LESSON 26 GROWING MIGHTY BIG! PARABLES OF THE GROWING KINGDOM

LESSON 26 GROWING MIGHTY BIG! PARABLES OF THE GROWING KINGDOM Summary of Today s Story Jesus tells a parable of a rich man who hoards his goods his food and his possessions. Then he finds out that his hoarded riches will do him no good when he dies. Jesus later compares the kingdom of God to a mustard seed and to yeast in dough and how the seed and the yeast grow. Where You ll Find Today s Story In the Bible We recommend the New Revised Standard Version Bible. Luke 12:13-21 (The Rich Fool) Luke 13:18-20 (Parables of Mustard Seed and Yeast) In Children s Bibles If you plan to use a children s Bible for storytelling, write the page numbers of today s story in the space below. In Our Sunday Lectionary Today s story is told in church on the following Sunday: Year A: Proper 12 (RCL) Year C: Proper 13

2 LESSON 26 GROWING MIGHTY BIG! PARABLES OF THE GROWING KINGDOM WEAVING GOD S BELOVED COMMUNITY, YEAR 3 Weaving Our Story with the Biblical Story We are all invited to God s kingdom. Here in Luke s Gospel Jesus describes this kingdom for us using everyday images. Perhaps as he traveled about preaching and teaching his disciples asked him what God s kingdom is like. Perhaps they expressed discouragement that the coming of the Messiah in Jesus did not happen the way they expected, with universal acclaim and acceptance. Perhaps they wondered why more people were not hearing the Word of God and acting on it. Jesus stories tell us about the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven on earth, and give us hope and encouragement about how the reign of God will come about. Jesus gives us symbols for the power of God in his parables of the mustard seed and the yeast (leaven). What looks like a very small, almost invisible, movement will eventually grow to an all-embracing environment. This must have been good news to the disciples who, unlike us, have not seen Jesus call to the reign of God catch hold in the world: We are such a small band. Will God s kingdom ever come? A mustard seed is very tiny, but it grows from near invisibility to a huge bush that can even provide homes for birds. So with the Kingdom of God. In time in God s time it will grow to its full grandeur and to universal, all-embracing hospitality for all people. The story of the yeast in the bread tells the same message. Jesus encourages his disciples by showing them the surprising effect that a small movement can have on the whole society, just like the yeast in a large lump of dough. Like the yeast, God s plan works almost invisibly to bring about its purposes. Luke s theme of joy and rejoicing in the salvation that God gives to us is evident in these stories. Where else can we see God present? Jesus tells us about the mustard seed and the yeast. It is possible to see God present and active in all everyday things, if we look at them with wonder. That is the Good News. God has come to us and dwells with us. God has come in Jesus and shows God s self in our everyday life. Look around! God is with us! God is weaving God s beloved community into the whole creation for us to enjoy. The Episcopal Thread Anglicanism is what we call an incarnational faith. We learned this from the Celtic Christians centuries ago. We see God in everything around us. So Jesus also saw God s presence in everyday life and things. The material world is good, because God made it, and we enjoy its blessings. We believe that God is present in God s creation, and so the giving of God s Son the Incarnation, God become flesh, becoming part of God s own creation is the ultimate act of creation by God (Urban Holmes III in What is Anglicanism? NY: Morehouse Publishing, 1982). In Eucharistic Prayer B (p. 368 of the Prayer Book), we give thanks to God for the goodness and love which you have made known to us in creation. Likewise in Eucharistic Prayer C (p. 370), we praise God by whose command all things came to be: the vast expanse of interstellar space, galaxies, suns, the planets in their courses, and this fragile earth, our island home. And in Eucharistic Prayer D (p. 373) an old prayer written by St. Basil we thank God who made all things and fill them with your blessing; you created them to rejoice in the splendor of your radiance. And at the end of each Eucharistic Prayer, we always look toward the kingdom of God:

3 LESSON 26 GROWING MIGHTY BIG! PARABLES OF THE GROWING KINGDOM WEAVING GOD S BELOVED COMMUNITY, YEAR 3...and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom (Eucharistic Prayer A, p. 363). In the fullness of time, put all things in subjection under your Christ, and bring us to that heavenly country... (Eucharistic Prayer B, p. 369). In this, we join with all of Christianity in hoping and waiting for the kingdom of God, but as Anglicans and Episcopalians, we also see signs of the kingdom in the world around us. For more of the Episcopal Church s theology on the kingdom of God, see The Christian Hope, pages 861-862 in the Catechism, in the Book of Common Prayer. Gathering As the children enter the room, have a simple activity ready for them, such as a picture to color, a word search, or puzzle based on the lesson. Suggestions are listed in the Appendix (also downloadable). Or you may engage them in a simple activity that relates to today s lesson. On pages 11-12, you ll find Gathering Activity handouts to use if you wish. Below are other suggestions. Have some everyday objects sitting on a table. Challenge the children to name something in each object that is valuable or beautiful. We will be thinking about the Kingdom of God on earth in this same way, how God is present in our everyday life and everyday things. Put out a rock or stone, some food, perhaps a toy and various other things. Alternatively, or in addition, begin a bread dough with yeast. Then leave it to rise during the lesson time. It can be kneaded and prepared to take home during the activity time. Another idea for gathering: have children make props for the storytelling time. They can make mustard seeds, bushes and birds, and glue them onto craft sticks. Allow older children to visit with each other for a brief time before you begin the lesson. This fellowship and friendship time is an important part of their spiritual growth, letting them see themselves in the church as part of the people of God by forming bonds with others. After all children have arrived and had a few minutes of activity or fellowship time, gather them together and say a simple opening prayer, such as this one: We thank you, Lord, for bringing us together today so that we can get to know you and love you better. Help us to see how you are with us each day and each hour and each minute that we live and breathe, and forever after that. Amen. Telling the Story Read aloud today s story from a children s Bible, showing the pictures, tell the story in your own words, or read from the version of the story we provide, found on pages 7-8. Or use a standard Bible, especially if you supplement the stories with props made during Gathering time. When you tell the parable of the mustard seed, invite the children to hold up and wave their props at the appropriate times. You can also bring your own story props seeds, bread dough or the beginnings of dough to which you add the yeast. For the story of the Rich Fool, try packing two bags: one of things like coins, and one of papers marked with spiritual gifts such as love, forgiveness and helping. Let the children hear the story without analyzing it for them or discussing it. For now, simply let the story sink into their minds and hearts. Later, while having snacks, you can bring up the story again and invite the children to talk about it and explore its message.

4 LESSON 26 GROWING MIGHTY BIG! PARABLES OF THE GROWING KINGDOM WEAVING GOD S BELOVED COMMUNITY, YEAR 3 Prayer Set up a small worship center in your room. Materials: small table with a cloth to cover it 2 candles or 1 large Christ candle matches Bible cross optional: flowers (real, artificial or handmade by the children) Have the children set up a simple altar with the materials listed above. Invite them to place on the altar any drawings or crafts that they created during Gathering time. Then light the candles. Read a verse or two of today s scripture from a Bible so that the children connect the story they heard with the Bible, which is the word of God. If working mainly with older children, you might expand the reading to several verses. Suggestions for the reading: For younger children: Luke 13:18-19 For older children: Luke 13:18-20 Help the children become familiar with our liturgy by doing the reading as it is done in church. Read as follows: Reader: A reading from the Gospel of Luke: (Read the selected passage.) Reader: The word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God. Invite the children to sit in a circle and join in prayer. Say a brief prayer yourself, then invite prayers from each child in the circle: Invite prayers of thanks for God s work in our lives during the past week. Encourage them to mention both big and small ways that they see God working in them. As we become aware of God s actions in us every day, we cultivate the habit of constant awareness of God with us. Welcome any prayers of concern or petition for themselves or for others, for God s guidance or help in times of need or trouble. Ask if anyone has had a birthday or celebrated a special day during the past week and give thanks for these special times. End the prayer time by praying together the Lord s Prayer. Carefully extinguish the candles. Sharing Pass out snacks and say a simple grace, such as: Bless, O Lord, this food to our use and us to your loving service, in Jesus name. Amen. Favorite table prayers from home or church camp may also be shared. Say the grace all together if everybody knows it. While sharing this meal, bring up the stories about the Kingdom of Heaven. The similes ( The Kingdom of God is like... ) are wonderful introductions to discussions about God! How are the seed and the yeast and even treasures like God s kingdom? What other things can be compared to the kingdom? Children may think of a lot of things that are valuable to them: a perfect day on the beach, a moment in the woods by a stream, a warm blanket on a cold day, a perfectly-made hamburger! Think of some parables of your own, and children will easily pitch in with theirs. As Jesus saw God s presence in everyday things, so we can see him even in the mundane objects such as a hamburger.

