Welcome to the final week!
This is the final week of Lent, leading us towards the ultimate love story, Jesus’ sad death and glorious rising. Our journey with the Space Makers practices brings us to blessing, bringing together the wonder of Jesus: the joy, hope and peace he brings us. We share what we receive so that others will know that greater and deeper love.
Chat together/Activity
Paper plane challenge.
Have a go at making paper aeroplanes. Who can make their plane go the furthest?
After the plane-throwing, chat about how these planes are like God’s good news and how we share it. Wonder together about what makes a “good design” when it comes to sharing God’s love. What makes it go smoothly? What makes it more challenging?
These are big questions, so don’t worry about having correct answers. You might wonder about times you’ve noticed God at work in love, peace, patience, in a particular circumstance or relationship.
Story
Do you have a favourite story or bit of the Bible that helps you know God better?
Read it together and chat about how it helps you know God.
If you’re not sure, revisit Luke 10:25–37.
For younger children (Key Stage 1): If you have a storybook Bible, read the parable of the good Samaritan.
For pre-school children: “The Good Stranger” in Stories Jesus Told by Nick Butterworth and Mick Inkpen.
You could also read The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams or Nothing by Mick Inkpen.
Luke 10:25–37
Then a teacher of the law stood up. He was trying to test Jesus. He said, “Teacher, what must I do to get life forever?”
Jesus said to him, “What is written in the law? What do you read there?”
The man answered, “Love the Lord your God. Love him with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.” Also, “You must love your neighbour as you love yourself.”
Jesus said to him, “Your answer is right. Do this and you will have life forever.”
But the man wanted to show that the way he was living was right. So he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbour?”
To answer this question, Jesus said, “A man was going down the road from Jerusalem to Jericho. Some robbers attacked him. They tore off his clothes and beat him. Then they left him lying there, almost dead. It happened that a Jewish priest was going down that road. When the priest saw the man, he walked by on the other side of the road. Next, a Levite came there. He went over and looked at the man. Then he walked by on the other side of the road. Then a Samaritan travelling down the road came to where the hurt man was lying. He saw the man and felt very sorry for him. The Samaritan went to him and poured olive oil and wine on his wounds and bandaged them. He put the hurt man on his own donkey and took him to an inn. At the inn, the Samaritan took care of him. The next day, the Samaritan brought out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. The Samaritan said, ‘Take care of this man. If you spend more money on him, I will pay it back to you when I come again.’”
Then Jesus said, “Which one of these three men do you think was a neighbour to the man who was attacked by the robbers?”
The teacher of the law answered, “The one who helped him.”
Jesus said to him, “Then go and do the same thing he did!”
Space Makers practice: Blessing
Having received from God, Blessing is about how you can practically and actively reflect God’s kingdom to people around you this week. Talk together and decide what your household would like to do. Encourage each person to pick an achievable goal to try this week.
- Can you draw a picture, write a letter, or make a cake for a neighbour in your street who might feel lonely or sad?
- Can you look out for a new person at school or work who needs a friend?
- Can you write a letter or email to your MP speaking up about an injustice or highlighting something that would benefit your area?
Prayer
Pray these words from the prayer known as St Patrick’s Breastplate together. Can you make up some actions to it together to help you pray?
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
Dear God,
I love you, you bless me,
That’s a mystery to me.
You love me, I love you,
May I show friends your way to go.
Amen
Weekly film and questions
Watch this film, pausing when prompted to think and talk about the questions.
Watch the film | Audio-only version | Download the transcript
Now wonder together
- Besides the people living near you, who else could be considered your neighbour?
- What are some creative ways you could show love to your neighbours? How might that make a difference?
- How can sharing your faith be a form of sharing love? What are some respectful ways to do so?