Dig in at Home

Note: This week we will have a ‘Dig in at Home’ for each day of Holy Week. Each day’s resource will provide you with additional materials you can use to practice the FAITH5 - SHARE, READ, TALK, PRAY and BLESS – in your home during this special time.

Denied Three Times

SHARE

Your highs and lows

READ

Matthew 26:69-75 (you may also like to read Matthew 26:31-35 for context)

In this passage we read that Peter denied Jesus three times before the rooster crowed, just as Jesus had predicted.

TALK

- Have you ever had a friend act like they didn’t like or know you? How did that make you feel?

- Do you ever feel pressured to ignore or be mean to others? What do you do in these situations?

- How do you think Peter felt after the rooster crowed?

- What stands out for you in this passage?

- What do you think this passage tells us about God/Jesus?

- Who could you share this story with today? What will you tell them about it?

PRAY

Pray with and for each other – you could use the rainbow prayer as a guide.

Purple – Praise God, Red – Say Sorry, Orange – Thank God, Yellow – ask God to help others, Green – ask God to help you, Blue – Listen to God and say Amen.

BLESS

Bless each other – you can make the sign of the cross on each other’s foreheads or hands while you say “God Bless you’ or say a blessing of some sort over them.

Other things to do…

Draw on stones

What you’ll need: rocks or stones, pens or chalk to draw on them.

Draw a symbol of today’s passage on your stone (it could be a crowing rooster or the words ‘I didn’t know him’)

Instead of using stones you could draw on bricks or your driveway or footpath or other paved area. You could even just cut up cardboard boxes or paper to make some ‘stones. There will be a new thing to draw on the stones each day of Holy Week, so see if you can find enough for the whole week. If you’re using your footpath, or paved area, you’ll have a mural at the end of the week.

Easter Mosaic

What you'll need: printout of Easter Mosaic (attached)

Tell the Easter Story using the Mosaic pieces.

Mosaic from https://www.strandz.org.nz/uploads/4/6/5/9/46590535/mosaic_resource.pdf

Note: This week we will have a ‘Dig in at Home’ for each day of Holy Week. Each day’s resource will provide you with additional materials you can use to practice the Faith 5 - Share, Read, Talk, Pray and Bless – in your home during this special time.

In the Garden

SHARE

Your highs and lows

READ

Matthew 26: 36 – 46

In this passage we read that Jesus went to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane. While he was there, he prayed for God’s will to be done.

TALK

- Have you ever been sad and wanted support from family? Imagine that they fell asleep or were distracted instead of helping you. How would that make you feel?

- How can you be a helpful supporter for your family?

- How do you think Jesus might have felt when his disciples keep falling asleep?

- Why do you think it was so important for Jesus to pray at this time?

- What stands out for you in this passage?

- What do you think this passage tells us about God/Jesus?

- Who could you share this story with today? What will you tell them about it?

PRAY

Pray with and for each other – you could use the rainbow prayer as a guide.

Purple – Praise God, Red – Say Sorry, Orange – Thank God, Yellow – ask God to help others, Green – ask God to help you, Blue – Listen to God and say Amen.

BLESS

Bless each other – you can make the sign of the cross on each other’s foreheads or hands while you say “God Bless you’ or say a blessing of some sort over them.

Other things to do…

Draw on stones

What you’ll need: rocks or stones, pens or chalk to draw on them.

Draw a symbol of today’s passage on your stone (it could be praying hands or garden or trees)

Instead of using stones you could draw on bricks or your driveway or footpath or other paved area. You could even just cut up cardboard boxes or paper to make some ‘stones. There will be a new thing to draw on the stones each day of Holy Week, so see if you can find enough for the whole week. If you’re using your footpath, or paved area, you’ll have a mural at the end of the week.