5 LESSON 26 GROWING MIGHTY BIG! PARABLES OF THE GROWING KINGDOM WEAVING GOD S BELOVED COMMUNITY, YEAR 3 When thinking about the story of the Rich Fool, it will be obvious, except maybe to the youngest children that we do not take our earthly things with us when we die. But ask, What do we take to heaven? We take our spiritual gifts that belong with God, such as love and compassion, the mercy that we have shown to others, forgiveness, empathy and justice, and our desire to help and serve others. Why is it that these be taken to heaven? ACTIVITIES FOR THIS WEEK S SESSION Activities: Arts, Crafts, Games, Drama, etc. After Sharing, begin an activity to supplement and enhance today s story. While the children are doing an activity, talk about the story so that they make the connection. Suggested story-related activities are provided at the end of this lesson on pages 9-10 and 13-28. Additional activity ideas can be found in the Appendix (also downloadable) where we ve provided suggestions and directions for a variety of general activities that can be adapted to any lesson. Also included are outreach and service projects that can be done at any time. Take-Home Paper At the end of this lesson you will find a two-page take-home paper for families called Threads. Threads provides parents with a briefer version of the information on scripture and Episcopal faith found in the introduction to the lesson, as well as multiple suggestions for household activities and prayer. Parents can use Threads to continue each child s classroom experience at home throughout the week. We suggest duplicating and distributing these two pages to children and/or their parents at the end of each lesson.

6 LESSON 26 GROWING MIGHTY BIG! PARABLES OF THE GROWING KINGDOM WEAVING GOD S BELOVED COMMUNITY, YEAR 3 Memorization There is no Bible passage to memorize for this lesson. Older intermediate children may continue to learn the responses of the people in our service of Holy Eucharist, including the Nicene Creed. If your church says the Glory to God in the highest... at the beginning of the service, you can encourage the children to learn that also. Suggestions for ways to help the children with their memorization can be found on page 15 in the Appendix (also downloadable). Weaving God s Beloved Community God s beloved community is woven as our own stories connect to the story of God and to the stories of the people around us. Closing Prayer Before the children leave, say a closing prayer to send them into the church worship service or back to their homes with God s love and blessing. The prayer can be very simple, such as this one: O God, we thank you for being here with us today and always. Send us back to our families with your blessing that we may love and serve you with all our hearts, and love everybody around us. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. End with a dismissal such as: Let us bless the Lord. The children respond: Thanks be to God! You can help the children to do this by drawing out a brief summary of the story and its lessons, asking questions such as: What was today s story about? What was the kingdom of heaven like?

Luke 12:13-21; 13:18-20 Be Rich in Heaven, Not on Earth God s kingdom is full of riches but not the kind of riches that we have on earth. God s kingdom is not full of gold or silver, or money, or stuff. And God s riches are meant not to be stored up and kept locked away. God s riches are riches of love, and forgiveness, and goodness. Those kinds of riches are meant to be shared! Jesus tells a story about a man who gets his earthly riches mixed up with heavenly riches. The man has a plot of land, and the land is so fertile that he produces lots of crops. He has so much food that he does not know what to do with it all. He cannot eat it all! He thinks, Now what shall I do with all this corn, and grain, and grapes, and figs? I have three barns, but I have grown so much that these big barns are not big enough anymore. The man paces around the room and thinks and thinks. Then he has an idea. I know! I will just tear down my barns and build bigger ones! Then I can store all of my crops! And then I will have enough for myself for many, many years! I can relax, eat and be merry! Then the man goes to bed happy. He has a lot of food and stuff for himself, and he will just stash it away. That night, God comes to him and says, You fool! This very night, you will die. You did not plan that, did you? And those things that you have stored up, what will become of them? Why did you store things that do not last? Don t you know that when you die, you leave everything on earth? 7 LESSON 26 PARABLES OF THE GROWING KINGDOM WEAVING GOD S BELOVED COMMUNITY, YEAR 3 STORY

Then Jesus says, This man was rich with treasures for himself alone. But he was not rich with God. He did not have the treasures of love and forgiveness that he can take with him to heaven. Those are the treasures that will make you rich! Seeds Grow Bigger and Bigger What is God s kingdom like? It is like a mustard seed, or a sesame seed, the littlest seeds in the world. But when you take that seed and put it in the ground, it grows and grows. After a while, it becomes a great big giant tree. And the tree is so big and so rich and full that the birds make nests in the branches. That s God s kingdom! It may start small, with you and me, but then it will spread and grow just like a seed that turns into a tree. Yeast Makes Bread Rise Up Think of what yeast can do to dough. When you add yeast to the dough to make bread, it makes the dough rise to twice, or even three times its size. God s kingdom is like that yeast. When you put into the world a measure of love and forgiveness, mercy and justice and goodness, which are the yeast of God s kingdom, God s kingdom will rise up and grow. 8 LESSON 26 PARABLES OF THE GROWING KINGDOM WEAVING GOD S BELOVED COMMUNITY, YEAR 3 STORY CONTINUED

