Jesus Feeds 5000 (John 6:1-16)
The Gospels report that Jesus used five loaves and two fish supplied by a boy to feed a multitude.
Activities
Accordion fish craft
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Gospel ConversationsIn an interesting little diversion, this week the lectionary takes us back to John's gospel to give us his version of the feedings of the multitude, and Jesus walking on the water in the storm. As always with John, there is a lot more going on than we might initially realise. Join Bishop Kelvin Wright, and the Rev'ds Jonathan Gale and Peg Riley as they and Mike explore this fascinating story.
Interactive prayer mat
Intergenerational WorshipIntergenerational Interactive Prayer Stations (including some preschool focused ones)
Intergen Australia have some good resources on this theme, written and compiled by Katherine Ruhle
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Media
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Jesus walks on water (John 6:16-21)
This story, tells how Jesus sent the disciples by ship back to the "other side" of the Sea of Galilee while he remained behind, alone, to pray. Night fell and the sea arose as the ship became caught in a wind storm. After rowing against the wind for most of the night, the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water. They were frightened, thinking that they were seeing a spirit, but when Jesus told them not to be afraid, they were reassured. After Jesus entered the ship, the wind ceased, and they arrived at land. This story is also told in Matthew 14.
Activities
Walking on water (preschool)Create a leak proof blob! We haven't tried this, but it looks like it could be fun... Buy a plastic painters sheet, and seal the edges using baking parchment and an iron. On the morning, fill with water and tie a knot in the corner to seal shut. Use on a flat surface (like patch of grass) and let the children walk over the top of it barefoot. If it isn't popped, untie the knot and tip out the water. Reuse!
Source: Homecleaning Family 
Intergenerational worshipIntergenerational worship material and resources for this scripture from Matthew, compiled by Chris Barnett for Intergen Australia.
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Quick questions
Children's talkDo you find it easy to tell your friends that you are a Christian? (pause) In today’s story, Peter wanted to have faith in Jesus, but he got scared and started to doubt. Even though he knew that it was Jesus, and he had seen Jesus walk on water, Peter still started to sink when he got scared.
I know that on a Sunday morning at church is the easiest time for me to be a Christian because most of the people at church are Christian as well. But outside of church I have friends who aren’t Christian and sometimes I struggle to talk to them about Jesus because I get scared of what they might think of me. So I can identify with Peter in the story, because even though I know Jesus, I still struggle sometimes to tell my friends about him. But here is the amazing thing, what does Jesus do when Peter doubts and starts to sink? Can you remember? (pause) Well, Jesus helps Peter up! That’s really important for us to remember, because Jesus understands that sometimes we struggle, and Jesus is still there for us even if we haven’t been there for him. So next time you are in a situation where you are trying to decide whether or not to share about Jesus, or invite a friend to church, try to remember today’s story and hopefully it will give you the strength to do the right thing. And don’t forget that you can always pray to Jesus about it. Walking on waterAs a fun activity, you can try 'walking on water' using cornstarch and water (also known as oobleck). Oobleck can behave like both a solid and a liquid depending on how much pressure you apply. This is a fun activity to do with children, as they can 'walk over water' - and if they stand still, they start sinking into the goop.
Basic recipe for Oobleck is 1 cup cornstarch to 1.5cups water. Pour the cornstarch into a large mixing bowl and slowly add the water. Your mixture should feel kind of like honey and tear a bit when you run your hands across the top. Source: Housing a Forest 
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Media
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The Bread that Gives Life (John 6:24-35)
In today's story Jesus explains that he is the bread of life and all who come to him will never hunger or thirst.
Quick questions
Gospel ConversationsThis week, the Diocese of Dunedin have a vibrant discussion around Jesus as the Bread of Life. Gillian Townsley and John Franklin are joined by Lisa Emerson from Massey University as they dig into what Jesus might have meant in this "I Am" statement, and the many ways in which it can shape our lives today.
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Bread QuizThis is an introductory game to get children thinking about all the different types of bread there are.
What you need:
Extra CollectHoly God,
you have shown us the bread that never perishes, you are the bread of life; may we hunger for that bread above all else and seek to feed others with your life giving love. For you are alive and reign with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen |
More Bread of Life! (John 6:35, 41-51)
The purpose of today's story is to understand that Jesus is the bread of life (you'll notice that it was a similar theme last week!) This Bread of Life not only satisfies our hunger and thirst but also brings eternal life.
Note that the Bread of Life activities/talks/games here are a repeat from last week. You may wish to do your planning for the next two weeks together so you can split the content over the two weeks.
Bread QuizThis is an introductory game to get children thinking about all the different types of bread there are.
