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Fresh ideas and brand new materials…...for every week of the yearROOTS offers you lectionary-based resources for every single week of the year. The resources are published in two subscription magazines with a supporting website.

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ROOTS and the lectionaryEach week, both ROOTS Adult & All Age and Children & Young People explore the same passage from the Revised Common Lectionary. Where Common Worship differs, we provide materials online.

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The good shepherd • 26 April 2015

Open the WordPresent the reading John 10.11-18

Jesus explains to a crowd of Jewish people how he is like a good shepherd.

Choose from these two ways of telling the story.

Baa baa Invite the children to imagine that they are sheep, and to practise baaing and huddling together as you read the story. When you get to the part that mentions the wolf, encourage the ‘sheep’ to scatter and hide. When Jesus says, ‘My sheep also know me and hear my voice when I call them’, call each child back by name. When you are all together again, finish the story.

Woollen crosses Beforehand, cut some lolly sticks in half and trim the cut ends with a pair of scissors. Using one half, create a ‘cross bar’ across another lolly stick, and stick together. Make enough crosses this way to give one to each child. Make up small balls of white or cream-coloured wool. In the session give each child a cross and some wool. As they listen to the story, encourage them to wind the wool around the cross to cover it entirely. Start with a knot and secure by tucking in the final strand.

Jesus began to explain how much he loved his followers and cared for their safety. How could he help them to understand? He began to talk

about himself as a shepherd and his followers as sheep. He said,‘I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd is even willing to give up

his life to protect the sheep. A person who is paid to look after the sheep will not do this – when they see a wolf coming, they just run away and leave the sheep, with no one to protect them. This is because someone who is just paid to look after the sheep as a job is not truly the shepherd, and does not own the sheep.

But I am the good shepherd and I know my sheep very well. My sheep also know me and hear my voice when I call them. I lay down my life for my sheep by standing between them and the wolf, so that they are safe.

I have some other sheep that you have not met yet. I must call them, and they will listen to my voice, too. Then there will be one flock, with one shepherd.

This is why the Father loves me – because I am ready to die for my sheep, but I am also ready to be raised to life again. No one takes my life from me; I choose to lay it down. I have the power to lay my life down, and I have the power to take it up again. This is God’s plan and I am going to live it out.’

Talk together • Why do sheep need looking after?• Why are wolves scary? • Why do you think Jesus called himself ‘the good shepherd’?

For very young children

Mini Bible story with actions The good shepherd Jesus said, ‘I am the good shepherd.

Point to self. I lay down my life for my sheep.

Put arms out in cross shape. I know the name of each of my sheep,

Point around the room. and they know me.’

Point to self.

Repeat so the children can join in.

Build a sheepfoldPlay materials: a green cloth, building blocks (e.g. wooden, plastic or cardboard boxes), cuddly, plastic, or wooden sheep or card cut-outs (template on ), toy figures, (optional) a storybook of the good shepherd or a children’s Bible.

Lay down the green cloth and give each child building blocks to construct a sheepfold. Then give them some sheep to put into the sheepfold, and a toy figure to place horizontally across the entrance of the finished construction. This could also be done as a group on a large scale, with a child or adult lying across the entrance. If appropriate, you could read a simple story about the good shepherd.

Make sheep Play materials: card cut-outs of sheep (template on ), one per child, glue sticks, wool or cotton wool, googly eyes.

Give each child a sheep shape. Invite them to decorate it with wool or cotton wool, and stick on googly eyes.

PrayerYou will need: a picture of Jesus as the good shepherd (link on ), sheep shapes or ones made in the activity above.

Lay down a picture of Jesus as the good shepherd and invite each child to lay down a sheep beside it. Finish with this prayer. Ask the children to repeat the phrase after you:

Thank you, Jesus, that we are your sheep. Amen.

Find more prayers opposite and additional activities on the next page.

CYP76.indd 39 27/11/2014 12:57

38 ROO S Children & Young People Issue 76

Prayers All prayer text and Welsh translations.

Prepare the space Display pictures of sheep, a sheepfold, wolves, Jesus the Good Shepherd, a wooden walking stick and, if possible, some sheep’s wool.

Gathering activity Make a sheepfold together. Invite the children to lie down on their sides, on the floor, and use their bodies as the walls. Then make a human gate that opens and closes. Explain how, in Jesus’ day, sheepfolds were used to keep sheep safe from wild animals.

Gather Open the Bible at John 10.11-18

The good shepherd John 10.11-18 • John’s Jesus uses the familiar biblical image of the shepherd to address

questions of leadership.

• Good leaders are more concerned with protection of those in their trust than with self-protection.

This week’s resources explore: the image of Jesus as a shepherd; contemporary threats and protection.

Download a Planning sheet to help prepare your session.

Easter 4

Bible notes ●● The image of Jesus as a shepherd will

no doubt be familiar to us, but for many urban children and young people this may be an alien idea. Shepherds had no social standing at all in first-century Palestine. They were rough and smelly, living on the margins of Jewish society.

●● In Jesus’ time, a shepherd was committed to spending every day with his sheep on the hillside, taking them to the best pasture and protecting them from dangers, such as wolves. The sheep would trust him to feed and protect them. Shepherds didn’t shout and drive their sheep in front of them, using fear and dogs; they went ahead of their sheep, leading them, and because the sheep knew the shepherd’s voice, they would respond and follow him.

●● The danger of the hired hand, or substitute shepherd, was that he had no investment in the flock. He didn’t really care, and the sheep didn’t know or trust him. If wild animals attacked, the hired hand was likely to run off and save himself. By contrast, the good shepherd would sacrifice himself for his sheep (v.15).

●● Jesus uses this simple but powerful symbol of a shepherd to describe his relationship with us. When we spend our time in the company of the ‘Good Shepherd’, we begin to hear his voice and trust him. If we listen to him, he will lead us to good places, and he will protect us from danger.

26 April 2015

A gathering prayer The Lord is our shepherd. He promises to care and protect us, and he invites us to follow him.So come, this morning, individually and together, to sing, and learn, and pray in his name. Amen.

A prayer of thanksgivingLord Jesus, we thank you that you are strong and brave,and can protect your sheep;that you are gentle and kind,and can help your sheep;that you are generous and loving,and can care for all your sheep. Lord Jesus, we thank you that you are our shepherd, good and trustworthy.Amen.

A prayer for forgiveness Dear Jesus,sometimes sheep are naughty,and sometimes they run away and don’t listen to their shepherd. Sometimes, Jesus, we are a bit like that,and we are sorry when our behaviour causes worry,

and when we know we are doing wrong things. Please forgive us, and help us to be good to one another, as you are good to us. Amen.

A prayer for ourselves Lord Jesus, when we feel like frightened sheep,Good Shepherd, protect us;when we feel like lonely sheep,Good Shepherd, call out our name;when we feel like unloved sheep,Good Shepherd, give us a hug;when we make others feel left out,Good Shepherd, challenge us. Today, and every day, Good Shepherd, watch over us. Amen.

A sending out prayer Will you go and be good sheep and an example to others?Baaaa – we will!Will you go and be loving sheep and be kind to others?Baaaa – we will!!Will you go and tell others that Jesus is the shepherd they can trust and rely on?Baaaa – we will!!Amen.

Other lectionary Bible readings RCL Easter 4 Year B Acts 4.5-12, Psalm 23, 1 John 3.16-24

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Key to Spiritual styles: W Word E Emotion S Symbol A Action


● Being a good shepherd is a two-way process: knowing and being known by the sheep. Who are Jesus’ sheep today? Today’s passage indicates a drawing together of these sheep – one flock with one shepherd. This is redemption, brought into being through the actions of Jesus, as those whom God loves are drawn together.

● Jesus was ‘good’ as a shepherd because he wanted to spend much time with his sheep, initially the disciples, preparing them for what lay ahead. 1 John 3.16-24 echoes the Gospel, but emphasises the strength and importance of genuine relational love lived out between believers in Christ’s name.

Sermon ideas on Acts 4.5-12.

Informal talkA way for leaders to guide all ages though the reading.

One of the qualities of a good shepherd, according to John 10.11-18, is loyalty to those in their care. Although many retail organisations offer loyalty cards to customers, allowing us to accumulate points that can be redeemed through their store or a related business partner, do we, the customer, feel that these organisations actually care for us? Are these loyalty cards little more than a shrewd marketing exercise, a dangled carrot to keep us coming back for more? We, the punter, are asked to be the loyal ones. But is our loyalty ever reciprocated? Do we feel genuinely cared for? Encourage people to talk about both positive and negative experiences.

