Adult & All Age
Prepare a table with a paper tablecloth and plates of Middle Eastern-style foods, such as flatbread, fruit, cheese, hummus, falafel. If you are using A simple worship activity for all ages, you will need at least one plate of bread and one of grapes. If you are using the activity Enjoy a feast, prepare plates with a mixture of each type of food.
Do a simple quiz with the children, with question such as: Do you go to school? Have you got a pet?
For each ‘yes’, give a penny (or toy coin). Keep going until all the children have a few coins.
Now ask questions of the adults: did you go on holiday this year? Did you come here by car? Show the children that you have no more coins to give, so they will need to pass on theirs. Encourage them to work together to make sure the adults get their rewards. It is an unusual role for a child to give money to an adult. Ask if any felt reluctant to give away their coins? What about the adults, do any of them feel it was strange to receive like this?
When Jesus met a man called Zacchaeus – a man who had taken a lot of money from people – he realised how greedy he had been, and he not only gave it back but he gave back more than he had taken! He put right his over-charging by over-giving! It is not the money that is important, but doing the right thing for other people, especially for those who find it hard to give away, or hard to receive gifts of help and of love.
Active worship
You could use A simple worship activity for all ages (also in print on p.41 of ROOTS Adult & All Age magazine, issue 85).
Prayers
A prayer of confession and A way into prayer could be used.
Loving God, you are a great welcomer
Loving God, you are a great welcomer,
and you delight in drawing people to your table,
seeking and saving those who have isolated themselves
through their actions or words.
We pray for one another, as we gather to worship,
that we too would be people of welcome,
opening our church and our fellowship to those longing to be accepted.
We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord.
Amen.
Children & Young People
Open the Bible at Luke 19.1-10
Prepare the space
Create an imaginary room in Zacchaeus’ house. Make it look untidy, e.g. dirty plates and papers on the table, cushions on the floor, clothes/shoes that need picking up, etc.
Gathering activity
Invite the children to comment on the state of the room. Do they think it is ready for visitors? Encourage them to tidy up and lay the table for two with plates, glasses and cutlery, so that it is ready for a special visitor.
Bullies can become gentle
Bullies can become gentle,
the greedy can learn to share,
those who are lost can be found,
the selfish can learn to care.
Thank you, Lord, that this is true,
and thank you, Lord, for all you do.
Amen.