Play dough Jesus Prays

What you'll need: Play dough, printed and laminated play dough mat (attached) – you can do the activity without the mat if you want

Give each person a ball of play dough and the printed mat. Talk about the time that Jesus prayed in the garden of Gethsemane. Pray for others as you make play dough leaves to put on the tree. Talk about what it might have meant for Jesus to pray ‘God’s will be done’.

Play dough mat from http://flamecreativekids.blogspot.com/2014/04/gethsemane-play-dough-mat-your-will-be.html

Make a prayer space

We read that Jesus often went into the garden or a solitary place to pray. Find or make a space in your house or garden that you can go to pray.

Note: This week we will have a ‘Dig in at Home’ for each day of Holy Week. Each day’s resource will provide you with additional materials you can use to practice the Faith 5 - Share, Read, Talk, Pray and Bless – in your home during this special time.

The Last Supper

SHARE

Your highs and lows

READ

Matthew 26:17-30 or Watch The Story of Easter (The Last Supper) attached

TALK

- Talk about the elements of worship that you see in this passage. What elements do you see in worship when we celebrate and practice communion? Are there any the same? Different?

- What stands out for you in this passage?

- What do you think this passage tells us about God/Jesus?

- Who could you share this story with today? What will you tell them about it?

PRAY

Pray with and for each other – you could use the rainbow prayer as a guide.

Purple – Praise God, Red – Say Sorry, Orange – Thank God, Yellow – ask God to help others, Green – ask God to help you, Blue – Listen to God and say Amen.

BLESS

Bless each other – you can make the sign of the cross on each other’s foreheads or hands while you say “God Bless you’ or say a blessing of some sort over them.

Other things to do…

Draw on stones

What you’ll need: rocks or stones, pens or chalk to draw on them.

Draw a symbol of today’s passage on your stone (it could be bread, cup, food, a table, people gathering together)

Instead of using stones you could draw on bricks or your driveway or footpath or other paved area. You could even just cut up cardboard boxes or paper to make some ‘stones. There will be a new thing to draw on the stones each day of Holy Week, so see if you can find enough for the whole week. If you’re using your footpath, or paved area, you’ll have a mural at the end of the week.

Play dough Last Supper

What you'll need: Play dough, printed and laminated play dough mat (attached) – you can do the activity without the mat if you want

Give each person a ball of play dough and the printed mat. Talk about the time that Jesus shared his last supper with his disciples. Talk about and make with play dough the things that might have been on the table that night including the bread and wine. Also talk about and make what is usually on your table at supper (dinner).

Play dough mat found at http://flamecreativekids.blogspot.com/2014/03/last-supper-play-dough-mats.html

Make Unleavened bread

Recipe, method and discussion points can be found at https://methodistchildrencreativeministry.org/2017/03/31/last-supper-easy-flat-bread-recipe/

Note: This week we will have a ‘Dig in at Home’ for each day of Holy Week. Each day’s resource will provide you with additional materials you can use to practice the Faith 5 - Share, Read, Talk, Pray and Bless – in your home during this special time.

A House of Prayer

SHARE

Your highs and lows

READ

Matthew 21:12-17

Today we read about the time that Jesus went to the Temple after his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. We read that he was angry at what was happening inside. He quotes some Old Testament scripture from Zechariah saying “my house will be called a house of prayer” and accuses them instead of making in into “a den of robbers”.

TALK

- Have you ever someone angry? What did they do?

- Why do you think Jesus was so angry about what was happening in the temple?

- What do you think the temple should have been happening in the temple?

- How could you make your house a House of prayer this week?

- What stands out for you in this passage?

- What do you think this passage tells us about God/Jesus?

- Who could you share this story with today? What will you tell them about it?

PRAY

Pray with and for each other – you could use the rainbow prayer as a guide.

Purple – Praise God, Red – Say Sorry, Orange – Thank God, Yellow – ask God to help others, Green – ask God to help you, Blue – Listen to God and say Amen.