BREAD OF HEAVEN Preschool, Primary, Elementary, Intermediate This is a group project, with everybody having a hand in bread making, just as we all participate in the fulfillment of God s reign on earth. Children will enjoy the communal aspect of making it, and they will love its sweet honey taste: the bread of heaven. Materials and Ingredients: 1½ cup whole wheat flour ½ cup white flour 1-5 shakes of salt ½ teaspoon baking powder ¾ teaspoon baking soda extra flour 4 tablespoons honey 1½ tablespoons oil ½ cup milk ¼ cup water baking sheets non-stick pan spray spatula paper Preparation: 1. This recipe makes communion bread, but it can also be taken home. 2. To allow everyone a chance to make the dough, pre-measure the ingredients, including the water, and put them in separate jars or containers. The flour can be divided into several containers. Label the containers. Then you can give each child a container of an ingredient to add at the proper time. 3. Have a piece of paper to map the locations of each child s bread wafer on the baking sheets. 9 LESSON 26 PARABLES OF THE GROWING KINGDOM WEAVING GOD S BELOVED COMMUNITY, YEAR 3 ACTIVITY

Directions: Invite the children to make the bread as follows: 1. Mix together the dry ingredients. Add the wet ingredients (honey, oil, milk and water). Stir until the dough sticks together. 2. Give each child a glob of dough to knead on a floured surface 8-10 times. Add extra flour if necessary. 3. Pat the dough down to ¼"-½" thick. Score the top with a knife, making a cross (+) sign. 4. Put on a baking sheet. Make sure that you draw a map identifying what dough is whose. 5. Bake approximately 15 minutes at 350. For 10-15 children, you can triple the recipe for a good-sized wafer (more like a flat loaf). If you do not have time for baking, pack the dough in a plastic bag for children to take home. Don t forget the baking instructions (step 5 above)! Or you may bake it and freeze it for communion at church. 10 LESSON 26 PARABLES OF THE GROWING KINGDOM WEAVING GOD S BELOVED COMMUNITY, YEAR 3 ACTIVITY CONTINUED

GATHERING ACTIVITY: PICTURING GOD S KINGDOM ON EARTH Today we will learn about God s kingdom on earth. Draw a picture of what you think God s kingdom looks like, or could look like. 11 LESSON 26 PARABLES OF THE GROWING KINGDOM WEAVING GOD S BELOVED COMMUNITY, YEAR 3 ACTIVITY

GATHERING ACTIVITY: LITTLE THINGS THAT GROW Jesus tells stories about a seed that grows to be huge, and a lump of yeasted dough that grows big. What else starts out small and gets to be big? a dinosaur egg? a kitten? a flower seed? you? your baby sister or brother? In the space below, draw three stages of something starting little and growing big. Starts little: Grows bigger: And bigger! 12 LESSON 26 PARABLES OF THE GROWING KINGDOM WEAVING GOD S BELOVED COMMUNITY, YEAR 3 ACTIVITY

MUSTARD SEED BOOK Primary, Elementary, Intermediate Children illustrate the parable of the mustard seed using items from nature, such as sand and seeds, and colored paper, ribbon and crayons. Materials: 9" x 12" construction paper or poster board plain white paper seeds (mustard seeds if possible, but otherwise, small seeds) liquid glue paintbrushes small cup or bowl for holding glue container for sand scissors colored or plain sand box for collecting excess sand green paper (tissue paper, typing paper or construction paper) other colors of paper crayons pencils ribbon, twine or leather thong optional: large beads (large enough to accommodate the ribbon, twine or thong) Preparation: Pour some glue into the small bowls. Put seeds into cups or bowls, and sand into pouring container. Have all materials within reach of each child. 13 LESSON 26 PARABLES OF THE GROWING KINGDOM WEAVING GOD S BELOVED COMMUNITY, YEAR 3 CRAFT

