FREE sample week 15-21 December 2019

Issue 104 November | December 2019 Adult & All Age £10.50 Adult & All Age resources Resources for the weekly lectionary Enriching worship and learning with adults, families and all ages

£10.50 November | December 2019 Issue 104

Children &Resources Young for the weekly People lectionary

Is your path Adve thr nt ful oug l of h dist W rac or h tio ship e Churc ns & learning for the whol ?

Children & Young People resources

Where will your Ad vent journey take y Flexible, engaging materials for ou t his ye ar? rch Chu hole e w www.rootsontheweb.com toddlers to teens or th Worship & learning f

www.rootsontheweb.com Adult & All Age resources Issue 104 November | December 2019 £10.50 Adult & All Age Resources for the weekly lectionary The ROOTS worship and learning resources: • offer brand new resources, all year round For Children • are used by ordained and lay leaders to prepare all & Young People styles of worship resources, go to page 8. • engage individuals and groups in different contexts – on Sundays and through the week. Is your path Adve thr nt ful oug l of h dist W rac or h tio ship e Churc ns & learning for the whol ? Free sample week: key highlights

Lectionary Bible readings Prayers The ROOTS resources follow the Revised Common Lectionary. A variety of prayers for different times Where the Church of England’s Common Worship Lectionary within worship. Welsh translations of all differs, ROOTS provides materials online. the prayers are also available online.

15-214 January December 2015 2019 What do youA shining see? • light15-21 • December4 January 20192015

Advent 3 Prayers Lectionary Bible readings Welsh translations. Prayers of intercession What do you see? RCL Advent 3 Year A Lord, we wait. Isaiah 35.1-10 Call to worship We wait for the fulfilment of your promises Psalm 146.5-10 or Come and see the splendour of our God! Matthew 11.2-11 Luke 1.46b-55 and the full and permanent coming of your kingdom. Worship his majesty, enter his presence with joy, John the Baptist sends his disciples to ask whether Jesus really is the promised Messiah. James 5.7-10 In our waiting, we remember those grappling with Matthew 11.2-11 for this is the one who brings blessing, healing and strength. Jesus invites John to look at his words and deeds – they fulfil Isaiah’s prophecies; and he circumstances outside of their control, affirms John as the messenger, foretold by Malachi, sent to prepare the way. A gathering prayer – with Advent candle lighting those who feel that life is passing them by, those who are waiting for hope that never comes. This week’s resources explore: acknowledging doubt and despair; sharing good things. Advent God, who gathers us as your people, gather us today around this flame. We pray for those whose faith is wearing thin, Look out for ways to connect faith with everyday life. We acknowledge before you all our doubts and anxieties, whose patience is strained by the length of their waiting, together with the good things you have given us to share. for those whose eyes are tired Call us to hope, O God, of watching for the dawn. has nurtured growth. Above all, there is healing and mercy (9.12-14). But Jesus to place our faith in you, Bible notes strength to be found in recognising that values John’s work, and appeals to him We wait for light to break on their horizons, the source of all light. the return of Jesus is near. To any who to accept the blessing of taking ‘no for your Spirit to work something new, Amen. Old Testament presume to judge one another, he will offence at me’. Recognising John as the something bright, something enduring, Isaiah 35.1-10 return as Judge. But to those who show climactic prophetic voice, ushering in his A prayer of approach deep within those places endurance, ‘The Lord is compassionate own messianic ministry, Jesus describes that seem the most hopeless. A complacent people responded to Isaiah and merciful’ (5.11). him as the greatest ‘among those born O Lord our rescuer, by becoming deaf and blind to God’s Lord, lift up those who are bowed down, of women’. We are reminded that for we come to you healing (6.8-10). Now, after judgement, those far from home, those estranged and those who are weary, John himself being ‘a child of Abraham’ with our disappointments and scars, they are ready to see, hear and rejoice Gospel Matthew 11.2-11 and encourage the hearts of all those who wait for you. was not about physical descent but about with our weaknesses and struggles. in the good news of salvation (see also Uniquely in Matthew, both Jesus and In the name of Christ. God’s power to give new life (3.9). Jesus We come knowing that you are the God of great reversals: 29.17-19). Seeing God’s glory and feeling John the Baptist proclaim, ‘Repent, for Amen. is the child from the Holy Spirit (1.20), the captives are freed, the blind see, its strength, they will walk in God’s way the kingdom of heaven has come near’ anointed by the Spirit at his baptism as the deaf hear, those bowed down will be lifted up. to the Temple (see Psalm 84.5). One (3.2; 4.17). Their stories intertwine from An active way into prayer ‘my Son, the Beloved’ (3.17). To even ‘the Make your presence known to us, O great deliverer, biblical tradition sees the wilderness as their meeting at the Jordan, where John Give everyone a piece of blue tissue paper, a piece of cardboard least in the kingdom of heaven’, to those and may we rejoice in your promises to us today. the archetypal place of true worship is first characterised as Malachi’s coming and a pen. Invite people to write on their tissue paper (using he baptizes with the Holy Spirit (3.11), Amen. (Amos 5.25; Acts 7.44-50), but here Elijah (Malachi 3.1; 4.5-6), the messenger the cardboard as a support) something that is causing them he reveals the Father whose will is to be the desert’s blossoming signifies God’s preparing the way by turning people to A prayer of confession pain or doubt. They can also write on behalf of someone else, if comprehended by infants (11.25-27). renewed presence in Jerusalem. These God and one another in readiness for O Lord, we are sorry for the times they prefer – or leave it blank. Take some time to acknowledge themes are prominent in Isaiah 40 to 55, the day of the Lord. And Jesus is the very when we shut our eyes to your goodness, these things in silence before God. Thank God that he knows our where the Babylonian exiles hear good presence of the Lord: ‘I am with you’ The links between the when we close our hearts to the joy you offer, tears, our sorrows. Invite people to scrunch up their tissue paper news: ‘I will make a way in the wilderness (28.20; see Exodus 3.14). After John is lectionary readings so busy doing our own thing, and place it in a box or bucket, as a way of offering God their and rivers in the desert’ (43.19). In this arrested, Jesus returns to Galilee to begin trying to work in our own strength. distress and pain. At the same time, invite them to take a fresh Today’s first reading is one of Isaiah’s week’s Gospel reading, Jesus points to his ministry (4.12), and Jesus links John’s piece of tissue paper from a pile or box, to represent a new start. prophecies used to describe the We are sorry when we ignore those this prophecy when replying to John’s fate as Elijah to his own suffering as the deeds that indicate that Jesus is the who are struggling with sadness we cannot comprehend, messengers who ask, ‘Are you the one Son of Man, who will be raised (17.9-13). A sending out prayer Messiah. It was only after calamity those for whom colours have become grey, who is to come?’ Recognition is central to this passage. In God, may we carry your light into this world, prison for denouncing the unrepentant that the people were ready to hear those who need to hear about your love for them. bringing hope and encouragement Isaiah’s good news. Perhaps the (14.1-12), John wonders whether Jesus’ Give us courage and renewed strength to everyone around us, New Testament Baptist’s own imprisonment for his ministry, casting out demons and healing to share hope and joy with others, remembering that you are with us, denunciation of hypocrisy made James 5.7-10 the sick (8.1–9.38), and empowering his and to witness to your unfailing love. and that you can do all things. him ready to hear the good news of James draws on a Jewish tradition disciples to do the same (10.1-42), is really Amen. Amen. condemning the oppression of the the proper work of ‘the Messiah’. Jesus healing and liberation. To those who poor and expecting the vindication of points to the consistency of what he show endurance, says James, ‘the A prayer of praise and thanksgiving A personal prayer Lord is compassionate and merciful’. those who suffer unjustly. The corrupt says with what he does: ‘Tell John what Lord, we praise you Jesus, help me to see you. treasure of the rich, particularly of those you hear and see’, recalling the Baptist’s for your transforming presence in our lives. Show me who you are. Notes on Psalm 146.5-10 or Luke 1.46b- who exploit the poor by delaying to message that a tree is known by its fruit We thank you Remind me of the things you have done, 55 and ideas for using it together. pay their wages (see Leviticus 19.13), (3.8-10), as ‘wisdom is vindicated by her that you are full of compassion and mercy. how you can turn situations upside down, will be evidence against them at the deeds’ (11.19). And Jesus invites John, Amen. and that nothing is impossible for you. See www.rootsontheweb.com end of this age (5.3-4). James urges his the biblical voice denouncing present As I go through my days, disadvantaged congregation not to take corruption and looking for future justice, With very young children: resources on A prayer for all ages together help me to recognise your work in my life, the reading to use with under 5s. out their frustrations on one another but to believe that Isaiah’s prophetic words Use fingers to represent falling rain throughout the prayer. to see what you have done for me. to be patient in their suffering. There is (Isaiah 26.19; 35.5-6; 61.1) are already Children’s Sheet and Colouring Sheet Lord, increase my faith in you. Amen. encouragement in the Scriptures, from being fulfilled. The question and response (Welsh versions available). God send rain on thirsty ground the prophets whose suffering was a remind us that there are always different Bible study: a selection of this week’s and also on our thirsty hearts. sign of their closeness to God, and in expectations of renewal. John’s focus resources to print out. Let your Spirit flow into our lives

the harvest that comes after the rain is fasting and judgement and Jesus’ is and fill us up, we pray. Amen.

