I am the Vine (John 15:1-8)
Today Jesus told his disciples a story about being like a vine, and how we can remain in his love when we remain close to him.
Bible Passage ReflectionHave you ever done any gardening? (Pause for answers) Well, I really love looking at and enjoying gardens, but I'm not really very good at keeping plants alive and healthy.
In today's story, Jesus said 'I am the vine, and you are the branches'. What do you think he means? (Pause.) I wonder why Jesus told this story? (pause) Well, this story helps remind me that its important to look after my relationship with Jesus. There are lots of ways that we can do this. Do you have any suggestions? (pause) Some of the ways that I like to spend time with Jesus are by reading stories from the bible, drawing pictures that show how I'm feeling or things that I've been doing, going for walks and talking to Jesus. Quick Questions
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Gospel ConversationsIn this Gospel Conversation for Easter 5, the Diocesan Ministry Educator Michael Godfrey is joined by Chris Holmes, University of Otago Theology Department, Trish Franklin, an Educator at Otago Polytechnic and Jonathan Wood, landscape design gardener from Dunedin as they talk about John 15:1-8 and what it means to be connected to the vine.
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Children's talk |
Children's Talk 2 |
You will need
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A group talk for older kids
You will need: Bibles Pictures of vines and grapes Grapes to share Finger labyrinths
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Vine Walk Obstacle Course |
Vine Tag |
An obstacle course for younger children
Preparation If you are confined to a room for this lesson, set up a 'course' in the room using tables and chairs that you can lead the children through. Otherwise take them for a walk outside. What to do
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Preparation
Nothing! What to do Choose someone to be 'in'. When you say 'Go', the person who is in must try to tag someone. When they succeed, they must link arms/hold hands with the person they tagged. Now both of them can tag people with their free hands. Each time some gets tagged, they link arms/hold hands and carry on until everyone is in one big chain. |
Creative Vine Art Display |
Grape Bookmarks |
What you need
A large branch stripped of all its leaves or flowers, large piece of thick white paper, crayons in greens, blues, yellows, white and black, green dye (food colouring diluted with water would work for this), scissors, tape Preparation Draw/trace leaves all over the piece of paper for the children to cut out. Use the template provided or create your own. What to do
Variations Rather than one big vine, each child could make smaller individual versions. If you can't find a branch, create your own out of corrugated cardboard. |
You will need
What to doGive out the blank book marks and get the children to draw on a vine with a green felt tips. Paint on the dots of the grapes with cotton buds. Write on the words: I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you stay joined to me, and I stay joined to you, then you will produce lots of fruit. John 15:5 (or a part of it!) StorypathThe Storypath website shares ideas for children's books matching the lectionary readings each Sunday.
Today's book suggestions can be found here Activities
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'I am the vine' Media
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Remain in my love (John 15:9-17)
Today's story looks at the words of love that Jesus shared - "I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love."
Children's Talk #1A talk for younger children
Tell the children that today's bible reading isn't a story, although Jesus often told us stories to teach us things. Today's bible reading is a simple command. Jesus told us to Love each Other! Sounds easy doesn't it? How can we love someone? What does that mean? (talk about speaking kindly, putting what someone else wants/needs before what they want, being thoughtful, kind etc). Ask them to think of some people in their lives who are always loving towards them.... who is that ? Remind them that God ALWAYS loves us, not matter what. Jesus wanted us to try and be like that. So probably even the person you know who loves you very much sometimes makes a mistake, or sometimes gets cross (we all do!) but God always loves us. Children's Talk #2What do you think Jesus meant when he said: I chose you and sent you out to produce fruit, the kind of fruit that will last? Does that mean he wants us to all become fruit gardeners? No! I believe that it means that Jesus wants us to love one another.
For example, if you smile at someone, or give them a present, or say something nice to them, you are showing that person love and producing good fruit. And because you did, they may in turn, do the same for someone else. What do you think would be producing bad fruit? (pause) Things like saying mean things or hitting someone. Why do these produce bad fruit? (pause) I believe it's because these things make people feel bad, and so they then want to make other people feel bad. Which would you rather produce? Good fruit or bad fruit? What are some ways that as Christians we can produce good fruit? Quick Questions
Activities
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Gospel ConversationsGospel Conversations from the Diocese of Dunedin
In this Gospel Conversation for Easter 6, the Diocesan Ministry Educator Michael Godfrey is joined by Bishop Steve Benford, Katie Marcar (University of Otago New Testament lecturer) and Steve Mitchell (Pilot and Businessperson, Invercargill). The conversation is on John 15: 9-17 exploring what it might mean to be the True Vine… on being loved and loving each other. Who would have thought that God wants to be our friend….?! Fruit KebabsWhat you need: pieces of fruit, fruit lollies, kebab sticks, ribbon and the photocopied fruit gift tags.
What to do:
StorypathStorypath is a lectionary based website that suggests childrens books for each Sunday. Today's book suggestion can be found here
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