If the Church were to offer this model of a loyalty card, what would it be like? How would it work? Have a go at imagining a loyalty system for your church. It would need to be an active, two-way relationship of loving support. Try working on this together in groups, as though you were putting together a business proposal, based on genuine good shepherd principles as laid out in today’s Gospel passage. This could be done in the style of the entrepreneurial TV programme Dragons’ Den, renamed ‘Wolves’ Den’, with four ‘wolves’ asked to pick the best proposal.

Active worshipIdeas to engage different ages, spiritual styles and learning preferences.

A simple worship activity for all ages Share a fairy story that includes a big bad wolf. ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ or ‘The Three Little Pigs’ are obvious choices but a brilliant book would be Beware of the Storybook Wolves by Lauren Child (see ). Invite people to imagine, as they listen, that the wolves represent something that they are really afraid of. At the end invite them to imagine that the thing they are really afraid of has become very small, sitting on the palm of their hand. Get them to place their other hand over it and trap it within their cupped hands. In a very brief time of silent prayer invite people slowly to squash their hands together, squishing ‘the fear’ even smaller until it is flat. Then invite them to open a hymnbook or Bible, carefully place their fear inside, slam the book shut and say ‘Amen!’ W E S

Thomas the shepherd Watch some clips from the BBC’s 2010 drama series The Nativity featuring a shepherd character called Thomas. On the are details of how to follow his story across four episodes. Reflect upon the desperate circumstances that drive his actions. What is his social standing as a shepherd in the context of a first-century, occupied nation? Is he good? Thomas’ story begins with a lost lamb, and ends with him touching the Lamb of God. W E A

Storybook wolves Explore one or more of the ‘wolf’ characters from various children’s fairy stories (see ). Consider what it is that makes them bad, scary or dangerous. Why do they behave as they do? Who is the hero of each story and is that person ‘good’? W E A

One flock The Gospel passage is a good argument for working ecumenically or for looking at relationships with other faiths (John10.16). Offer a map of your local area and see if you can plot on it all the worship centres – Christian and those of other faiths. Explore together how your fellowship relates to other religious traditions within the community. What more could you be doing together?

Children’s sheet: activities to do in worship and at home. Welsh version available.

Drama sketch: Wolf at the gate

Psalm 23: ideas for all ages

Pass it on: text to share for DIY discipleship

Hymns & songsSongs in italics are suitable for all ages.

Key to abbreviations.

All people that on earth do dwellA new commandment I give unto youBecause the Lord is my shepherdFaithful shepherd, feed meHow sweet the name of Jesus soundsI am the light (A&M13, SP)In heavenly love abidingJesus the Lord said, ‘I am the bread’Loving shepherd of thy sheepNada te turba (Taizé)Shout for joy and sing your praisesThe king of love my shepherd isThe Lord’s my shepherdThe Lord’s my shepherd (Townend)Thou shepherd of Israel, and mine (HP)You hear the lambs a-cryin (CH4, HGSP, WGWG)

Send out

Live in faith Find a way to be a good shepherd offering protection this week. Contact someone who is trapped or afraid, listen to someone who is fearful, or send a contribution to a charity working against oppression.

40 ROO S Adult & All Age Issue 76

26 April 2015 Easter 4

Gather Prepare the spaceCreate a four-sided sheepfold using chairs, for people to pass through as they enter. Have a good shepherd at the door welcoming people into the fold. Display notices warning that wolves might be outside the fold. Ask people how this felt.

Ideas for an activity or short talk before children go to their own groups.

Open the Word

To help the listenerThe reader could use these words to provide context.

In Luke’s nativity story, shepherds appear as unlikely witnesses of Jesus’ birth. Several times in the Old Testament, leaders are described as shepherds: King David; the judges of Israel; and the kings of Judah. In Jacob’s farewell to his twelve sons, he describes God as like a shepherd and, of course, Psalm 23 says, ‘The Lord is my shepherd’. Jesus’ words about good shepherding bring to mind these Scriptures about leadership and God. The risen Jesus will entrust good shepherding even to one who had denied knowing him: Peter, when he says to him, ‘Feed my sheep’.

Present the New TestamentYou will need: four chairs; a narrator, Peter, some people to represent the assembled rulers and priests.

Create a courtroom dock using four chairs, for Peter to stand within. Surround this with a group of people looking menacing, facing Peter. A narrator sets the scene, reading Acts 4.5-8a. Peter speaks the words of verses 8b-12.

Present the GospelInvite people to share how it felt to be welcomed into the sheepfold as they entered worship this morning (see Prepare the space). Ask them to imagine how it would have felt if you had added some wolves, prowling around outside the safety of the sheepfold. Talk about just how scary it might be to face a wolf (or, more likely, a pack of wolves).

Invite people to imagine themselves huddled inside a high-walled sheepfold, while wolves prowl outside. It is dark, the wolves howl. You hear them running round and round outside the fold. Occasionally one of them leaps up the wall in an attempt to scale its height – claws and paws scrabbling on stone, followed by a thud and a yelp as this attempt fails. But they keep trying, relentlessly. They will have what they came for. Get everyone to screw up their eyes tight shut and clamp their hands over their ears, in the way children might when they try to block out something that they are really afraid of.

While everyone is doing this someone recites Psalm 23, but not in the usual manner of reading. Get the reader to recite the psalm as though they are terrified: rushed, breathy and stumbling over their words in an attempt to get them out in the form of an urgent, yet fearful, prayer. As this finishes, another voice immediately shouts out clearly and loudly: ‘Amen! Let it be so! Uncover your ears! Open your eyes!’ Then that same voice, again confidently and boldly, shares John 10.11-18.

(D uring or after the reading, you might play music from Peter and the Wolf: ‘The Procession’ – easily downloadable – when the wolf has been caught.)

With very young children Play, and explore the Good Shepherd.

Play materials: a green cloth, building blocks, cuddly, plastic, or wooden sheep or card cut-outs , toy figures, e.g. Playmobil™ or Lego™; children’s Bible or storybook of the Good Shepherd.

Mini Bible story with actionsJesus said, ‘I am the Good Shepherd (point to self). I lay down my life for my sheep (put arms out in cross shape). I know the name of each of my sheep (point around the room) and they know me (point to self).’ Repeat so the children can join in.

Play activity Lay down the green cloth and give out building blocks to construct a sheepfold. Give the children some sheep to put into the sheepfold, and a toy figure to place horizontally across the entrance of the finished construction. If appropriate, you could read a simple story about the Good Shepherd.

Explore & respond Go to Further resources to find links and

additional resource suggestions.

Sermon ideas PostScript: up-to-the-minute comment

on Thursday morning.

● Although Jesus pictures himself as the Good Shepherd to appeal to the audience of his day, it is not unreasonable for us to question the appropriateness of ‘shepherd’ as a metaphor for 2015. Few us are well acquainted with any sort of shepherd, let alone a rough-and-ready, edge-of-society kind of character commonplace in Jesus’ time. However, we might struggle to find a realistic alternative. In Acts 4.11, we could consider the metaphor of Jesus as the good ‘builder’, alongside ‘cowboy builders’ in place of the hired hand – which might be what Peter was bravely accusing the high-priestly family of being.

● What we know of first-century Jewish society suggests to us that a shepherd was generally someone of low social or family status. When Jesus casts himself as the shepherd, he is saying that he is ordinary and alongside others, not above them. If the Church is to be his body in the world, how do we live out the model of community he suggests – the humble shepherd who comforts and protects?

● The role of the shepherd as ‘protector’ might be considered through the story of the film The Grey ( Further resources). The suicidal main character, John Ottway, assumes the shepherd-like role of leader and protector of the few survivors of a plane crash in the frozen extremes of Alaska. In a gruesomely dark tale of attempted survival and running from a pack of grey wolves, we are reminded that wolves are big, scary and seldom alone. The dramatic darkness and evil from Psalm 23.4 might here be seen as the wolves, lurking in the forest shadows, just out of sight, but expertly stalking their prey.

● Why is the wolf always the ‘baddy’ when it comes to storytelling? What is it that defines or makes wolves bad? Consider those who were the ‘wolves’ to the Jewish people, or later for the disciples and emerging Church – the Romans, Herod, the Temple authorities, tax collectors or religious zealots. Who are the ‘wolves’ for people of faith today?

