21 April 2024

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Bible readings for today

• Acts 4:5-12
• Psalms 23:1-6
• 1 John 3:16-24
• John 10:11-18

Collect

Alleluia! 
Eternal God, 
humanity is made in your image; you call us by name, help us to always recognise your voice 
and to respond willingly, 
that we might witness to the resurrection.
​This we pray through Jesus Christ, 
who is alive and reigns with you, 
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, 
one God, now and forever. 
Amen

The Good Shepherd (John 10:11-18)

Today's gospel reading tells the story of Jesus talking to the Jews, who were confused by him saying "I am the good shepherd"

Activity Sheets

• Mazes: Help the shepherd find his sheep -- easy and difficult mazes for different age groups
  
• Activity Sheet: Good Shepherd themed worksheet.

Activities

• Gathering Sheep Balloon Game (Danielle's Place)
• Story Telling Idea (Faith Sprouts)
• Toilet Roll Sheep (Diary of a Newbie Mom)
• Sheep Puppets (Kid's Craft Room)
• Popcorn Sheep Bags (Glued to my Crafts)
• Sheep Headband (Simple Everyday Mom)
• Clothespeg Sheep (Prodigal Pieces)
• Marshmallow and Pretzel Sheep (Who's the Farris)
• Sheep Cupcake 

Storypath

The Storypath website shares ideas for children's books matching the lectionary readings each Sunday. 
Today's book suggestions can be found here

Quick Questions

• Who is the Good Shepherd? 
• Who are the sheep?
• How do you recognise Jesus' voice?
• What ideas can you think of for ways of learning to hear Jesus' voice more clearly?

Media

The Good Shepherd: Pursue GOD Kids

Jesus is the Good Shepherd: CFC Kids

For Leaders

In this Gospel Conversation from the Dunedin Diocese for Easter 4, the Diocesan Ministry Educator is joined by Dr Gillian Townsley (chaplain at St Hilda’s School), the Rev’d Vivienne Galletly (hospital chaplain) and the Rev’d Richard Johnson (Dean for Rural Ministry). They discuss John 10:11-18 where Jesus explores imagery surrounding shepherds, sheep, wolves and hired hands.

The Lord is my Shepherd (Psalm 23)

Storytelling

• Cecil and Psalm 23 (Lost Sheep). Download the storytelling toolkit for AUS$10, with images and a script.
• Sculpting the Shepherd Psalm (BRF)

Know my voice

What you need/Preparation

• Record an audio clip of famous people’s voices. (eg. Jacinda Ardern, Peppa Pig, the vicar, yourself!)
• Paper and pens for each group.

What to do
​Divide the children into two teams. Explain that you will play voices of famous people. As you do, the teams have to write down the name of the person that they think it is.
At the end, check the answers and see how they did!This could lead into a discussion about how we recognise people by their voices. Whose voices/ opinions do we listen to most? How do we listen to Jesus?

Psalm 23 Bible Study

Following her Psalm 23 tour in 2021, Bishop Eleanor Sanderson has compiled a four-week study guide around this theme. Designed for small group discipleship and mixing video, story, discussion and reflection, this guide is perfect for beginner and exploring Christians to go deeper in intimacy with Jesus.
​For more information, see the Movement Online website

Resources

• Sally Lloyd-Jones' story of Psalm 23
• Sheep images on Unsplash
• Preschool playdough mat (Flame Creative Kids)
• Psalm 23 Bracelet (Pinterest)
• Printable Mini Book and other Ideas (I Have No Greater Joy)
• Preschool Activities (Almost Unschoolers)
• Hanging Plates Craft (Christianity Cove)
• Cup Sheep with Verse (Pinterest)
• Still Waters Craft (Same Boat Music)
• Lego Picture (Flickr)
• DIY (Guided) Marble Maze (Raising Life Long Learners)
• Psalm 23 Garden (Bible Society UK)
• Psalm 23 Bingo (123 Homeschool)
• Colouring in Doodle (From Victory Road)

Psalm 23 Creative Prayer stations

Download this file for instructions and a list of things required.

Let children absorb and engage with Psalm 23 as they make their way through different stations. As the children are moving around from station to station, you might like to stagger the start time, so they have time and space to enjoy each station.
Stations include

1. Sheep
2. Blanket
3. Paddling pool
4. Drink
5. Labyrinth
6. Tunnel
7. Banquet
8. God's house

 Let us know how you got on! 

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Media

Worship songs