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Top tips in All-age Worship
- 1. Katherine Lyddon Diocesan Children’s Work Adviser [email_address] Top Tips to All-age Worship
- 3. What is it?
- 4. Made in God’s image
- 6. Who is worship for? Is worship primarily -for the people of God? -for God? -for people outside the faith community?
- 7. What is all-age worship?
- 8. What is all-age worship? Yes it should always be No it should never be Sometimes it might be
- 12. What do adults learn from All-age? I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3
- 13. Children in the church
- 14. How do you prepare for it?
- 15. Be a welcoming Church
- 16. What would be the reaction of your church if any of the following arrived unexpectedly? A group of teenagers from the local estate? A group of adults with learning difficulties? A single mother with three under 5s? Six people from the local nursing home ? A welcome for all
- 17. Be an All-age church
- 18. Consult your congregation
- 19. Get a budget
- 20. Make an welcoming space
- 21. Get a gifted team
- 22. Keep it relevant to All-ages
- 23. Use high quality publicity
- 24. Stick to time
- 25. Songs and hymns
- 26. Out of the Ark
- 27. Scripture Union
- 28. John Hardwick
- 29. Spring Harvest
- 30. New Wine
- 32. Eden.co.uk
- 33. Stay Anglican
- 34. Greeting Confession & Absolution Collect for the day Reading from Scripture Psalm Sermon Creed Intercession & thanksgiving Lord’s Prayer Blessing, Grace, dismissal
- 35. Gathering Responding Engaging Sending
- 36. Greeting Confession & Absolution Collect for the day Reading from Scripture Psalm Sermon Creed Intercession & thanksgiving Lord’s Prayer Blessing, Grace, dismissal
- 37. How do you do it?
- 38. Create a ‘wow’
- 39. Start well
- 41. Grace, mercy and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you And also with you.
- 42. This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
- 43. Thank you that you were there in our past Thank you, Lord Thank you that you will be there in our future. Thank you Lord. Thank you that you are here now. Thank you Lord. Thank you that we are here now . Thank you Lord.
- 44. The Lord is here. He is with us. The Lord is here. He helps us to worship. The Lord is here. He helps us learn.
- 45. The Lord our God is here. And we welcome him now.
- 46. As we come to worship and praise, Father God, we welcome you. As we come together in friendship, Father God, we welcome you. As we come to listen and learn, Father God, we welcome you. As we bring our worries and problems, Father God, we welcome you.
- 48. Why are we here? We are here to worship God. Why are we here? We are here to hear from God. Why are we here? We are here to pray to God.
- 49. Lord, we invite you into our church . REPEAT Lord, we invite you into our minds . REPEAT Lord, we invite you into our hearts. REPEAT
- 50. Come and be with us, Father God. Be in our worship. Come and be with me, Father God. Be in my heart .
- 51. We have come together in the name of Christ to offer our praise and thanksgiving, to hear and receive God's holy word , to pray for the needs of the world, and to seek the forgiveness of our sins, that by the power of the Holy Spirit we may give ourselves to the service of God.
- 52. We are here to worship (hands up) We are here to pray ( hands together) We are here to listen (hands on ears) We are here to praise (hands move from lips) We are here to meet God (hands shake together)
- 56. Common Worship
- 57. Absolution
- 58. Collect
- 59. Reading from scripture Promote it
- 61. Learning Styles V A R K Visual Aural Read/write Kinaesthetic A tree and its fruit Matthew 12:33 The good Samaritan Luke 10:30-37 Read Scriptures out loud Luke 4:16-22 Feeding of the 5000 Matthew 14:13-21
- 63. Max 7
- 64. Sermon spice
- 65. Big Book Media
- 70. Bible Reading John 6:25-37
- 71. 25 When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, "Rabbi, when did you get here?"
- 72. 26 Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.
- 73. 27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval."
- 74. 28 Then they asked him, "What must we do to do the works God requires?“ 29 Jesus answered , "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent."
- 75. 30 So they asked him, "What miraculous sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? 31 Our forefathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written: 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'
- 76. 32 Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world."
- 77. 34 They said, "Sir, from now on give us this bread" 35 Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.
- 78. 36 But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. 37 All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.
- 82. Unpack it and Apply it
- 83. S ermon, Teaching or Talk S ense S imple S hort
- 84. Creed
- 85. Do you believe and trust in God the Father, source of all being and life, the one for whom we exist? We believe and trust in him.
- 86. Do you believe and trust in God the Son, who took our human nature, died for us and rose again? We believe and trust in him.
- 87. Do you believe and trust in God the Holy Spirit, who gives life to the people of God and makes Christ known in the world? We believe and trust in him.
- 88. This is the faith of the Church. This is our faith. We believe and trust in one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
- 89. We believe in the Holy Spirit, All the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. All With the Father and the Son he is worshipped and glorified.
- 90. He has spoken through the prophets. All We believe in one holy, catholic and apostolic Church.
- 91. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. All We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
- 92. We proclaim the Church's faith in Jesus Christ. We believe and declare that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is both divine and human.
- 93. God, of the being of the Father, the only Son from before time began; human from the being of his mother, born in the world; fully God and fully human; human in both mind and body.
- 94. As God he is equal to the Father, as human he is less than the Father. Although he is both divine and human he is not two beings but one Christ.
- 95. One, not by turning God into flesh, but by taking humanity into God; t ruly one, not by mixing humanity with Godhead, but by being one person.