BLESS

Bless each other – you can make the sign of the cross on each other’s foreheads or hands while you say “God Bless you’ or say a blessing of some sort over them.

Other things to do…

Draw on stones

What you’ll need: rocks or stones, pens or chalk to draw on them.

Draw a symbol of today’s passage on your stone (it could be some money, a temple, or praying hands).

Instead of using stones you could draw on bricks or your driveway or footpath or other paved area. You could even just cut up cardboard boxes or paper to make some ‘stones. There will be a new thing to draw on the stones each day of Holy Week, so see if you can find enough for the whole week. If you’re using your footpath, or paved area, you’ll have a mural at the end of the week.

Build a Temple

What you'll need: Lego or other building blocks and materials, pictures of the Jerusalem temple.

Work together to build a temple that looks something like the Jerusalem Temple. You could even make the scene of Jesus overturning the tables. Check out [www.thebricktestament.com](http://www.thebricktestament.com/) for ideas (note: parental guidance and supervision is required when using this site)

Act out the Story

Act out the story using your built temple (or other things you can find around the house - think puppets, stuffed toys or dolls)

- Talk about how the it might have felt to be in the temple that day.

Material adapted from Spill the Beans, Issue 7 © 2013 Spill the Beans Resource Team [www.spillbeans.org.uk](http://www.spillbeans.org.uk/)

Note: This week we will have a ‘Dig in at Home’ for each day of Holy Week. Each day’s resource will provide you with additional materials you can use to practice the Faith 5 - Share, Read, Talk, Pray and Bless – in your home during this special time.

The Stones will Cry

Share

Your highs and lows from the last week

Read

Luke 19:28-40 or the story Dave the Donkey (by Andrew McDonagh, Lost Sheep) or watch The Story of Easter (The Triumphal Entry)

Today we read about the day of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem one week before his crucifixion and death. Jesus of Nazareth enters Jerusalem riding on a borrowed donkey while a crowd of disciples spread their cloaks on the road and call out “Blessed is the king who come in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in Heaven and glory in the highest!”

When the Pharisees ask Jesus to rebuke his disciples, he simply replies “If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out”.

Talk

- Have you ever been to parade? What similarities to that experience do you see in Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem? What are the differences?

- If you were Jesus, do you think you would have done things differently on your entry into Jerusalem?

- What do you think the best part about being a king or queen would be?

- What stands out for you in the passage or the video?

- What is the best bit? The worst bit?

- What do you think this passage tells us about God/Jesus?

- Who could you share this story with today? What will you tell them about it?

Pray

Pray with and for each other – you could use the rainbow prayer as a guide.

Purple – Praise God, Red – Say Sorry, Orange – Thank God, Yellow – ask God to help others, Green – ask god to help you, Blue – Listen to God and say Amen.

You could also say the Prayer of Praise in this week’s sermon as a communal prayer.

Bless

Bless each other – you can make the sign of the cross on each other’s foreheads or hands while you say “God Bless you’ or say a blessing of some sort over them.

Other things to do…

Draw on stones

What you’ll need: rocks or stones, pens or chalk to draw on them.

Draw a symbol of today’s passage on your stone (it could be a palm leaf, cloak, donkey, or the word Hosanna)

Instead of using stones you could draw on bricks or your driveway or footpath or other paved area. You could even just cut up cardboard boxes or paper to make some ‘stones. There will be a new thing to draw on the stones each day of Holy Week, so see if you can find enough for the whole week. If you’re using your footpath, or paved area, you’ll have a mural at the end of the week.

Palm Branches

What you'll need: printed paper palm leaves (file attached) or green paper to cut out palm shaped palm leaves, sticks to attach leaves to, sticky tape or glue, pens, pencils or paints to write and decorate.

Print out the Palm branch picture attached (or make your own using whatever materials you have in your house)

Write prayers on the back of the palms (use rainbow prayers as prompts, or just write your own).

