gathering for all ages: lent year c gathering for all ages: lent - worship outline.pdf · make...

Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2019 Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFusion Seasons of Lent, Easter • Year C 1

Gathering for All Ages: Lent Year C

Prepare

Gather

Gathering for All Ages: LentGatherings for All Ages are suitable not just for people of all ages but also for people of any or no church background. These gatherings connect those inside the church with those who have little or no connection with regular Sunday worship.

This outline includes activities, worship, and a meal. Choose the flow that suits your situation and time of gathering. For example, if your gathering will begin early even-ing, you might begin with a meal. If you will meet late afternoon, then you might end with a meal, or have the meal between the Time of Creativity and the worship.

❑❑ Set the stations as described in Time of Creativity.❑❑ Prepare a worship area with a purple cloth, cross, and

candle. ❑❑ For the gathering, give the area a “cluttered” look with

chairs and cushions arranged so that people have to shift things to sit down.

❑❑ For worship, bring three bowls (purple, red, black) with water. Also bring small pebbles.

❑❑ Make copies of the drama “An Act of Kindness” (p. 8),

and arrange for volunteers to present the reading.❑❑ Bring song such as “Deep Waters” (Seasons Songbook,

vol. 2, #19 on Seasons Music CD, vol. 2. Printed music and recording also available at Seasons MP3 Downloads, www.seasonsonline.ca).

❑❑ Arrange for volunteers to prepare and bring food that is ethically grown and sourced.

❑❑ Recruit volunteers to arrange food prior to the meal and initiate cleanup when the meal is finished.

Welcome everybody to this gathering in the Season of Lent and invite them to sit comfortably in the worship area. Ask if they had difficulty finding a place. Why? Because of all the clutter and obstacles that were in their way. Explain that Lent is a time when we prepare for Easter and part of this preparation is clearing our lives of all the things that might distract or prevent us from knowing Jesus more deeply.

Sing together a song such as “Deep Waters” (Seasons Song-book, vol. 2, #19 on Seasons Music CD, vol. 2. Printed music and recording also available at Seasons MP3 Downloads, www.seasonsonline.ca).

Gathering prayer Light the candle and invite people to stand or sit in a circle around the worship area as you share this prayer, or one of your own.

One: We gather in the light of your promise of a glorious future in a land flowing with milk and honey.

Two: We gather in the light of your promise of a community of faith, as many as the stars above.

One: We gather in the light of your promise of steadfast love, which we will praise with joy.

Two: We gather in the light of your promise of forgiveness and joy, such as a parent for a child thought lost.

One: We gather as companions on a journey.Two: Help us to see your light and receive your promise.

This and every day. Amen. Before beginning the Time of Creativity explain that today’s activities will help us to do some spiritual spring-cleaning. With a de-cluttered mind and soul we will be in a better position to receive the true meaning of the season.

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2 Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFusion Seasons of Lent, Easter • Year C Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2019


Time of CreativityFor your convenience these directions are formatted for printing and available

in the Stations folder of Gathering for All Ages – Year C, Lent, Easter.

Time creation centreMaterials writing and drawing materials, copies of “Time Creation Chart” on page 5, a copy of the directions displayed where all can see

DirectionsWe sometimes hear people say, “Where did the time go?” Minutes and hours, even days, seem to disappear; we never seem to have enough time to accomplish the things we need or want to do. This activity will help you to recover some of those hours that seem to vanish each day. 1. Take a copy of the “Time Creation Chart.”2. Under “Essential things to do,” list all those things that are necessary for you

to do in a day. 3. Under “Non-essential things to do,” list all those things you like to do.4. Under “Stuff I can give up,” list all the things you consider are time-wasters. 5. Younger people might wish to draw their responses in the area provided.6. The list could be used to help plan your day. You might discover that once you

have accomplished all those essential tasks, you have created more hours to grow, to heal, to learn.