Directions: Invite each child to make a book as follows: 1. Fold the construction paper in half for the book cover. This book will open up so the fold will be at the top (landscape orientation). For a sturdier cover, use poster board instead. 2. Use at least two sheets of white paper for the book. Draw pictures of the parable of the mustard seed growing into a large bush where even the birds find shelter in its leaves. Be sure to make the pictures so that the pages open upward. 3. Cut green paper into little pieces and glue them to the pages wherever you have leaves for the tree. 4. Glue seeds where appropriate, in the ground and in the tree. 5. Spread glue on the ground and sprinkle sand on the glue. Pour excess sand into the designated box. Let dry. 6. Add any other 3-dimensional items to illustrate your story. 7. Write the title of the story on the cover and decorate it. 8. Punch holes into all of the pages of the book, making sure that the holes line up. You may need a heavy-duty hole punch for this. 9. Cut a length of ribbon (twine, thong) and thread it through the holes. You may use either a piece of ribbon for each hole or a single ribbon for all of the holes. 10. For a fancy touch, have several inches of ribbon left hanging. Thread a few beads through the end of the ribbon and tie a knot. 14 LESSON 26 PARABLES OF THE GROWING KINGDOM WEAVING GOD S BELOVED COMMUNITY, YEAR 3 CRAFT CONTINUED

MUSTARD SEED NECKLACE Preschool, Primary Children make a pendant of tiny seeds, then string it on a length of lacing, along with decorative beads. Materials: mustard seeds (or similar tiny seeds if mustard seeds are not available) string or plastic lacing beads or o-shaped cereal scissors clear adhesive paper small circle-shaped object, around 2" in diameter hole punch Preparation: For each child, draw two small circles on the clear adhesive, using a small circle-shaped object as your pattern. Cut out the circles. Directions: Invite each child to make a necklace as follows: 1. Remove the backing from one clear adhesive circle. In the center, place a single seed. 2. Remove the backing from the other circle and place it carefully on top of the other circle, so that the two adhesive sides touch each other. Try to have the marked circle outlines match as much as possible. Because of the seed, the circles probably will not exactly match. Use scissors to even out the edges. 3. If you want, you can cut a different shape for your mustard seed pendant (as shown above). 4. Punch a hole in the top of the pendant. 5. Cut a length of string or lacing around 20" long. If using string, wrap the ends with tape or dip in a little glue, to keep the tips from unraveling. 6. String several beads or cereal o s, then the mustard seed pendant, then more beads or o s. Tie the ends together to make a necklace. 15 LESSON 26 PARABLES OF THE GROWING KINGDOM WEAVING GOD S BELOVED COMMUNITY, YEAR 3 CRAFT

KINGDOM COLLAGE Elementary, Intermediate Children discuss the kingdom of God on earth, then use paints and magazine photos to make a huge collage of 3D and other objects representing the kingdom. Materials: large sheet of paper paints or crayons optional: 3-dimensional decorative elements such as fabric scraps, sequins, sand, feathers optional: magazine pictures glue Directions: 1. Invite the children to discuss what things on this earth can be compared to the Kingdom of God, and why. Make a list of these things. 2. On the large sheet of paper, invite the children to draw pictures of what has been discussed. Use magazine pictures and glue 3-D elements to make the pictures. Fill up the paper as much as you can. God s presence is everywhere! 3. Tape the collage to your church hallway. 16 LESSON 26 PARABLES OF THE GROWING KINGDOM WEAVING GOD S BELOVED COMMUNITY, YEAR 3 CRAFT

MUSTARD SEED MOSAIC Elementary, Intermediate Children use yarn and various kinds of seeds to make a picture representing God s presence in the world. Materials: poster board a variety of seeds of different sizes and textures glue paper bowls for glue paintbrushes yarn pencils scissors boxes for collecting excess seeds newspaper Preparation: Pour the seeds into bowls. Pour glue into bowls. Spread newspaper on your work area. Directions: Invite each child to make a mosaic as follows: 1. Cut poster board to around 12" x 12", or a manageable size for a picture. 2. Draw a simple picture on the poster board that represents to you God s presence in the world. It may be a picture of the natural world, a symbol of peace or a picture of people helping others. 3. Cut yarn and dip it into the glue. Lay the string down on the paper, to outline your drawing. Press down gently. If you get a little glue on other parts of the paper, this is okay. 4. Spread glue on an outlined portion of the picture (for example, the bird or the wing of a bird). Sprinkle one kind of seed on this part. Pour off excess seeds, and any seed that landed on other parts of the picture. 5. Continue with another portion of the picture, using different kinds of seeds for different parts of the picture. Do this until the entire picture is covered. Let dry before taking home. 17 LESSON 26 PARABLES OF THE GROWING KINGDOM WEAVING GOD S BELOVED COMMUNITY, YEAR 3 CRAFT