Act out the Story

What you'll need: towels, sheets or clothes (ones that you don’t mind walking on), paper or real palm branches (see above), props for the story

Using the towels or sheets and clothes, make a pathway along a hallway or common area of your house. You could also collect palm branches (or other branches or leaves) from your yard or palm branches you have made (see above) and lay these along the path as well.

Act out the story using the pathway, branches and other props as necessary (maybe your pet dog, toy or a family member could play the donkey)

When you get to the part where the crowd praises Jesus, make this feel as realistic as possible. Wave your hands, shout praises, sing some praise songs.

- Talk about how it felt to be part of the story.

You might like to leave the pathway for the day (or week) so that whenever you pass by or walk on the path, you are prompted to remember that King Jesus lives in your house!

Material adapted from Spill the Beans, Issue 7 © 2013 Spill the Beans Resource Team [www.spillbeans.org.uk](http://www.spillbeans.org.uk/) and Digging Into the Life of Jesus, quarter 4, lesson 2. Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc.

Heaven Scent

Read: John 12:1-8

Here’s what happens…

Here in the house of Lazarus, who Jesus previously raised from the dead, we are invited to witness a model of discipleship beyond words and understanding. Mary, sister of Martha, anoints Jesus with expensive perfume and wipes his feet with her hair. When Judas rebukes her wasteful actions, Jesus tells him to leave her alone saying “you will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me”.

Mary’s unusual action offers a very clear picture of her deep and extravagant love for Jesus. Mary seemed to know what was coming. Maybe she had been paying attention to what Jesus had been saying or maybe she just knew that it was time. Whatever was happening, spending time with Jesus had changed her, and it showed in her actions.

Watch: Mary Pours Perfume on Jesus

Talk About…

- Do you think Mary’s actions were wasteful? Why?

- How do you think Jesus might have felt at this time?

- How would you have felt if you had been in Jesus’ place? In Mary’s place? In Judas’ place?

- What do you think a year’s wages could buy? What would you spend it on?

- What could you give up that would enable you to devote something of equal value to a year’s wages to God?

- What do you think God is saying to you through this? What are you going to do about it?

Things to Do …

Use these activities as suggestions to use on Sunday and during the week to talk about and teach Faith at Home. You can do them all or choose just a few. Use your imagination and add to these with your own ideas.

Name That Smell

Arrange some bowls or bags of smelly objects to use in this game. Have a mix of nice and not so nice ones, you could include things like: perfume, sunscreen, nail polish, lollies, popcorn, smelly cheese, vinegar, soap, different kinds of fruit, vegetables and other foods, smelly shoes and socks.

- Take it in turns to be blindfolded and by just smelling the object try to guess what it is (the guesser cannot touch the item).

- Ask if the small stirs any memories.

Smelly Memories

Talk about smells that each of you do and don’t like.

- What smells remind you of places or events?

- What is the story behind the memory?

- Does the smell remind you of something specific?

- What happens to you when you smell that same smell again?

- What smalls can you think of in the bible? Take turns looking for the stories (use google to find where they might be) and reading them together.

Mealtimes

Talk about mealtimes in your home.

- When, where and with who do they happen?

- Do you eat in the kitchen, at a table, on a tray, with others?

- How and what do you eat? Do you think everyone around the world eats the same?

- Do visitors come for meals? What happens differently then?

- Do you think it was different at Lazarus' house when Jesus was and wasn't there?

Measuring and Comparing

You will need: Jugs and containers of different sizes (without measurements), measuring jugs or bowls, water and some bottles of perfume.

Some translations of the bible say Mary used a pint of perfume, but the Greek word used is ‘litra’ which is around half a litre (500ml). Together, measure how much liquid different jugs and containers in your house can hold. Can you find a container that holds as much as Mary’s perfume?

- Compare the amount of perfume that Mary used on Jesus, to the amounts of perfume that you have in your house.

- Find the cost of the bottle/s in your house if you can.

- Would you (or the owner of the perfume) be willing to use the whole bottle to anoint Jesus or someone else you love?

Wash and Bless each other

Mary washed Jesus feet and poured perfume on them as a sign of love and devotion to him.

- As a family, take time to wash each other’s feet (or hands).

- Then using perfume (or moisturiser or oil), rub it into their feet (or hands) as a sign of your love for them.

- As you do, thank God for them and ask him to bless them.

Pray

Pray together for the things and people that are worrying you and you are worried about this week.

You might also like to take turns saying a line, or paragraph of the attached prayer of thanksgiving and intercession (prayer for others). Why not print or write it out and stick it on the fridge or pantry door so you can see it during the week.)

Material adapted from Spill the Beans, Issue 7, Lent 5 © 2013 Spill the Beans Resource Team [www.spillbeans.org.uk](http://www.spillbeans.org.uk/)

Lost and Found

Read: Luke 15:1-3 & 11-32

Here’s what happens…

In this parable, Jesus gives us a picture of God by telling a story of a father with two sons. One son stays home with his father and tends the farm, while the other younger one goes off and squanders his inheritance. When the younger one returns, he is welcomed with open arms, despite his previous behaviour. The reason the father gives for his response is, “he once was lost, but now is found”.

Watch: The Prodigal Son

Talk About…

- Have you ever found something precious that was lost? Did you celebrate, and how?

- Choose a character and identify what they might have been thinking and feeling at each point of this story?

- Which character do you most identify with?

- Which role do you think God plays in this story?

- Do you know someone who is lost, that you could welcome home?

- What do you think God is saying to you through this? What are you going to do about it?

Things to Do… (use these as suggestions – choose a few, or do them all, add your own ideas and use your imagination)

Talking about Travel & Praying for the world

You will need: globe or atlas or access to Google Earth, paper or post it notes.

Discuss different places you have travelled to, starting with places near to home and progressively further away. As you talk about where you have been, and the vastness of the world, talk about the journey of the younger son in today’s story.

Talk about countries where there is trouble, fighting, sickness and people in need (There’ll be lots of opportunity to talk about the current pandemic here).

Talk about places you have never been or would never go to. Why?

Talk about what stories you have heard about local areas? What rumours and prejudices set some places as ‘no go’ areas? What would it take for you to journey into them?

Give each person some paper or post it notes and have them write prayers for people around the world. Point to areas on the map or stick the paper prayers over the countries on the globe. Continue this practice during the week as new information and news stories arise.

Playing out the story

You will need: puppets, toys or other objects from around the house that you can use to act out the story (think Dolls, Lego figurines, little people, stuffed toys, pegs with faces drawn on).

Retell the parable Jesus told using objects to act the story out. Give everyone an opportunity to participate and tell or play a part in the story.

As you play, talk about how each of the characters might have felt. Talk about the love the father in the story showed and how God gives us all that kind of generous love.

My House

You will need: Building blocks (Lego or Duplo are great but wooden blocks or Jenga pieces will also work well. If you have no blocks, you could use cardboard boxes or toilet roll, use your imagination).

Build a house (all together or individually)

While building, talk about different houses, homes and families. What is the same at your place to others? What is different at your place to others?

Going on a Journey Relay game

You will need: two empty suitcases and two piles of clothes and objects you might take on holiday. A large enough space that two teams can safely run a relay.

Make 2 teams and line up at as for a relay race with suitcases at one end, and pile of things at the other end.

Starting with empty suitcases, the first person in each team makes their way to the pile of things, fills their suitcase with them and brings it back.

The next person takes the full suitcase and empties it on to the pile where it was before, then takes the empty suitcase back to the team.

Repeat for the whole team.

Talk about what it was like to have a full suitcase, and to have to bring it home empty. How might the younger son have felt when he returned home with nothing after leaving with much?