Focus on Lent memory gameMaterials for each pair (or two small teams), copy and colour two sets of “Game cards” from the “Lenten Memory Game” on p. 6; two or more of the “Lenten symbol” pictures (enlarged and copied), a copy of the directions displayed where all can see

Directions

The true meaning of Lent can be hidden by the busyness and distractions of everyday living. When playing this game we will “discard” all that is unneces-sary at this time to reveal symbols of Lent. As the game is being played you could discuss what Lent might mean to you and what are the things that may need to be cleared from your life.1. The game can be played by two players or two small groups.2. Player/group takes the top Lenten symbol picture, making sure the second

group does not see it, and places the game cards randomly face down so that they cover the picture. (DO NOT look at the other Lenten symbol pictures – keep them face down.)

3. Player/group two chooses two cards, which are turned over. If the cards do not match they are turned back over. If they match, they are put to one side reveal-ing part of the picture. Group 2 continues until the whole picture is revealed. Note how many attempts are needed to match all the cards.

4. Once one player/group has finished, swap roles. Group 2 now takes a Lenten symbol picture – being careful not to show it to group 1 – and covers it with game cards. How many attempts did each player/group take to match all cards?

3Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2019 Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFusion Seasons of Lent, Easter • Year C


Concerns crossMaterials newspaper/magazines, col-oured/plain paper, markers and crayons, cardboard, split pins, glue (papier mâché preferably), copy of the directions dis-played where all can see

DirectionsOur own concerns are very important, but sometimes they can prevent us from helping or caring for others. This activity symbolically hands over our cares, concerns, and distractions to Christ. 1. Using the coloured/plain paper, write down your concerns or the distractions

in your life. You might wish to cut out pictures or headlines from the magazines or newspapers that cause you concern.

2. Using the cardboard, cut one strip 30 x 5 cm/ 12 x 2 in and another 20 x 5 cm/ 8 x 2 in.

3. Using the glue, paste your concerns/cuttings around each cardboard strip until they are totally covered (it won’t matter if they can’t be read).

4. Using the split pin, secure the shorter strip to the longer to make a cross.5. You now have a cross as a reminder that you don’t have to carry the burdens

of the world. You can bring them to Jesus in prayer.Optional This could be done as a group activity making a much bigger cross that could be displayed in an appropriate place.

Random acts of kindnessMaterials writing and drawing materials, copies of resource sheet “Random Acts of Kindness” on p. 7, a copy of the directions displayed where all can see

DirectionsDuring this gathering you will hear a story of a selfless act of kindness. This activity will help you consider ways you can help others in the church and/or community. 1. In groups, or as individuals think of ways you might help others. This could

be at home, at work, at church, or in the community.2. You might write what you would like to do during Lent on a “Random act of

kindness statement card” (see the resource sheet “Random Acts of Kindness” for a sample). This could be done on an individual basis or as a group or family project.

3. Younger children might choose to draw a picture to give to someone as a ran-dom act of kindness.

Do nothing to help othersMaterials art materials, paper, jars with metal lids, or box template (see Virtual Resource Booklet in the Library at www.seasonsonline.ca), a copy of the direc-tions displayed where all can see. If using metal lids, bring heavy nail, hammer, and tin snips.

DirectionsOften people believe they need to give up something for Lent. In past times abstin-ence from certain types of food or having one meal a day meant that households could save money. This money could then be given to the poor and needy. 1. Make a container that could be used to collect money by using the box template

(decorate first), or by decorating a strip of paper then gluing to a jar or can.2. If using a jar, make a hole in the lid using a nail to enable a slot for money to

be cut with tin snips. Have an adult edge the slot with masking tape to soften sharp edges that might cut hands or fingers.

3. Take the money box home or leave it in a prominent place in the church foyer. You might wish to choose a charity or get a group together to support a charity.

