Mountaineering with Moses
Introduction
Today we are going to gather around an unusual campfire and then take a hike up a very special mountain, where we will be with Moses when he encounters God and receives some special instructions for how to live.
Today there are two stories and there are two choices for each section. You might do it all in one go. You might want to split it into two session. Or use the ones best suited to you.
Story
The team at All Saints, Allesley are telling our stories today. (The readings are in second book of the Bible: Exodus 3:1-15 and then Exodus 20:1-21)
It's about a man called Moses who had been brought up in the Egyptian palace but he was actually an Israelite. The Israelites were God's people but the Egyptians used them as slaves. When Moses stood up for a slave he had to run away because he was scared about what would happen. But God doesn't forget about the plan he has for Moses...
It's about a man called Moses who had been brought up in the Egyptian palace but he was actually an Israelite. The Israelites were God's people but the Egyptians used them as slaves. When Moses stood up for a slave he had to run away because he was scared about what would happen. But God doesn't forget about the plan he has for Moses...
I wonder how Moses reacted when he first heard God’s voice coming from the burning bush?
I wonder if you can remember a time where God has spoken to you or feel that He helped to guide you?
Moses does go back to Egypt and eventually (after 10 plagues) Pharaoh releases the Israelites. They escape into the desert and Moses finds himself preparing for a mountaineering expedition.
I wonder if you can remember a time where God has spoken to you or feel that He helped to guide you?
Moses does go back to Egypt and eventually (after 10 plagues) Pharaoh releases the Israelites. They escape into the desert and Moses finds himself preparing for a mountaineering expedition.
I wonder how Moses felt reading the 10 commandments for the first time?
I wonder if there’s a commandment which you think is the hardest to live by?
Our stories today show us that God is holy. When He gives us His commandments it is to encourage us to live in a way that is good for us and is devoted to God.
I wonder if there’s a commandment which you think is the hardest to live by?
Our stories today show us that God is holy. When He gives us His commandments it is to encourage us to live in a way that is good for us and is devoted to God.
Activity
Enjoy getting your hands messy? Both activities for today need glue...it's up to you how messy it gets though.
Make a burning bush lamp
*This activity requires adult supervision*
*This activity requires adult supervision*
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You will need
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You can use your Burning Bush lamp for prayer. Simply light it and sit quietly, looking at it. Do you feel God is speaking to you as you do?
The 10 Commandments
When Moses climbed the mountain, God gave him ten laws for the Israelites to live by.
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Ideas to use:
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Prayer
You can pray with words, through craft and through building blocks. It's really good to explore how we connect with God.
Burning bush prayer
For this prayer activity you will need some paper, a black pen and some yellow, red and orange papers. Get creative! You could use wrappers from chocolates or crisps, scrapbooking paper, tissue paper, craft paper, wrapping paper. Any kind of paper really!
For this prayer activity you will need some paper, a black pen and some yellow, red and orange papers. Get creative! You could use wrappers from chocolates or crisps, scrapbooking paper, tissue paper, craft paper, wrapping paper. Any kind of paper really!
On your paper draw the outline of a bush- with a trunk and some branches.
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Mountain prayer
For this prayer activity you will need some bricks, preferably Lego or Duplo but you could use wooden bricks or boxes or anything else stackable, and something to represent you e.g. a Lego person or a photograph of you perhaps.
You are going to build a mountain, like the one Moses went up to meet with God.
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Worship song
St Giles, Exhall are leading today's song. I've got peace like a river. Join in the actions, sing at the top of your voice or find somewhere cosy to listen to the words.
Passport reflection
Colour in the burning bush and the tablets of the law. Think about God as holy and the instructions He gave to Moses about how we should live.
Meal chatter
Later on take time to sit together and ask and answer these questions together. Make sure everyone in the family has the opportunity to share:
- Is it good to have rules for living?
- Why do you think God gives us these rules for life?
- Have you had a moment like Moses when you just knew you were ‘on holy ground’ and God was present?
- What was it like?
- What did you feel God said to you?
Venture out
Today's venture involves sticks.
So how can God speak to us?
- Go out and gather sticks but also things that are brightly coloured and/or will wave in the wind.
- Find a space to turn your sticks into your own burning bush (or campfire). What would you do if you saw a bush on fire?
- Turn it into a fire using the bright flowers, leaves and things that wave.
- Create a 'Holy space' around the fire by removing your shoes and sitting in a circle. How can God talk to us now? Do you ever hear or feel God speaking to you?
So how can God speak to us?
- We can hear his voice.
- Visions or dreams from God.
- A feeling or sense of God.
- See God in nature and beauty around us.
- In other people's words and actions.
- Through the Bible.
Downloads for the session
Click to download: