Lay minister needs help with developing a children's homily, please.

[quisp]

Lay minister needs help with developing a children's homily, please. Romans 8:18-25

I'm glad to have found this group and I'm hoping to get some help with a homily I am to deliver on July 17 :)

Our church (Saint Martin's Episcopal in Williamsburg, Virginia) is going through some changes and I've volunteered to help with the Family service. I'm very new to this and somewhat nervous. It's for the children so if anyone has any ideas how to 1) explain the lesson to 4 year olds while keeping it interesting for 10 year olds and 2) help me interepret the scripture I would be very grateful.

the scripture is:
18 consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us.
19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God;
20 for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope
21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.
22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now;
23 and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.
24 For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen?Or by Other ancient authorities read awaitsb
25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

thank you and God bless you

[RevCheesehead]

1. I think the theme of the passage is waiting.

Look for a visual prop. Perhaps plant some seeds in a pot of soil, then ask "where are my flowers?" Let them tell you you need to wait.
Ask them about waiting for things: Christmas, their birthdays, the school bus... (again, let them tell you what they wait for. Children's time is more fun if you let them speak!)

Then talk about waiting for things we pray for. Peace. Good health. All these things take time and patience. Just because we don't see results right away, doesn't mean "nothing's happening." We also have to do our part. WE have to plant, water, and nurture the plant, in order for it to grow.


Also, you might want to consult an alternate paraphrase. This is from THE MESSAGE by Eugene Peterson:

"That's why I don't think there's any comparison between the present hard times and the coming good times. The created world itself can hardly wait for what's coming next. Everything in creation is being more or less held back. God reins it in until both creation and all the creatures are ready and can be released at the same moment into the glorious times ahead. Meanwhile, the joyful anticipation deepens.

"All around us we observe a pregnant creation. The difficult times of pain throughout the world are simply birth pangs. But it's not only around us; it's within us. The Spirit of God is arousing us within. We're also feeling the birth pangs. These sterile and barren bodies of ours are yearning for full deliverance. That is why waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don't see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy."

You might want to ask your priest what he/she is going to focus on. Generally speaking, Romans is too theological for most kids to understand. Heck, it's often too theological for me!

Be sure to let us know how it goes - and bless you for volunteering to help out! O8)

[FreedomAngel82]

2. Are you asking for help on teaching with kids?

At my church I've gone there since I was a wee little kid and went through each age group until I reached college. The teachers use books, coloring sheets etc. Try a local Christian book store and see if they have anything you can use that'll go along with what you're looking for. The teacher's always do little activities since the Sunday school is only about thirty minute's. There's also a children's Bible time during worship service and they do various activities that go along with teaching about Jesus then. I hope this is what you're talking about.

[quisp]

3. Well it's not Sunday school proper...

In our family service, instead of ordain offering sermon's, we have lay ministers (me) delivering homilies to the children. It's a wonderful service. We have quite a few familys whose children are in college but they have never "graduated" to the 11 o'clock service. The family service is at 9 am. (I get home in plenty of time to still get something done on Sundays :)

I need ALL KINDS OF HELP! Scriptural interpretation, child rustling, public presentation. Any and everything is appreciated.

and both of you have offered me great advice.

I'm studing my scripture and praying for guidance and my prayers are being answered.

thank you.



on edit: crazy typos!