- 96. For as mind and body form one human being so the one Christ is both divine and human. The Word became flesh and lived among us; we have seen his glory, the glory of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
- 97. Leader: We are not once a week friends All: We are the family of God Leader: We are not a cosy club All: We are the body of Christ Leader: We are not just strangers meeting All: We are temples of the Holy Spirit Leader: We are not here by accident
- 98. All: Our Father has called us to worship Leader: We are not just filling up an hour All: Jesus wants us to know him better Leader: We are not just going through the motions All: The Holy Spirit has some special words for us Leader: So come; draw near to our God All: And God will draw near to us
- 99. Prayers of intercession and thanksgiving
- 102. The Lords Prayer Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours. Now and for ever. Amen
- 107. Review it Onwards and upwards
- 113. www.exeterccyp.org
- 114. www.exeterccyp.org
- 115. www.exeterccyp.org
- 117. All-age plus
- 118. Christian Signs
- 119. Craft supplies
Notes de l'éditeur
- Say people can have copies of this powerpoint by emailing using the address on the handout. 7.30-8.30 Session 1 All-age, what is it? Slides 2-15 8.30-9.30 Session 2 All-age, how do we do it? Slides 16-192
- 3 mins Partner talk Don’t make assumptions about Spiritual maturity
- 7 minutes Don’t lump ages together – we are all different, we all have different needs. Distribute character cards – make your decisions based on these characters. One end of the room STRONGLY AGREE, the other STRONGLY DISAGREE or pick middle of the road. If you can read all the song words without an effort. If you’ve been a Christian long enough to know it isn’t all fun and games. If you like to feel free to clap during songs. If you like the talk to go into a subject in depth If dancing makes you cringe If you’re happy to pray out loud If you get worried or scared when open and honest emotion is shown If you understand the word ‘redemption’ If you hate moving out of your seat If you’re at church because someone else has made you come If you like peace and quiet. Take a different character. Repeat. What have you learnt from this exercise?
- 5 mins Each write on a post-it. Display under ‘helpful’ ‘difficult’ Read out examples – ask those that agree to raise their hands. There will be lots of complaints when you do all age that ‘my needs’ are not being met. Be careful how to handle these. People love to moan! The question therefore is ‘Who is Worship for?’
- 3 mins Clarifying what we think we’re doing gives us a foundation stone to build on. It helps a church to see what to include and what to leave for another context. If worship comes from the heart of the people of God, if it is inspired by God, and if it is done in a spirit of servant hood, these three ‘primarilies’ automatically and graciously flow into one another. Then what is offered to God becomes a witness to those watching and a blessing to those taking part. P45 All-age worship Lucy Moore
- 2 mins What is worship? Putting oneself consciously into the presence of GOD Learning to recognize GOD’s voice Sensing the presence of GOD Worship is innately within humans – we do it naturally, so children have to be developed from where they already are, not ‘from scratch’. [reference ‘Child Theology’] We worry if we are ‘doing it right’ ourselves so we lack confidence in our teaching. Potential problems in an all-age – Comments are made such as…. They please none of the people, none of the time. They turn into a performance with an audience that expects entertainment. God’s word can be trivialised, dumbed-down and reduced to a series of over-simplified children’s talks Children make a noise and nobody stops them. To keep children involved the children become stooges up the front holding up visual aids. They rely on masses of visuals, props and technology and we just haven’t got the time and money. Its really a children’s service that adults observe.
- 5mins Give out packs and ask groups to sort and discuss in groups. 1) A service for children 2) All engaging entertainment 3) A usual service with a children’s talk and 2 action songs 4) An hour of the lowest level of mental and spiritual input 5) All ages and levels of understanding worship together, each person giving and receiving at his own level 6) A service when adults are treated like children. 7) A service when children are treated like mini adults. 8) A service with a dramatised reading. 9) A time to worship God with our whole selves through colour, light, movement and symbols as much as listening and reading 10) An attempt to offer worship and teaching which is accessible to enquirers, those on the fringe, as well as feeding and challenging the regular and informed worshippers 11) Singing modern songs with the guitar instead of using the hymn books and organ 12) The children doing the ‘jobs’ normally done by adults 13) A service without a sermon. 14) A performance based service.
- 5 mins – including feedback Special quality of worship which can only happen because all ages interact creatively and worshipfully. A service when all are together is a key time for all to share and learn from one another. It is a chance to connect with people of all ages with God at the centre. It is a chance for all ages to connect with God. All ages will be encouraged to pray for the church, contribute their skills and give both time and money. 5) All ages and levels of understanding worship together, each person giving and receiving at his own level. Service should involve giving and receiving – it is not sit back and relax time. We all learn from one another – modelling behaviour. Use it to create a all-age manifesto. Be careful of the word ‘family services’ as it might put people off who don’t have families
- 1 min Could you Create a manifesto as a church e.g. We believe in God who created us for him and for each other. We believe in Jesus who welcomes young and old without exceptions. We believe in the Holy Spirit who transforms the life of all believers, young and old. We believe we grow as Jesus’ disciples when we worship God in a variety of ways Worship in community as well as individually. Worship in a way that encourages everyone to participate. Worship God with all that we are. (from All-age Worship by Lucy Moore)
- 2 min Worship and faith development coaches, just as we need people to teach us to ski, garden, cook or use a computer RELATIONSHIPS
- 3 mins 1 min. to discuss in groups, 2min to feedback In Groups – feedback RELATIONSHIPS – modelling, Jesus and relationships, relationships reflecting Jesus
- 5 mins Sketch – two adults watching children and commenting on what’s going on. Give the 2 parts to people to read.
- Session 2 TIMINGS– 62 minutes How do you plan for it? 1 min - Be a welcoming church 2 min – A welcome for all 1 min - Be an all-age church 1 min - Get a planning team ½ min – Budget ½ min Congregation ½ min - Space ½ min – Publicity 1 min -Stay Anglican – Bob Hartman book 1 min- Stick to time 1min - Keep it relevant 2 min - songs
- 1 min All-age services are the fastest growing services in Devon. How will we help new people feel at home? Does your church (people and building) suggest that all ages are welcome? All-ages represented - notice boards, photos, displays, child-friendly furniture, space for young people to congregate, toy bags. Are there people who will welcome and sit with visitors to help them find their way through worship? Are services led in a way that helps those who are not regular attendees? Led – hymn numbers and which book, service sheets and which paragraph, bible reading which page etc.