Live in faith Find a way to be a good shepherd this week. Offer comfort to someone who is afraid, listen to someone who is fearful, or send a contribution to a charity working against oppression.



John 10.11-18Bible notes and additional prayers are on p.38. We suggest you do the Bible activities first, then select one or more of the activities from the other sections, in any order. Additional activities are in Explore & respond opposite.

Pass it on: resources to share for DIY discipleship.

Warm up 5 mins S

Play ‘Kim’s game’ using pictures and items: sheep, shepherd’s crook, wolf, grass, a cross, an ear, two toy figures, a tea towel, a few coins. Can they guess which Bible reading it will be?

Symbol study 15 mins W S

Give out Bibles, symbol study sheets (see ) and pens. Explain how to use the sheet, then ask someone to read John 10.11-18 aloud. Encourage everyone to write down their thoughts against each of the symbols. Give them time to read and reflect on the passage. Feed back ideas and have a discussion. Encourage them to answer each other’s questions.

BIBLE

Under threat 15 mins W E

Together, research places and situations in which Christians are threatened. Look at websites such as Amnesty International and Open Doors (see for links). Discuss what kinds of things threaten us. How can we stand firm together and encourage each other?

On the line 10 mins W S

Hang up a piece of string about 2m long between two chairs or other items. Explain that one end is ‘Never’ and the other ‘Always’. Give everyone a small piece of paper and a clothes peg. Ask the young people to write their name on the paper and then hang it somewhere on the line to show whether they would ‘lay down their life for another person’. Has a stranger ever shown love to you through their actions? Do you make sacrifices for others? Look back at the line. Would you move yourself now?

PostScript: weekly topical issues and comment, every Thursday.

CONNECT

A good shepherd? 10 mins W E

Together, watch a clip from the BBC series The Nativity ( Further resources), featuring a shepherd called Thomas.

Reflect upon his lifestyle and family situation. What is his social standing in first-century Palestine? Why does he take desperate actions? Is he good?

Make bookmarks 10 mins W S

Make bookmarks shaped like a shepherds’ crook (template on ). Show examples of the art from the Lindisfarne Scriptorium (link on ). Invite the young people to choose a verse from the reading to write on the bookmark, then decorate it using coloured pens, inks, etc.

EXPLOREPsalm 23 15 mins W E

Display pictures of Jesus as the Good Shepherd (links on ) and plenty of craft materials. Play a setting of Psalm 23 (see Listen). Give out copies of the psalm and encourage the young people to engage with it, e.g. write, draw, make, think, pray. Invite them to share what they have discovered while immersing themselves in the psalm.

Sheep prayer 5 mins E S

Draw a picture of a sheep and write on it the name of someone you know who is unaware of God’s love for them, or afraid to trust it. Pray for them every day this week, that they would hear the voice of the Good Shepherd calling and caring for them.

PRAY

‘You Never Let Go’, Matt Redman‘Mighty to Save’, HillsongContemporary setting of Psalm 23, David Snowdon

Hymns, songs & music for YouTube™ links.

Listen

‘I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.’ (John 10.11)

Images.

40 ROO S Children & Young People Issue 76 Key to Spiritual styles: W Word E Emotion S Symbol A Action

Easter 426 April 2015

• Beforehand, lay out the banner material and write the words ‘The Good Shepherd knows all his sheep by name’ in the middle using a felt tip, or cut out the letters from fabric scraps and stick them on.

• Give each child a sheep and invite them to write their name on its body, and decorate it so that it represents them.

• Stick the sheep on the banner using double-sided tape.

• You could make some extra sheep and give them to members of the congregation to name and decorate over coffee, so that the banner represents the whole church.

An illustrated Psalm 10 mins W E

Memorise and decorate the treasured words of Psalm 23

You will need: A4 copies of Psalm 23 (vv.1-3) for each child (see ), crayons or felt tips.

• Give each child their own copy of the psalm. Read it through together and help them to memorise the words, a line at a time.

• Invite them to illustrate and decorate the page.

• Challenge them to learn the words of the psalm and be able to recite it next week.

Sheep prayer 5 mins W E S

Respond to the shepherd’s call.

• You could use this during the banner activity or while holding wool crosses, if made.

• Say together the sending out prayer on p.38.

More prayers are on p.38.


Be still and know that I am God I took my flock of sheep to the field today (SB)Lord, I want to be in your family (KS)Thank you, thank you, Jesus The Lord is my shepherd, he’s everything I need (CJP)The Lord’s my shepherd, I shall not want There were ninety-nine sheep

Children’s Sheet: for session or at home. Welsh version available.

Psalm 23: response line with actions

Pass it on: text to share for DIY discipleship

Send out

Live in faithJesus is the Good Shepherd. Be a good shepherd to someone this week and help look after them.

Explore & respond Ideas to engage different ages, spiritual styles and learning preferences. Go to Further resources to find links and additional resource suggestions.

Lambing live 10 mins E S

Find out more about the role of a sheep farmer today.

You will need: access to the internet.

• Together, watch the four-minute YouTube™ clip from ‘Adam’s Farm Countryfile’ (see link on ).

• Talk about what a farmer needs to do to look after sheep today. What are the good and bad points?

Wolf and sheep game 10 mins E S

Explore how a shepherd protects their sheep from a wolf

You will need: a parachute or a double duvet cover.

• Sit all the children in a circle, holding the edge of the parachute, with their legs and feet under it.

• Choose someone to be the wolf and someone else to be the good shepherd. Everyone else represent the sheep. The wolf crawls under the parachute and the shepherd stands next to the circle.

• The object of the game is for the wolf to try to capture as many sheep as possible, by pulling them under the parachute by the legs. The good shepherd’s job is to stop them from being pulled under. If he gets there in time, the wolf has to target another sheep. If he doesn’t, and the sheep is pulled under, it becomes a wolf, too.

Who’s afraid of the big bad wolf? 10 mins W E S

Share fairy tales and explore contemporary fears

You will need: a fairy tale storybook, a Bible for each child.

• Ask the children if they can remember any fairy tales with wolves in them, e.g. Little Red Riding Hood, The Three Little Pigs. Why are wolves always the baddies?

• Read a wolf fairy tale and invite them to imagine, as they listen, that the wolf represents something they are afraid of.

• At the end, invite them to imagine that the thing they are really afraid of has become very small, and is sitting on the palm of their hand. Get them to place their other hand over it, and trap it within their cupped hands. In a moment of silent prayer, invite the children to squash their hands together, squishing ‘the fear’ even smaller, until it is flat. Now open a Bible, carefully place their fear inside, slam the book shut and say ‘Amen!’

A sheep banner 10 mins E S

A group activity to remember that the Good Shepherd calls us all by name

You will need: an old bed sheet, sheep outlines (template on ), one per child, felt tips, double-sided sticky tape, (optional)

fabric scraps and scissors.

A shining light • 4 January 2015


The Good Shepherd • 26 April 2015


Call to worshipCome and worship as sheep of one fold.Come as those who are welcoming.Come as those who are accepting;as those who are called and united by the protective love of the Good Shepherd. Come and be shaped. Come and be challenged.Come and be changed.Come and rejoice. For Christ is your rod and your staff, your hope and your Saviour, today and always.

A gathering prayerAs a shepherd gathers the flock, so the love of God has gathered us here today. Let us celebrate the fullness of life Jesus has won for us, and place all that we are, and all that we long to be, into his hands and give thanks. Amen.

A prayer of approachChrist the Good Shepherd, you call us into your fold. May we accept the challenge to call others.May we accept with gratitude all that you have done for us.May we be known as your people and serve your world.Amen.

A prayer of confessionForgive us, Lord, when we exclude those you have called into your fold: those on the fringes, those we are uncomfortable with,those of differing lifestyles and faiths. Help us to speak with the voice of the Good Shepherd, calling all to a place of safety, to a relationship of trust and a common identity in your name, celebrating diversity and bound by your love. Amen.

A prayer of thanksgivingWe thank you, Lord, our Good Shepherd and our Saviour, that even when we go through the valley of darkness you are with us. Even when we forget you, you do not forget us. Even when we are divided among ourselves you remind us of our oneness in you. Even when we are undeserving you hold nothing back. We give you thanks with one voice and we praise you. Amen.