What you need:
GamesSandwich relay from ministry-to-children.com
Bread Tasting Contest: Gather lots of different types of bread. Let the kids take turns being blindfolded and see how many types of breads they can identify by tasting. If you have children who are gluten free, make sure you have a separate selection of gluten free breads so they can participate. Bread Matching Game - Notice that there are three weeks of bread in the lectionary? So did Flame Creative, who have put together this bread game with printable sheets! Thanks Flame Creative! 
Questions to think about
Kids Talks I Am: The Bread of Life from resourcesforkidsministry.com
Jesus is The Bread of Life from ministry-to-children.com *these talks both mention gluten-free and keto diets. It's worth pointing out that even keto and gluten-free diets spend a lot of time trying to replicate 'bread'. Perhaps our bodies crave bread, as our spirits crave Jesus?! Short Children's Talk In today's story, Jesus was talking about being the Bread of Life. Does that mean that he wants us to eat him? No! So what does he mean? (Pause for answers) Well, I think that what Jesus really means is to feed on what he teaches about faith and God and being the person that God wants you to be. Why do you go to school? (Pause) For me, the thing about school that I went for was to learn and to feed my mind. Well, I think Jesus wants to feed our souls and minds. Cool aye?!?! So, what are some ways that you can think of that would be feeding our minds and souls for God? (Pause, maybe come up with a list) Well today, we are going to make our own special bread to help us to remember that Jesus is the Bread of Life. Perhaps we can make enough that you could share it with other people as well! Making BreadMaking food is always a hit with kids! Here's an easy recipe to make bread on a session. Or try this one for authentic unleavened bread.
Crafts and ActivitiesBread Painting - a fun bread activity from Raising Veggie Lovers. Perhaps you could write "bread of life" on the slice...
Bread of Life Badges
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Leaders inputGospel Conversations 2024: This is the time in the 3-year lectionary cycle when we get a whole lot of weeks in a row considering Jesus as the Bread of Life. It can be difficult to find new angles to take on this, week after week! Fortunately we call on a wide range of people to be part of these conversations, so here are a whole bunch of new approaches to the theme you've all been considering for a while already. Join David Tombs, Andrew Metcalfe, Emma Wilson and Michael in this practical, grounded look at bread and Jesus.
Gospel Conversations 2021: From the Diocese of Dunedin: This week we have the second of three weeks in which the gospels look at Jesus as the Bread of Life. David, Trish and Steve challenge us to balance a "spiritual" understanding of the passage with the very real and practical implications of Jesus satisfying physical hunger in a world of inequalities. Intergenerational WorshipAll-Age Worship Service: I Am The Bread of Life from the Salvation Army.
Intergen Australia have a great collections of resources for exploring the Bread of Life Topic, written and compiled by Rev Beth Nicholls. Make sure you check out their other resources too. 
Reflective Colouring Sheet
Creative Bread PrayersCreative Bread prayers from flamecreative.blogspot.com that could be used in a variety of settings.
Bread Basket PrayersPrint out pictures of bread from The Kitchn website and use them as paper to write your prayers on in the church service. People can choose their favourite type of bread, as there is a wide range!
Extra CollectHoly God,
you have shown us the bread that never perishes, you are the bread of life; may we hunger for that bread above all else and seek to feed others with your life giving love. For you are alive and reign with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen |
Bread and Wine (John 6:51-58)
Today's gospel story may seem a little complicated to unpack with children, as it is rich in metaphor and imagery. We can use this story to remind the children about why we have communion, and what the purpose if for our symbolic ritual.
Bread and Wine |
Quick Questions |
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I am that bread from heaven! Everyone who eats it will live for ever. My flesh is the life-giving bread that I give to the people of this world.
They started arguing with each other and asked, “How can he give us his flesh to eat?” Jesus answered: "I tell you for certain that you won't live unless you eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of Man. But if you do eat my flesh and drink my blood, you will have eternal life, and I will raise you to life on the last day. My flesh is the true food, and my blood is the true drink. If you eat my flesh and drink my blood, you are one with me, and I am one with you. The living Father sent me, and I have life because of him. Now everyone who eats my flesh will live because of me. The bread that comes down from heaven isn't like what your ancestors ate. They died, but whoever eats this bread will live for ever." |
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Creative Bread IntercessionsAnother great idea from Flame Creative, using bread in your all age prayers
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What is CommunionToday is a great opportunity to talk about communion, and what it means. As Anglican Churches, communion is a central element to how and why we meet together -- but have you taken time to explain this with children, young people and families? Why do we do it? What do the bread and wine represent?
Some ideas include:
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Communion Craft
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Activity: Chalice and Paten* (Wine and the Bread)
*Chalice is the name for the cup that holds the wine in communion. The Paten is the name for the plate that the bread or wafers are put on. What you need: cardboard, print outs with the words (or you can write these out for children to copy) small plastic cups (2 per child), tape or glue, scissors, things to decorate with Preparation: Try making an example. As an added extra, you could set up a small display that looks like the altar in your church on a small table. What to do:
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