!

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Let’s open our eyes again.

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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.

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As the symbols are taken around, lead the group in:

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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’.

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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.

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When the group is ready, place your ‘garden’/cross/mother hen in the centre of the circle.

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Either:

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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.

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Or:

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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.

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Or:

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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.

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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’.

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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. 

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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.

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Where will you place the towels?

We place one towel under each chair so they don’t get sat on!

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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If your group is using the What’s in the Box? Option:

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Invite a child to open the box.

Inside is a crown.

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What’s in the box?

Accept the child’s response.

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Today we’re going to tell a story about a king.

King Jesus, the Servant King.

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To get ready for today’s story,

we’re going to practise being servants and kings!

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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.

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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

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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!’

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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

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Choose another child to be king.

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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.

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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!’

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We’re King Name’s servants, so let’s run on the spot.

Lead the children in running on the spot.

Repeat as appropriate.

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Let’s sit down.

When the group is ready:

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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!

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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!

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So the disciples were sitting down ready to eat.

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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!

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Let’s all be Jesus.

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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 

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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

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The room went silent!

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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!

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1, 2, 3 . . .

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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!

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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.

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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

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Then it was Peter’s turn.

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Let’s be Peter.

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Let’s put our feet in front of us and wiggle them.

Lead the children in wiggling feet.

Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle!

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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

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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.

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Singing gently and making the ‘New Start’ sign throughout:

Washing, washing, washing feet,

washing, washing, washing feet,

washing, washing, washing feet,

washing, washing feet.

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I wonder how Peter felt when Jesus washed his feet?

Can you show me with your face?

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That was when the disciples knew:

Jesus wasn’t just the king! Crown action

Jesus was the SERVANT ‘New Start’ sign KING! Crown action

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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.

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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

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When we wash each other’s feet.

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We’re showing we’re ready to be a servant like Jesus.

We’re following Jesus!

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We’re going to wash each other’s feet this morning.

We’re going to follow Jesus.

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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.

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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.

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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’).

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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

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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

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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!

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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):

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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.

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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!

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When the group is ready:

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It’s time for our foot washing.

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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.

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Lead the children in singing as they wash feet.

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Washing, washing, washing feet,

washing, washing, washing feet,

washing, washing, washing feet,

washing, washing feet.

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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.

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I am going to follow Jesus,

I am going to follow Jesus,

I am going to follow Jesus,

follow, follow Jesus!

Repeat as appropriate.

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When the group is ready:

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Now if you’re kneeling,

it’s time to dry your friend’s feet.

Let’s take our towel . . .

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If appropriate: it’s under the chair!

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Let’s dry our friend’s feet.

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Lead the children in singing as they wash feet.

Drying, drying, drying feet,

drying, drying, drying feet,

drying, drying, drying feet,

drying, drying feet.

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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.

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I am going to follow Jesus,

I am going to follow Jesus,

I am going to follow Jesus,

follow, follow Jesus!

Repeat as appropriate.

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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.

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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

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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

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We follow the SERVANT ‘New Start’ sign KING! Crown action

Let’s say that three times!

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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What’s in the box? Ask the child to respond.

We’re going to tell the story of when Jesus shared bread and wine.

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Show cup and bread.

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Jesus’ friends, the disciples, were excited!

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Can you show me excited?

Lead the children in looking excited.

Really excited!

They were in the big city, Jerusalem!

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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.

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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

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Now Jesus had invited them to a special party!

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If appropriate: The Passover!

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and . . . ssssh! Look around

Listen! Hand behind ear

Whispering with finger near lips: ‘Jesus is going to tell us he’s the King!’

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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!

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The sun had gone down . . .

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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!

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Then after dinner, Jesus did something new.

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If appropriate:

We tell this story every week in church.

It’s one of our most important stories!

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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!

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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:

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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?

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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

Then he shared it.                          Mime handing bread out in a circle

This is my body,                              Hold bread or point to it

This is my body,                              Hold bread or point to it

broken for you.                               Hold bread back together then separate it again

broken for you.                               Hold bread back together then separate it again

Do this to remember me!             Hold bread up if this is in your tradition

Do this to remember me!            Hold bread up if this is in your tradition

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Invite the children to eat their bread slowly, really tasting and enjoying it. Once the children’s hands are empty, distribute cups with just 1–2 cm of grape juice at the bottom. These cups are best distributed by adults or responsible older children.

 

While you finish eating,

we’re going to bring around cups.

If you’d like a cup,

can you hold your hands out like this? Model to the children

Keep the cup in your hands till everyone has one.

Don’t drink from it yet!

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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 cup. Or you could sing another appropriate song that the group is familiar with. Once all the children and adults who wish to receive a cup have done so:

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When they’d finished eating,

Jesus took the cup.

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 cup.                        Take cup in both hands

Jesus took the cup.                        Take cup in both hands

He said, ‘Thank you, God!’           Hold cup up if this is in your tradition

He said, ‘Thank you, God!’          Hold cup up if this is in your tradition

Jesus poured the wine.                Mime pouring wine

Jesus poured the wine.                Mime pouring wine

Then he shared it.                         Mime handing cup out in a circle

Then he shared it.                         Mime handing cup out in a circle

This is my blood,                            Lift cup or point to it

This is my blood,                            Lift cup or point to it

poured out for you.                       Mime pouring wine

poured out for you.                       Mime pouring wine

Do this to remember me!            Hold cup up if this is in your tradition

Do this to remember me!            Hold cup up if this is in your tradition

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Invite the children to drink the grape juice slowly and to really taste and enjoy it. When they’ve finished, ask for a moment of quiet.

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I wonder how you feel when you eat the bread

and drink from your cup?

Can you show me?

The children may respond silently, inside themselves, or they may offer a facial expression, or a single word or more. Accept all of their responses.

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Then Jesus said to his friends:

‘Tonight, all of you will run away!

You’ll leave me all alone!’

I wonder how the disciples felt now?

Can you show me with your face?

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Peter said, ‘No!’ Shake head, looking cross

Can you shake your head and say, ‘No!’

‘No! Shake head

‘I will never leave you!’ Peter said.

‘I point to self will stay with you!’

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And all the other disciples said the same thing.

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Let’s all shake our heads and say,

‘We will never leave you!’ Shake head

‘We will never leave you! Shake head

We will never leave you!’ Shake head

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Then Jesus went with his friends to a quiet garden to pray.

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We’ll hear the rest of this story next time we meet as a church [or, if there will be a children’s session for Good Friday next time we meet together].