- 2 min Partner talk Which would be harder to cope with?
- 1 min All-age services should only be a small part of an all age church. For some churches, all-age services won’t work but that doesn’t mean you can’t be an all-age church. Does All-age have to mean a service? What about all-age socials? Quiz nights? Skittles? Talent Show? All-age picnics? Meals? All-age outings? Rambles? All-age prayer meetings? All-age bible study? All-age craft? Sport?
- 30 seconds Share the aim of All-age with everyone, why you are doing it. Especially aim of 40-45 minutes max. Could do with church the exercises we’ve done on What is worship, what is all-age worship, take on different character roles.
- 30 seconds Discuss the budget available with the church leadership.
- 30 seconds Decide the best place to hold the service. LIGHTS Efficient lighting Access for all Toilets Heating MAY NOT BE THE CHURCH BUILDING Safe space – safeguarding issues
- 1 min Think: Who is gifted to work with an all-age group? Bring together a planning/leadership group. Good all-age worship is labour-intensive. More brains generate more ideas. Different learning styles and gifts means that it will not always be presented in the same way. When planning include different learning styles (VARK) and multi-sensory – visual, tactile, aromatic, auditory where possible. Plan opportunities to reflect, to respond, to move. Try to use each person’s gifts/skills/experience e.g. music, drama, craft, talk. Don’t impose patterns, let the personalities and gifts guide your planning. Variety – keep it rolling with a link person (like Saturday morning TV) i.e. don’t announce the reader then sit and watch the reader walking up to the front. The average attention span is about 4 minutes ie no element should last more that 4 minutes.
- 1 min Part of the teams responsibility is to keep up with what’s going on. Know what children/adults are watching and listening to. Get magazines out. Watch soaps. Ask them! Use them as a hook into the theme you are doing. Treat all ages with respect (use songs, adverts, music etc from the past as well as modern) Examples could be: -During a game, use music from the 60s. -Use video clips from the past to illustrate simply but enjoyed by adults (e.g. road safety hedgehog)
- 30 seconds All publicity material should show all people are valued. Depicting a mother-father-boy-girl will not attract everyone! The ideal length for a non-Eucharistic service is 35-40 minutes (45-50 for Eucharistic), mention this in your publicity and stick to it! Make everything you do quality because the message is quality.
- 1 min Especially if its advertised. Children and many adults have short attention spans 40-45 minutes max . 45-55 for Eucharist (you get up and move out of seats, this also helps break up the time) Make every element matter In planning put running time down the side. IF you need to, have elements you can leave out. Perhaps offer drinks/activity before – i.e. like messy church?
- 2 min Try to include A mix of songs 1 traditional hymn (possibly not known by under 40s) 1 modern song or something sung in the local school (do your research) 1 song that everyone can learn together Think about journeying in worship and praise i.e. Link a kids song into another or the other way round e.g. Father God I wonder in to Lord I lift your name on high, Or Give thanks to the Lord into Jump up and down. What makes a song all-age? – simple vocabulary, repetitive chorus (for none readers), simple meaning. Tunes with distinctive melody lines, A melody that is easy to learn, Repetition of words, Choruses, Short lines and verses, Christian words to well-known tunes Some hymns are brilliant to use with all-ages, some modern chorus’ are not. Play some examples on CDs before and after a service if you want to introduce a new song.
- Use the sort of music that children listen to at home or school. Good sources are http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/light/learnandremember.asp and http://www.familyworship.com/songs/ to download songs. Also look at www.johnhardwick.org.uk (DVD and CD)
- Use the sort of music that children listen to at home or school. Good sources are http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/light/learnandremember.asp and http://www.familyworship.com/songs/ to download songs. Also look at www.johnhardwick.org.uk (DVD and CD)
- 1 min Anglican’ All-age (non-Eucharistic) Requirements of Common Worship (2000) ‘Service of the Word’: What do you think makes up a service? Show answer on next slide Greeting Confession & Absolution Collect for the day Reading from Scripture Psalm Sermon Creed Intercession and thanksgiving Lord’s Prayer Blessing, Grace, dismissal
- 1 min A service is a journey Adults sometimes miss the ‘journey’ feel of a service A-----B so why not base a service around a story = journey. e.g. Nehemiah – gate posts, Christmas – all dress up, leader per group, Peter and John (Apostles United) v Chief Priest City NB Bob Hartman All-age Services
- This is the structure recommended by the Liturgical Commission of the Church of England in their report ‘Transforming Worship’.
