31 July 2022

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Bible readings for today

• Hosea 11:1-11
• Psalm 107:1-9, 43 
• Colossians 3:1-11 
• Luke 12:13-21

Collect

Generous God, 
you give us many gifts 
to lead us into the fullness of life; 
keep us from clinging to what is fleeting, 
and help us to hold firm to all that lasts; 
through Jesus Christ our Liberator,
​who is alive and reigns with you, 
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:13-21)

Rich Fool Talk

​In today’s reading, Jesus told the crowd a story to teach them what happens when they spend all their time and energy working for things in the world instead of working towards the things of heaven.
How many of you have something that you really want? Maybe a toy or new clothing or something else? (Pause for answers) I know there are things that I would really like to have, like a new car or a trip to France . It’s normal for us to want things, and that’s what the man in the reading wanted too.
But there is a problem with getting what we want isn’t there? If we spend all our time working to get the next new thing, then what time do we have left for Jesus? If Jesus is our friend, then shouldn’t we spend time getting to know him and hanging out with him?
I want to make something clear; it’s ok to have things you like. Jesus doesn’t want to feel bad about having a nice dress or a new toy. But it’s not ok if you spend all your time worrying about things and no time with Jesus.
How would you feel if your friends didn’t want to spend time with you because they would rather play with their new toys? (Pause) I would feel pretty sad. I would probably feel like they didn’t like me anymore.
So what are some things that you can do to make sure that you balance playtime with time with Jesus? (Pause) Well, I think maybe you could set aside a particular time of the day that you spend time praying, or you could try to write down once a day things that you did that were being a friend to Jesus e.g. helped someone with school work they were struggling with, shared my toys, etc. There are lots of ways of making time for Jesus in your life, you just have to find a way that works for you. And you always have helpful adults around like me and your family that can help you to find what works for you.

Quick Questions

• What are some of the things that you would like for your birthday?
• Why do you think it is not OK to spend all your time playing with your toys and no time with friends and family? 
• What about Jesus?
• What are some things that you can do to make sure that you balance playtime and God time?

A fool and his money

Sermons4Kids have a children's sermon for this reading, looking at Jesus' warning against selfishness and greed using marshmallows as an illustration. You can find it here.

Gospel Conversations

Gillian, Jan and Rose join Mike to tease out the challenging parable of the rich fool, and you'll want to have your notebook out to jot down the ideas as they come! Here is practical love and practical faith for today.

Visio Lectio

Thanks to Visio Lectio for this stunning image this week. Used here with permission from the illustrator, Rev. Sarah West. 
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Activity ideas

• Perspective image craft (Jesus without Language)
• ​Barn building game (Jesus without Language)
• Race and relay ideas (Sermons4kids)
• Treasure hunt with chocolate coins to lead into a discussion

Media