4. You might add a message to the box such as, “Do not buy that extra cup of coffee, sweets, or that take-away meal. Put the money in the box instead. You will then be helping others by doing nothing!”

www.seasonsonline.ca/11/virtual_resource_booklet/

www.seasonsonline.ca/11/virtual_resource_booklet/


WorshipWelcome everybody back to this Lenten gathering and invite them to sit comfortably in the worship area. Ask if anybody has any insight or something that they would like to share from the Time of Creativity.

Drama Invite volunteers to present the reading “An Act of Kindness” on p. 8.

After the drama, explain that Lent is often a time of letting go; a time of simplicity when we might reflect on the things that are really important in life. Mary provided a selfless act of devotion which was costly and against convention. Judas, on the other hand, was distracted by his own greed and values. This clouded his mind so that he couldn’t see the good thing that Mary was doing.

Letting go Invite people to stand or sit in a circle with the bowls of water and pebbles in the centre. Today we will share in a cleansing ritual using the pur-ple, black, and red bowls of water. The colours of the bowls represent the colours often used in Lent.

Leader: Lent is a time of changing our ways. For saying sorry for things we have done and said, or

things we have not done or said. Things that weigh heavily on our minds. Take a pebble, think of those things for which you

want to say, “sorry.” Place the pebble in the red bowl. And as you do, take some water and wipe it on your

arm or hand.(A time of silence as people place pebble in red bowl of water.)aLL: We are anointed with the forgiveness of God. Leader: Lent is a time of reflection. Are we giving ourselves the chance to grow, to heal,

to learn? Or do we fill our days with clutter and non-important

things?

Bless


Take a pebble, think of those things that clutter our lives.

Let that pebble absorb those things that distract you, and place in the black bowl. As you do, take some water and wipe it on your arm or hand.

(A time of silence as people place pebble in black bowl of water.)aLL: We are anointed with the peace of God.

Leader: Lent is a time of growing in love and understanding. But often our hearts and minds are filled with worry

and fear of the unknown. We may wish to do more but we are afraid of where

that might lead us. Take a pebble, think of those things that might stop

you from living in God’s loving ways. Let that pebble absorb those things and place in the purple bowl. And as you do, take some water and wipe it on your arm or hand.

(A time of silence as people place pebble in purple bowl of water.)aLL: We are anointed with the faith of God.

Sing together a song such as “Deep Waters” (Seasons Song-book, vol. 2, #19 on Seasons Music CD, vol. 2. Printed music and recording also available at Seasons MP3 Downloads, www.seasonsonline.ca).

PrayerGod, our lives can be so full. But they can also be so empty.We pray for those who are lonely, scared, or in pain,for those whose lives are so busy that they lose sight of what is important.We pray that we will feel the presence of Jesus who is always with us.And that we will seek your guidance to help clear the clutter from our lives.Amen.

Repeat the following blessing or one of your own. As we leave, may we seize the opportunities to bring the fragrance of our blessings to all around us.

May we go with a clear mind and a cleansed heart, ready to do your will in the world.Amen.

Eating TogetherLent is often associated with abstaining from certain food. People may give up chocolate, or sweets, or other treats dur-ing the Lenten period. This has its origins in earlier times when people fasted during Lent by not eating meat and dairy products. As a reminder, this is a great opportunity to share a healthy meal or snack together. Prepare dishes of fruit,

grains, vegetables, nuts, and wholesome bread (including gluten free). Make sure everyone is made to feel welcome and involved in the group. Hopefully newcomers will have got to know people during the gathering and time of creativ-ity, but ensure that no one is left on the outer edges or alone.




Gathering for All Ages: Lent Year CResource Page

1Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2015 Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSION Lent • Easter 2016

Extra Resource Sheet • All Ages Gathering: Lent, 2016

Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2012 Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSION Lent, Easter 2013


Time Creation Chart

Essential things to do(These are the things that have to be done: get dressed; eat; go to work/school; study; chores; team sport; daily exercise.)