- How do you do it? GO Greetings 1 min - Create a wow 1 min – start well ½ min – start with a greeting ½ min - Start with candles ½ min – Start with a song ½ min – Start with music 1 min – start with a bible verse 1 min – start with a responsive prayer 2 min – start with an action welcome ½ min – opening prayer Confession 9 x ½ min – music, read, in the bin, give it up, the slate, washed clean, stain free, shredded, turn away, 1 min – responses 1 min – absolution 1 min – collect Reading 1 min – promote it ½ min – translation ½ min - Select a passage thoughtfully ½ min – find it ½ - living word 2 min - learning styles VISUAL 4x½ min story box, sketch board, picture, words 2 min – Zacchaeus 9 x ¼ min – film clip, narrator, role play, puppets, props, story coat, hot seat, mime, tableaux AUDITORY ¼ min – one voice, multiple voices 2 min – responsive ¼ min – mum’s, music, 2 min – Make mistakes KINAESTHETIC 3 x ¼ min – sound effect, key word actions, repeated after me 2 min - active TALK/SERMON 1min – intro 1 min – unpack it/apply it 3 x ½ min – sense – simple – short CREED 2 mins intro plus examples PRAYERS ½ min intro, quiet corporate, personal, visual, auditory, bodies 2 mins – Lord’s prayer ½ min – with materials ½ min celebrate answers ENDINGS 8x ½ min – clear, prayer, blessing, singing, procession, give-aways, refreshments, activities. 1 min – Review 1 min – onwards 1 min - resources
- 1 min 1. Wow or I wonder….. Having something in the church or by the entrance that is different. It will cause people to think ‘I wonder….’ All through the service until you explain why it is there. 2. Activity Setting up a craft activity or game linked closely to the day’s theme e.g. making an Easter Garden, collecting names on ‘hands’ 3. Focal point Focal point to draw attention – candle, flowers, liturgical colours 4 . Music or silence Music or silence to create responsive atmosphere 5. Ritual Create a ritual to help everyone enter the sacred space
- 1 min Start on time. Half the people will not have arrived but the more you let the start slip the less likely it is they will make the effort to get there on time. Visitors will be confused and frustrated by services that begin any time rather than on time. Make the start of the service clear and marked– is it obvious that the service has begun? Are people made to understand that it is worth arriving on time? Does the beginning set the tone for the service? Is there anything that can help people feel God with them right from the start? This can be creative and imaginative or simply be a time of quiet and reflection. Try to change it from time to time. Varied beginnings will mark the start of the service better than the same old thing every time. Don’t clog it up with PA problems and notices. Perhaps have the leaders start at the back of the congregation and greet individuals (children and adults equally) until they reach the front – it is more likely the congregation will be with you. If notices are needed, make sure they are notices that reflect what message you want to give of the church.
- 1 min – a greeting Greeting the congregation – a simple hello, leader introduces themselves, brief explanation of sheets/books PLEASE AVOID NOTICES Greeting one another – reinforces idea of whole family of church gathering to worship – can be noisy but does mark out the beginning of worship. Explain that this is not a children’s service and you hope that ALL AGES will be able to hear and receive from God. 1 min – a candle Carrying or lighting a candle brings a sense of peace and the presence of Jesus to what can be a very busy time. Someone carries it up or invite someone from the congregation to light it. SAY: We welcome Jesus, the light of the world. As the candle shines, so your light shines for us. Jesus is he light of the world, let us welcome him now. Jesus, light of the world, shine in our hearts and lives. Jesus, the light, bring light to our worship. As we light the candle today, light a flame in our hearts. 0.5 a song Could begin straight away with a worship song or hymn with little introduction Try to pick one that Enter his gates with thanksgiving, enter his courts with Praise. Or pick one that introduces the theme. 0.5 - music A service can begin dramatically by the playing of a popular song, TV theme or advertisement theme that links to the theme of the service. This draws the attention of the congregation and gives the leader a clear link in the theme from the beginning. 1 min – a bible verse Worship the Lord your God, and only serve him. Matthew 4:10 Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires. Matthew 5:6 God blessed the seventh day and set it apart as a special day. Genesis 2:3 Your constant love is better than life, and so I will praise you. Psalm 63:3 And all the people held a great celebration! 1Samual 11:15 I will sing praises to your name. Psalm 18:49 Praise be to the name of God forever. Daniel 2:20 May the peoples praise you, O God, may all the peoples praise you. Psalm 67:3 They took delight in worshipping the Lord, and he accepted them and gave them peace on every side. 2 Chronicles 15:15 Responsive: Psalm 136 ‘Give thanks to the Lord for he is good’ 1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever. 2 Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever. 3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever. 4 to him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever. 5 who by his understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever. 6 who spread out the earth upon the waters, His love endures forever. 7 who made the great lights— His love endures forever. 8 the sun to govern the day, His love endures forever. 9 the moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever. 1 min – opening prayer Many examples in approved service orders. Key in all-age is keep it short and relevant. Father God, we thank you that you have called us here today. Help us to be open to all you have to say to us. Amen. Dear God, we are here with our families and friends. We are here with our neighbours and colleagues. We are all here to worship you. Help us. Amen. Dear God, move in us through your spirit. Speak to your children, young and old. Make us love you more this morning. Amen. God the three in one, fill us with your love. Help us to worship, fill us with your joy. Help us to learn, fill us with your understanding. Amen. 3 mins – a responsive prayer Advantage = includes everyone from the beginning. Keep it simple. The average reading age in the UK is 10. Do not place total reliance on the written word including notices and instructions. Make sure everyone can see them otherwise its not inclusive. Grace, mercy and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you And also with you. This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Thank you that you were there in our past Thank you, Lord Thank you that you will be there in our future. Thank you Lord. Thank you that you are here now. Thank you Lord. Thank you that we are here now. Thank you Lord. The Lord is here. He is with us. The Lord is here. He helps us to worship. The Lord is here. He helps us learn. The Lord our God is here. And we welcome him now. As we come to worship and praise, Father God, we welcome you. As we come together in friendship, Father God, we welcome you. As we come to listen and learn, Father God, we welcome you. As we bring our worries and problems, Father God, we welcome you. Why are we here? We are here to worship God. Why are we here? We are here to hear from God. Why are we here? We are here to pray to God. Lord, we invite you into our church. REPEAT Lord, we invite you into our minds. REPEAT Lord, we invite you into our hearts. REPEAT Come and be with us, Father God. Be in our worship. Come and be with me, Father God. Be in my heart.