30 ROO S Adult & All Age Issue 104 All ROOTS magazine materials are online at www.rootsontheweb.com • 31

See these Bible notes Brief notes on the lectionary readings and how they are related to pages at full each other provide a good starting point for personal reflection and size: go to preparation. There is also an introduction to each season called ‘In conversation with the Scriptures’ to give additional insight into pages 4-7 the Bible book or season of the church year.

2 Free sample week: key highlights continued

15-21 December 2019 What do you see? • 15-21 December 2019 New ideas every week Advent 3 Present the Old Testament ● Advent is traditionally a time of Group A: What do you see? Picture pointers Gather Explore & respond austerity within the Church – some Leader: The blind can see (place hands There is a lot of visual imagery in this churches don’t have flowers during this over eyes, then remove). reading. Project or display images to All-age introduction All-age introduction Sermon ideas season, and wait until Christmas Eve to Group B: Go and tell everyone what you illustrate and accompany the words. A way to begin worship when all ages PostScript: Linking this week’s reading put up a Christmas tree. Advent is also see. Introduce the reading by inviting people are present. to the news . a time of reflection, of looking into our Group A: What do you see? This offers a way to introduce to listen for all the good things that are hearts and acknowledging our times of Leader: The deaf hear (place hands over going to happen: What does God promise ● In his autobiography, Nelson Mandela Keep looking doubt and despair. And, just as Isaiah ears, then remove). will happen to the land? And how does wrote: ‘Strong convictions are the secret Display a selection of images of Christmas draws a picture of the desert rejoicing Group B: Go and tell everyone what you the theme in a context God encourage the people? And to draw of surviving deprivation. Your spirit can card scenes. Show the first image and and blossoming, so from our times of see. out the contrast between the land and be full even when your stomach is empty. allow people a brief moment to look at darkness can come the hope of a new Group A: What do you see? the people, divide the reading between I always knew that some day I would once it without comment. Remove the image way of life, one that has long been Leader: The lame walk (limp, then run on relevant to all ages. two readers. One reads about the land again feel the grass under my feet and (or blank the screen), then ask a question promised to us and that is fulfilled in the spot). (vv.1-2 and 6b-7) and the other reads walk in the sunshine as a free man. I am about it – e.g. How many sheep were in the Messiah. He may not arrive in the Group B: Go and tell everyone what you about the people (vv.3-6a and 8-10). After fundamentally an optimist. Part of being Questions for reflection the picture? It is hard to find the answer way that we expect, but we trust in his see. the reading, you could sing the chorus an optimist is keeping one’s head pointed What do you see when you look in the mirror? when you didn’t know the question promise. Group A: What do you see? ‘Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall toward the sun, one’s feet moving When do you experience doubt and despair? Present the readings beforehand! Congratulate anyone who Leader: Lepers are cleansed (brush your return’. forward’ . John, in prison, seeks What good things would you like to share? got it right. Repeat this with a few more skin). reassurance from Christ, and receives it in All-age conversation images (you could make the question Group B: Go and tell everyone what you the news of all that is being done by him. As an alternative to hearing harder each time). End with an image of Present the Gospel A way for leaders to help all ages explore see. Christians do not escape the great trials the reading. Christmas shoppers; this time leave it on Script to print out. Group A: What do you see? of the world – the difference is that we display and ask: Where is Jesus? How hard Ask: What is good news? Encourage Leader: The dead are raised (crouch down Hymns & songs the passage read from the You will need two readers: a narrator and keep our heads pointed towards the Son, it must be for people who don’t know people to give examples of good news and then leap up). John the Baptist, and a third person with and our hearts marching forward. Songs in italics are suitable for all ages. about the good news of the Christmas stories from the national or local press All: Go and tell everyone what you see. no speaking part. It will be more effective All people that on earth do dwell story even to know what they are looking In the legend of Papa Panov , or media this week. Then invite people W E A front of the worship space, if ‘John’ can learn the monologue below, Beauty for brokenness, hope for despair for in response to the question. Today we Jesus tells an old man, in a dream, that to share (recent) good news stories and speak from a place of semi-darkness, Can’t stop talking ‘bout ev’rything he’s done will be thinking about ways we can share he will visit him on Christmas Day. All from their own lives. Next ask people Rejoice! the good news with people who may be as if in a prison cell. Christ is the one who calls day Papa Panov watches for Jesus. While to form small groups to discuss the Ask people to imagine that a part of your you could present the readings looking for hope and peace in their lives, Come and join the circle Narrator: John the Baptist has been he does so, he shares his meal with a following: In our lives, where do we worship space is God’s highway. Read and how we too can discover afresh God’s El-Shaddai, El-Shaddai imprisoned by King Herod, who was street sweeper, gives a young mother find examples of any of these (based on Isaiah 35.8 and 35.10. Invite everyone to promise of ‘I am with you’. Even though I walk through the valley of despair upset by what John had said to him. some warm shoes for her baby, offers Jesus’ words): blind people seeing; lame walk or dance along it while singing an using props or images, God, fill our cup to overflowing Be still for a moment to imagine what hospitality to passers-by. At the end of people walking; skin diseases healed; uplifting worship song that you know God forgave my sin in Jesus’ name it might feel like in that prison, and in the day, saddened and disappointed by deaf people hearing; dead being raised; well (so no books/words are needed). With very young children Great God, your love has called us here making them memorable particular, how John might be feeling at Jesus’ non-appearance, Papa Panov falls poor people hearing good news? How Resources on the reading to use with Invite those who are unable or do this moment in his life. asleep again, only to hear in his dreams How long, O Lord, will you forget an answer to under 5s. might we encourage or help these things not wish to join in the dance to play that Jesus did indeed visit him, for he was my prayer? John: I never thought it would come to to happen? Can we, as a church or as percussion instruments or wave ribbons as and engaging for the present in all those whom Papa Panov I come with joy, a child of God this. To give so much of myself, and yet individuals, commit to one or more of the they sing. W E helped. Who are the people in whom we I love to praise your name to finish up in here. I hate the darkness. suggestions we have made? Open the Word will meet Jesus today? Share it! Lord, send us to the lost congregation. How fruitful was the desert compared to O for a thousand tongues to sing these few square feet of emptiness. God, ● Give everyone a gift tag. As people hold John, in prison, has been stripped Active worship The kingdom of God is justice and joy are you there? Do you still care? (pause) of all that human life can offer. He has their gift tag, invite them to thank God To help the listener Ideas to engage different ages, learning There’s a new day dawning now nothing left to hold onto, nothing left to for good things they receive. Then, ask My mind plays tricks in here. One minute and spiritual preferences. Spiritual styles Through you I can do anything The reader could use these words to give. He reaches out desperately to Jesus, them to think about what good things I believe, the next I don’t know what it’s (as defined by David Csinos) key:W ord, Through you, the blind will see provide context. seeking validation for his life’s efforts. they can give this week (it could be a Sermon ideas all about. I was so sure, so assured. Now I Emotion, Symbol, Action. Find out more When afraid, when in doubt He is full of doubt and nearing despair. gift or a practical action). Encourage In the Gospel reading, Isaiah’s pace and pace, wondering what it was all in Worship and learning support. Why doesn’t Jesus answer him clearly? It everyone to put their gift tag somewhere prophetic words (from today’s for. And what of the Messiah? My cousin. Jumping off points for would be so easy simply to say: ‘Yes. I am prominent as a reminder. W S A Old Testament reading) are used My friend. (pause) A simple worship activity for all ages to demonstrate that Jesus is the the one.’ But Jesus knows that the most Send out Divide your congregation into two. One Messiah. It was only after calamity But is he really the one? profound answers come from within, and Paths in the desert half (Group A) will voice the question: preaching preparation, that the people were ready to hear he urges John to look at the evidence You will need large trays of sand. Invite Script continues on the . ‘What do you see?’ The other half (Group Live your faith Isaiah’s good news. John the Baptist with his own eyes. He knows John will people to reflect on (and share with God) B) will make the response: ‘Go and tell Encourage everyone to put their faith encourages people to hear the words understand as he is familiar with the any doubts or difficulties that they or including: everyone what you see.’ Invite people to into action. Use the suggestion below or afresh, for the Messiah is about to Scriptures. John must look within his own someone they know may be experiencing, join in this act of worship and challenge, distribute the Live your faith sheet . come. heart for the answer – so must we. while tracing a pathway through the sand copying the actions made by the leader. Find out more about, and consider with their finger. Encourage people to getting involved in, the work of ponder (and ask God) where their ‘path’ PostScript the Barnabas Fund or the Prison is leading them. E S Linking this week’s reading to Fellowship. W E A the news.