Prayers of intercessionJesus, Good Shepherd, we bring to you in our prayers those at the mercy of the wolves of violence and abuse;those scattered by prejudice and persecution;those harried by the pressures of life and their responsibilities to others;those who feel abandoned by their families and friends;those robbed of the fullness of life by illness, by poverty, by fear;those who feel excluded from the sheepfold of church or society, those on the fringes of our communities.Jesus, Good Shepherd, unite us, inspire us and use us to draw others to your love.Amen.

A personal prayerLord, I do not know what it is like to be a sheep but I do know what it is like to need a shepherd: to feel that someone cares, to know there is someone who will listen to me –someone I can trust; someone who understands me and wants the best for me. Lord, I can be stubborn like a sheep and I can be afraid and I can be vulnerable. Please meet me where I am today in all my hopes and longings and be my Good Shepherd.Amen.

A way into prayerDraw a picture of a sheep and write on it the name of someone you know who is unaware of God’s love for them or afraid to trust it. Pray for them every day this week, that they would hear the voice of the Good Shepherd calling and caring for them.

A prayer for all ages togetherGive everyone a paper sheep and invite them to write on it a name or a situation they would like to pray for. Create a simple sheepfold and invite everyone to place their sheep into it saying:

Lord Jesus, our Good Shepherd and friend, we place (name) into your fold and pray that you would keep them safe. Help them to know they are loved and bring them hope and healing and comfort.Amen.

A sending out prayerGo as sheep of one fold into your homes, your communities and your places of work and study. Go and be the voice of the Good Shepherd and be a people of grace, integrity and faith.Amen.


4 January 2015


Easter 4

Lectionary Bible readings RCL Easter 4 Year BActs 4.5-12, Psalm 23, 1 John 3.16-24,John 10.11-18

26 April 2015

Bible notes New Testament Acts 4.5-12This episode follows on from the story of the healing of a disabled man, and Peter’s preaching of God’s restoration which is promised through Jesus and the other prophets. Peter and John had been ‘proclaiming that in Jesus there is resurrection of the dead (4.2),’ which had particularly riled the Sadducees, who dismissed belief in resurrection. Where today’s reading joins the story, Peter and John are in custody (4.3) and Annas the high priest is among the gathered rulers, elders and scribes. When Luke’s account last told us of Peter at the high priest’s house, Peter cowered in the courtyard and denied being with Jesus. This time he, with John, declares boldly that ‘there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved’ (4.12). The witness has emerged. To bear witness is to speak of what is seen and heard, plainly and truthfully (4.19-20). The one who stands with them (4.14) needs to say nothing. His standing there is testimony enough to the restorative power of the risen Jesus. Indeed, the silent testimony of this restored man silences the apostles’ interrogators, and leads to their release (4.15 and 4.21).

Gospel John 10.11-18This reflection on Jesus as shepherd starts at the beginning of the chapter, and weaves together several metaphors. A good shepherd enters by the gate, and is welcomed by the gatekeeper. His own sheep recognise his voice and follow him out. But when Jesus speaks in this way people do not understand him (10.6), so he tells them instead that he is the gate for the sheep who go in and out through

him, and who will find pasture. Note that the movement is both in and out, and presumably the pasture is outside the fold. By contrast with the thief who comes to steal and destroy, Jesus declares that he has come so that his sheep may have life abundantly. Unlike the hired hand, who neither has investment in the sheep nor cares for them, Jesus lays down his life for the sheep when the wolf comes. There are other sheep who will also recognise this shepherd’s voice. One of the strong themes beneath the poetry of this chapter is leadership, good and bad (note how this follows John 9.13-41).

Those of us who are familiar with this passage from John’s Gospel may not notice (or resist the idea of) how strange it can sound to some people. The strangeness is not just in the scenario of sheep and wolves, but in the repetitions, the metaphors, the changes of direction that make up this extended meditation. It needs thoughtful and creative presentation. No childhood pastoral images will do justice to the themes of threat and death running throughout – themes that may be well understood from the perspectives of vulnerable, fearful or violated people who may help us hear these words afresh. The good shepherd is protector, willing to face wolves and to lay aside his own security for the sake of those in his care. That same perspective would connect today’s psalm with its assurance that amid enemies and evil there is the possibility of goodness, mercy, refreshment and restoration. It is peculiar to the Fourth Gospel that we hear Jesus saying, ‘I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord’ (10.17-18). The power of which Jesus speaks (10.18) is linked with the love of the Father

(10.17) and with the command from the Father (10.18). Jesus is never other than human, even if also divine. What we have repeatedly in the Gospel of John are images of Jesus abiding in the Father, as his disciples (here, his sheep) abide in Jesus. There is an intimacy of commitment, love and belonging.

The links between the lectionary readingsBoth of these stories are about leadership, and perhaps both are about facing wolves. Jesus in John’s Gospel speaks of his leadership as protective, dependable, self-offering and watchful. In Acts, Peter and John stand before other gathered leaders, as their own leadership emerges from another place, a power very different from the vacuous and compromised power of political preference.

Notes on Psalm 23 and ideas for using it together.

The Good ShepherdJohn 10.11-18• John’s Jesus uses the familiar biblical image of the shepherd to address





Images.

Adult & All Age Children & Young People

Children’s Sheet

© ROOTS for Churches Limited www.rootsontheweb.com

Activity 2Draw faces for the sheep and label them with you and your family’s names.

Activity 1Help the shepherd find his lost sheep.

Today’s Bible readingJohn 10.11- 18Jesus describes himself as the good shepherd. He knows all his sheep by name and protects them from danger.

26 April 2015

Live in faithTry and be a ‘good shepherd’

to someone this week and

help look after them.

Check it outLittle Bear Lost, Jane Hissey, Scribblers.

Lord Jesus, thank you that you are strong and brave and can protect your sheep; that you are gentle and kind and love your sheep. Help us to trust and follow you. Amen.

Who looks

after you?

‘I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life

for the sheep.’

Month AprilSunday date 5 April 12 April 19 April 26 April

Lectionary week Easter Sunday Easter 2 Easter 3 Easter 4Festival, special Sunday, event

St George’s Day 23 April

ROOTS resources Issue 76 Amazement My Lord and

my God You are witnesses The good shepherd

Mark’s Gospel Mark 16.1-8Summary • Women were the first witnesses

of the resurrection.• Resurrection is disruptive and

disorienting.• Jesus was not where they left

him.• The early ending of Mark’s Gospel

is abrupt, and deliberately so.

This week’s resources explore:

This week’s resources explore: the disruptive nature of resurrection; Jesus going ahead; the challenging ending of Mark’s Gospel.

John’s Gospel John 20.19-31 John 10.11-18Summary • Thomas acknowledges Jesus as

his Lord and his God.• Resurrection includes an

experience of forgiveness.• Jesus trusts his disciples with the

continuing mission.

• John’s Jesus uses the familiar biblical image of the shepherd to address questions of leadership.



This week’s resources explore: Jesus’ message of peace and forgiveness; Thomas’ response; commitment.


Other Gospels Luke 24.36b-48Why read from this Gospel this week?

This story is only found in Luke’s Gospel.

Summary • The risen Jesus does something as ordinary as eating with his disciples.

• The resurrection opened the disciples’ minds to understand things they already knew.

• Jesus says, ‘You are witnesses of these things.’


This week’s resources explore: how God shows up in the ordinary; understanding as gift; the responsibility of witnessing.

Reading from Acts Acts 10.34-43 Acts 4.32-35 Acts 3.12-19 Acts 4.5-12

Summary Peter proclaims that the good news of the resurrection is for all people. God shows no partiality.

The new community of believers holds everything in common, no one is in need, and they give testimony to the resurrection.

Having raised up a crippled man, Peter declares that faith in the name of Jesus, who was crucified and raised, has made the man strong.

Speaking before the priests, rulers and elders, who have had him arrested, Peter declares that salvation has come through Jesus Christ, whom they crucified and God raised from the dead.

Other lectionary readings this week

Isaiah 25.6-9Psalm 118.1-2,14-24

1 Corinthians 15.1-11

Psalm 1331 John 1.1–2.2

Psalm 41 John 3.1-7

Psalm 231 John 3.16-24

Common Worship variations

© ROOTS for Churches Ltd 2015 www.rootsontheweb.comWorship and learning resources for the whole Church

Revised Common Lectionary Year B April 2015

Lectionary noteMark’s Gospel ends with the empty tomb and the frightened women so we move to John’s Gospel, and read it throughout most of the Easter season.