Picnic Party

You will need: food and items for a picnic or party

In the parable, the son returns home and his father throws a party. For lunch (or dinner) today, set up a bit of a party or picnic atmosphere. Make it as special as you can using what you already have at home (think tablecloths, candles, special cutlery and crockery). Sit together, say grace and connect as a family over the meal. Talk about your day/week and let everyone share and know that they are loved.

Prayer of Praise and Thanksgiving

(Take turns saying a line, or paragraph of this prayer as a communal prayer of praise and thanksgiving – you could also use this as grace for the picnic party – and for meal times during the week. Why not write it out and stick it on the fridge or pantry door so you can see it during the week.)

Generous God,

we give thanks and praise,

for the food on our table,

for family who care for us,

for friends who encourage us,

for those who inspire us

to dream our dreams.

Generous God,

whose grace is poured out upon us,

whose mercy overwhelms us,

whose forgiveness is granted to us,

even when we don’t deserve it,

we come to you in humility and joy.

Generous God,

you look out for us,

even when we are far away from home.

You show patience and understanding

when we are fickle and reckless.

You rejoice with us,

when we recognise

our dependence upon you.

Bless our families,

our workmates,

our friends,

our fellow believers,

that we might praise your name,

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Material adapted from Spill the Beans, Issue 7, Lent 4 © 2013 Spill the Beans Resource Team [www.spillbeans.org.uk](http://www.spillbeans.org.uk/)

My Anchor

Read: Hebrews 6:17-20

Here’s what happens…

We live in a world that is often filled with uncertainty and questions and through these times we are tested, sometimes beyond what we think we can bear. During a time when new Christians were being persecuted, this letter to the Hebrews reminds them and us that we can hold fast to God in these times. He is our hope, and He is sure and steadfast, firm and secure.

Talk About…

· What does an anchor do? What part of the anchor (rope, anchor or anchor point) do you feel is most important?

· Do you think it makes a difference when the anchor point is something firm? (i.e. rock versus sand)

· When do you, or have you felt, like you needed an anchor?

· What promises of God can you anchor to?

· What practices help you to anchor to God?

· What can you do to implement these, or share these with someone this week?

Lent - 40 Days

Read: Luke 4:1-13

Here’s what happens…

Luke’s account of Jesus’ temptation makes it clear that Jesus was a great leader who deliberately went to the place of testing, who stood up to severe temptation and won! Jesus the Messiah was not in it for himself: he was in it for God and for the people, for us.

Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness. That’s five weeks. On his own. All alone. The conversation Jesus had with Satan during this time is all about power. Satan tells Jesus “You could have all this…” Power was the root of the temptation Jesus faced. But instead of being swayed by Satan (as we may be), Jesus spent his time in the wilderness listening to God and working out what God wanted him to do. God has plans for all of us. He has things for us to do.

Talk About…

- Share about a time that you have been alone. (Asleep in bed does not really count!)

- What is the longest time you have been alone?

Do together…

Build a High Tower

You will need: building blocks, Jenga blocks, or cardboard boxes.

- Together build a high tower, and then have fun knocking it back down again.

- As you play, talk about what Jesus experienced being at the top of a building looking down.

Discuss and Watch “The temptation of Jesus”

- Have you ever been tempted?

- What helped you to overcome the temptation, or what made you succumb?

- What would you do if you ruled the world?

- What would you change? And why? Do you think this would make the world a better place or a worse place? Why?

Through the week…

Lent is often a time when people give up something they enjoy, like chocolate, to share a little in Jesus’ experience of 40 days in the wilderness with nothing. Jesus’ time alone wasn’t just about giving things up, it was about getting ready and listening to God.

- What do you think you could do during Lent that would help you be more aware of God? Or help other people?

- Could you decide to do something for Lent instead of giving something up?

- What do you think God is saying to you through this? What are you going to do about it?

Pray

Spend some time alone with God this week listening to Him and following his directions