- 3 minutes – an action welcome Physical actions and sign language can be very powerful and moving. Makes it accessible even to the youngest and oldest of worshippers. Great balls of praise Why are we here? We are here to worship God. Worship – hands away from forehead Why are we here? We are here to hear from God. Hear – hand to ear Why are we here? We are here to pray to God. Pray – hands together Lord, we invite you into our church . REPEAT Church – hold hands Lord, we invite you into our minds . REPEAT Point to mind. Lord, we invite you into our hearts. REPEAT Hold the heart. Come and be with us, Father God. Be in our worship. Hands move down away from forehead. Come and be with me, Father God. Be in my heart. Hands on heart. We have come together in the name of Christ to offer our praise and thanksgiving, Come together – hold hands Praise – thumbs up, in an upwards motion to hear and receive God's holy word, Hear – hand to ear to pray for the needs of the world, Pray – hands together and to seek the forgiveness of our sins, Forgiveness – wipe one hand away over the other (like wiping something off it) that by the power of the Holy Spirit we may give ourselves to the service of God. Power – strong arms/fists Give ourselves – hands outstretched. We are here to worship (hands up) We are here to pray ( hands together) We are here to listen (hands on ears) We are here to praise (hands move from lips) We are here to meet God (hands shake together)
- ACTIONS Worship – hands away from forehead Hear – hand to ear Pray – hands together
- ACTION Church – hold hands Point to mind. Hold the heart.
- Come and be with us, Father God. Be in our worship. Hands move down away from forehead. Come and be with me, Father God. Be in my heart. Hands on heart.
- Leader: We have come together in the name of Christ Encourage everyone to look around and nod or smile a greeting to all in the congregation Leader: To offer our praise and thanksgiving Lift up hands high as an act of praise Leader: To hear and receive God’s holy word Arrange the upward facing palms of your hands in front of your body, shaped as a ‘V’ formation like the open pages of a book Leader: To pray for the needs of the world Put hands together, palm to palm and fingers pointing upwards, as for prayer Leader: And to seek the forgiveness of our sins Hold out your hands in front of the body – palms up – other palm wipes across it. Leader: That by the power of the Holy Spirit Link thumbs and gently ‘flap’ the fingers imitating a dove – a symbol of the Holy Spirit Leader: We may give ourselves to the service of God Put both hands across your heart and move them outward in a gesture of self-giving
- 2 minutes Saying sorry – is there a purpose for it? is it at the right point in the service? Does it make people feel they are always having to say sorry? Is it a positive, helpful experience for worshippers? Are the words used accessible to all ages? * In both A Service of the Word and Order One Holy Communion, the usual place for the Prayers of Penitence is going to be - as in the Common Worship books- after the Greeting (and Prayer of Preparation, if it is used) in the Gathering part of the service. But as it is also possible for it to come later in the service, those who plan the worship will pick up when there is a need, for example, to respond to a sermon with penitence, and put the Confession after the sermon or with the intercessions. * A Service of the Word opens up the possibility of Penitence coming towards the end of the service, as its climax. There might be some occasions in the traditionally penitential seasons of Lent or Advent when this might work well. If you use a set of formal words from a service order, that’s very helpful for many older members and can be good for all ages if not over-used (familiar + tedious = no purpose) ALWAYS introduce it first. E.g. We all go wrong, and say or do things which fail others and fail God. Let’s be quiet for a moment and things of things we have said or done which have been wrong during the last few days. Then I shall say some words, and you can join in with the words in dark print. Everyone of us has hurt other people, and as we hurt others we hurt God. Everyone one of us has said and though wrongs things, and as we say and think wrong things we hurt God. Let’s spend a little time saying sorry to God for the hurt we have caused him. If we say we don’t go wrong, we deceive ourselves and we are not telling the truth. If we say sorry to God he promises to hear us and to forgive us.
- 0.5 Play Music - space to think and reflect 0.5 Read it all - Gives everyone the chance to reflect as its slowly read. 0.5 In the bin - Write things down (with pens or imaginary pens) and throw it away by coming out the front or bins passed around., 0.5 Give it up - Nailing to a cross or laying it on the alter 0.5 Slate clean - We do things to make it dirty, God wipes it clean. Ask congregation for suggestions and then wipe it clean after prayer.
- 0.5 Washed clean - Washing a dirty stone in water 0.5 Ink on a cloth dipped in vanish water 0.5 Shred it - Write things down and bring them forward to a shredding machine to signify they are dealt with and forgiven. 0.5 Turning away from altar to confess then turn back for forgiveness TURN AWAY We are sorry for the times we have turned away from you. When we have not done what you have asked us to do. When we have not said what you have asked us to say. When we have not treated others as you would want. We are sorry for the times we have turned away from you. Please forgive us. TURN BACK Almighty God who forgives all who truly repent (turn away from sin) Forgive you and renew a right spirit within you. Amen.
- 1 … .We are sorry Lord … .Forgive us and help us … .Forgive us and heal us … ..Save us and help us http://www.cofe.anglican.org/worship/liturgy/commonworship/texts/word/confessions.html For the times we have been greedy…. For the pollution we have created……… For the peoples we have ignored……… For the world we have damaged………. For the love we have not given…………. God our Father, we come to you in sorrow for our sins. For turning away from you, and ignoring your will for our lives; Father, forgive us: All save us and help us. For behaving just as we wish, without thinking of you; Father, forgive us: All save us and help us. For failing you by what we do, and think and say; Father, forgive us: All save us and help us. For letting ourselves be drawn away from you by temptations in the world about us; Father, forgive us: All save us and help us. For living as if we were ashamed to belong to your Son; Father, forgive us: All save us and help us. Say a line, congregation say a line. Lord God, we have sinned against you; we have done wrong in your sight. We are sorry and repent. Have mercy on us according to your love. Wash away our wrongdoing. Renew a right spirit within us and restore us to the joy of your salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Let us return to the Lord our God and say to him: Father, we have sinned against heaven and against you. We are not worthy to be called your children. We turn to you again. Have mercy on us, bring us back to yourself as those who once were dead but now have life through Christ our Lord. Amen.