Lectionary noteThroughout the Easter season, instead of an Old Testament reading, we read from Acts, Luke’ second book, which describes how Jesus continued to be with his apostles as the gospel spread like wildfire and new communities of Christians sprang up across the Roman Empire.

Planning Sheet for a children’s session

© ROOTS for Churches Ltd 2015 xwww.rootsontheweb.comWorship and learning resources for the whole Church

Date of session

Bible reading

Equipment needed:

N.B. Have you catered for all ‘spiritual style’ preferences: Word, Emotion, Symbol, Action? See CYP support on the for a series of articles on Spiritual styles.

Gather e.g. Prepare the space, Gathering activity, Prayers, Sing

Open the Word e.g. Present the reading, Talk together

This week we are exploring

Page numbersROOTS title

Explore & respond e.g. Do, Make, Pray, Sing, Children’s Sheet

Send out e.g. Prayers, Live in faith, Children’s Sheet

Timing

Timing

Timing

Timing

Start time

Finish timeAfterwards How did it go? What did you learn?

• Planning support

• Materials to complement the magazines each week, such as drama scripts, a children’s talk and templates

• ROOTS online resources bank – easily-searchable resources from the past 12 years of ROOTS

• Seasons and festivals – to help you celebrate special events throughout the year

After-school clubs

Family service Junior Church / Sunday School

Children’s Sheet





26 April 2015

Live in faithTry and be a ‘good shepherd’

to someone this week and

help look after them.



Who looks

after you?


for the sheep.’


CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE 26 April 2015Template to use with: Build a sheepfold and Make sheep, p.39

and A sheep banner, p.40


4 January 2015


Easter 4

Lectionary Bible readings RCL Easter 4 Year BActs 4.5-12 Psalm 231 John 3.16-24John 10.11-18

26 April 2015

Bible notes New Testament Acts 4.5-12This episode follows on from the story of the healing of a disabled man, and Peter’s preaching of God’s restoration which is promised through Jesus and the other prophets. Peter and John had been ‘proclaiming that in Jesus there is resurrection of the dead’ (4.2), which had particularly riled the Sadducees, who dismissed belief in resurrection. Where today’s reading joins the story, Peter and John are in custody (4.3) and Annas the high priest is among the gathered rulers, elders and scribes. When Luke’s account last told us of Peter at the high priest’s house, Peter cowered in the courtyard and denied being with Jesus. This time he, with John, declares boldly that ‘there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved’ (4.12). The witness has emerged. To bear witness is to speak of what is seen and heard, plainly and truthfully (4.19-20). The one who stands with them (4.14) needs to say nothing. His standing there is testimony enough to the restorative power of the risen Jesus. Indeed, the silent testimony of this restored man silences the apostles’ interrogators, and leads to their release (4.15 and 4.21).







The good shepherdJohn 10.11-18• John’s Jesus uses the familiar biblical image of the shepherd to address





Images.

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Online Extensive resources to support the magazine materials

Magazine 4 pages of fresh, new ideas each week

With adults & all ages With children & young people

Ministry with the elderly


4 January 2015


Easter 4


26 April 2015













Images.

AAA76.indd 38 27/11/2014 12:04

SAMPlE PAgES Adult & All AgeThe materials focus on the Gospel reading each week.

The direction of the resources is the same in both magazines, so all ages can explore the passage as a community – even when they’re in their own groups.

Bible notes, written by a scholar, focus on two of the week’s lectionary readings. This section shows, for example, how the Old Testament passage sheds light on the Gospel.

Ways of using today’s psalm, including background notes and actions to accompany a response line, so that everyone can be involved.4 Adult & All Age


4 January 2015


Easter 4


26 April 2015













Images.

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A shining light • 4 January 2015




Call to worshipCome and worship as sheep of one fold.Come as those who are welcoming.Come as those who are accepting;as those who are called and united by the protective love of the good shepherd. Come and be shaped. Come and be challenged.Come and be changed.Come and rejoice. For Christ is your rod and your staff, your hope and your Saviour, today and always.

A gathering prayerAs a shepherd gathers the flock, so the love of God has gathered us here today. Let us celebrate the fullness of life Jesus has won for us, and place all that we are, and all that we long to be, into his hands and give thanks. Amen.

A prayer of approachChrist the good shepherd, you call us into your fold. May we accept the challenge to call others.May we accept with gratitude all that you have done for us.May we be known as your people and serve your world.Amen.

A prayer of confessionForgive us, Lord, when we exclude those you have called into your fold: those on the fringes, those we are uncomfortable with,those of differing lifestyles and faiths. Help us to speak with the voice of the good shepherd, calling all to a place of safety, to a relationship of trust and a common identity in your name, celebrating diversity and bound by your love. Amen.

A prayer of thanksgivingWe thank you, Lord, our good shepherd and our Saviour, that even when we go through the valley of darkness you are with us. Even when we forget you, you do not forget us. Even when we are divided among ourselves you remind us of our oneness in you. Even when we are undeserving you hold nothing back. We give you thanks with one voice and we praise you. Amen.

Prayers of intercessionJesus, good shepherd, we bring to you in our prayers those at the mercy of the wolves of violence and abuse;those scattered by prejudice and persecution;those harried by the pressures of life and their responsibilities to others;those who feel abandoned by their families and friends;those robbed of the fullness of life by illness, by poverty, by fear;those who feel excluded from the sheepfold of church or society, those on the fringes of our communities.Jesus, good shepherd, unite us, inspire us and use us to draw others to your love.Amen.

A personal prayerLord, I do not know what it is like to be a sheep but I do know what it is like to need a shepherd: to feel that someone cares, to know there is someone who will listen to me –someone I can trust; someone who understands me and wants the best for me. Lord, I can be stubborn like a sheep and I can be afraid and I can be vulnerable. Please meet me where I am today in all my hopes and longings and be my good shepherd.Amen.

A way into prayerDraw a picture of a sheep and write on it the name of someone you know who is unaware of God’s love for them or afraid to trust it. Pray for them every day this week, that they would hear the voice of the good shepherd calling and caring for them.

A prayer for all ages togetherGive everyone a paper sheep and invite them to write on it a name or a situation they would like to pray for. Create a simple sheepfold and invite everyone to place their sheep into it saying:

Lord Jesus, our good shepherd and friend, we place (name) into your fold and pray that you would keep them safe. Help them to know they are loved and bring them hope and healing and comfort.Amen.

A sending out prayerGo as sheep of one fold into your homes, your communities and your places of work and study. Go and be the voice of the good shepherd and be a people of grace, integrity and faith.Amen.

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SAMPlE PAgES Adult & All AgeA

du

lt & A

ll Ag

e

Ideas for the whole week

You could use the prayers at a care home, in school, at a meeting or you could print/email some on a weekly news sheet.

The text of all the prayers is available in both English and Welsh at www.rootsontheweb.com (see page 12).

A variety of prayers for different times within worship.

Turn to pages 12-14 to see the online support for this week 5




Children’s talk: a short introduction for children before they go into groups.

Open the Word








(During or after the reading, you might play music from Peter and the Wolf: ‘The Procession’ – easily downloadable – when the wolf has been caught.)

With very young children Play, and explore the good shepherd.


Mini Bible story with actionsJesus said, ‘I am the good shepherd (point to self). I lay down my life for my sheep (put arms out in cross shape). I know the name of each of my sheep (point around the room) and they know me (point to self).’ Repeat so the children can join in.

Play activity Lay down the green cloth and give out building blocks to construct a sheepfold. Give the children some sheep to put into the sheepfold, and a toy figure to place horizontally across the entrance of the finished construction. If appropriate, you could read a simple story about the good shepherd.





● Although Jesus pictures himself as the good shepherd to appeal to the audience of his day, it is not unreasonable for us to question the appropriateness of ‘shepherd’ as a metaphor for 2015. Few us are well acquainted with any sort of shepherd, let alone a rough-and-ready, edge-of-society kind of character commonplace in Jesus’ time. However, we might struggle to find a realistic alternative. In Acts 4.11, we could consider the metaphor of Jesus as the good ‘builder’, alongside ‘cowboy builders’ in place of the hired hand – which might be what Peter was bravely accusing the high-priestly family of being.




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SAMPlE PAgES Adult & All AgeResources for welcoming your congregation, and for introducing worship.

