18 January 2026

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Bible readings for today

• Isaiah 49:1-7
• Psalms 40:1-14
• 1 Corinthians 1:1-9
• John 1:29-42

Liturgical Colour: WHITE or GREEN

Collect

Almighty God, 
give us such a vision of your purpose 
and such an assurance of your love and power, 
that we may ever hold fast the hope 
which is in Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen.

E te Atua kaha rawa, hōmai he tirohanga ki a mātou mō āu whakaritenga ā, me te whakapūmautanga o tōu aroha me tōu mana, kia mau pū ai mātou ki te tūmanako kei roto nei i a Īhu Karaiti tō mātou Ariki. 
Āmine.

Over the summer

You 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: 

• Is your website up to date for visitors?
• Do you have signage on the church doors or noticeboard for your summer services?
• Are you ready to welcome new faces who are visiting or exploring new churches over the summer break? Think about your space, and how you can help families feel welcome in your time of worship.
• How can your services accommodate all ages? 
• Have some things printed out and a creative station available for kids who want an interactive space. 

Summer Holiday ideas >>

Head over to our Holiday Page to check out ideas for Activity Bags (to use in the service) and Summer Packs for families.

Download our Strandz 2026 wallplanner

Check out our planning and leadership resources

Lamb of God / The calling of the disciples (John 1:29-42)

In today's gospel reading, we hear about some of the first disciples. 

Input for leaders

Gospel Conversations 2025 (Diocese of Dunedin) - Epiphany 2 / John 1:29-42
We're into our holiday-time mode of conversation now until the end of January. Less structured, friends gathering for a chat about readings from Advent 4 to the end of January. 

What's in a name?
​"Looking intently at Simon, Jesus said, “Your name is Simon, son of John—but you will be called Cephas” (which means “Peter”)"  John 1:42

When Andrew brought his brother to meet Jesus, Simon never knew that this would be the beginning of his life-changing adventure with Jesus. In some of the first words to Simon, Jesus tells him that you will be called Cephas, meaning Peter - which means rock. We know from later accounts of Peter that Jesus will use Peter to build his church, and he will be an important leader of the early church. 

Visio Lectio
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Bible Project have put together a really helpful video that helps explain why Jesus was described as "Lamb of God", a symbol for sacrifice and atonement. 

Intergenerational Worship

When Reality Sets Back in… – Followers ​(Intergen Australia).
Year A 2026, Epiphany 2.
​
Bible references: John.
Written and compiled by Alison Knox.

Kids Talks

A retelling of John 1:29-42 (Gary Neal Hansen)

Jesus is a teacher we can follow (RFour)

Go make disciples (Ministry to Children) Full lesson plan - includes activities

God's eye witnesses (Sermons 4 Kids)

Activity

In art, the Agnus Dei symbol is often depicted as a lamb bearing a cross or banner.
​
Here is a simple craft activity that kids can make:

• Starting with a white piece of paper, cut out the lamb's body in a cloud shape.
• While the kids are busy cutting out a head and legs out of black paper, take a white crayon and wrote "Jesus" on each of the white body pieces. Also add some white swirls to look like wool. 
• Then, using watercolor paint, the kids covered the lamb's body with paint and, the writing will show up!  Our sins are represented by the paint and Jesus, written in white crayon, takes away the sins of the world.
• If there is time, cut out a cross shape out of brown construction paper  to stick behind the lambs.

Preschool Play

 Tell the story - ​A simple retelling: 

John was standing by the road one day.
He looked up and said, “Look! Look!
It’s Jesus — God’s special one!”
Two friends heard John say, “Look!”
So they followed… follow, follow, follow.

Jesus turned around and smiled.
“Who are you looking for?” he asked.
They said, “Teacher, where are you staying?”
Jesus said, “Come and see.”
So they followed… follow, follow, follow.

They walked with Jesus. They stayed with Jesus. 
They spent the day with Jesus.
One friend was called Andrew.
Andrew ran to his brother and said, “We found Jesus!
Come and see!”
And his brother came too. 
And he followed… follow, follow, follow.
Jesus invites us, “Come and see.”
We can follow Jesus every day.

Follow the Leader - play follow the leader and get the kids to do the actions you do. Take turns being the the leader. Talk about: I wonder why people wanted to follow Jesus? Who is someone you like to follow (like a parent or friend)? I wonder what it feels like to be a friend of Jesus?​

Light Station - you will need toy lamb (or lamb pictures), Flashlights or battery tea lights, white paper and crayons. Children can cuddle the lamb toy and explore light with the torches: shining light on the paper, tracing shadows, watching light “come alive.” Talk about how John called Jesus the Lamb of God and how Jesus is the light of the world. I wonder what it means that Jesus is a light? I wonder how Jesus helps us see love and kindness?

Names and New Friends - Materials: Large paper with outlines of faces or simple name tags, crayons, stickers. Invite children to draw a face or decorate a name tag for themselves and for “Peter.” Talk about how Jesus gave Simon a new name: Peter — a name like a gift! I wonder why Jesus gave Simon a new name? I wonder what it means to be a friend of Jesus?

Pray - Gather in a small circle with the lamb toy or a soft light (battery candle).
Pass the toy/light around gently — as each child touches or holds it, say:
“Thank you, God, for Jesus -- the Lamb of God, the light of the world, the friend who loves me.”

Media