Gather
Activities marked with an asterisk 
next to the activity title are in addition to the resources in the Ready-to-go sessions. Suggested timings for these activities are also shown. NB The inclusion of additional activities varies from week to week.
FOR CHILDREN
Gathering song
Sing to the tune: Hickory, dickory, dock
We have a friend we can trust,
who shows us that faith is a must.
When things get tough, and life feels rough,
walk even closer to God.
Walking the difficult times 5 mins S
You will need: a winding path with some difficulty according to the ages of the children. The ‘walls’ made from soft toys or soft clothing with some ‘roadblocks’ they must step over.
- Children walk the path heel to toe, other than stepping over the roadblocks. Explain that sometimes, walking through life can be hard, but God promises to be with us and give good things.
Underground goodness W
You will need: potato, carrot, mushroom, stick of rhubarb (if available); four dark towels, tea towels or similar, blindfolds/scarves.
- Place the items under separate dark-coloured towels or cloths. Each child puts on a blindfold and reaches under the cloth to guess what food it is. When all children have had a go, remove the cloths to reveal what was there.
- Explain that each one needs the darkness to grow, just as we can grow in dark times.
FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
Walk the line 5 mins W E
You will need: pens and paper.
- Ask the young people how they can stay on the right path when things are difficult. What would be their rules for living a good life?
- Working in small groups, invite the young people to write nine principles to live by.
- Explain that the Beatitudes contain principles for living that Jesus gave his followers to see them through the good times and the bad.
Play ‘Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly’, Pat Barrett on Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly.
First impressions
You could also use the image and following questions to help introduce the theme.
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For artist's details, see this issue's illustrators.
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Questions
- What surprisingly beautiful things grow in dark places?
- Have you experienced growth during or after a difficult experience?
- How might you support someone who is experiencing a tough time?