A sign indicates that the 32 ROO S Adult & All Age Issue 104 Connect faith with everyday life. All ROOTS magazine materials are online at www.rootsontheweb.com • 33 idea links the Bible passage to everyday life. All-age conversation Active worship Picture pointers This offers an alternative to A varied range of ideas each A thought-provoking a traditional sermon, enabling week to help people respond image plus questions for the leader to engage the to the reading - designed to reflection and discussion congregation in thinking engage different ages, learning that you could weave into through and discussing the and spiritual preferences. your preaching. reading together.

ROOTS resources online Week by week page on the ROOTS website

All the magazine materials that you see in this brochure are also published online. But that’s not all! In addition to the wealth of resources in the magazine, we offer a huge range of additional material online.

View all the online resources for the week of 15-21 December 2019:

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15-214 January December 2015 2019 SAMPLE PAGES

Advent 3

Lectionary Bible readings What do you see? RCL Advent 3 Year A Isaiah 35.1-10 Psalm 146.5-10 or Matthew 11.2-11 Luke 1.46b-55 John the Baptist sends his disciples to ask whether Jesus really is the promised Messiah. James 5.7-10 Matthew 11.2-11 Jesus invites John to look at his words and deeds – they fulfil Isaiah’s prophecies; and he affirms John as the messenger, foretold by Malachi, sent to prepare the way.

This week’s resources explore: acknowledging doubt and despair; sharing good things. Look out for ways to connect faith with everyday life.

has nurtured growth. Above all, there is healing and mercy (9.12-14). But Jesus Bible notes strength to be found in recognising that values John’s work, and appeals to him the return of Jesus is near. To any who to accept the blessing of taking ‘no Old Testament presume to judge one another, he will offence at me’. Recognising John as the Isaiah 35.1-10 return as Judge. But to those who show climactic prophetic voice, ushering in his endurance, ‘The Lord is compassionate own messianic ministry, Jesus describes A complacent people responded to Isaiah and merciful’ (5.11). him as the greatest ‘among those born by becoming deaf and blind to God’s of women’. We are reminded that for healing (6.8-10). Now, after judgement, John himself being ‘a child of Abraham’ they are ready to see, hear and rejoice Gospel Matthew 11.2-11 was not about physical descent but about in the good news of salvation (see also Uniquely in Matthew, both Jesus and God’s power to give new life (3.9). Jesus 29.17-19). Seeing God’s glory and feeling John the Baptist proclaim, ‘Repent, for is the child from the Holy Spirit (1.20), its strength, they will walk in God’s way the kingdom of heaven has come near’ anointed by the Spirit at his baptism as to the Temple (see Psalm 84.5). One (3.2; 4.17). Their stories intertwine from ‘my Son, the Beloved’ (3.17). To even ‘the biblical tradition sees the wilderness as their meeting at the Jordan, where John least in the kingdom of heaven’, to those the archetypal place of true worship is first characterised as Malachi’s coming he baptizes with the Holy Spirit (3.11), (Amos 5.25; Acts 7.44-50), but here Elijah (Malachi 3.1; 4.5-6), the messenger he reveals the Father whose will is to be the desert’s blossoming signifies God’s preparing the way by turning people to comprehended by infants (11.25-27). renewed presence in Jerusalem. These God and one another in readiness for themes are prominent in Isaiah 40 to 55, the day of the Lord. And Jesus is the very where the Babylonian exiles hear good presence of the Lord: ‘I am with you’ The links between the news: ‘I will make a way in the wilderness (28.20; see Exodus 3.14). After John is lectionary readings and rivers in the desert’ (43.19). In this arrested, Jesus returns to Galilee to begin Today’s first reading is one of Isaiah’s week’s Gospel reading, Jesus points to his ministry (4.12), and Jesus links John’s prophecies used to describe the this prophecy when replying to John’s fate as Elijah to his own suffering as the deeds that indicate that Jesus is the messengers who ask, ‘Are you the one Son of Man, who will be raised (17.9-13). Messiah. It was only after calamity who is to come?’ Recognition is central to this passage. In prison for denouncing the unrepentant that the people were ready to hear New Testament (14.1-12), John wonders whether Jesus’ Isaiah’s good news. Perhaps the ministry, casting out demons and healing Baptist’s own imprisonment for his James 5.7-10 the sick (8.1–9.38), and empowering his denunciation of hypocrisy made James draws on a Jewish tradition disciples to do the same (10.1-42), is really him ready to hear the good news of condemning the oppression of the the proper work of ‘the Messiah’. Jesus healing and liberation. To those who poor and expecting the vindication of points to the consistency of what he show endurance, says James, ‘the those who suffer unjustly. The corrupt says with what he does: ‘Tell John what Lord is compassionate and merciful’. treasure of the rich, particularly of those you hear and see’, recalling the Baptist’s who exploit the poor by delaying to message that a tree is known by its fruit Notes on Psalm 146.5-10 or Luke 1.46b- pay their wages (see Leviticus 19.13), (3.8-10), as ‘wisdom is vindicated by her 55 and ideas for using it together. will be evidence against them at the deeds’ (11.19). And Jesus invites John, end of this age (5.3-4). James urges his the biblical voice denouncing present See www.rootsontheweb.com disadvantaged congregation not to take corruption and looking for future justice, With very young children: resources on out their frustrations on one another but to believe that Isaiah’s prophetic words the reading to use with under 5s. to be patient in their suffering. There is (Isaiah 26.19; 35.5-6; 61.1) are already Children’s Sheet and Colouring Sheet encouragement in the Scriptures, from being fulfilled. The question and response (Welsh versions available). the prophets whose suffering was a remind us that there are always different Bible study: a selection of this week’s sign of their closeness to God, and in expectations of renewal. John’s focus resources to print out.

the harvest that comes after the rain is fasting and judgement and Jesus’ is

30 ROO S Adult & All Age Issue 104 4

What do youA shining see? • light15-21 • December4 January 20152019 SAMPLE PAGES Adult & All Age Prayers Welsh translations. Prayers of intercession Lord, we wait. Call to worship We wait for the fulfilment of your promises Come and see the splendour of our God! and the full and permanent coming of your kingdom. Worship his majesty, enter his presence with joy, In our waiting, we remember those grappling with for this is the one who brings blessing, healing and strength. circumstances outside of their control, A gathering prayer – with Advent candle lighting those who feel that life is passing them by, those who are waiting for hope that never comes. Advent God, who gathers us as your people, gather us today around this flame. We pray for those whose faith is wearing thin, We acknowledge before you all our doubts and anxieties, whose patience is strained by the length of their waiting, together with the good things you have given us to share. for those whose eyes are tired Call us to hope, O God, of watching for the dawn. to place our faith in you, We wait for light to break on their horizons, the source of all light. for your Spirit to work something new, Amen. something bright, something enduring, A prayer of approach deep within those places that seem the most hopeless. O Lord our rescuer, we come to you Lord, lift up those who are bowed down, with our disappointments and scars, those far from home, those estranged and those who are weary, with our weaknesses and struggles. and encourage the hearts of all those who wait for you. We come knowing that you are the God of great reversals: In the name of Christ. the captives are freed, the blind see, Amen. the deaf hear, those bowed down will be lifted up. An active way into prayer Make your presence known to us, O great deliverer, and may we rejoice in your promises to us today. Give everyone a piece of blue tissue paper, a piece of cardboard Amen. and a pen. Invite people to write on their tissue paper (using the cardboard as a support) something that is causing them A prayer of confession pain or doubt. They can also write on behalf of someone else, if O Lord, we are sorry for the times they prefer – or leave it blank. Take some time to acknowledge when we shut our eyes to your goodness, these things in silence before God. Thank God that he knows our when we close our hearts to the joy you offer, tears, our sorrows. Invite people to scrunch up their tissue paper so busy doing our own thing, and place it in a box or bucket, as a way of offering God their trying to work in our own strength. distress and pain. At the same time, invite them to take a fresh piece of tissue paper from a pile or box, to represent a new start. We are sorry when we ignore those who are struggling with sadness we cannot comprehend, A sending out prayer those for whom colours have become grey, God, may we carry your light into this world, those who need to hear about your love for them. bringing hope and encouragement Give us courage and renewed strength to everyone around us, to share hope and joy with others, remembering that you are with us, and to witness to your unfailing love. and that you can do all things. Amen. Amen. A prayer of praise and thanksgiving A personal prayer Lord, we praise you Jesus, help me to see you. for your transforming presence in our lives. Show me who you are. We thank you Remind me of the things you have done, that you are full of compassion and mercy. how you can turn situations upside down, Amen. and that nothing is impossible for you. As I go through my days, A prayer for all ages together help me to recognise your work in my life, Use fingers to represent falling rain throughout the prayer. to see what you have done for me. Lord, increase my faith in you. Amen. God send rain on thirsty ground and also on our thirsty hearts. Let your Spirit flow into our lives and fill us up, we pray. Amen.

All ROOTS magazine materials are online at www.rootsontheweb.com • 31 www.rootsontheweb.com/sample 5

15-21 December 2019 SAMPLE PAGESAdvent 3 Gather Present the Old Testament Explore & respond There is a lot of visual imagery in this All-age introduction reading. Project or display images to Sermon ideas illustrate and accompany the words. A way to begin worship when all ages PostScript: Linking this week’s reading Introduce the reading by inviting people are present. to the news . to listen for all the good things that are Keep looking going to happen: What does God promise ● In his autobiography, Nelson Mandela will happen to the land? And how does Display a selection of images of Christmas wrote: ‘Strong convictions are the secret God encourage the people? And to draw card scenes. Show the first image and of surviving deprivation. Your spirit can out the contrast between the land and allow people a brief moment to look at be full even when your stomach is empty. the people, divide the reading between it without comment. Remove the image I always knew that some day I would once two readers. One reads about the land (or blank the screen), then ask a question again feel the grass under my feet and (vv.1-2 and 6b-7) and the other reads about it – e.g. How many sheep were in walk in the sunshine as a free man. I am about the people (vv.3-6a and 8-10). After the picture? It is hard to find the answer fundamentally an optimist. Part of being the reading, you could sing the chorus when you didn’t know the question an optimist is keeping one’s head pointed ‘Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall beforehand! Congratulate anyone who toward the sun, one’s feet moving return’. got it right. Repeat this with a few more forward’ . John, in prison, seeks images (you could make the question reassurance from Christ, and receives it in harder each time). End with an image of Present the Gospel the news of all that is being done by him. Christians do not escape the great trials Christmas shoppers; this time leave it on Script to print out. display and ask: Where is Jesus? How hard of the world – the difference is that we it must be for people who don’t know You will need two readers: a narrator and keep our heads pointed towards the Son, about the good news of the Christmas John the Baptist, and a third person with and our hearts marching forward. no speaking part. It will be more effective story even to know what they are looking In the legend of Papa Panov , if ‘John’ can learn the monologue below, for in response to the question. Today we Jesus tells an old man, in a dream, that and speak from a place of semi-darkness, will be thinking about ways we can share he will visit him on Christmas Day. All as if in a prison cell. the good news with people who may be day Papa Panov watches for Jesus. While looking for hope and peace in their lives, Narrator: John the Baptist has been he does so, he shares his meal with a and how we too can discover afresh God’s imprisoned by King Herod, who was street sweeper, gives a young mother promise of ‘I am with you’. upset by what John had said to him. some warm shoes for her baby, offers Be still for a moment to imagine what hospitality to passers-by. At the end of With very young children it might feel like in that prison, and in the day, saddened and disappointed by particular, how John might be feeling at Jesus’ non-appearance, Papa Panov falls Resources on the reading to use with this moment in his life. asleep again, only to hear in his dreams under 5s. that Jesus did indeed visit him, for he was John: I never thought it would come to present in all those whom Papa Panov this. To give so much of myself, and yet helped. Who are the people in whom we to finish up in here. I hate the darkness. will meet Jesus today? Open the Word How fruitful was the desert compared to these few square feet of emptiness. God, ● John, in prison, has been stripped are you there? Do you still care? (pause) of all that human life can offer. He has To help the listener nothing left to hold onto, nothing left to My mind plays tricks in here. One minute The reader could use these words to give. He reaches out desperately to Jesus, I believe, the next I don’t know what it’s provide context. seeking validation for his life’s efforts. all about. I was so sure, so assured. Now I He is full of doubt and nearing despair. In the Gospel reading, Isaiah’s pace and pace, wondering what it was all Why doesn’t Jesus answer him clearly? It prophetic words (from today’s for. And what of the Messiah? My cousin. would be so easy simply to say: ‘Yes. I am Old Testament reading) are used My friend. (pause) to demonstrate that Jesus is the the one.’ But Jesus knows that the most Messiah. It was only after calamity But is he really the one? profound answers come from within, and that the people were ready to hear Script continues on the . he urges John to look at the evidence Isaiah’s good news. John the Baptist with his own eyes. He knows John will encourages people to hear the words understand as he is familiar with the afresh, for the Messiah is about to Scriptures. John must look within his own come. heart for the answer – so must we.

32 ROO S Adult & All Age Issue 104 Connect faith with everyday life. 6

What do you see? • 15-21 December 2019 SAMPLE PAGES Adult & All Age

● Advent is traditionally a time of Group A: What do you see? Picture pointers austerity within the Church – some Leader: The blind can see (place hands churches don’t have flowers during this over eyes, then remove). season, and wait until Christmas Eve to Group B: Go and tell everyone what you put up a Christmas tree. Advent is also see. a time of reflection, of looking into our Group A: What do you see? hearts and acknowledging our times of Leader: The deaf hear (place hands over doubt and despair. And, just as Isaiah ears, then remove). draws a picture of the desert rejoicing Group B: Go and tell everyone what you and blossoming, so from our times of see. darkness can come the hope of a new Group A: What do you see? way of life, one that has long been Leader: The lame walk (limp, then run on promised to us and that is fulfilled in the spot). the Messiah. He may not arrive in the Group B: Go and tell everyone what you Questions for reflection way that we expect, but we trust in his see. What do you see when you look in the mirror? promise. Group A: What do you see? When do you experience doubt and despair? Leader: Lepers are cleansed (brush your What good things would you like to share? All-age conversation skin). Group B: Go and tell everyone what you A way for leaders to help all ages explore see. the reading. Group A: What do you see? Ask: What is good news? Encourage Leader: The dead are raised (crouch down Hymns & songs people to give examples of good news and then leap up). Songs in italics are suitable for all ages. stories from the national or local press All: Go and tell everyone what you see. All people that on earth do dwell or media this week. Then invite people W E A Beauty for brokenness, hope for despair to share (recent) good news stories Can’t stop talking ‘bout ev’rything he’s done from their own lives. Next ask people Rejoice! Christ is the one who calls to form small groups to discuss the Ask people to imagine that a part of your Come and join the circle following: In our lives, where do we worship space is God’s highway. Read El-Shaddai, El-Shaddai find examples of any of these (based on Isaiah 35.8 and 35.10. Invite everyone to Even though I walk through the valley of despair Jesus’ words): blind people seeing; lame walk or dance along it while singing an God, fill our cup to overflowing people walking; skin diseases healed; uplifting worship song that you know God forgave my sin in Jesus’ name deaf people hearing; dead being raised; well (so no books/words are needed). Great God, your love has called us here poor people hearing good news? How Invite those who are unable or do How long, O Lord, will you forget an answer to might we encourage or help these things not wish to join in the dance to play my prayer? to happen? Can we, as a church or as percussion instruments or wave ribbons as I come with joy, a child of God individuals, commit to one or more of the they sing. W E I love to praise your name suggestions we have made? Share it! Lord, send us to the lost O for a thousand tongues to sing Active worship Give everyone a gift tag. As people hold The kingdom of God is justice and joy their gift tag, invite them to thank God Ideas to engage different ages, learning There’s a new day dawning now for good things they receive. Then, ask and spiritual preferences. Spiritual styles Through you I can do anything them to think about what good things (as defined by David Csinos) key:W ord, Through you, the blind will see they can give this week (it could be a Emotion, Symbol, Action. Find out more When afraid, when in doubt gift or a practical action). Encourage in Worship and learning support. everyone to put their gift tag somewhere prominent as a reminder. W S A A simple worship activity for all ages Send out Divide your congregation into two. One Paths in the desert half (Group A) will voice the question: You will need large trays of sand. Invite ‘What do you see?’ The other half (Group Live your faith people to reflect on (and share with God) B) will make the response: ‘Go and tell Encourage everyone to put their faith any doubts or difficulties that they or everyone what you see.’ Invite people to into action. Use the suggestion below or someone they know may be experiencing, join in this act of worship and challenge, distribute the Live your faith sheet . while tracing a pathway through the sand copying the actions made by the leader. Find out more about, and consider with their finger. Encourage people to getting involved in, the work of ponder (and ask God) where their ‘path’ the Barnabas Fund or the Prison is leading them. E S Fellowship. W E A

All ROOTS magazine materials are online at www.rootsontheweb.com • 33 www.rootsontheweb.com/sample 7 Children & Young People resources Issue 104 November | December 2019 £10.50 Children & Young People

Resources for the weekly lectionary Inspiring ministry with toddlers to teens – all year round • Reliable – ideal for both Sundays and midweek, with either mixed-age or age-specific groups • Contemporary – help connect faith to the everyday lives of children and young people • Flexible – use the materials as they stand, or to spark your Where w ill yo journ ur A ey tak dve e yo nt u th W is or h yea ship e Churc r? own ideas. & learning for the whol www.rootsontheweb.com

Your free sample week: key highlights

Leaders’ Bible notes Bible story Very young children resources Helping you reflect on the Having two different ways to tell the Enabling you to introduce the Bible reading as you prepare. story helps you to provide variety and passage to the very youngest members encourages children to participate. of your community.