Ideas for a children’s talk are available online.

You can read out these notes before the readings to set the context of the passage for your congregation.


A weekly mini Bible story and play activity enables even the youngest to be engaged in worship – ideal for Sundays or toddler groups.

Every Thursday we add PostScript to our website: a comment on events in the news, linked to the coming Sunday’s readings.

6 Adult & All Age

Fresh ways to help all ages engage with the readings.




Children’s talk: a short introduction for children before they go into groups.

Open the Word








(During or after the reading, you might play music from Peter and the Wolf: ‘The Procession’ – easily downloadable – when the wolf has been caught.)

With very young children Play, and explore the good shepherd.


Mini Bible story with actionsJesus said, ‘I am the good shepherd (point to self). I lay down my life for my sheep (put arms out in cross shape). I know the name of each of my sheep (point around the room) and they know me (point to self).’ Repeat so the children can join in.

Play activity Lay down the green cloth and give out building blocks to construct a sheepfold. Give the children some sheep to put into the sheepfold, and a toy figure to place horizontally across the entrance of the finished construction. If appropriate, you could read a simple story about the good shepherd.





● Although Jesus pictures himself as the good shepherd to appeal to the audience of his day, it is not unreasonable for us to question the appropriateness of ‘shepherd’ as a metaphor for 2015. Few us are well acquainted with any sort of shepherd, let alone a rough-and-ready, edge-of-society kind of character commonplace in Jesus’ time. However, we might struggle to find a realistic alternative. In Acts 4.11, we could consider the metaphor of Jesus as the good ‘builder’, alongside ‘cowboy builders’ in place of the hired hand – which might be what Peter was bravely accusing the high-priestly family of being.




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Spiritual styles: W Word E Emotion S Symbol A Action More info in the Support section


● Being a good shepherd is a two-way process: knowing and being known by the sheep. Who are Jesus’ sheep today? Today’s passage indicates a drawing together of these sheep – one flock with one shepherd. This is redemption, brought into being through the actions of Jesus, as those whom God loves are drawn together.

● Jesus was ‘good’ as a shepherd because he wanted to spend much time with his sheep, initially the disciples, preparing them for what lay ahead. 1 John 3.16-24 echoes the Gospel, but emphasises the strength and importance of genuine relational love lived out between believers in Christ’s name.

Sermon ideas on Acts 4.5-12.

Informal talkA way for leaders to guide all ages though the reading.

One of the qualities of a good shepherd, according to John 10.11-18, is loyalty to those in their care. Although many retail organisations offer loyalty cards to customers, allowing us to accumulate points that can be redeemed through their store or a related business partner, do we, the customer, feel that these organisations actually care for us? Are these loyalty cards little more than a shrewd marketing exercise, a dangled carrot to keep us coming back for more? We, the punter, are asked to be the loyal ones. But is our loyalty ever reciprocated? Do we feel genuinely cared for? Encourage people to talk about both positive and negative experiences.

If the Church were to offer this model of a loyalty card, what would it be like? How would it work? Have a go at imagining a loyalty system for your church. It would need to be an active, two-way relationship of loving support. Try working on this together in groups, as though you were putting together a business proposal, based on genuine good shepherd principles as laid out in today’s Gospel passage. This could be done in the style of the entrepreneurial TV programme Dragons’ Den, renamed ‘Wolves’ Den’, with four ‘wolves’ asked to pick the best proposal.

Active worshipIdeas to engage different ages, spiritual styles and learning preferences.

A simple worship activity for all ages Share a fairy story that includes a big bad wolf. ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ or ‘The Three Little Pigs’ are obvious choices but a brilliant book would be Beware of the Storybook Wolves by Lauren Child (see ). Invite people to imagine, as they listen, that the wolves represent something that they are really afraid of. At the end invite them to imagine that the thing they are really afraid of has become very small, sitting on the palm of their hand. Get them to place their other hand over it and trap it within their cupped hands. In a very brief time of silent prayer invite people slowly to squash their hands together, squishing ‘the fear’ even smaller until it is flat. Then invite them to open a hymnbook or Bible, carefully place their fear inside, slam the book shut and say ‘Amen!’ W E S

Thomas the shepherd Watch some clips from the BBC’s 2010 drama series The Nativity featuring a shepherd character called Thomas. On the are details of how to follow his story across four episodes. Reflect upon the desperate circumstances that drive his actions. What is his social standing as a shepherd in the context of a first-century, occupied nation? Is he good? Thomas’ story begins with a lost lamb, and ends with him touching the Lamb of God. W E A

Storybook wolves Explore one or more of the ‘wolf’ characters from various children’s fairy stories (see ). Consider what it is that makes them bad, scary or dangerous. Why do they behave as they do? Who is the hero of each story and is that person ‘good’? W E A

One flock The Gospel passage is a good argument for working ecumenically or for looking at relationships with other faiths (John10.16). Offer a map of your local area and see if you can plot on it all the worship centres – Christian and those of other faiths. Explore together how your fellowship relates to other religious traditions within the community. What more could you be doing together?

Children’s Sheet: to do in worship and at home. Welsh version available.

Drama sketch: Wolf at the gate

Psalm 23: ideas for all ages

ROOTS images: with questions for reflection

Pass it on: resources to share for DIY discipleship

Hymns & songsSongs in italics are suitable for all ages.


All people that on earth do dwellA new commandment I give unto youBecause the Lord is my shepherdFaithful shepherd, feed meHow sweet the name of Jesus soundsI am the light (A&M13, SP)In heavenly love abidingJesus the Lord said, ‘I am the bread’Loving shepherd of thy sheepNada te turba (Taizé)Shout for joy and sing your praisesThe king of love my shepherd isThe Lord’s my shepherdThe Lord’s my shepherd (Townend)Thou shepherd of Israel, and mine (HP)You hear the lambs a-cryin (CH4, HGSP, WGWG)

Send out

Live in faith AFind a way to be a good shepherd offering protection this week. Contact someone who is trapped or afraid, listen to someone who is fearful, or send a contribution to a charity working against oppression.

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SAMPlE PAgES Adult & All AgeA

du

lt & A

ll Ag

eIn addition to exploring the Word through a sermon, these ideas help everyone to make a personal response to the reading.

A suggestion for living out our faith during the coming week.

Items not to miss on the ROOTS website.

Download these pages from www.rootsontheweb.com/sample 7

ROOTS’ approach is influenced by research that has identified four distinctive ‘spiritual styles’ – different ways in which people connect with God. By taking people’s spiritual preferences into account, ROOTS helps you to engage everyone in worship.



Prepare the space Display pictures of sheep, a sheepfold, wolves, Jesus the good shepherd, a wooden walking stick and, if possible, some sheep’s wool.

Gathering activity Make a sheepfold together. Invite the children to lie down on their sides, on the floor, and use their bodies as the walls. Then make a human gate that opens and closes. Explain how, in Jesus’ day, sheepfolds were used to keep the flock safe from wild animals.







Easter 4






26 April 2015





A prayer for ourselves Lord Jesus, when we feel like frightened sheep,good shepherd, protect us;when we feel like lonely sheep,good shepherd, call out our name;when we feel like unloved sheep,good shepherd, give us a hug;when we make others feel left out,good shepherd, challenge us. Today, and every day, Good Shepherd, watch over us. Amen.


Other lectionary Bible readings RCL Easter 4 Year B Acts 4.5-12 Psalm 23 1 John 3.16-24

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8 Children & Young People

SAMPlE PAgESChildren and young people not only explore the same passage as the adults, but also explore the same threads within the passage.

Bible notes give you the Biblical context, and encourage your own reading and reflection.

Helping the children to settle, while setting the scene for the session.

The wording of these prayers helps children to develop a sense of the language of prayer.



Prepare the space Display pictures of sheep, a sheepfold, wolves, Jesus the good shepherd, a wooden walking stick and, if possible, some sheep’s wool.

Gathering activity Make a sheepfold together. Invite the children to lie down on their sides, on the floor, and use their bodies as the walls. Then make a human gate that opens and closes. Explain how, in Jesus’ day, sheepfolds were used to keep the flock safe from wild animals.







Easter 4






26 April 2015





A prayer for ourselves Lord Jesus, when we feel like frightened sheep,good shepherd, protect us;when we feel like lonely sheep,good shepherd, call out our name;when we feel like unloved sheep,good shepherd, give us a hug;when we make others feel left out,good shepherd, challenge us. Today, and every day, Good Shepherd, watch over us. Amen.


