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Monday, July 25, 2011

The Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes

Kids’ Worship Service
July 31, 2011
Proper 13 Year A

I.            Welcome!
a.    Gathering – Children find a letter to sit on the gathering carpet. Recognize and welcome visitors
b.    Opening Prayer: “Blessed Be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And blessed be his kingdom now and forever. Amen”
Children’s Collect for the Day:
“Heavenly Father, we are here to worship and praise you. Open our hearts and minds so that we may hear your words spoken to us through the Bible story today. Give us strength that we may serve you through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
II.          Bible Lesson: The Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes
 (Proper 13, Year A)
a.    Introduction:  While Jesus lived here among us, he performed miracles. Who can tell me what a miracle is? Yes, a miracle is a marvelous and wonderful act that only Jesus could do. Today we’re going to hear about a miracle that Jesus did with a small amount of fish and bread to feed a large crowd.
b.    Bible Story: Let us light the candles as we do in church when we read God’s word. (Read aloud from the Children’s Lectionary or Bible found on the children’s alter in Kids’ Worship room. You will also find the Gospel reading below.)
Matthew 14:15-21
As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.”
Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”
“We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.
“Bring them here to me,” he said. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.

c.    Lesson:  From Catechesis Lesson and Props (Defer to Sabra Martin for Catechesis Lesson on Feeding the 5000 or The Loaves and Fishes)

d.    Let’s pray. Dear God, thank you for sending Jesus to teach us how to live in your abundance—generously receiving from you and giving to others. Help us to be aware of his loving presence in Holy Communion and to allow ourselves to be transformed into his presence in the world.   Amen.

III.        Response Activity : Let’s make banners that celebrate the miracle of the loaves and fish. These banners will remind us of how God always gives us what we need.

ACTIVITY: Loaves and Fishes Craft
MATERIALS
  • 5” x 7” or 9” x 12” pieces of felt, craft foam, or construction paper (for the background, one for each banner)
  • small pieces of felt, craft foam, or construction paper in bright and contrasting colors (for the loaves and fish and/or the figures of the boy and Jesus)
  • scissors
  • glue stick
  • fish patterns (or have students make their own patterns)
PROCEDURE
1.     Trace patterns of loaves and fish on small pieces of felt, craft foam, or construction paper. Cut them out.
2.     Arrange loaves and fish on the background piece.
3.     Glue pieces in place and let dry.
  1. Children may take these banners home with them. Send pre-printed parent note with children to inform parents that banners may be picked up after church services.


IV.          Closing Prayer and Benediction
a.    “Our Father” Say the Our Father aloud and ask children to join in if they know the prayer.
b.    Benediction: “Let us go in peace to love and serve the Lord. (all together) Thanks be to God.”
V.            Return to Church services: Children line up behind the acolyte and follow silently to return to church.

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