15-21 December 2019 What do you see? • 15-21 December 2019

Advent 3 Open the Word For very young children Play and explore sharing good news and Lectionary Bible readings good things. What do you see? RCL Advent 3 Year A Present the reading Open the Bible at Matthew 11.2-11 Isaiah 35.1-10 Play materials: large envelopes to open Matthew 11.2-11 Psalm 146.5-10 or John doubts who Jesus is, but Jesus sends a message sharing the good things he is with the words ‘good news’ inside. Luke 1.46b-55 doing. John the Baptist sends his disciples to ask whether Jesus really is the promised Messiah. James 5.7-10 Storytelling Jesus invites John to look at his words and deeds – they fulfil Isaiah’s prophecies; and he Matthew 11.2-11 Choose from these two ways of telling the story. Invite the children to choose a puppet affirms John as the messenger, foretold by Malachi, sent to prepare the way. See I am sending Ask the children to listen to the story carefully. Demonstrate creating to help you tell the story – Jesus, John, circles with your fingers to represent glasses and explain that during the story when disciples, people. This week’s resources explore: acknowledging doubt and despair; sharing good things. they hear the word ‘see’ they are to do this action. Jesus travelled around teaching the people. Look out for ways to connect faith with everyday life. Message for the messenger Choose one child to stand at one end of the room as John John the Baptist sent his friends with a Download a Planning Sheet to help prepare your session. and another child to stand at the opposite end of the room as Jesus. The other children message for Jesus: ‘Are you the Messiah we are to be the messengers going between the two. Read the first section of the passage, have been expecting, or should we keep and at the end of John’s first message, the children run to ‘Jesus’. After Jesus has looking for someone else?’ Bible notes Prayers Welsh translations. given his reply they run back to ‘John’ once more. After this, the group of children can Jesus said, ‘Go back to John and tell him become the ‘crowd’ Jesus is speaking to. everything you have seen and heard – sick ●●John was in prison because he had A gathering prayer A prayer for others people are being healed and good news is publicly criticised King Herod. He is being preached to the poor.’ Jesus, Lord and King, Ask the children to think of someone having some doubts about Jesus and Then Jesus turned to the people around just as John’s disciples came to meet you, they want to pray for, that they would lthough he had been thrown into prison, John the Baptist heard sends his followers to ask some questions. him and said, ‘John the Baptist is the one we have come to meet you today. feel God’s healing touch. A about the amazing things Jesus was doing. John sent his followers Jesus doesn’t answer directly but tells the Scriptures talk about: “Look, I am Help us to recognise who you really are. to Jesus with a question: ‘Are you the one we’ve been waiting for, or the followers and John to look at what is Lord Jesus, sending a messenger ahead of you. He will Amen. should we wait for someone else?’ He asked this because he wanted to happening. The presence of the kingdom while you walked on the earth, prepare the way for you.”’ know whether Jesus was the Messiah, whom God had promised to send, of heaven is evident by what Jesus is A prayer of thanksgiving you made the blind to see doing. and the lame to walk; hundreds of years before. Jesus replied, ‘Tell John what you hear and see: Play Thank you, God, you healed the sick the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are made clean, the deaf hear, ●●John the Baptist is down and has Give the children baskets of jewels and that whether we are full of confidence, and gave hearing to the deaf; doubts. Yet Jesus does not rebuke him. the dead return to life and the poor are given sparkles, and small organza bags. Invite or finding it hard to see who you are, you raised the dead Rather, he builds up people’s appreciation good news. Tell him that anyone who them to share out the ‘good things’ so they your love is constant. and gave hope to the poor. of John and affirms him as an important accepts me is blessed by God.’ can all have some in their bag. Amen. Today we pray for (insert names) prophet who was predicted by the John’s followers went away and and ask that you would heal them too. ancient prophets in their Scriptures. A prayer for forgiveness Create Amen. Jesus spoke to the crowds: ‘When Invite the children to make a ‘good news’ ●●The kingdom of heaven is topsy-turvy. Response line: Forgive us, Lord, and help you went to see John in the desert, scroll. Decorate it by adding pieces of For many of us, salary and position mean us to see you. A sending out prayer what did you go to see? Someone bandage, sticking plaster, Bible quotes and status and seniority, and society honours Holy Spirit, fill us with your confidence, who changes their mind like a reed Heavenly Father, stickers, then roll it up and tie it with a people because of where and to whom as we go out into the week ahead for the times we do not thank you: shaken by the wind? No? What, then? ribbon. they were born. Jesus’ kingdom is not like Forgive us, Lord, and help us to see you. to face every situation Someone dressed like a prince? You that. For the times we do not ask for that comes our way. need to go to palaces to see people Praise ● your help… Amen. ●Truth is not found in palaces with dressed up in soft clothes. What did you Play ‘Pass the parcel’. Add a party blower in For the times we doubt your authority… people in robes. Truth is in the wilderness go to see? A prophet? Yes, that’s who each layer and some tiny Bible storybooks among the ordinary people. Just as Jesus For the times we question who you are… you went to see. to share out in the middle. was born not in a palace but in a tiny Amen. ‘And what’s more,’ Jesus said, ‘John isn’t just any prophet. Isaiah wrote town of little regard, the good news Pray comes to where people are, not to a about him in the Old Testament. Isaiah said, “I am sending a messenger Give each child a candle with a paper circle special place where people go and find it. ahead of you, who will prepare the way for you.” Truly I tell you,’ said Gather drip-guard. Light a large candle, then invite Isaiah heralds the arrival of this truth and Jesus, ‘there is not one person on earth greater than John. But in the Choose a quiet or active way to begin your session.. them to share the light as you light their God’s coming kingdom as the ‘Holy Way’ kingdom of heaven, even the lowest person is greater than he is.’ individual candles. Say together: for God’s people. Do you see what I see? Pass the parcel Christ is our light. Display several pictures of optical illusions Wrap up something that all the children We are waiting in the darkness. (link on ). Ask the children: What do can share, e.g. stickers or sweets, together Come, Lord Jesus. you see? Discuss how some might see with a label that says ‘When we receive Amen. something different from someone else. good things, God wants us to share Talk together them’. Make sure the parcel has many Find more prayers opposite and additional • Why do you think John had doubts about who Jesus was? layers to unwrap. Play some music and, activities on the next page. • When did you last doubt or feel sad about something? when it stops, the child who is holding • How can you help others who are feeling sad or unsure? Very young children page with more the parcel unwraps a layer. Keep going activities, prayers and songs. until the child who opens the final layer reads the label aloud. Then share the gift among the group.

30 ROO S Children & Young People Issue 104 All ROOTS magazine materials are online at www.rootsontheweb.com • 31

See these Gather Prayers Talk together pages at full Choose an active or a quiet The wording helps Use these questions to spark way to start your session. children to develop a discussion and help children size: go to sense of the language see the relevance of the Bible pages of prayer. reading to their own lives. 10-13 8 Key highlights from your free sample week continued