Other lectionary Bible readings RCL Easter 4 Year B Acts 4.5-12 Psalm 23 1 John 3.16-24

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Open the WordPresent the reading John 10.11-18

Jesus explains to a crowd of Jewish people how he is like a good shepherd.

Choose from these two ways of telling the story.

Baa baa Invite the children to imagine that they are sheep, and to practise baaing and huddling together as you read the story. When you get to the part that mentions the wolf, encourage the ‘sheep’ to scatter and hide. When Jesus says, ‘My sheep also know me and hear my voice when I call them’, call each child back by name. When you are all together again, finish the story.

Woollen crosses Beforehand, cut some lolly sticks in half and trim the cut ends with a pair of scissors. Using one half, create a ‘cross bar’ across another lolly stick, and stick together. Make enough crosses this way to give one to each child. Make up small balls of white or cream-coloured wool. In the session give each child a cross and some wool. As they listen to the story, encourage them to wind the wool around the cross to cover it entirely. Start with a knot and secure by tucking in the final strand.

Jesus began to explain how much he loved his followers and cared for their safety. How could he help them to understand? He began to talk

about himself as a shepherd and his followers as sheep. He said,‘I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd is even willing to give up

his life to protect the sheep. A person who is paid to look after the sheep will not do this – when they see a wolf coming, they just run away and leave the sheep, with no one to protect them. This is because someone who is just paid to look after the sheep as a job is not truly the shepherd, and does not own the sheep.

But I am the good shepherd and I know my sheep very well. My sheep also know me and hear my voice when I call them. I lay down my life for my sheep by standing between them and the wolf, so that they are safe.

I have some other sheep that you have not met yet. I must call them, and they will listen to my voice, too. Then there will be one flock, with one shepherd.

This is why the Father loves me – because I am ready to die for my sheep, but I am also ready to be raised to life again. No one takes my life from me; I choose to lay it down. I have the power to lay my life down, and I have the power to take it up again. This is God’s plan and I am going to live it out.’

Talk together • Why do sheep need looking after?• Why are wolves scary? • Why do you think Jesus called himself ‘the good shepherd’?

For very young children

Mini Bible story with actions The good shepherd Jesus said, ‘I am the good shepherd.

Point to self. I lay down my life for my sheep.

Put arms out in cross shape. I know the name of each of my sheep,

Point around the room. and they know me.’

Point to self.

Repeat so the children can join in.

Build a sheepfoldPlay materials: a green cloth, building blocks (e.g. wooden, plastic or cardboard boxes), cuddly, plastic, or wooden sheep or card cut-outs (template on ), toy figures, (optional) a storybook of the good shepherd or a children’s Bible.

Lay down the green cloth and give each child building blocks to construct a sheepfold. Then give them some sheep to put into the sheepfold, and a toy figure to place horizontally across the entrance of the finished construction. This could also be done as a group on a large scale, with a child or adult lying across the entrance. If appropriate, you could read a simple story about the good shepherd.

Make sheep Play materials: card cut-outs of sheep (template on ), one per child, glue sticks, wool or cotton wool, googly eyes.

Give each child a sheep shape. Invite them to decorate it with wool or cotton wool, and stick on googly eyes.

PrayerYou will need: a picture of Jesus as the good shepherd (link on ), sheep shapes or ones made in the activity above.

Lay down a picture of Jesus as the good shepherd and invite each child to lay down a sheep beside it. Finish with this prayer. Ask the children to repeat the phrase after you:

Thank you, Jesus, that we are your sheep. Amen.

Find more prayers opposite and additional activities on the next page.

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Ch

ildren

& Yo

un

g Peo

ple

Children & Young People

Questions to spark discussion and to link the story to children’s lives.

Every week, we offer a mini Bible story with actions, two activities and an active prayer for very young children.

Turn to pages 12-14 to see the online support for this week 9

Having two different ways to tell the story enables you to provide variety and encourages children to participate.

The retelling of the Bible story draws out the distinctive voices of the Gospel writers, by staying as close as possible to the Bible text.




• Beforehand, lay out the banner material and write the words ‘The good shepherd knows all his sheep by name’ in the middle using felt tips, or cut out the letters from fabric scraps and stick them on.




An illustrated psalm 10 mins W E



• Give each child a copy of the psalm. Read it through together and help them to memorise the words, a line at a time.

• Invite them to colour in the words and decorate the page.



Respond to the shepherd’s call

• Use this during the sheep banner activity or while holding wool crosses, if made. Share A sending out prayer on p.38.



Be still and know that I am God I took my flock of sheep to the field today (SB)Lord, I want to be in your family (KS)Thank you, thank you, Jesus The Lord is my shepherd, he’s everything I need (CJP)There were ninety-nine sheep



ROOTS images: to download, print and share


Send out

Live in faith E AEncourage the children to be a ‘good shepherd’ to someone this week and help look after them.




















A group activity to remember that the good shepherd calls us all by name



CYP76.indd 40 27/11/2014 12:57

10 Children & Young People

It’s easy to keep sessions fresh and varied, with a range of different types of activity.

SAMPlE PAgES


The variety of activities, games and prayers provide plenty of material for both Sunday and midweek.

Encouraging discipleship during the week.

Items not to miss on the ROOTS website.

ROOTS’ approach is influenced by research that has identified four distinctive ‘spiritual styles’ – different ways in which children and young people connect with God. By taking spiritual preferences into account, ROOTS helps you to engage everyone during your session.




• Beforehand, lay out the banner material and write the words ‘The good shepherd knows all his sheep by name’ in the middle using felt tips, or cut out the letters from fabric scraps and stick them on.




An illustrated psalm 10 mins W E



• Give each child a copy of the psalm. Read it through together and help them to memorise the words, a line at a time.

• Invite them to colour in the words and decorate the page.



Respond to the shepherd’s call

• Use this during the sheep banner activity or while holding wool crosses, if made. Share A sending out prayer on p.38.



Be still and know that I am God I took my flock of sheep to the field today (SB)Lord, I want to be in your family (KS)Thank you, thank you, Jesus The Lord is my shepherd, he’s everything I need (CJP)There were ninety-nine sheep



ROOTS images: to download, print and share


Send out

Live in faith E AEncourage the children to be a ‘good shepherd’ to someone this week and help look after them.




















A group activity to remember that the good shepherd calls us all by name



CYP76.indd 40 27/11/2014 12:57

Live in faith AFind a way to be a ‘good shepherd’ this week. Offer comfort to someone who is afraid, listen to someone who is fearful, or send a contribution to a charity working against oppression.



John 10.11-18Bible notes and additional prayers are on p.38. We suggest you do the Bible activities first, then select one or more of the activities from the other sections, in any order. Additional activities are in Explore & respond opposite.

Pass it on: resources to share for DIY discipleship.

Warm up 5 mins S

Play ‘Kim’s game’ using pictures and items: sheep, shepherd’s crook, wolf, grass, a cross, an ear, two toy figures, a tea towel, a few coins. Can they guess which Bible reading it will be?

Symbol study 15 mins W S

Give out Bibles, symbol study sheets (template on ) and pens. Explain how to use the sheet, then ask someone to read John 10.11-18 aloud. Encourage everyone to write down their thoughts against each of the symbols. Give them time to read and reflect on the passage. Feed back ideas and have a discussion. Encourage them to answer each other’s questions.

BIBLE

Under threat 15 mins W E

Together, research places and situations in which Christians are threatened. Look at websites such as Amnesty International and Open Doors (see for links). Discuss what kinds of things threaten us. How can we stand firm together and encourage each other?

On the line 10 mins W S

Hang up a piece of string about 2m long between two chairs or other items. Explain that one end is ‘Never’ and the other ‘Always’. Give everyone a small piece of paper and a clothes peg. Ask the young people to write their name on the paper and then hang it somewhere on the line to show whether they would ‘lay down their life for another person’. Has a stranger ever shown love to you through their actions? Do you make sacrifices for others? Look back at the line. Would you move yourself now?

PostScript: weekly topical issues and comment, every Thursday.

CONNECT

A good shepherd? 10 mins W E

Together, watch a clip from the BBC series The Nativity ( Further resources), featuring a shepherd called Thomas. Reflect upon his lifestyle and family situation. What is his social standing in first-century Palestine? Why does he take desperate actions? Is he good?

