Curated children’s ministry resources and sermons (object lessons) for Sunday Readings from SermonWriter, Ministry-to-Children, Religion Teacher and other sources.
YOUNG CATHOLICS – The first reading tells of Abram’s encounter with God and the covenant which was made. The psalm declares “Your presence, O Lord, I seek. Hide not your face from me.” The second reading reminds us that God has the power to transform us. And the gospel tells of when Jesus took P
THEMES:
SOURCE: Young Catholics
Take a family drive to a place that captivates you. Spend time viewing the beauty of the spot. While there, share the Gospel story of the transfiguration.At the Transfiguration, Jesus changed before his friends. He shone like the sun. And he stood in the middle of Moses and Elijah. Moses was the central character in the Law, the first five books of the Bible. Elijah was the first and greatest of the prophets. Together they symbolized “the Law and the Prophets,” code words for the Bible
Lent is the ideal time to read more of the Bible, alone and with your family. Plan two times this week when you will read the Bible with your family. You could even share the stories of Moses (in Exodus) and Elijah (in 1 Kings 17-22 and 2 Kings 1-3). These stories will point out the importance of these men in the Bible. They will also point out how important their presence was to Peter, James, and John on the top of the mountain with Jesus.
Scripture Reference: Matthew 17:1-13
Suggested Emphasis: God wants us to listen to the words of Jesus.
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Free Sunday School Curriculum – New Testament Lessons | Old Testament Lessons
SOURCE: SUNDAY CONNECTION (LOYOLA PRESS) – All Rights Reserved
SOURCE: SUNDAY CONNECTION (LOYOLA PRESS) – All Rights Reserved
SOURCE: SUNDAY CONNECTION (LOYOLA PRESS) – All Rights Reserved
Catechist Background and Preparation
Primary Session
Intermediate Session
Junior High School
Contemplative Prayer
SOURCE: LECTIONARY RESOURCES (RCL Benzinger) – All Rights Reserved
Dollar Store Item: Shine Bright Classroom Décor, Solar Powered Garden Light
Take Away: Jesus shines bright with God’s glory, reminding us that that this is God’s son. We are called and sent to shine as the Body of Christ.
By Dr. Carol J Miller
Objects suggested: Painting of the Transfiguration
EXCERPT: Well, this story from the Bible is a strange one! In fact, it is almost in code. There are things in this story that stand for other things, and you probably would not be able to guess what they mean. It all happened when Jesus noticed that his disciples were getting nervous and confused. When they first joined up with Jesus, it was exciting. Jesus was very powerful—he did a lot of wonderful things. The disciples got to hang around with him; so many people thought they were special, too. That was sort of fun. Best of all, Jesus knew all about God, and when Jesus talked with the disciples and told them stories, they felt very, very close to God. The disciples all believed that they would and could do anything for Jesus.
But then, Jesus took them on a walking trip. They walked all the way from Galilee and now they were almost in Jerusalem. The disciples knew there were very powerful people in Jerusalem; people who were jealous of Jesus and wanted to hurt him. Jesus even said that he would die in Jerusalem! So no wonder they were nervous and confused. And they were sure that they must save Jesus from dying.
Sermon Writer: Children’s Sermons – All Rights Reserved | © 1997-2020 Richard Niell Donovan; Click on title to read entire sermon.
Materials: drawing paper, markers/crayons, scissors, glue/tape. (You may want to put a heading on the drawing paper that reads: YOU LIGHT UP MY LIFE! or give them yellow paper to draw on.)
Invite the children to draw a picture of themselves on a mountaintop along with a one or two others who encourage them and help them. OR If you have the chance, give them a reminder note a week earlier to bring a photo of themselves and photos of people who encourage them. Then they can cut out the photos of themselves and others and paste or tape them on their drawing of a mountain.
Objects suggested: The children’s song: “Good Morning to You”
EXCERPT: This morning I was thinking about a song from my childhood that we used to sing to start the day at school. The song was called, “Good Morning to You” and it goes like this: (Sing it if you can.)
Good morning to you,
Good morning to you.
We’re all in our places
with bright, shining faces.
Good morning to you,
Good morning to you.
Isn’t that a happy song? I’m not sure that our faces were always bright and shining, but I hope they were!
That song serves as a good reminder of what happened in our Bible lesson for today. The Bible tells us that one day Jesus took three of his disciples, Peter, James, and John and went up on a mountain to pray. As Jesus was praying, his face was changed and his clothes became a dazzling white. Suddenly, two men appeared and began talking to him. Do you know who the two men were? It was Moses and Elijah.
Maze › Word Search. › Multiple Choice › Coloring Page › Crossword › Crossword › Word Search › Worship Bulletin › Worship Bulletin › Group Activities. › Fill in the Blank
Objects suggested: None
EXCERPT: At times we all need guidance. We need someone who has experience (knows what they are doing) to give us advice.
If you want to learn to play the piano you would find someone who plays the piano well and go to that person for advice and instruction.
Who would you go to for advice on how to stay healthy? Yes, a doctor or a nurse.
Do you sometimes need help getting ready for school? Your mom or dad can give you advice on what to wear or what you might need for the day.
Perhaps there is a kid at school who teases you and you need advice on how to deal with that kid. One of your teachers or your parents could give you advice about that.
Objects suggested: A working flashlight with the batteries taken out. You’ll want to have those batteries with you, though, as they will be needed later on in the message.
Lesson is divided into FOUR PARTS: Ask, Tell, Share the Good News, and Closing Prayer
FIRST READING
SECOND READING
GOSPEL
SOURCE: Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University; “Build. Plant. Grow.” = a free faith formation resource which aligns with the Liturgical Year of the Roman Catholic Church. The accompanying video is NOT associated with Markkula Center.
SOURCE: Worshiping with Children: A blog by Carolyn C. Brown, a Certified Christian Educator in the Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA).
The Promise is a beautiful and transformative story about a young thief. As she tries to snatch an older woman’s handbag, the old woman holds onto the bag and states emphatically to the girl that she can only have the bag if she gives something in return. This something is a promise to plant whatever is in the bag. This begins a transformation within the young thieving girl. She begins to plant the acorns that were in the handbag and watches as the ugly streets transform with beautiful colors. The colors in the illustrations change from drab grays and browns to vibrant colors to accentuate the change that comes when people keep their promises.
Opening Question: Have you ever had a dream that you didn’t understand? What was the dream? Did you ever figure out what the dream was all about?
In the story for the first reading, Willie and George make a deal. What kind of a person would Willie be if he more than doubled the amount he would owe George for cutting Willie’s lawns. What sort of a God do we have who outdoes us at every turn.
Bridge Question: What good things do we receive from God?
In the story for the gospel, Joanie felt so uneasy about an English test, she had strange dreams about it. Then, she studied and the unease left her. Peter and his friends felt unease at the Transfiguration, but that left them after the Resurrection, when everything finally made sense.
Closing Question: We show God we trust him when we pray. What would you like to pray about right now?
The Jerusalem Bible is used for Mass in majority of English-speaking world outside U.S./ Canada.
The New Revised Common Lectionary (Catholic Edition) is used in Canada.
These links are provided for other faiths who do NOT use the Catholic lectionary, but rather use the Revised Common Lectionary.
Lessons are prepared by Kristin Schmidt, who serves at the Epiphany Lutheran Church in Castle Rock, CO.
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