See these 15-21 December 2019 Advent 3 Explore & respond It’s easy to keep sessions varied, with a range pages at full Explore & respond Questioning? 15 mins+ W E S A Make biscuits reminding us that even John had questions and doubts Select ideas to help children connect the Bible reading and their of activities. By taking different ‘spiritual lives. Templates and links to online resources. Spiritual styles You will need: biscuit dough (recipe on ), rolling pins, several size: go to (as defined by David Csinos) key:W ord, Emotion, Symbol, Action. card question mark shapes for the children to use as a template Find out more in Worship and learning support. to cut round, or a question mark cutter, icing and other edible styles’ into account, ROOTS helps you to decorations. • Give each child a small amount of dough and ask them to roll engage everyone. Find out more at pages it out. Good news! 10 mins W E A • Remind the children that even a special person like John had Look at the good and bad things happening in the world questions about Jesus. Invite them to think of some questions www.rootsontheweb.com/spiritualstyles they might have as they cut their dough into two question You will need: newspapers and scissors. 10-13 mark shapes. • Cut out some age-appropriate good and bad news stories • Bake the dough, leave to cool and then decorate the biscuits from the newspapers. as desired. Allow the children to each take one biscuit home • Talk with the children about what makes each story good or and encourage them to give the other as a gift for someone. bad news. • Discuss the good things Jesus shared with his disciples to show who he was. Ask the children why they think it is important to share good news. Sharing God’s love in prayer 10 mins E S A Pray to share God’s love with others Question and answer 10mins E What do you see? • 15-21 December 2019 Ask questions to God and know he is always ready to answer You will need: a copy of the prayer of St Teresa of Avila (template on ), battery-operated tealights. You will need: question marks and speech bubbles cut from card. • Read the prayer aloud, then place it in the centre of the EXPLORE • Divide the children into two teams and split each team in half, gathering. Remind the children that praying is a way of one on either side of the room. Go to www.rootsontheweb.com for all templates, links sharing God’s love. and images. Find Bible notes and more prayers on p.30. Advent anagrams 5 mins W • Remind them that John was worried and asked Jesus a question. • Pray for people who are sad, for those in prison – like John, Use the BIBLE section below first, then choose activities Jesus sent an answer back straight away to reassure him. Make anagram puzzles in large letters on A4 paper with and for anyone else you want to share God’s love with today. from the other sections. Extra ideas can be found in an Advent/Christmas theme about light and dark. Words • Explain that you are going to have a relay race. The first • Light a candle for each one. Explore & respond opposite. for light: star, shining, candle, angel. Words for dark: runner leaves one side of the room carrying a question mark. night, Herod, myrrh, doubts. Reveal the words and see They leave it at the opposite side of the room with the other More prayers are on p.30. who can work out what the word is and shout it out first. half of their team. A new runner from that side takes the speech bubble to the opposite end. The next runner from BIBLE Matthew 11.2-11 3D good news star 15 mins E S that side of the room returns the speech bubble. The question mark returns to the original side with the next runner. Abbreviations and music links* in Hymns, songs & music. Cut two identical stars (template on ) from sheets Warm up 5 mins E S of A4 card. Cut one from top to centre and the other • Continue until every team member has run and the two halves Under 5s Deep and wide (CJP 35)* Bring in one bowl of sweets wrapped in blue, and another from bottom to centre. Slot the two together at right have swapped sides of the room. Keep passing the speech bubble If you’re happy and you know It! Send out with sweets wrapped in red or orange. Take turns to share angles. Take turns to share some good news and staple and the question mark between the two sides of the room. Under 12s When you believe, Stephen Schwartz, Babyface something from the past week that caused either despair or an orange sweet wrapper – from the Warm up – to the (Dreamworks, Prince of Egypt)* happiness. Anyone who shares something sad takes a blue star. Hang it up as a reminder of the good news you Flabbergasted, Doug Horley* Encouraging discipleship sweet to cheer them up. If they share something positive, they shared (image on ). 12+ How can it be, Lauren Daigle* take a red or orange sweet and pass it on, to share the joy. During Advent our ‘Make’ activities include So will I (100 Billion X), Hillsong UNITED* ‘Advent tree’ decorations. Children could either during the week by Questions for Jesus 15 mins W E take these home to decorate their own Advent See www.rootsontheweb.com or Christmas tree or you could make your group The reading can be dramatised using different readers for the Children’s Sheet and Colouring Sheet (Welsh versions available). an Advent tree (see picture on ). (For more connecting faith with voices of John, his disciples and Jesus. John’s disciples can information see Welcome text on p.1.) walk from him to interrupt Jesus with their question. Jesus answers and then turns to the crowd and reads from verse 7 Good news scroll Send out everyday life. onwards. Advent tree decoration 3 15 mins W E Questions to discuss Share the good news in your life Live your faith ●● Why do you think John developed doubts about whether Encourage the children to put their faith into action. Use the You will need: pieces of brown paper, pens, ribbon, sticky tape. Jesus was the Messiah? idea below or give out the Children’s Sheet . Picture pointers • Give the children a piece of brown paper each, and ask them ●● How does Jesus prove he is the promised one? What good things do you have that you could share this Questions for reflection to write some good news they are thankful for in their own ●● week? How would you feel if someone doubted your character? life: ‘Thank you, God for…’ A What do you see when you look in the mirror? When do you experience doubt and despair? • Help the children roll their paper up to make a scroll, tie a ribbon round it in a bow, then use sticky tape to attach another piece of ribbon as a hanging loop. CONNECT PRAY • If using the Advent tree, invite the children to hang their scrolls on it. Who does what? 15 mins W E Justice 10 mins W E A 32 Children & Young People Issue 104 Connect faith with everyday life. ROO S Look at the list of actions that Jesus refers to in verse 5. Ask Consider all the people involved in court cases that the young people to think about people today who work result in prison sentences. Write prayers for those who as opticians, physiotherapists, doctors, audiologists. If you work in the justice system and those who encounter it know of anyone who works in one or more of these roles, as victims or offenders and their families. Someone in invite them in to share a little of what they do. your group may know someone in custody, so ensure sensitivity when discussing this. Prisoners 15 mins W E A 10 mins Discuss who it is who suffers when a person is sent to Thanks for people W E S prison. Both the people who were the victims of the offence Provide outlines of people on paper or card (template and the family of the prisoner suffer. Someone in your on ). Encourage the young people to think of group may know someone in custody, so ensure sensitivity someone they look up to who is an example of good Young People resources when discussing this. news. Write a simple prayer, giving thanks for that person, on the person shape. Hang the prayers on Look up the Angel Tree Project (link on ). They support your Advent prayer tree (see 1 December, p.25). Keep families of prisoners especially at Christmas by enabling the tree to use throughout Advent (see Welcome text prisoners to send a gift to their children. Consider how your With a wide mix of activities to choose from, on p.1), as each week there are activities to add group could support this work. symbols/items to the prayer tree. these resources help young people to see the PostScript: Linking this week’s reading to the news . relevance of the Bible passage to their own Live your faith Listen Look up a news story this week, that involves a See Young People page or Hymns, songs & music for links to these tracks. court case or prison sentence and pray for all those lives and to today’s world. Paris (Refuge), All Sons & Daughters on Paris involved. S A Take Up Your Cross, Judicator on The Last Emperor Cover the Earth, Kari Jobe feat. Cody Carnes on Cover the Earth www.rootsontheweb.com • 33

ROOTS resources online Week by week page on the ROOTS website

All the magazine materials that you see in this brochure are also published online. But that’s not all! In addition to the wealth of resources in the magazine, we offer a huge range of additional material online.

View all the online resources for the week of 15-21 December 2019:

www.rootsontheweb.com/sample 9

15-21 December 2019 SAMPLE PAGES

Advent 3 Lectionary Bible readings What do you see? RCL Advent 3 Year A Isaiah 35.1-10 Matthew 11.2-11 Psalm 146.5-10 or Luke 1.46b-55 John the Baptist sends his disciples to ask whether Jesus really is the promised Messiah. James 5.7-10 Jesus invites John to look at his words and deeds – they fulfil Isaiah’s prophecies; and he Matthew 11.2-11 affirms John as the messenger, foretold by Malachi, sent to prepare the way.

This week’s resources explore: acknowledging doubt and despair; sharing good things.

Look out for ways to connect faith with everyday life. Download a Planning Sheet to help prepare your session.

Bible notes Prayers Welsh translations.

●●John was in prison because he had A gathering prayer A prayer for others publicly criticised King Herod. He is Jesus, Lord and King, Ask the children to think of someone having some doubts about Jesus and just as John’s disciples came to meet you, they want to pray for, that they would sends his followers to ask some questions. we have come to meet you today. feel God’s healing touch. Jesus doesn’t answer directly but tells Help us to recognise who you really are. the followers and John to look at what is Lord Jesus, Amen. happening. The presence of the kingdom while you walked on the earth, of heaven is evident by what Jesus is A prayer of thanksgiving you made the blind to see doing. and the lame to walk; Thank you, God, you healed the sick ●●John the Baptist is down and has that whether we are full of confidence, and gave hearing to the deaf; doubts. Yet Jesus does not rebuke him. or finding it hard to see who you are, you raised the dead Rather, he builds up people’s appreciation your love is constant. and gave hope to the poor. of John and affirms him as an important Amen. Today we pray for (insert names) prophet who was predicted by the and ask that you would heal them too. ancient prophets in their Scriptures. A prayer for forgiveness Amen. ●●The kingdom of heaven is topsy-turvy. Response line: Forgive us, Lord, and help For many of us, salary and position mean us to see you. A sending out prayer status and seniority, and society honours Heavenly Father, Holy Spirit, fill us with your confidence, people because of where and to whom for the times we do not thank you: as we go out into the week ahead they were born. Jesus’ kingdom is not like Forgive us, Lord, and help us to see you. to face every situation that. For the times we do not ask for that comes our way. ●●Truth is not found in palaces with your help… Amen. people in robes. Truth is in the wilderness For the times we doubt your authority… among the ordinary people. Just as Jesus For the times we question who you are… was born not in a palace but in a tiny Amen. town of little regard, the good news comes to where people are, not to a special place where people go and find it. Gather Isaiah heralds the arrival of this truth and Choose a quiet or active way to begin your session.. God’s coming kingdom as the ‘Holy Way’ for God’s people. Do you see what I see? Pass the parcel Display several pictures of optical illusions Wrap up something that all the children (link on ). Ask the children: What do can share, e.g. stickers or sweets, together you see? Discuss how some might see with a label that says ‘When we receive something different from someone else. good things, God wants us to share them’. Make sure the parcel has many layers to unwrap. Play some music and, when it stops, the child who is holding the parcel unwraps a layer. Keep going until the child who opens the final layer reads the label aloud. Then share the gift among the group.

30 ROO S Children & Young People Issue 104 10

What do you see? • 15-21 December 2019 SAMPLE PAGES Children & Young People Open the Word For very young children Play and explore sharing good news and good things. Present the reading Open the Bible at Matthew 11.2-11 Play materials: large envelopes to open John doubts who Jesus is, but Jesus sends a message sharing the good things he is with the words ‘good news’ inside. doing. Storytelling Choose from these two ways of telling the story. Invite the children to choose a puppet See I am sending Ask the children to listen to the story carefully. Demonstrate creating to help you tell the story – Jesus, John, circles with your fingers to represent glasses and explain that during the story when disciples, people. they hear the word ‘see’ they are to do this action. Jesus travelled around teaching the people. Message for the messenger Choose one child to stand at one end of the room as John John the Baptist sent his friends with a and another child to stand at the opposite end of the room as Jesus. The other children message for Jesus: ‘Are you the Messiah we are to be the messengers going between the two. Read the first section of the passage, have been expecting, or should we keep and at the end of John’s first message, the children run to ‘Jesus’. After Jesus has looking for someone else?’ given his reply they run back to ‘John’ once more. After this, the group of children can Jesus said, ‘Go back to John and tell him become the ‘crowd’ Jesus is speaking to. everything you have seen and heard – sick people are being healed and good news is being preached to the poor.’ lthough he had been thrown into prison, John the Baptist heard Then Jesus turned to the people around A about the amazing things Jesus was doing. John sent his followers him and said, ‘John the Baptist is the one to Jesus with a question: ‘Are you the one we’ve been waiting for, or the Scriptures talk about: “Look, I am sending a messenger ahead of you. He will should we wait for someone else?’ He asked this because he wanted to prepare the way for you.”’ know whether Jesus was the Messiah, whom God had promised to send, hundreds of years before. Jesus replied, ‘Tell John what you hear and see: Play the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are made clean, the deaf hear, Give the children baskets of jewels and the dead return to life and the poor are given sparkles, and small organza bags. Invite good news. Tell him that anyone who them to share out the ‘good things’ so they accepts me is blessed by God.’ can all have some in their bag. John’s followers went away and Create Jesus spoke to the crowds: ‘When you went to see John in the desert, Invite the children to make a ‘good news’ scroll. Decorate it by adding pieces of what did you go to see? Someone bandage, sticking plaster, Bible quotes and who changes their mind like a reed stickers, then roll it up and tie it with a shaken by the wind? No? What, then? ribbon. Someone dressed like a prince? You need to go to palaces to see people Praise dressed up in soft clothes. What did you Play ‘Pass the parcel’. Add a party blower in go to see? A prophet? Yes, that’s who each layer and some tiny Bible storybooks you went to see. to share out in the middle. ‘And what’s more,’ Jesus said, ‘John isn’t just any prophet. Isaiah wrote Pray about him in the Old Testament. Isaiah said, “I am sending a messenger ahead of you, who will prepare the way for you.” Truly I tell you,’ said Give each child a candle with a paper circle drip-guard. Light a large candle, then invite Jesus, ‘there is not one person on earth greater than John. But in the them to share the light as you light their kingdom of heaven, even the lowest person is greater than he is.’ individual candles. Say together: Christ is our light. We are waiting in the darkness. Come, Lord Jesus. Amen. Talk together Find more prayers opposite and additional • Why do you think John had doubts about who Jesus was? activities on the next page. • When did you last doubt or feel sad about something? • How can you help others who are feeling sad or unsure? Very young children page with more activities, prayers and songs.

All ROOTS magazine materials are online at www.rootsontheweb.com • 31 www.rootsontheweb.com/sample 11

15-21 December 2019 SAMPLE PAGESAdvent 3

Explore & respond Questioning? 15 mins+ W E S A Make biscuits reminding us that even John had questions and doubts Select ideas to help children connect the Bible reading and their lives. Templates and links to online resources. Spiritual styles You will need: biscuit dough (recipe on ), rolling pins, several (as defined by David Csinos) key:W ord, Emotion, Symbol, Action. card question mark shapes for the children to use as a template Find out more in Worship and learning support. to cut round, or a question mark cutter, icing and other edible decorations. • Give each child a small amount of dough and ask them to roll it out. Good news! 10 mins W E A • Remind the children that even a special person like John had Look at the good and bad things happening in the world questions about Jesus. Invite them to think of some questions they might have as they cut their dough into two question You will need: newspapers and scissors. mark shapes. • Cut out some age-appropriate good and bad news stories • Bake the dough, leave to cool and then decorate the biscuits from the newspapers. as desired. Allow the children to each take one biscuit home • Talk with the children about what makes each story good or and encourage them to give the other as a gift for someone. bad news. • Discuss the good things Jesus shared with his disciples to show who he was. Ask the children why they think it is important to share good news. Sharing God’s love in prayer 10 mins E S A Question and answer 10mins E Pray to share God’s love with others Ask questions to God and know he is always ready to answer You will need: a copy of the prayer of St Teresa of Avila (template on ), battery-operated tealights. You will need: question marks and speech bubbles cut from card. • Read the prayer aloud, then place it in the centre of the • Divide the children into two teams and split each team in half, gathering. Remind the children that praying is a way of one on either side of the room. sharing God’s love. • Remind them that John was worried and asked Jesus a question. • Pray for people who are sad, for those in prison – like John, Jesus sent an answer back straight away to reassure him. and for anyone else you want to share God’s love with today. • Explain that you are going to have a relay race. The first • Light a candle for each one. runner leaves one side of the room carrying a question mark. They leave it at the opposite side of the room with the other More prayers are on p.30. half of their team. A new runner from that side takes the speech bubble to the opposite end. The next runner from that side of the room returns the speech bubble. The question mark returns to the original side with the next runner. Abbreviations and music links* in Hymns, songs & music. • Continue until every team member has run and the two halves Under 5s Deep and wide (CJP 35)* have swapped sides of the room. Keep passing the speech bubble If you’re happy and you know It! and the question mark between the two sides of the room. Under 12s When you believe, Stephen Schwartz, Babyface (Dreamworks, Prince of Egypt)* Flabbergasted, Doug Horley* 12+ How can it be, Lauren Daigle* During Advent our ‘Make’ activities include So will I (100 Billion X), Hillsong UNITED* ‘Advent tree’ decorations. Children could either take these home to decorate their own Advent See www.rootsontheweb.com or Christmas tree or you could make your group Children’s Sheet and Colouring Sheet (Welsh versions available). an Advent tree (see picture on ). (For more information see Welcome text on p.1.) Good news scroll Send out Advent tree decoration 3 15 mins W E Share the good news in your life Live your faith Encourage the children to put their faith into action. Use the You will need: pieces of brown paper, pens, ribbon, sticky tape. idea below or give out the Children’s Sheet . • Give the children a piece of brown paper each, and ask them What good things do you have that you could share this to write some good news they are thankful for in their own week? life: ‘Thank you, God for…’ A • Help the children roll their paper up to make a scroll, tie a ribbon round it in a bow, then use sticky tape to attach another piece of ribbon as a hanging loop. • If using the Advent tree, invite the children to hang their scrolls on it.

32 ROO S Children & Young People Issue 104 Connect faith with everyday life. 12

SAMPLE PAGES What do you see? • 15-21 December 2019

EXPLORE

Go to www.rootsontheweb.com for all templates, links and images. Find Bible notes and more prayers on p.30. Advent anagrams 5 mins W Use the BIBLE section below first, then choose activities Make anagram puzzles in large letters on A4 paper with from the other sections. Extra ideas can be found in an Advent/Christmas theme about light and dark. Words Explore & respond opposite. for light: star, shining, candle, angel. Words for dark: night, Herod, myrrh, doubts. Reveal the words and see who can work out what the word is and shout it out first.

BIBLE Matthew 11.2-11 3D good news star 15 mins E S Cut two identical stars (template on ) from sheets Warm up 5 mins E S of A4 card. Cut one from top to centre and the other Bring in one bowl of sweets wrapped in blue, and another from bottom to centre. Slot the two together at right with sweets wrapped in red or orange. Take turns to share angles. Take turns to share some good news and staple something from the past week that caused either despair or an orange sweet wrapper – from the Warm up – to the happiness. Anyone who shares something sad takes a blue star. Hang it up as a reminder of the good news you sweet to cheer them up. If they share something positive, they shared (image on ). take a red or orange sweet and pass it on, to share the joy.