- 1 min http://www.cofe.anglican.org/worship/liturgy/commonworship/texts/word/confessions.html May the Father of all mercies wash us from our sins, and restore us in his image to the praise and glory of his name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. All Amen. May the God of love and power forgive you and free you from your sins, heal and strengthen you by his Spirit, and raise you to new life in Christ our Lord. All Amen. May the Father forgive us by the death of his Son and strengthen us to live in the power of the Spirit all our days. All Amen. May God who loved the world so much that he sent his Son to be our Saviour forgive us our sins and make us holy to serve him in the world, through Jesus Christ our Lord. All Amen. May the God of love bring us back to himself, forgive us our sins, and assure us of his eternal love in Jesus Christ our Lord. All Amen. Almighty God, who in Jesus Christ has given us a kingdom that cannot be destroyed, forgive us our sins, open our eyes to God's truth, strengthen us to do God's will and give us the joy of his kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord. All Amen.
- 1 min This is a really exciting moment to remind everyone that we are part of a bigger church and that Christians all over the world will be saying the same prayer. Do miss it! A simple line before saying the collect instead of just launching into it, will help everyone understand what is going on. e.g. And now I’m going to read the collect, the Church of England prayer for today….
- 1 min Many adults and children no longer read the bible as part of their daily routine. ‘ We don’t usually have a Bible reading in our family services, we found it got a bit boring!’ The bible is a real God involved in real lives – its essential to our lives. Common Worship says: Readings There should preferably be at least two readings from the Bible, but it is recognized that if occasion demands there may be only one reading. It may be dramatized, sung or read responsively. It is crucial therefore to have it in the service but also to be promoting the bible – encouraging people of all ages to read the bible throughout the week, not just on Sundays. Could you have a stand with bibles and bible notes for sale or to borrow? Could you have someone interviewed about why they read the bible during the week?
- 0.5 Does this translation help all ages to understand God’s word? Children/adults AND churched/unchurched. The Good News Bible (Collins), Contemporary English Version (Nelson) International Children’s Bible (Word) Paraphrased bibles are good for popular stories but often miss out prophecies, poetry, epistles and tricky old testament. We ALL need to hear the whole and learn to apply it. 0.5 - Selective passages, some passages can be dealt with all-age, others will be better in age specific groups. Is it relevant to the theme? Keep it short unless it is being presented dramatic or visual manner. May need to summarise the scene before starting so everyone gets the context. This helps to keep the actual passage short. Is there a key phrase or verse which can be focused on? 0.5 Say the page number first, then where it comes from. A lot of places have it on a sheet or on a screen for people to follow. Encourage people to look it up for themselves. Explain that Bible references are like address, each part tells you more detail: - 11 Romans Venn Crescent Chapter 8 (Big number) Plymouth Verse 36 (smaller numbers) 0.5 Alive - Is it delivered with a sense of life and vitality? – the living word?! Is it alive, is it dynamic? This will make the words seem to live and breathe and make the meaning much clearer. I hear and I forget I see and I remember I do and I understand (Chinese Proverb) Think VARK
- 1 min When we approach worship, or any experience where we want people to learn or to participate fully, whether children or adults, we need to remember V A R K Visual 37% Auditory 24% Kinesthetic 39% (of whom 60% male) A number of theories have been developed about the different ways in which people learn, and which styles an individual might find most helpful. There is no ‘best style’ that fits everyone or that everyone needs to use; they all have advantages. It is useful if those preparing sessions are aware of their own learning preference, because there can be a tendency to use the preferred style most often. Deliberately varying the learning style being used in a group enriches the experience for everyone. visual: learns best by seeing (pictures, diagrams, multimedia etc.) Enjoys finding a new place on a map. aural: learns best by hearing (a discussion, a speaker who tells stories to illustrate a point etc.) Enjoys debate and exploring ideas out loud. Read/write: learns best by reading (a leaflet, handout, written information etc.) Enjoys looking up information in text. Kinaesthetic: Learns best through action (trying things out, doing activities alongside someone else etc.) Enjoys getting out and doing things. 1 min Jesus used different teaching styles, which met the differing preferences of his hearers and disciples. Lack of references to reading/writing because in Jesus’ time people didn’t have these skills. Today, most of our teaching and learning involves reading. Can you think of others?
- 0.5 Visualisation (close eyes and imagine), Don’t just do something, sit there. Meditations for children. 1 min Film Clips from DVDs can work well to introduce a theme. Eg Finding Nemo about GOD never giving up looking for those who are lost; disobedience; sharing the Gospel Lion King: whose voice should we listen to?; forgiveness Shrek: Shrek rescues Fiona from the tower; do we ever feel trapped? Who can rescue us?
- 1 min Video film or clip www.max7.org www.Sermonspice.com Utube Family Friendly Churches Trust http://www.familyfriendlychurches.org.uk/index.php has a wide range of multimedia resources to buy
- 1 min Video film or clip www.max7.org www.Sermonspice.com Utube Family Friendly Churches Trust http://www.familyfriendlychurches.org.uk/index.php has a wide range of multimedia resources to buy
- 1 min Video film or clip www.max7.org www.Sermonspice.com Utube Family Friendly Churches Trust http://www.familyfriendlychurches.org.uk/index.php has a wide range of multimedia resources to buy
- 0.5 Narrator while actors act 0.5 Act it out - rehearsed or improvised – role play 0.5 Puppets http://www.onewayuk.com/ 0.5 Props, Hats or masks, Dressing up box 0.5 Story coat (has pictures, artefacts that remind us of the story) 0.5 Interview characters 0.5 Tableaux (for curtains up/down use eyes open/shut) 0.5 Mime, Dance , With or without music
- Auditory 0.5 Read it straight – make sure it is rehearsed and ‘alive’. Chose someone who can do different voices for different characters. 0.5 Mum’s the word - a mum on a big chair telling the story from a book 0.5 Music while the reading is given. Make sure it is appropriate and adds, not detracts. Continue music after reading had ended and invite congregation to use time to think about the reading. 0.5 Repeat after me Repeated actions or sign language or sounds or speech. And Jesus said ‘……’ 0.5 Multiple voices Read with different parts (several people) – perhaps in different positions around the church. These could be different characters or just different sentences. Allow the youth group to record it previously and play it over the PA – youth won’t perform live – everyone had to visualise for themselves rather than have it acted out. 0.5 Antiphonally Reproduce the reading for everyone it can help for it to be read antiphonally – leader congregation or two halves of the congregation.