Make bookmarks 10 mins W S

Make bookmarks from card shaped like a shepherd’s crook (template on ). Show examples of the art from the Lindisfarne Scriptorium (link on ). Invite the young people to choose a verse from the reading to write on the bookmark, then decorate it using coloured pens, inks, etc.

EXPLOREPsalm 23 15 mins W E

Display pictures of Jesus as the good shepherd (links on ) and plenty of craft materials. Play a setting of Psalm 23 (see Listen). Give out copies of the psalm and encourage the young people to engage with it, e.g. write, draw, make, think, pray. Invite them to share what they have discovered while immersing themselves in the psalm.

Sheep prayer 5 mins E S

Draw a picture of a sheep and write on it the name of someone you know who is unaware of God’s love for them, or afraid to trust it. Pray for them every day this week, that they would hear the voice of the good shepherd calling and caring for them.

PRAY

You Never Let Go, Matt RedmanMighty to Save, HillsongContemporary setting of Psalm 23, David Snowdon

See Hymns, songs & music for links.

Listen


Images.

CYP76.indd 41 27/11/2014 12:57

Download these pages from www.rootsontheweb.com/sample 11

New and flexible ideas help you to put together a truly creative, engaging and thought-provoking session for your young people.

Ch

ildren

& Yo

un

g Peo

ple

SAMPlE PAgES

Encouraging discipleship during the week.

Fun, interactive ideas to explore the passage further.

Contemporary music to listen to.

Ways to connect faithwith today’s world.

Creative ways to reflect and pray.

Imaginative approaches to Bible study.

More support, every week… ...at www.rootsontheweb.com

When subscribers log in at www.rootsontheweb.com they go straight to the Week by week page. As well as some of the magazine materials to print, adapt and project, there are also extra resources that are only online.

Here’s what our Week by week page looks like for subscribers who receive both Adult & All Age (AAA) and Children & Young People (CYP) resources. If you only subscribe to one magazine, you’ll only see the items relevant to your subscription.

12 Online support

Text of all the prayers (in English and Welsh).

Children’s session Planning Sheet (CYP).

On top of the fresh, new materials in the magazines, you can also draw on ideas from previous years for the same lectionary readings.

Information on relevant books, websites and films.

OnlinE SuPPORT

A range of different search options makes it quick and easy to find resources.

/rootsforchurches @roots4churches

Children’s talk (AAA).

Every Thursday we add PostScript to our website: a comment on events in the news, linked to the coming Sunday’s readings.

Templates include items to cut out for craftwork, to make activities easier to prepare.

Try all these online resources for FREE at www.rootsontheweb.com/sample 13

On

line su

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ort


4 January 2015


Easter 4


26 April 2015













Images.

AAA76.indd 38 27/11/2014 12:04

www.rootsontheweb.com

Here are examples of the materials that you can download from the same Week by week page.

Planning Sheet for a children’s session

© ROOTS for Churches Ltd 2015

xwww.rootsontheweb.com

Worship and learning resources for the whole Church

Date of session

Bible reading

Equipment needed:

N.B. Have you catered for all ‘spiritual style’ preferences: Word, Emotion, Symbol, Action?

See CYP support on the for a series of articles on Spiritual styles.

Gather e.g. Prepare the space, Gathering activity, Prayers, Sing

Open the Word e.g. Present the reading, Talk together

This week we are exploring

Page numbers

ROOTS title

Explore & respond e.g. Do, Make, Pray, Sing, Children’s Sheet

Send out e.g. Prayers, Live in faith, Children’s Sheet

Timing

Timing

Timing

Timing

Start time

Finish time

Afterwards How did it go? What did you learn?

Children’s Sheet





26 April 2015

Live in faithTry and be a ‘good shepherd’ to someone this week and help look after them.



Who looks

after you?


for the sheep.’

Month

April

Sunday date 5 April12 April

19 April26 April

Lectionary week Easter Sunday Easter 2Easter 3

Easter 4

Festival, special

Sunday, event

St George’s Day

23 April

ROOTS resources

Issue 76Amazement

My Lord and

my GodYou are witnesses The good shepherd

Mark’s Gospel Mark 16.1-8

Summary • Women were the first witnesses

of the resurrection.

• Resurrection is disruptive and

disorienting.

• Jesus was not where they left

him.

• The early ending of Mark’s Gospel

is abrupt, and deliberately so.

This week’s

resources explore:This week’s resources

explore: the disruptive nature of

resurrection; Jesus going ahead;

the challenging ending of Mark’s

Gospel.

John’s GospelJohn 20.19-31

John 10.11-18

Summary• Thomas acknowledges Jesus as

his Lord and his God.

• Resurrection includes an

experience of forgiveness.

• Jesus trusts his disciples with the

continuing mission.

• John’s Jesus uses the familiar

biblical image of the shepherd

to address questions of

leadership.

• Good leaders are more

concerned with protection of

those in their trust than with

self-protection.

This week’s

resources explore:


Jesus’ message of peace and

forgiveness; Thomas’ response;

commitment.


the image of Jesus as a shepherd;

contemporary threats and

protection.

Other Gospels

Luke 24.36b-48

Why read from this

Gospel this week?

This story is only found in Luke’s

Gospel.

Summary

• The risen Jesus does something

as ordinary as eating with his

disciples.

• The resurrection opened the

disciples’ minds to understand

things they already knew.

• Jesus says, ‘You are witnesses of

these things.’

This week’s

resources explore:


how God shows up in the

ordinary; understanding as gift;

the responsibility of witnessing.

Reading from

ActsActs 10.34-43 Acts 4.32-35 Acts 3.12-19 Acts 4.5-12

Summary Peter proclaims that the good

news of the resurrection is for all

people. God shows no partiality.

The new community of believers

holds everything in common,

no one is in need, and they give

testimony to the resurrection.

Having raised up a crippled man,

Peter declares that faith in the

name of Jesus, who was crucified

and raised, has made the man

strong.

Speaking before the priests,

rulers and elders, who have had

him arrested, Peter declares that

salvation has come through Jesus

Christ, whom they crucified and

God raised from the dead.

Other lectionary

readings this weekIsaiah 25.6-9

Psalm 118.1-2,14-24

1 Corinthians 15.1-11

Psalm 133

1 John 1.1–2.2

Psalm 4

1 John 3.1-7

Psalm 23

1 John 3.16-24

Common Worship

variations

© ROOTS for Churches Ltd 2015

www.rootsontheweb.com

Worship and learning resources for the whole Church

Revised Common Lectionary Year B April 2015

Lectionary noteMark’s Gospel ends with the

empty tomb and the frightened

women so we move to John’s

Gospel, and read it throughout

most of the Easter season.

Lectionary noteThroughout the Easter season, instead of an

Old Testament reading, we read from Acts,

Luke’ second book, which describes how Jesus

continued to be with his apostles as the gospel

spread like wildfire and new communities of

Christians sprang up across the Roman Empire.

Children’s Sheet





26 April 2015

Live in faithTry and be a ‘good shepherd’ to someone this week and help look after them.



Who looks

after you?


for the sheep.’

Children’s SheetAvailable for all subscribers to use – also provided in Welsh.

Magazine imagesYou can download the magazine images as JPEG files to use in your own displays, news sheets or presentations.

We also provide questions for discussion and reflection related to the illustrations.

Pass it onShare these resources from the weekly ROOTS materials with your congregation or group, to help nurture their understanding of the Bible and develop as disciples in today’s world.

Planning materialsThe Month by month planner and the Children’s session Planning Sheet support you with your preparation.

Whether you are organising a one-off Mothering Sunday service, planning a study programme for Lent or organising a holiday club, the Seasons and festivals section of the website contains a wealth of resources and inspiration for you.

Here are just some of the materials that subscribers can find in this section of the website:

• All-age services

• Prayers and prayer activities

• Craft and other activities

• Drama sketches

• Specially-written songs

• Holiday club resources.

14 Online support

Supporting you throughout the seasons at www.rootsontheweb.com

Online support

Resources to celebrate Mothering Sunday

Resources for Lent

Excellent value for moneyAn annual subscription to either magazine provides you with a huge range of resources – for less than £1 per week. Subscribe to both magazines and you can save even more!

Don’t take our word for it…ROOTS is already used by thousands of people, across many denominations.

15

On

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ort

Subscribe today

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