Questions for Jesus 15 mins W E The reading can be dramatised using different readers for the voices of John, his disciples and Jesus. John’s disciples can walk from him to interrupt Jesus with their question. Jesus answers and then turns to the crowd and reads from verse 7 onwards. Questions to discuss ●● Why do you think John developed doubts about whether Jesus was the Messiah? Picture pointers ●● How does Jesus prove he is the promised one? Questions for reflection ●● How would you feel if someone doubted your character? What do you see when you look in the mirror? When do you experience doubt and despair?

CONNECT PRAY

Who does what? 15 mins W E Justice 10 mins W E A Look at the list of actions that Jesus refers to in verse 5. Ask Consider all the people involved in court cases that the young people to think about people today who work result in prison sentences. Write prayers for those who as opticians, physiotherapists, doctors, audiologists. If you work in the justice system and those who encounter it know of anyone who works in one or more of these roles, as victims or offenders and their families. Someone in invite them in to share a little of what they do. your group may know someone in custody, so ensure sensitivity when discussing this. Prisoners 15 mins W E A 10 mins Discuss who it is who suffers when a person is sent to Thanks for people W E S prison. Both the people who were the victims of the offence Provide outlines of people on paper or card (template and the family of the prisoner suffer. Someone in your on ). Encourage the young people to think of group may know someone in custody, so ensure sensitivity someone they look up to who is an example of good when discussing this. news. Write a simple prayer, giving thanks for that person, on the person shape. Hang the prayers on Look up the Angel Tree Project (link on ). They support your Advent prayer tree (see 1 December, p.25). Keep families of prisoners especially at Christmas by enabling the tree to use throughout Advent (see Welcome text prisoners to send a gift to their children. Consider how your on p.1), as each week there are activities to add group could support this work. symbols/items to the prayer tree. PostScript: Linking this week’s reading to the news .

Live your faith Listen Look up a news story this week, that involves a See Young People page or Hymns, songs & music for links to these tracks. court case or prison sentence and pray for all those Paris (Refuge), All Sons & Daughters on Paris involved. S A Take Up Your Cross, Judicator on The Last Emperor Cover the Earth, Kari Jobe feat. Cody Carnes on Cover the Earth www.rootsontheweb.com • 33 www.rootsontheweb.com/sample 13 Online weekly resources at www.rootsontheweb.com

All the magazine materials that you see in this brochure are also published online.

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l Children’s Sheet (in colour, black & white and Welsh versions)

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14 Just some of the resources that you can download at www.rootsontheweb.com

Planning Sheet for a children’s session Download this week’s resources for free at Date of session ROOTS title Page numbers

Revised Common LectionaryBible Year C This week we Decemberreading 2019 are exploring www.rootsontheweb.com/sample Month December Equipment needed: This week 1-7 Dec 8-14 Dec 15-21 Dec 22-24 Dec 25 Dec 29 Dec-4 Jan Lectionary week Advent 1 Advent 2 Advent 3 Advent 4 Christmas Christmas 1 Start time Festival, special Christmas Day Sunday, event ROOTS resources The bigger What do The light Joseph’s Repent! Taking a risk Issue 104 picture you see? Gatherhas come e.g. Preparejourneys the space, Gathering activity, Prayers, Sing Timing

Matthew Matthew Matthew Matthew Focus reading Matthew 3.1-12 John 1.1-14 24.36-44 11.2-11 1.18-25 2.13-23 Summary Jesus tells his disciples John the Baptist John the Baptist In a dream, an angel God’s Word created Angels appearing that only the Father fulfils the role of sends his disciples to tells Joseph that the life that is light in dreams guide knows when the Isaiah’s prophetic ask whether Jesus Mary’s child is from shining in darkness. Joseph away from Son of Man will voice, preparing for really is the promised the Holy Spirit. He The Word was in the Bethlehem in Judea, come suddenly to the Lord’s coming. Messiah. Jesus invites is to take her as world, rejected by first to Egypt, where gather his elect. The preparation is John to look at his his wife and name some but received Jesus is safe from Therefore, they must repentance, and words – they fulfil the child Jesus, by others. Now the Herod’s fury, and Open the Word e.g. Present the reading, Talk together Timing ‘keep awake’ and learning to ‘bear Isaiah’s prophecies; the Saviour. By Word has become then to Nazareth in ‘be ready’, because good fruit’ by and he affirms John Joseph’s adoption flesh and, John says, Galilee, where Jesus he is coming at ‘an depending only on as the messenger, Jesus becomes the we have seen his is brought up. All of unexpected hour’. God. When the Lord, foretold by Malachi, promised son of glory. this fulfils the words the Messiah comes, sent to prepare the David, named ‘God is of the prophets. he will baptize with way. with us’. the Holy Spirit and fire. This week’s This week’s This week’s This week’s This week’s This week’s This week’s resources explore resources explore: resources explore: resources explore: resources explore: resources explore: resources explore: learning from the where your roots are; acknowledging doubt being open to God; being sent by God; how Joseph’s journeys past; living hopefully bearing good fruit. and despair; sharing changing your mind. testifyingExplore to the light.& respondto Egypt and then e.g. Do, Make, Pray, Sing, Children’s Sheet Timing in the present. good things. to Nazareth, recall OT passages and a pattern set by Joseph’s Old Testament namesake.

Other lectionary Isaiah 2.1-5 Isaiah 11.1-10 Isaiah 35.1-10 Isaiah 7.10-16 Isaiah 52.7-10 Isaiah 63.7-9 readings this Psalm 122 Ps 72.1-7,18-19 Ps 146.5-10 or Ps 80.1-7,17-19 Psalm 98 Psalm 148 week Romans Romans 15.4-13 Lk 1.46b-55 Romans 1.1-7 Heb 1.1-4,(5-12) Heb 2.10-18 13.11-14 James 5.7-10 The links between Isaiah hopes that, In Isaiah 11.10, Today’s first reading Matthew quotes God’s good news The first reading is the lectionary after judgement, ‘the root of Jesse’ is one of Isaiah’s Isaiah in the Greek of coming salvation the type of faithful readings the nations will live symbolises a prophecies used to translation (where is carried into and hopeful lament together peacefully, regeneration of describe the deeds ‘young woman’ has effect by prophetic in trouble that helped in the light of God’s David’s line so that indicate that become ‘virgin’) proclamation. This Christians such as the law of love. For glorious that other Jesus is the Messiah. in support of his comes to a climax author of Hebrews Paul, the light of the nations are attracted. It was only after understanding of whenSend God speaksout e.g.to understandPrayers, Live in faith, Children’s Sheet Timing dawning day of the In Romans 15.12, calamity that the what it means to through his Son, who Jesus’ crucifixion. Lord is already driving Paul quotes the people were ready say that Mary’s child is both divine glory Matthew’s study of away the darkness Greek translation, the to hear Isaiah’s is ‘from the Holy and ideal humanity. the Scriptures has of selfishness and root of Jesse ‘rises good news. Perhaps Spirit’. The context This is the Word enabled him to relate quarrelling. In the to rule the Gentiles’, the Baptist’s own of the prophecy, to made flesh, and them to all the events Gospel, we hear and identifies the imprisonment for the ‘house of David’, those who believe in of Jesus’ life. that even if the light risen Jesus as this his denunciation of also affirms Jesus as him will share in the of that day seems son of David who hypocrisy made him David’s son, adopted N.B.mutual Have love you of Father catered for all ‘spiritual style’ preferences: Word, Emotion, Symbol, Action? slow to come, it is welcomes both Jews ready to hear the by Joseph, whose Seeand CYP Son, supportbecoming on the for a series of articles on Spiritual styles. necessary not to and Gentiles. For good news of healing dreams are inspired themselves the return to sleep but to John the Baptist, to and liberation. To by the Spirit. For Paul, children of God. be always prepared. become ‘children of those who show the risen Jesus is both Afterwards How did it go? What did you learn? Finish time Abraham’ is to be endurance, says son of David and Son raised to new life by James, ‘the Lord is of God, ‘according to God’s Spirit. compassionate and the spirit of holiness’. merciful’.

Common Worship © ROOTS for Churches Ltd 2015 Worship and learning resources for the whole Church xwww.rootsontheweb.com variations

© ROOTS for Churches Ltd 2019 Worship and learning resources for the whole Church www.rootsontheweb.com Planning resources

Templates

Children’s Sheet Available in colour, black and white and in Welsh-language versions

Colouring Sheet

Images Live your faith Sheet Images for the week that you can You could email this, or print it on the back of download, print and project a news sheet

www.rootsontheweb.com/sample 15 Seasonal resources

Our huge bank of online seasonal resources enables you to mark the church seasons all through the year.

As well as resources for many festivals and special Sundays, we offer biblical materials for ‘secular’ events. By enabling you to weave the sacred into the secular, the resources help you reach out to your wider community. See free examples at www.rootsontheweb.com

Our journey through the year

A selection of the types of resources you’ll find in our seasonal resources bank

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l Prayers and prayer activities l Reflections and meditations

l Craft and other activities l Whole service outlines

l Drama sketches l Poems, hymns and songs.

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