- Get everyone to be the crowd – yellow You narrate Jesus - blue
- Auditory 0.5 Make mistakes - Read it once, then read it again with deliberate mistakes asking congregation members to wave or stand if they spot a mistake. It helps them listen and reinforces the meaning.
- Kinaesthetic 0.5 Sound effect card 0.5 Key words with actions or 4 groups each with a different word 2min Re-tell it as an active story Book: Lions Storytelling Bible (telling tips at the back) Walls of Jericho
- 5mins In many all-age this is where it all goes wrong. Songs have been fun, prayers have been well prepared, visual aids really well. AIM to remind congregation of the messages of the reading and help them apply it, helps to make sense of the rest of the service. A ‘talk’ or sermon is not always necessary i.e. An interactive quiz after the reading, can be turned into the teaching slot. Participation through volunteers – include children, teens and adults – don’t just get children out. Do not expect children or adults to do thing would not do yourself. If you love/enjoy something, it’ll rub off. Beware of using in jokes. They will be understood by the family but not visitors. Involve testimony of different ages.
- 1 But these are the things you want to be unpacking from the Bible: What was the meaning and message in the context of the time it happened? What do we take from that meaning and message in our world? What does that inspire us to consider, and how should we change as a result? But you could keep it simple, use the same 4 questions each time and help children get into the habit of asking themselves these questions. Each set will create the adventure and this will help them encounter God face to face. (MATTHEW 3) What does this part of the Bible tell us God is like? What has He done? or What is He doing now? Or What will He do? What does God want of us? Or What does he not want? www.sermon4kids.com
- 0.5 Sense Does it fit in with all that has gone before in the service? Are there supplementary illustrations relevant to all ages? Stories? Clear – repetition means information is reinforced, not lost. Songs, prayers, activities all help to reinforce the message. Make sure the message/theme live on in the memory longer than the visual aids, dramatic games and active prayers. 0.5 Simple Is there one simple, clear message you want the congregation to understand? Put it over in a memorable ways. Well-delivered – memorable, visuals, props. Clear points that benefit everyone, not just children. Use applications/examples appropriate to different age-groups. What will it mean in your lives at school, at home, at work, in your street. Allow the Holy Spirit to speak across the ages/levels of understanding. 0.5 Short If you have made full use of the other components then links will have been obvious and there will be no need to labour the point. Most People will remember what they do rather than what is said i.e. the rest of the service. Keep it Short - Short can have amazing power and great value. Very few environments expect people to learn by just being talked at for long periods. Up to 15 minutes but keep it to 5 minute slots maximum. Split it using story, song, prayer. Job done, don’t repeat too much. Pray at the end of the talk, repeating the key message in your prayer and asking God to make it relevant to all our lives.
- 2 min Stick to the same one, Choose words that are understandable or explain words that are not (not every time but over a period of time cover all the words). There will be non Christians at All-age. Be careful to explain that if you don’t believe these things, it is ok not to say them but to think about why you don’t/can’t believe them. Challenge people to speak to a Christian friend or vicar if they are unsure about any of it.
- 0.5 Reasons why I never wash I use to I got bored I don’t believe in it anymore I did it last week I watch other people do it It’s too much hard work Why do we pray? Prayer is us as we are, coming to a God as he is. Is prayer central or tacked on at the end? Do it have a sense of joy or a feeling of despair? Make sure prayer as an integral part of every children’s programme, not just in church Make a prayer board, tree or box available for All-ages to use. Let children see adults using it. Adults are role-models for praying. Help children to love it.
- 0.5 Prayer can be quiet – in an activity-driven world, many people find it hard to stop and be quiet. Focus using a candle, banner or cross to aid concentration. Children can do this and most relish it. Don’t use silence if you’ve had lots throughout the service, but if you haven’t – go for it! 0.5 Prayer is corporate – great sense of unity all saying something at the same time. Response prayers are great for people who struggle with reading and can repeat a familiar phrase. Many prayers can be read together, different sides of the church, male/female etc. Everyone praying aloud brings people closer. Teaching the ‘great’ prayers by heart. Read Psalms together. 0.5 Prayer is personal – give time for people as individual to speak and listen to God. Could write/draw things and bring to a prayer tree, prayer basket or lay them at the cross. USE VARK 0.5 Auditory Help different families or groups to lead the prayers. Adults do not have a monopoly on speaking to God. Use audio recordings from the news or church members in need. If you have guides leading prayers, have leaders leading it too – All-age pray! 0.5 Prayer can be visual – don’t always have to close your eyes. Key words, subjects, images of people and places can really focus attention.
