Woo Hoo! Summer holidays! Today we have your usual lectionary-linked resources and liturgy, including hymn suggestions and a couple of linked activities suitable for youth groups, Messy Church, all-age events or Bible studies. In addition, you have a video and script of a short talk on ‘I am the Gate’ (slightly longer than anticipated because … More Passing through things eternal? + Sheep Racing!
This week in the RCL, we have a ever-popular 23rd Psalm. At the end of this post you’ll find a confessions and absolution, blessings and dismissal based on Jesus, The Good Shepherd and suitable for any week of the year There are also links to LOADS of sheep-based resources. If you have never tried out … More Good Shepherd Resources
Free Books! Several folks have contacted me recently about using Walking to Bethlehem as their church’s Advent book, and asking if there are bulk packs available. Sadly, my publisher does not do discounted multi-packs, but I have a solution! I have five signed copies to give away to the first five people to contact me … More Advent Wreath Reflections + Free Books!
I’m on holiday with my girlies this week, but just to keep things ticking over, enjoy this script written for my church’s recent all-age worship. It’s great for Messy Church or regular services, a youth group activity or Collective Worship when schools are back. Bert Is My Shepherd Meet Bert, the not-so-good shepherd of Psalm … More Bert Is My Shepherd – New Script (and hilarious if I do say so myself!)
John 10:1-10 Welcome to Together, Apart, a set of free, intergenerational resources for these strange times when we cannot be with each other. Each week you’ll find Bible study ideas for all ways of learnings and all ages (not just ‘for the kiddies’). You can use them on your own, over Skype with friends, or … More Together, Apart – My Sheep Hear My Voice
Welcome to the first of the Together, Apart posts. These are now replacing the lectionary-based posts that provided resources for church services because, well, Covid-19. You know how it is. An especially warm welcome to all you folks who have joined us in the past week, it’s good to have you with us. Have a … More Together, Apart – Psalm 23
OK, one final extra resource, in case of last-minute panics. This script was written for the yoof group at my church, and can be performed with puppets (so you don’t need to learn lines) or by people. Don Key, a chat-show host, interviews Wally Jumper, a shepherd, Dr Wiseman and Mary, (plus their animals) but … More Hope Is Coming
Activity / Meditation You will need Labyrinth [click to download] Large paper or card (optional) Silver foil Blue / green permanent markers Glue Cotton wool balls Sand and pebbles (optional) For a floor-sized labyrinth Chalk, rice or tape to mark the walls blue cloth You can simply print out the labyrinth and use it as … More The Lamb becomes the Shepherd – John 10:22-30 & Revelation 7:9-17
Elijah had just had a massive battle with the prophets of Baal and he was totally wiped out. It manifested itself in physical exhaustion, spiritual burn out and mental depression. And you know what? It was OK. … More 1 Kings 19:4-8 – Recharging
We meet Jesus in the flurry of busy ministry. There are needy people pressing all around him so that he can’t even eat his lunch in peace. Most people would have snapped by now. “Can’t you give me some space?” “Stop grabbing at my clothes!” … More 2 Sam 7:1-14a, Jer 23:1-6, Ps 23, Mk 6:30-34, 53-56 – Sheep Time!
The Reflectionary 