Remember
Breath Prayer
Breath in: The Lord is good and faithful
Breath out: He will keep us day and night
Song Themes: Come to Jesus in all things
Remember one another
Is anyone celebrating something that happened this week? Let’s share so we can all thank God together.
Is anyone struggling, feeling sad, lonely or scared? How can we pray for one another?
Remember what we learned last week
Practice the Following Jesus Liturgy (With our youngest kids only focus on the portion that we’re currently learning)
Leader: Who remembers what we learned last week?
Love!
Can anyone remember what scripture we learned or what it said?
1 Corinthians 13:4-8. Read the passage and see if the children can name a few characteristics of love before moving on.
Reflect: Lord's Supper
* A note before beginning. Children under the age of 7 are typically not able to grasp abstract concepts. Some children will not grasp abstract concepts until the age of 8, 9, or even 10. This is completely normal. Taking communion is an abstract concept that builds on the understanding of sacrifice and atonement for sin. When working with children under the age of 7, you may find it helpful to emphasize elements of "remembering what God has done" and receive His mercy, grace, and healing afresh. Some of the resources below are geared to older children and some work for all ages. Choose according to the needs in your Home Church.
Ask: What do you know about Communion?
Begin by asking the kids what they know about Communion? What is it? Have you ever been in Church when there is bread and juice and why do you think it's there? What does Jesus have to do with bread and grape juice? Listen, engage, and encourage curious questions, but don't feel a need to answer all the questions yet.
Read: Luke 22:19-20, "And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you." Acknowledge that these are tricky words and may sound confusing, but we're going to learn about them together so we can understand what Jesus meant.
Watch: The video below is great for ages 7+
Younger kids may enjoy the second video.
Respond: Come to the Table
Talk about what you learned.
Why do we have bread and wine/juice? What did Jesus say about these things?
What is a ritual (second video)? Does your family have rituals? How do they help us?
What did Jesus tell His disciples to do while they were eating the bread and drinking from the cup?
Read Luke 22: 19-20 again.
Pray, Lord, teach us how to remember the God things you've done for us and enjoy the gift of communion.
Activity: Come to the Table
* You will need place settings, snacks, drinks and table. If you don't have a table this can also work by sitting in a circle.
Explain that the snacks (pretzels, goldfish, chips, bread, crackers, etc) are like the bread that Jesus tore apart. Explain that the juice (cups or juice box work) are like the cup of wine that Jesus shared with His disciples. Older kids can understand that the bread represents Jesus body and the juice represents His blood.
Have the kids work together to "set the table" making a place setting for each child. This can be as creative or simple as you like as long as each setting has snacks and juice.
Have all the kids take their seats. Explain that taking communion is a holy thing and an opportunity to allow the Holy Spirit to forgive us again. Tell the kids that we are going to be quiet for a moment and see if there's anything the Holy Spirit wants to show us from this week that we can ask for forgiveness for. It may be as simple as screaming at a sibling, lying, having an ungrateful attitude. All the kids to wait on the Lord and then have them repeat after you, "Lord, I receive your forgiveness again and ask you to wash my heart clean. Thank you for making me new again."
Now explain that we are going to take turns going around the circle and saying something that Jesus has done for us. In this way we are remembering Him. During this time we can eat and drink in celebration of Jesus. He is worthy of celebrating! If you have time, continue the conversation and stoke new imagination of the things God has done for us.
Taking communion is as simple as remembering that Jesus is the Bread of Life and His blood has set us free from sin. While we eat and drink together we remember these truths and remind ourselves and each other that He is Good.
Close with a prayer: Lord, for the rest of my life I want to enjoy communion with you. Help me to never forget how good and faithful you are. Amen.