A prophet without honour, Jesus sends out the disciples (Mark 6:1-13)
Today's story looks at 'travelling lightly'
Talks and Focus
School holiday packs
Intergenerational worshipHave you ever been asked to do a job or a task that you thought was too difficult? Or maybe you have been asked to do something that you didn’t feel qualified to do? In this resource from Intergen Australia, written and compiled by Katherine Ruhle, the lectionary readings share examples of how God helped people in the Bible to overcome the impossible. View it here
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Gospel ConversationsWho is Jesus? The key question of Mark's gospel continues to challenge us. Who do we say Jesus is? Can we see through the familiarity that blinded the "locals" to the mystery and wonder beyond? Gillian Townsley, Damon Plimmer, and John Goodwin make up the discussion panel with Michael this week.
Gospel Conversations 2021: with David Tombs (University of Otago), Bishop Kelvin, Trish Franklin and Michael Godfrey engage in a lively and varied discussion of Mark 6:1-13. This conversation is crammed with insights into the incarnation, mission, and finding God in the ordinary people and things of our lives.
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The Death of John the Baptist (Mark 6:14-29)
This week's RCL gospel reading is a difficult one - the beheading of John the Baptist. We wouldn't necessarily advocate for this story to be told in children's ministry programmes or in an intergenerational context, but adults may like to chew this passage over in a sermon. However, a story like this reminds us that a sermon can never 'only be for adults' - there are often young ears in the room, even if you have a full children's programme. Please be sensitive to this, when preparing any material for main church services!
In this passage, there are themes of prophecy, power, and truth that connect this passage to the Amos reading. For more information, have a read of the Church of Scotland's resources for today
In this passage, there are themes of prophecy, power, and truth that connect this passage to the Amos reading. For more information, have a read of the Church of Scotland's resources for today
Gospel Conversations+Steve, Gillian and Alec tackle a rather difficult gospel passage together. What do we do with the story of John the Baptist being beheaded? Where is the good news in this "gospel of two halves," and who do we say Jesus is?
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Jesus feeds the 5000 (Mark 6:30-34,53-56)
When word spread that Jesus was healing people, crowds followed him everywhere he went. In today's readings, Jesus seeks time out with his disciples and with God, and also responds to the needs of the crowds.
Activities
Children's TalkHave you ever felt like everyone needs you to do something for them all at the same time and there is no time left for yourself? (Pause for discussion.) Well, in today's story, Jesus and the apostles were having just that very dilemma! Can anyone remember what Jesus' solution was? (Pause) Well, Jesus said 'Let's go to a place where we can be alone and get some rest.”!! You see, even Jesus needed time to recharge his batteries. If he didn't make time to look after himself, then he would have been too exhausted to help all those other people in the rest of the story.
What do you think we can learn from this story? (pause) Well, I think we can try and make time for us to recharge our own batteries. One of the things that work for me is to have Time out with God. I go to a quiet place like my bedroom and just sit quietly and try to listen to God. Sometimes I play some music in the background or I read from the bible. Do any of you do something similar? (pause) Shrunken IslandA game for younger children
What you need: A blanket What to do:
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Quick Questions
Creative prayer
Helping children discover that prayer can be fun, creative, deep and personal, can transform the way they speak and listen to their heavenly father. When you talk to them about 'quiet times' or spending time with God alone, brainstorm and introduce them to some creative ways they can pray. Prayer can be:
Time With God HangersPrint out these door hangers on A4 card and decorate with pens, crayons, stickers and your favourite craft bits. Encourage the children to have a quiet time with God this week, or to think about good times of the day when they can spend time with Him.
Download it here 
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Jesus Walks on Water (Mark 6:45-55)
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 found in John 6.
Activities
Quick questions
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.
OceansIf you have some young musicians in your church, this could be a good opportunity for them to learn 'Oceans', by Hillsong United
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Gospel ConversationsWe all know the story of Jesus walking on the water, and of Peter's mixture of reckless faith and sinking doubt. (You are allowed a small groan at my choice of words). James, Lucy and Joel and Michael, all from the South Island, take this familiar story and look at it from multiple angles, from "living the metaphor" to the character of Peter, always bringing it back to what God might be saying to us, today, now.
Seven minute sermonThe Seven Minute Sermon podcast with Rev. George Penk. "Sometimes there are storms in our lives. But we shouldn’t worry about the wind and the waves. Instead, we should focus on the one who walks on water."
Lectionary ideasThe Church of Scotland have some weekly worship ideas for today's lectionary readings. Download pdf
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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