14 June 2026
Bible readings for today
Liturgical Colour: GREEN |
CollectAlmighty God,
by your grace alone we are accepted and called to your service; strengthen us by your Holy Spirit and empower our calling; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. E te Atua kaha rawa, mā tōu aroha noa anake e whakaae i a mātou hei kaimahi māu; mā tōu Wairua Tapu hoki mātou e whakakaha, e whakamana i tāu i karanga i a mātou. Ko Īhu Karaiti tō mātou Ariki. Āmine. |
Jesus sends out the 12 (Matthew 9:35-10:8)
Input for leadersThe disicples were Jesus' whānau, and they had already travelled with him on foot through Galilee. They had been there in the tough times, and had listened to him teach, share and encourage. They had watched him live by example, as the Son of God, walking and talking with him each day. And now it was their turn to go and try it alone. They still needed guidance, patience and tenderness as they trusted him to step out in faith, and he gave them the Holy Spirit to be with them.
Jesus sent his twelve harvest hands out with this charge: “Don’t begin by traveling to some far-off place to convert unbelievers. And don’t try to be dramatic by tackling some public enemy. Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously." |
Gospel Conversations Matthew 9:35-10:8 (Diocese of Dunedin 2023)
We're getting well into "Ordinary Time" now and it's time to start thinking about what we DO in response to all we've remembered and celebrated throughout Easter and Pentecost. The harvest is plentiful, apparently! Join us to ponder together what it might mean for us, today, to be sent out to work the fields.
|
Intergenerational Worship
TalksThe harvest is ready (Sunday School Works) - Children’s sermon object lesson
about sharing the gospel. Matthew 9:35-10:8 (Gary Neal Hansen) - paraphrased retelling with wondering questions. Why Jesus has disciples (Sermons 4 Kids) - simple lesson using arrows. Jesus sends his chosen out (MissioDei Kids) - full lesson plan Two by two (Gracelink) - full lesson plan. Dominos Object Lesson - using dominos to share how one person telling their friend about Jesus can have ripples across the world. A good introduction to evangelism!
ActivitiesLesson Introduction (Ministry to children) - a good ice-breaker for today's passage. Read out the examples of things listed, and brainstorm whether they are to be done by the “Original Disciples” or “Disciples Living Now” e.g. cleanse lepers, work at the hospital, teach someone English, don't travel with a backpack, become a scientist.
Jesus sends out the 12 skit - it starts the story, and encourages you to finish it off reading the Bible story Memory Game - This game would work well with a small group of children. Ask a child to think about something they would take with them on a journey. Begin the sentence with "I'm going on a journey, and I need to take _______. The next person in the circle repeats this, and adds on their own item. "I"m going on a journey, and I need to take ____ and ____. Repeat around the circle.
Two by two Jesus sent his 12 disciples out two by two (Mark 6:7-13) so they could help and encourage one another. Why not try some activities that rely on people working together. Try:
Paper Chain Disciples (Trueway Kids) - Cut out chains of paper people to represent the disciples. You might like to add a couple extra on the end to represent the child, and someone they want to share the good news of Jesus with. A selection of activity ideas (Kids Church Ideas) |
Discussion Questions
(Gary Neal Hansen)
Preschool PlayTell the Story:
Try some of these ideas:
Helping Hands Draw around children's hands or provide hand-shaped cut-outs. Invite children to decorate their hands with stickers, colouring, or paint. Talk about: What are some ways we can help people? Who helps you when you need help? How can we show kindness? Doctor and Care Play Provide toy medical kits, bandages, dolls, and teddy bears. Let children care for the toys. Talk about: How do we help someone who is hurt or sad? How do you feel when someone helps you? I wonder why Jesus liked helping people? Going on a Journey Create a simple path with cushions, mats, or masking tape. Children can carry a small bag as they travel around the room helping toy animals or dolls along the way. Talk about: Where would you go if Jesus asked you to help someone? Who might need a friend today? Lost Sheep Play Provide toy sheep (or cotton wool balls and toy animals). Hide them around the room and invite children to find and care for them. Talk about: How would a lost sheep feel? How would you feel if you were lost? Who helps keep us safe? Building a Caring Community Use blocks, Duplo, or cardboard boxes to build houses and a town. Add toy people and imagine ways the people can help each other. Talk about: How can people look after each other? How does God look after us? 
|
Media
|
|
|
|
The Three Visitors (Genesis 18:1-15)
|
Intergenerational WorshipYr A Pentecost 3, 2023: (Intergen Australia)
A collection of resources and ideas written and compiled by Judyth Barrett. Bible references: Genesis, Matthew, Romans. 
|
Media
|
|
|
|
Psalm 116
Psalm 116 has the well loved opening words of assurance and comfort:
I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. |
SongPsalm 116 from Mission House
|