PUSH-UP MUSTARD BUSH Preschool Children make a growing mustard seed bush from tissue paper, balloon sticks, paper tubing and seeds. Materials: toilet paper tube, 1 per child brown paper scissors glue green tissue paper craft sticks or balloon sticks, 1 per child tape seeds Directions: Invite each child to make a bush as follows: 1. Cover the tube with brown paper, using tape or glue to secure. Glue or tape a single seed to the side of the tube, at the bottom. 2. Cut the balloon stick to around twice the length of the tube. Or tape craft sticks together to make a stick twice the length of the tube. 3. Tape some crumpled green tissue paper to one half of the stick, making a tree shape. You can either tape several smaller pieces of green tissue, or poke a single tissue in the center and run the stick through the hole and tape. 4. Holding the tube so that the seed is at the bottom, lower the stick into the tube with the tree part at the top. The bottom of the stick should be sticking out the bottom of the tube. 5. Hide the leaves of the tree in the tube. Hold the tissue tube in one hand and the bottom of the stick in the other. To make the seed grow into a large bush, simply raise the stick and the bush will appear at the top of the tube. When the stick is lowered, the bush will go back into the ground. 18 LESSON 26 PARABLES OF THE GROWING KINGDOM WEAVING GOD S BELOVED COMMUNITY, YEAR 3 CRAFT

MUSTARD (SEED) DIP Preschool, Primary Children may eat this dip for a snack or reflect the Kingdom of God by giving it to someone else. Materials: mayonnaise prepared mustard measuring spoons paper cups, 1 per child plastic spoons or knives, 1 per child plastic wrap raw vegetables for dipping Directions: Invite each child to make a cup of dip as follows: 1. Combine 2 tablespoons mayonnaise and ½ teaspoon mustard in a paper cup. Stir to mix in thoroughly. 2. Cut vegetables and dip for a tasty snack. 3. To take home, cover in plastic wrap. 19 LESSON 26 PARABLES OF THE GROWING KINGDOM WEAVING GOD S BELOVED COMMUNITY, YEAR 3 ACTIVITY

TRADE EARTHLY FOR HEAVENLY RICHES BEFORE GOD CALLS YOU Elementary, Intermediate Children play this fast-moving, collaborative game, competing as one team to beat their best time. Materials: 14 different materialistic earthly riches : coins, costume jewelry, gadgets, etc. copy of Coins of Heavenly Riches (p. 24) 4 cardboard boxes a timer that makes noise 14 small boxes or containers (1 for each Heavenly Coin ) Preparation: Make a copy of the Coins of Heavenly Riches (p. 24) and cut them out. Tape each coin to a box or container. Directions: Invite the children to play the game as follows: 1. Put the earthly things in a cardboard box. This is the barn filled with earthly riches. Put the box in one corner of the room. Put an empty box next to it. 2. Put the Heavenly Coins in another box. Put the box in another corner of the room. This is the barn filled with heavenly riches. Put an empty box next to it. 3. Have children stand in a line and offer these instructions: The first person in line must run to the barn of earthly riches, take out one item, call out what it is, and carry it to the empty box that is next to the barn of heavenly riches. Then he or she must take out a box from the barn of heavenly riches, call out what it is, and put it into the empty box that is next to the barn of earthly riches. The next person in line does the same thing with another item. Continue until all 14 of the earthly riches and all 14 of the heavenly riches have been transferred. 5. Time this first round, then play again, challenging the children to beat their first time. Play again is interested is sustained. 20 LESSON 26 PARABLES OF THE GROWING KINGDOM WEAVING GOD S BELOVED COMMUNITY, YEAR 3 ACTIVITY

HARD TO HOARD! Elementary, Intermediate In this game, teams create riches from crumpled newspaper and then try to keep other teams from stealing their wealth. Materials: lots of newspapers Preparation: Clear out a large empty space in the room. Directions: 1. Divide the group into teams of two or three people. Give each team a stack of newspapers. 2. Have the teams crumple up the newspapers into lots of wads and pile them on the floor in one corner of the room. The wads are their riches. Each team is assigned a corner their barn. 3. Tell the children: On your signal, they are to take as many riches from the other team as they can, while trying to keep the other teams from stealing theirs. They cannot lie on top of their riches, but they can play goalie, or they can leave their riches unprotected in order to steal others more easily. 4. Set the timer for 3 minutes. At the end, see who got the most riches. What s the point? It s hard to hoard! Is it not better to share the wealth? 21 LESSON 26 PARABLES OF THE GROWING KINGDOM WEAVING GOD S BELOVED COMMUNITY, YEAR 3 ACTIVITY

