Gather
Activities marked with an asterisk 
next to the activity title are in addition to the resources in the Ready-to-go sessions. Suggested timings for these activities are also shown. NB The inclusion of additional activities varies from week to week.
FOR CHILDREN
Gathering song: I can hear you, God above
Sing to the tune: Into the unknown (Frozen 2)
Karaoke version; Original lyric version
I can hear you, God above,
what will it mean to, try something new?
There’s a thousand ways Lord, I can serve you and be kind,
will you show me now God, what it means to be a friend? Ah!
You are the one, who’ll give me courage to step out,
and if I listen – which I will – I’ll trust in you, you alone.
Every day there’s chance to be a shining light for you,
I’m asking will you guide me through and help me be like you?
It’s all an adventure, a chance for something new,
I’m excited to take risks and so to follow you.
Into the unknown, into the unknown, into the unknown!
What are you afraid of? W E
- Have a discussion with the children about how faith can help us in our fear.
- Ask: What are you afraid of? Who or what helps when you feel afraid? How might our faith in Jesus help us when we are afraid
Charades 10 mins E
You will need: cards with words in different categories, e.g. TV, film, book, play, jobs, sports.
- Play in teams or individually. A child chooses a card with a word on to act out without speaking. Their team/everyone
guesses what they are acting out.
- The correct person goes next – try to allow those who don’t guess to have a turn too.
FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
Leaders and followers 5 mins W E
You will need: images of famous leaders from around the world, some respected and others controversial.
- Look at the images and discuss how each leader’s message was received. Did they suffer for what they did or said?
- Talk about how the people who follow them are perceived. Are they treated better or worse than the leaders?
First impressions
You could also use the image and following questions to help introduce the theme.
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Click on the image to view a larger version
or use the Jump menu to go to This week's images.
For artist's details, see this issue's illustrators.
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Questions
- What is about to happen here?
- What aspects of the Gospel message would you want to ‘shout from the rooftops?’
- Does fear stop us from sharing our faith? What does God have to say about this?