Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father, you we thank you for giving us Jesus to be our Light. Help us to follow Him and be thankful that His light shines on us. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Sorry Song (to the tune of If you’re happy and you know it)
When we say that you are sorry, God forgives.
When we say that you are sorry, God forgives.
If our sins are large or small,
God will still forgive them all.
When we say that we are sorry, God forgives.
Then sing the Gloria (tune of Row, Row, Row your Boat)
Praise, praise, praise the Lord, Praise our Father dear.
As we listen to his word, feel his spirit near.
Gospel –John 10:1-10
The Lord be with you. All: And with your spirit. (teach them this)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John. All:Glory to you, O Lord. (teach them this)
Jesus said, “I am telling you the truth: the man who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate, but climbs in some other way, is a thief and a robber. The man who goes in through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him; the sheep hear his voice as he calls his own sheep by name, and he leads them out. When he has brought them out, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they know his voice. They will not follow someone else; instead, they will run away from such a person, because they do not know his voice.”
Jesus told them this parable, but they did not understand what he meant.
So Jesus said again, “I am telling you the truth: I am the gate for the sheep. All others who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever comes in by me will be saved; they will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only in order to steal, kill, and destroy. I have come in order that you might have life — life in all its fullness.
After Gospel : All:“Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ”
Suggestions for the Discussion
Who knows what a shepherd does? That's right - a shepherd takes care of sheep. Does anyone remember what a shepherd carries to help them to look after the sheep? A crook. A crook is a long stick with a curved hook at the end. It's very useful for the shepherds when they are taking care of the sheep. The shepherd keeps the sheep in a safe fenced area that they guide them in and out of through a gate.
Who knows who the priests for our church are? Do you know their names? Father Frank and Father Charles. Their job is a bit like a shepherd's job. Why do you think that is? Because they have to guide and lead the church community in the right direction. So what do you think we are like? That's right, sheep! Our priest's job is to take care of us, just as a shepherd cares for his sheep. But our priests don't use a crook - what do you think they use? They use the Bible and teach God's Word to help to keep us going in the right direction. Our priests have a guide to help them. - can you guess who the guide is? That's right, Jesus. In our Bible story today, Jesus said that sheep will follow their shepherd, because they know his voice, but they will not follow a stranger. He said "I am the gate. Whoever enters through me shall be saved."
As we follow Jesus, what are some of the things we should remember to follow Him? Be kind, thoughtful, truthful, and more sharing . We should pray every day, ask for forgiveness for our mistakes and listen to our parents, carers etc. Do all that we can to be the best people we can be and use our gifts and talents for the good of others, We can also encourage our friends to come to church as we do, to learn about God and Jesus.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we are thankful that we have a shepherd who knows our names.Help us to follow Him when He calls.In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
*Gospel passage taken from: Good News Translation® (Today’s English Version, Second Edition)
© 1992 American Bible Society. All rights reserved.
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