Children’s liturgy – Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A) – 2 March 2014

Preparing the worship spaceColour: greenProps: pictures of flowers and birds, card cut into the shape of a flowerSong suggestions: All things bright and beautiful (27, Celebration Hymnal for Everyone)O Lord all the world belongs to you (847, Laudate)Welcome: Today we hear about how God loves the world and everything and everybody in it. God loves the birds in the sky, the flowers in the field and all the people in the world. Let’s think today about the wonders of creation and how we can do our best to look after it and all the people who live in it.Opening prayer: God of love, help us to look after the beautiful creation that you have given us and to share what we have so that all your people have enough. Amen.First reading (optional): Isaiah 49:14-15Psalm: Ps 61:2-3, 6-9Gospel acclamation: everyone stands and sings the acclamation together. Suggestions include: ‘Halle, halle, halle’ (Caribbean) from ‘Sing With the World’, Alison Adam & John Bell; ‘Alleluia’ (Zimbabwe), Abraham Maraire Publications, WCC & GIA; ‘Celtic Alleluia’ (traditional); ‘Alleluia! Raise the Gospel’ from ‘Go Before Us’, Bernadette Farrell, OCP Publications.Gospel: Matthew 6:24-34Gospel reflection: What do you remember about the reading you have just heard?In this reading we are told that God loves the birds in the sky so much that he makes sure that they have enough to eat. How many different types of birds can you see in the pictures around the room? Can you think of any other types of birds? God loves and feeds all these different types of birds.We are also told that God loves the flowers in the field so much that he gives them beautiful clothes to wear. Can you think of the names of any flowers? How many different colour flowers can you see around the room? Aren’t they beautiful? God loves all these different flowers.God created all the world and loves everything in it, including all the people. God loves me. God loves you. God loves everybody, no matter where in the world they are.

This reading tells us that God loves us so much and will make sure that we always have enough to eat and drink and clothes to wear. Do you think that everybody in the world has enough to eat and drink? God has given us enough for everyone but some people are using up more than their fair share of the food and water. This means that other people do not have enough to eat or drink. How does this make you feel? Is it fair that some people have lots to eat and drink and others do not have enough?What do you think we can do to change this? Whenever you see a flower or a bird this week, remember that God loves us all and does not mean for anyone to be hungry or thirsty. Intercessions You may want to ask the children to offer their own prayers or you can use the suggestions below.

God loves us all and so we pray together…We pray for world leaders: that they may take action so that the natural world stays beautiful and all people get their fair share of food and water. Lord, in your mercy…We pray for people who are poor around the world: that they may find hope in God’s love for them and not give up their struggle to get their fair share of food and water. Lord, in your mercy…We pray for our parish, families and friends: that we may treat God’s creation with respect and never use more than we need. Lord, in your mercy…Closing prayer: God of fairness, your love for the world is never-ending. Help us to love as you love and to work with others to make sure that everyone has all that they need. Amen.Activity suggestions

Ask the children to colour in the optional accompanying illustration. Discuss with them which country the girl in the picture might come from. Are the plants, flowers and animals the same as the ones they have in their garden or in the local park? On the back ask them to draw themselves out amongst nature and to think about all the great things God has given us.Look at the story of Firoza from Bangladesh (http://kidzzone.cafod.org.uk/real-life-stories/firoza/) with them. Talk about the similarities and differences between their lives and Firoza’s, but explain that God loves us all even though we are different.Give all of the children a flower shape cut out of brightly coloured card. Ask them to write a prayer on it thanking God for all the wonderful things in nature on one side and on the other side to write or draw what they will do this week to help protect the environment or to not use more than they need.

Ask the children to go home and share all that they have heard and thought about today. If they have written prayers on flowers ask them to pray them together at home during the week. Ask them to look for flowers and birds on their journey to school and to remember God’s love for all creation. Ask them to do one thing at home this week that is good for the environment, or to give up something that they do not need to share with others.