BARN OF HEAVENLY RICHES Preschool, Primary Children make a barn-shaped box from card stock, color it and fill it with paper coins of love, welcome, joy, truth and more. Materials: barn pattern (p. 23), 1 per child Coins of Heavenly Riches (p. 24), 1 set per child card stock or other sturdy paper crayons scissors tape or glue Preparation: Make a copy of the barn and coin patterns for each child. If you can, copy them on card stock paper or other sturdy paper. For very young children, you may need to cut out the pictures in advance. Directions: Invite each child to make a barn and riches as follows: 1. Color the barn and cut it out. 2. Put the barn together and tape it. 3. Color the coins and cut them out. 4. Put the coins heavenly riches inside the barn. Store up treasures in heaven. 22 LESSON 26 PARABLES OF THE GROWING KINGDOM WEAVING GOD S BELOVED COMMUNITY, YEAR 3 CRAFT

23 LESSON 26 PARABLES OF THE GROWING KINGDOM WEAVING GOD S BELOVED COMMUNITY, YEAR 3 CRAFT CONTINUED

Coins of Heavenly Riches FORGIVENESS WELCOME PATIENCE TRUTH HELPING PEACE KINDNESS HUMILITY LOVE JOY GOODNESS FAITHFULNESS MERCY GENTLENESS 24 LESSON 26 PARABLES OF THE GROWING KINGDOM WEAVING GOD S BELOVED COMMUNITY, YEAR 3 CRAFT CONTINUED

PLANTING SEEDS OF THE KINGDOM Preschool, Primary Children paint planters with illustrations of God s beautiful kingdom, fill the pots with soil, and then plant sunflower seeds. Materials: small planters, clear glass or pottery, 1 per child potting soil acrylic paints paintbrushes sunflower seeds for planting small sticks, such as toothpicks or craft sticks, 1 per child transparent tape Kingdom of God labels (p. 26), printed on card stock or other sturdy paper, 1 label per child Preparation: Make a copy of the Kingdom of God labels (p. 26). Cut them apart. Each child will need one sign. Directions: Invite each child to decorate a planters as follows: 1. Paint the outside of the planter with pictures showing the beauty of the Kingdom of God, including the beauty of nature and the beauty of people caring about others. 2. Fill the planter with potting soil and put in the sunflower seeds, according to planting instructions. 3. Cut out the small Kingdom of God sign and tape it to the top of a stick. Plant this sign in your seed garden. 25 LESSON 26 PARABLES OF THE GROWING KINGDOM WEAVING GOD S BELOVED COMMUNITY, YEAR 3 ACTIVITY

Kingdom of God Kingdom of God Kingdom of God Kingdom of God Kingdom of God Kingdom of God Kingdom of God Kingdom of God Kingdom of God Kingdom of God Kingdom of God Kingdom of God Kingdom of God Kingdom of God 26 LESSON 26 PARABLES OF THE GROWING KINGDOM WEAVING GOD S BELOVED COMMUNITY, YEAR 3 ACTIVITY CONTINUED

SCIENCE DEVOTION: THE EARTH GETS BIG! Children make a miniature volcano, a perfect example of something that grows before our eyes! Materials: For the Volcano: large paper plate bathroom disposable cup (3 ounce is best) aluminum foil cellophane tape scissors To Make the Volcano Erupt: water baking soda vinegar tablespoon cup pan or tray Preparation (see diagram p. 28): Attach the paper cup to the plate by taping the bottom of the cup to the middle of the plate. Tear off a piece of foil large enough to completely cover the cup and plate. Place the foil over the cup and plate and turn the foil under the plate edge. Tape the foil in place. Poke a hole through the foil into the middle of the cup. Use scissors to make slits from the middle of the cup to the inside edge of the cup. Tape the foil to the inside of the cup. 27 LESSON 26 PARABLES OF THE GROWING KINGDOM WEAVING GOD S BELOVED COMMUNITY, YEAR 3 ACTIVITY

Directions: Invite the children to make the erupting volcano as follows: 1. Place the volcano on a pan or tray (or you ll get lava all over the place!) 2. Fill the volcano with 2 tablespoons of water and stir in a tablespoon of baking soda until it dissolves. 3. Measure 2 tablespoons of vinegar into a separate cup. 4. Pour the vinegar all at once into the water/baking soda mixture and watch your lava bubble up! 28 LESSON 26 PARABLES OF THE GROWING KINGDOM WEAVING GOD S BELOVED COMMUNITY, YEAR 3 ACTIVITY CONTINUED

