This is the season when we celebrate the Harvest, we have seen fields with combine harvesters in them, big bales of hay wrapped in plastic and lorries transporting them. There are lots of apples on the trees, berries in the bushes and in some parts of Scotland the Kids are on what is called the Tattie holidays when traditionally they would have helped in the fields harvesting the potatoes.
What does the Bible say about Harvest? Creation, Land, Agriculture and Farming are all themes running through the whole of the Bible.
Psalm 104 verses 10-15 remind us of the creator God on whom we all depend, it is a call to praise and worship for all he has done:
10 He makes springs pour water into the ravines; it flows between the mountains.
11 They give water to all the beasts of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst.
12 The birds of the sky nest by the waters; they sing among the branches.
13 He waters the mountains from his upper chambers; the land is satisfied by the fruit of his work. 14 He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate— bringing forth food from the earth:
15 wine that gladdens human hearts, oil to make their faces shine, and bread that sustains their hearts.
Our story today comes from John 6:1-14 (you can also find this story in Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:32-44; Luke 9:10-17)
1. Situation: Large crowd follows Jesus up the mountain. Jesus talks to them, they don’t want to go home, it gets late
2. Problem: No food for all the people, and no shops or houses nearby to buy food
3. Complication: Jesus tells his disciples to feed the crowd, but they have no money and nowhere to buy food
4. Complication: A young boy shares his lunch – but it’s not enough 2 little fish and 5 loaves between 5000+ people
5. Resolution: Jesus performs a miracle by multiplying a small boys gift. Jesus wants to provide for all the people, he cares for them and does not want to send them away hungry
6. Learning: The disciples had to trust and have faith that Jesus knew what He was doing; and the little boy had to trust Him and be willing to share his lunch.
How can we trust God and be willing to sacrifice?? How can we show God’s love and care, his provision for us?
Crafts:
Baskets of Loaves and Fishes. You will need: • Paper plates • Markers, stickers, or other decorating materials • Scissors • Glue, tape or staples • Paper, cut into small strips • Pipe cleaners
How to Make it: Cut the plate in half, and cut vertical slits in each half, about an inch apart.
2. Take one strip of paper at a time and weave it in and out of the slits in the plate.
3. Once the weaving is complete, staple the plates together to make a “basket.”
4. Add decorations as desired. Attach a pipe cleaner handle.
5. Cut the paper into shapes of fish and bread loaves.
6.Tuck the fish and loaves into the basket, and hang to admire!
Pony Bead Fishes You will need: a chenille stick/pipe cleaner, assorted pony beads How to make it:
- Turn over one end of the chenille stick to make a ball large enough to stop a bead falling off.
2. Take the pony beads and thread them on the chenille stick.
3. make a ball in the end you threaded the beads onto to prevent beads falling off
4. spread your beads out to make a pattern you like.
5. shape the chenille stick to look like a fish. 6. Hang this up to remind you that God Provides for all his people
Messy Church To Go Bags were collected by children and families on Tuesday the 6th October. If you would like a bag for your family or to give to a family you know, please contact the church office.