5 January 2025
Bible readings for todayThe Epiphany may be celebrated today. Our Epiphany resources can be found here
If the Epiphany is celebrated on Monday 6 January, celebrate the Second Sunday of Christmas with these readings RCL
Liturgical colour: WHITE |
CollectE te Atua,
nāu te hangānga pai, otirā, nāu anō i whakaū te mana ki te āhua o te tangata; tukua tēnei kia whakawhiwhia mātou ki te oranga tonutanga o tāu Tama a Īhu Karaiti, ko ia e ora nei, e kīngi tahi nei me koe i roto i te kotahitanga me te Wairua Tapu, kotahi anō Atua āianei, ā, ake tonu atu. Āmine. O God, you wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully, restored the dignity of human nature; grant that we may share the divine life of your Son Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God now and for ever. Amen. |
Bible Explore in 2025
We're excited to keep sharing ideas and resources to support the church across Aotearoa New Zealand and abroad. If you are creating material, writing prayers, coming up with fun games for kids... let us know! Email us at [email protected]
Over the summerYou may have fewer services or regulars over the summer months, but its always a great idea to anticipate that children will be present in your Sunday gatherings.
Quick checklist:
Have some things printed out and a creative station available for kids who want an interactive space. These school holiday packs from the Salvation Army are a great start |
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The Word becomes human (John 1:(1-9), 10-18)
Leaders Input
Visio Lectio
A print design from Rev. Sarah West, Diocese of Auckland PNG Download Download w/ background Terms of Use Visio Lectio is based on the practice of Visio Divina - the thoughtful contemplation of something visual that invites God to speak to us. |
The Lectionary will look at the Baptism of Jesus next week too (like a sandwich around Epiphany!), so it may give us an opportunity to spend a couple of weeks looking at John
John the Baptist was someone who anticipated a messiah who would be greater than himself. John is portrayed as the forerunner of Jesus who prepares the people for Jesus' ministry. John baptised Jesus and was beheaded by Herod. From the BibleProject: John begins his Gospel account by introducing Jesus as the Word of God, echoing the opening chapters of Genesis, where God created life through his spoken word. This beginning was good, but when God’s creatures rejected his instructions, all creation spiraled into death. The world needed a new beginning, so God's divine word spoke again, but this time, the word became a human named Jesus.
For more information on John 1, check out the following BibleProject resources: John 1 Study Notes John 1 Script References John 1 Blog Post John 1 Podcast Episode |
Interactive StationWho is Jesus Praise Poster? Something easy and interactive. You may like to use felts or sticky notes as a less-mess option.
Kids TalksA Kids Talk on John 1: 1-18 - a conversation between Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
ActivitiesYou can find more about John the Baptist in Matthew 3! Here are some activities that you may like to include, if you end up doing a deep dive on John.
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Intergenerational WorshipIntergen Australia have produced a two-week series called 'Reflect' to help provide space in the lectionary readings, and this second week we take the time to reflect on who Jesus, the Word is, and the difference that Jesus makes for our world.
All the resources, this week, are based on the reading from John 1:(1-9)10-18. Even though it’s a well-known reading it’s good to take the time to reflect on who the Word is, how the Word makes a difference, and who, around the world, may still be unfamiliar with the Word. Through games, discussions, writing and guessing challenges, and prayer, it is hoped that people may reflect on who Jesus is, and become more confident telling others about the difference that Jesus makes for our world. Written and compiled by Katherine Ruhle. Download here 
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Ephesians 1
What's the plan? |
Adopted and loved |
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Have you ever wondered what God's plan for you is? Or for your church? Your neighbourhood, the world? Good news! Just have a read of Ephesians 1:10, which lets us into the answer:
"This is the plan: At the right time he (God) will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth." (NLT). God has a confident, clear and hope-filled plan. ActivitiesCraft ideas from Ministry to Children
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"God decided in advance to adopt us into his family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ" - Ephesians 1:5.
Ephesians can be a beautiful, hard, confusing and amazing book to read - all in one! While I have had many a conversation about the theological complexities of predestination around this passage, the concept of adoption is a beautiful one to unpack with children. Chosen, not out of obligation or duty, but loved unconditionally through choice. God is "so rich in kindness and grace" (v.7) |
