Ordinary 17

25 July 2027

Bible readings for today

Ordinary Time

Liturgical Colour: GREEN

Today is Social Services Sunday

Collect

E te Atua e kite nei i ngā mea katoa,
ākona mātou ki te whakatuwhera atu i ō mātou whakaaro,
ki te rapu i tōu awhi i roto i ā mātou whakamātautau,
ki te whāki i ō mātou hara ki a koe, me te whakamihi ki a koe mō āu painga;
Ko Īhu Karaiti tō mātou Kaihoko.
Āmine.

All-seeing God,
teach us to be open with you about our needs,
to seek your support in our trials,
to admit before you our sins,
and to thank you for all your goodness;
through Jesus Christ our Redeemer.
Amen.

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

Moving Paper Fish Craft (Krokotak)
Storytelling Idea (I Did It You Do It)
Pipecleaner Fish Craft (Catholic Icing)
Paper Plate Basket Weaving Craft (Ministry to Children)
Bread Baking (BBC Good Food)
Playdough Prayer Mat (Flame Creative Kids)

Accordion fish craft

A fun craft idea from Krokotak, the full instructions can be found here.

Gospel Conversations

In 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

A great little interactive prayer activity from Flame Creative Children's Ministry. The full activity instructions can be found here.

Intergenerational Worship

Intergenerational Interactive Prayer Stations (including some preschool focused ones)

Intergen Australia have some good resources on this theme, written and compiled by Katherine Ruhle

Media

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.