Non-essential things to do(These are the things that you like to do but the world won’t end if you don’t do them: listen to music; watch tv; read; play games; do the daily crossword/Sudoku; shopping; computer games.)

Stuff I can give up (sorry, does not include homework or chores)

(These are the things that are time wasters and are not necessary to do every day: eating junk food; watching TV or snoozing because you are bored; surfing Internet; gossiping on phone/Facebook; spending hours on computer games.)


Gathering for All Ages: Lent Year C Resource Page

1Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2015 Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSION Lent • Easter 2016Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2012 Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSION Lent, Easter 2013

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Extra Resource SheetExtra Resource Sheet • All Ages Gathering: Lent, 2016


Gathering for All Ages: Lent Year CResource Page

1Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2015 Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSION Lent • Easter 2016

Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2012 Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSION Lent, Easter 2013


Random Acts of KindnessThe Random Acts of Kindness Foundation http://www.randomactsofkindness.org, inspires people to practice kindness and pass it on to others. Their website is full of ideas, stories, and resources to enable individuals and groups from all walks of life to perform acts of kindness to all areas of society.

Here are just some ideas based on suggestions from the Random Acts of Kindness website.

Carepacks to the homeless Small care packages that include everyday items such as toothpaste, soap, deodorant, and any other items that we take for granted daily.

Neighbourhood cleanup Is there a public area that could do with a cleanup? Does a local park or playground look neglected by litter or graffiti? Here is your chance to get out there and make a difference.

Sing a song of kindness Arrange for group to sing to the people at an aged care facility, or in a public park. (Permission must be sought in many cases.)

Helping new arrivals Are there people new to your area from other countries? Arrange a time to help them learn your language or help them become familiar with the neighbourhood services such as transport, shopping, and resources (such as libraries or legal aid). Or you could make them feel welcome by delivering a home-cooked meal.

Everyday acts There are always opportunities to practice random acts of kindness. Open a door for somebody. Say “hi” to someone in the street. Let someone go before you in a queue. Pay for a stranger’s cup of coffee.

Random Acts of Kindness will not change the world overnight. But they will make somebody’s day brighter and who knows what effect this might have on them… they might even be inspired to enact their random act.

Sample random acts of kindness statement card

Random acts of kindness I will offer during the Season of Lent

For more information go to the Random Acts of Kindness website at http://www.randomactsofkindness.org/.


their own random act.

www.randomactsofkindness.org




Gathering for All Ages: Lent Year C Resource Page

Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2015 Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFusion Lent • Easter 2016 25

An Act of KindnessBased on John 12:1–8

Resource Sheet • Gathering for All Ages • Lent Lent, Easter 2016

CharaCters: Narrator, Jesus, Lazarus, Mary, Martha, Judassetting: Judas is reclining on the floor at a table. Martha is to one side preparing a meal.

narrator: It is six days before the Passover festival in Jerusalem. On his way there Jesus is invited to a dinner party to be given in his honour. It is

in the home of Lazarus.

(Lazarus welcomes Jesus with a high five, shows him to a seat next to Judas, and sits near them.)

Martha, the sister of Lazarus began to serve them.

(Martha mimes placing food before Jesus, Judas, and Lazarus.)

They were about to start eating when Lazarus’ other sister, Mary, appeared.

(Mary appears “holding” bottle.)

Mary did an astonishing thing. She had a bottle of very expensive perfume which she poured on Jesus’ sore and dusty feet. And then she let down her hair and used it to wipe Jesus’ feet. (Mary pours perfume and wipes feet with hair.)

This didn’t please everyone and Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus’ dis- ciples, was angry.

Judas: What a waste! This perfume is worth a year’s wages. It could have been sold and the money given to the poor! (speaking to the side) Actually, I’m in charge of the money and I could have taken the money for myself.

Jesus: Leave her alone! This perfume was set aside to prepare my body for burial. The poor will be always be around for you to help… but you won’t always have me.

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