- 0.5 With materials Bubbles – blow into the air as you pray. post-its; leaves; newspaper pictures; photos; Water – fill a bucket with every prayer – watch it overflow with God’s abudance. Flowers; Seeds play dough – individuals make things Prayer can be done by writing or drawing. Get everyone to write a prayer which is collected or put in the prayer box. Get everyone to write a prayer which is read out corporately or displayed on the prayer tree. 1.0 With our bodies Prayers can be easily combined with gestures or physical movements to help maintain involvement. Prayer can involve facing different directions, sitting, standing or kneeling. Prayer can be expressive by holding arms up, hands out, thumbs pointing up and down. The thumb : Thumbs up! Thank God for something – friends, pets etc The fore finger: The ‘pointing’ finger - say sorry for getting angry etc The Middle finger: The ‘Strong’ one - Pray for God’s help – bullying, home etc Wedding finger: Give thanks for the people who you love and who love you Little finger = Pray for the weak and poor etc e.g. Eyes up – Praise God, Eyes down – this community, Eyes out – the world, Eyes forward – the future/this week. e.g. PRAISE and PRAYER fingers Thumbs – The world, Index finger – This country, Middle finger – this community, Next finger – Our family (church/home), Little Finger - me
- 2 minutes– or do at the end Lord’s Prayer with actions Works well standing in a circle holding hands. Our Father hands joined In heaven hands joined and raised high Hallowed be your name heads bowed Your kingdom come release hands and make a gesture of invitation Your will be done a salute On earth as it is in heaven all stamp feet for ‘earth’ and then clap high above heads for ‘heaven’ Give us this day our daily bread hands out ready to receive Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us hands clasped together in front of the body and then released; turn and shake hands with the people either side Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil hands together in front of the face, shielding away temptation and then one hand up as a stop sign For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory one hand pointing up high; the other hand raised in a clenched fist; finally both hands raised above the head high, with fingers spread Forever and ever draw a large circle in front of yourself with one hand several times Amen use the popular ‘wind-up’ Amen... with a long drawn-out 'A', accompanied by the imaginary cranking of a handle, and followed by the word 'men' being shouted
- 0.5 Prayer is answered – build in opportunities for children, young people and adults to report back on what God is going in their lives and how prayer has been answered either in the service or via a prayer board/tree. (refer back to ‘welcoming space’ or even a ‘wow!’ Adults are models. Children are models.
- 0.5 Are the endings clear? Does everyone know what to do? Does the ending reinforce the theme of the service? Do the congregation have a clear message in their minds as they leave? Have you told the congregation about after-service refreshments?
- 0.5 A prayer Lots available in orders of service. OR Write your own to fit the theme, trying to include the key point and supplementary points of the talk. -Now to him, who by his power working in us is able to do more than we can imagine, to him, who by his power working in us is able to do more than we can ask for. To God be the Glory, in the Church and in Jesus, now and for all time. Amen (Eph 3:20,21 -The service is ending, new life is beginning, God’s word has been given, God’s word has been learned, God calls us to work, we will work for him. -Father God, be with us as we go from here, and keep us close to you. - Dear God help us to take your message to the world outside, and to live it in our lives. Amen - Dear God thank you for being with us today. Thank you for teaching us today. Thank you for loving us today and every day. Amen. 0.5 Blessings Lots available in orders of service for various different themes. Keep it simple Go in peace. Go with God. Amen May God got with us. REPEAT As we go into the world REPEAT Amen May the Father go with us in the world May the Son live in us in the world May the Spirit work in us in the world Amen. In the name of the Father, Son and Spirit, go and live for God. Amen. May the Father who made you bless you, may the Son who saved you bless you, and may the Spirit who called you bless you. Amen. 0.5 A song Something that fits the theme and sends everyone out with a buzz and enthusiasm. Not all hymns are suitable for this. If you have to have a hymn, repeat one of the earlier songs instrumentally after the hymn as a processional or as drinks are brought around. 0.5 A procession Blessing then walk down aisle, Final prayer then leader sits before walking back, walk to the back and then prayers – no right or wrong but YOU MUST be clear to the congregation what you want them to do, when they are free to move and what you will be doing. You could invite everyone to process that leads to refreshments. This can be enhanced by music, clapping, dancing!
- 0.5 Is there a simple give-away that will help people remember the message? Do it before final blessing or as people move out of the building. Jigsaw piece – God’s big plan pencil sharpener – sharpening our lives night light – light in darkness pebbles- all different pine cones – seasons or unchanging nature of God pieces of map – God is with us all over the world String – tied together and working together polo mint – never ending love of God, God needs to fill us lego – Building God’s kingdom together Plasticine – being molded by God Feather – do not worry – God provides for the birds Rock salt – being different Coin – value to God, together we can do more Nail – Jesus on the cross Seeeds – growing in God’s love, God’s kingdom growing Magnet – temptation Pipe cleaner – we can change as God works with us. Love hearts – Loved by God, love others. 0.5 Refreshment and fellowship Informality of all-age lends itself to gathering and enjoying time together. If no kitchen, think about flasks and orange juice. Health and safety – hot drinks, small children. 0.5 Activities Children often find it hard to remain well-behaved during a service although the more interest and variety in a service the more attentive they will be. Consider organising a game or activity for children for a few minutes in the hall or land outside to let off energy. Gives the children a good experience and allows adults to relax a little more. SAFEGUARDING re.ratios.
- 1 min CHAT to folk afterwards asking about the service – sound, vision, delivery, effectiveness or set up a graffiti wall Remember it is impossible to please everyone! ASK others in leadership for their views RECALL whether folk had been restless/absorbed etc REFLECT on the whole experience PRAISE GOD for what you have learned PLAN the next all-age service using your new insights Regularly evaluate and review what you are doing – include children and parents, as well as the planning/leadership group. 1 min - Onwards Evaluate and review your provision – include children and parents Start planning for progression from baptism through to 14+. What about tweenagers? When can children receive communion? Plan for mission and outreach. Start advertising Sunday morning activities; plan to cater for unaccompanied children Think about complementary activities – activity afternoons, outings, craft and sport events. Ensure that your mission community regularly discusses children and young people’s work, and has it as a major part of its strategy and budget!
- 1 min Body of Christ You are the most important resource - You and your story. Some one may be able to create scenery but never want to stand out the front. 1 Min Books – lots available, lots to borrow. www.exeterccyp.org
- A good place to start for all-age worship material is Allageplus@aol.com. [if you can’t access their page that way, enter ‘allageplus’ into Google and follow the link there]. 2 highly experienced Anglican priests produce ready-to-use services that are family friendly. They charge £2 for each outline (which includes all the visuals + activity ideas etc) – material is sent either hard copy, on-line or on CDROM. www.christiansigns.co.uk Crafts supplies from www.Bakerross.co.uk
- www.christiansigns.co.uk
- www.bakeross.co.uk