LESSON 26: GROWING MIGHTY BIG! PARABLES OF THE GROWING KINGDOM We Believe... Anglicanism is what we call an incarnational faith. We see God in everything around us. So Jesus also saw God s presence in everyday life and things. The material world is good, because God made it, and we enjoy its blessings. God is present in God s creation, and so the giving of God s Son the Incarnation, God becoming part of God s own creation is the ultimate act of creation by God (Urban Holmes III in What is Anglicanism? NY: Morehouse Publishing, 1982). For more of the Episcopal Church s theology on the kingdom of God, see The Christian Hope, pages 861-862 in the Catechism, in the Book of Common Prayer. Today s Story Luke 12:13-21; 13:18-20 We are all invited to God s kingdom. Here in Luke s Gospel Jesus describes this kingdom for us using everyday images. Perhaps as he traveled about preaching and teaching his disciples asked him what God s kingdom is like. Perhaps they expressed discouragement that the coming of the Messiah in Jesus did not happen the way they expected, with universal acclaim and acceptance. Perhaps they wondered why more people were not hearing the Word of God and acting on it. Jesus stories tell us about the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven on earth, and give us hope and encouragement about how the reign of God will come about. Jesus gives us symbols for the power of God in his parables of the mustard seed and the yeast (leaven). What looks like a very small, almost invisible, movement will eventually grow to an all-embracing environment. This must have been good news to the disciples who, unlike us, have not seen Jesus call to the reign of God catch hold in the world: We are such a small band. Will God s kingdom ever come? Words to Remember And again he said, To what should I compare the kingdom of God? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leaved. Luke 13:20-21 2016 by Joanna Leiserson. Published by Morehouse Education Resources, www.morehouseeducation.org. All rights reserved.

Sharing Read one or more of today s kingdom parables from a children s Bible, showing the pictures, or from your family Bible. You can enhance these stories by including a few simple story props; for example, for the Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast, gather seeds, bread dough or the beginnings of dough to which you add the yeast. You could also discuss: How are the seed and the yeast and even treasures like God s kingdom? What other things can be compared to the kingdom? (Examples include a perfect day on the beach, a moment in the woods by a stream, a warm blanket on a cold day, etc. As Jesus saw God s presence in everyday things, so we can see him even in mundane objects and experiences.) This Week at Home Write your own parables of God s kingdom. Have family members take turns completing this statement: The kingdom of God is like a because. For example, The kingdom of God is like a symphony orchestra because there are lots of people with different skills contributing very different parts, yet it all comes together into a beautiful piece of music, rich, harmonious and inspiring. Or, as an alternative, give each other the first part of the statement and ask remaining family members to complete it: The kingdom of God is like a hamburger because Draw pictures of small things that become big things. Your drawings can serve as visual parables that illustrate God s kingdom. A seed that grows into a tree is one example. How about an egg that grows into an eagle? an Internet video that goes viral? a kindness that inspires many others to do kind acts themselves? Bake a yeast bread to illustrate the parable. Before the dough rises and again just before baking notice how big it is. Observe how it grows even more when baked. Better yet, make Amish Friendship Bread, which not only expands, but is meant to be divided and then shared with others, then divided and shared over and over again. Here is the link: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/amish-friendshipbread-starter/?mxt=t06dda. Plant a variety of seeds and watch them grow. Note how even the sprouts are much bigger than the seeds. What kind of care do you give to these seeds? What kind of care does God give to us to help us grow? What kind of care does God give to growing God s kingdom? Illustrate how the Kingdom of God spreads outward. Draw a series of seven concentric circles, labeled as follows, starting in the center: yourself, your household, your church, your school (or other larger neighborhood community), your city or town, your country and the world. Talk about what good things come out of each of these circles, beginning with each family member and expanding out into the world. How does each circle contribute to the God s Kingdom? Write or draw these in their proper circles. Household Prayer O God, we thank you for being here with us today and always. Help us to love and serve you with all our hearts, and to love everybody around us. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. LESSON 26 GROWING MIGHTY BIG! PARABLES OF THE GROWING KINGDOM WEAVING GOD S PROMISES, YEAR 3 2016 by Joanna Leiserson. Published by Morehouse Education Resources, www.morehouseeducation.org. All rights reserved.