Lent 1 A (22nd February 2026): Created to walk with God/Temptations are not Crimes

 

Bible Readings: Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7, Psalm 32, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11.

About the Images:

Upper Left: This is a Microsoft free clipart image with my text.
Upper Right: This is my photo of the remains of the Trumpeting Place - where priests trumpeted the beginning and end of the Sabbath from the Second temple.  It is believed this is where Jesus' second temptation took place. Please feel free to use this image for worship and related activities.

Middle Left:  This is a free image from the Heartlight site.  See my link column at left.

Middle Right: A free Microsoft clipart image with a line from the Susan Aston song You Move Me (see below) 

Lower Left: Mar Saba Monastry nestled in the Judean desert near Bethlehem.  This is my photo so please feel free to use it for worship and related activities. 

Lower Right: a free clipart from Cerezo Barredo - see my links column at left.

Listening Song: You Move Me
By Susan Ashton from her album, A Distant Call (pictured at left) or on the album, Nothing But Pop. This song goes well with all the readings - I used it with the Romans reading as a call to worship.

Kid's Story: Arabella

By Wendy Orr and Kim Gamble, Angus and Robertson, 1998, ISBN 0207199043 (pictured at right). When you have read the story discuss a few of these questions with the kids:

1.What did Matthew think was the most important thing in Grandpa's life before the storm and during the storm?
2. What did he think might happen if the Arabella was lost?
3. What did he discover was really the most important thing in Grandpa's life?
4. How is the story a bit like us and God?

Discussion:

Have different groups discuss just one of the three temptations (there are a million ways to divide a congregation up to do this) but use the same question for everyone:
What is the need/yearning/desire that is at the heart of this temptation?
Share findings after the discussion.

Film Clip: City Slickers
(pictured at left) Use the scene of the conversation following Phil's break down in front of his friends when confronting the drunken cow hands. This links in well with the Romans reading (see discussion questions following).

Discussion: City Slicker film clip
Billy Crystal's character tells Phil that his life is a clean slate, a 'do-over", but Phil questions our ability to do this. What do you think?

Bible reading: Romans 5:12-21
In this reading, Paul contrasts our relationship with God (exemplified by Adam) with what a difference Jesus makes to this relationship. To make it clearer I printed out the reading with the Adam (us) bits in plain type and the Jesus making a difference bits in bold type.

Story: Here Comes the Cat!

Found in Illustrations, Stories and Quotes to Hang Your Message On by Jim Burns and Greg McKinnon, Gospel Light, 1997, ISBN 0830718834, page 61 (pictured at right). This story links in well with the Romans reading.

Story: The Face on the Puzzle

Found in More Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks by Wayne Rice, Zondervan, 1995, ISBN 0310207681, page 66 (pictured at left). This story links well with the Romans reading.

Adult Response: For the Gospel reading
Ask people to write down a temptation which distracts them from following Jesus. While appropriate music plays, ask people to lay what they have written at the foot of a cross as a representation that they will leave their temptation in Jesus' hands.

Adult Response: For Lent
I am not sure where this first option below comes from. If you know, please let me know so I can give credit where it is due. I gave people two options to choose from as follows:

1. Give everyone a small (two or three inches square) craft box. Give each person a sheet of paper with forty words which are linked to Lent and Easter, eg., truth, grace, love, courage etc. Ask them to cut out the forty words, shuffle them and put them in the box. Encourage them to take out one word a day and follow the instructions they have written onto the box. Lid instructions are as follows: Spend time praying, thinking about, reflecting on, writing down or drawing today's word and how it impinges on your relationship with God.

2. Print off the lectionary readings for Lent and Easter - one Sunday per A5 page. Underneath the readings print the following two questions: What is the Good News in these readings? What is the challenge for me, for my church and for me in my community, in these readings,? Leave the rest of the page blank for responses. Provide some A5 card, a hole punch and some ribbon and ask people to assemble a Lenten Journal. Encourage them to read through the weekly readings and work through the questions as they travel through Lent.

Also:

Opening and Closing Responses for Lent

By Ruth Burgess and Chris Polhill in Eggs and Ashes, Wild Goose Publications, 2004, page 74 (pictured at left). 

Drama: Fruit Pie

Found in Mega Drama 1 by Verena Johnson (Ed.), Open Book, 2001, ISBN 0859109151v1, page 49 (pictured at right). This has been written for the Genesis reading.

Meditation: On The Eighth Day
Found in He Was in the World by John L. Bell, Wild Goose Publications, 1995, ISBN 094798870X, page 58 (pictured at left)  and based on the Genesis reading.

Jesus the Light of the World

Found in Messy Church 2 by Lucy Moore, The Bible Reading Fellowship, 2008, ISBN 978 1 84101 602 3, page 100 (pictured at right). This activity is based on the Genesis reading. For a few reasons that sadden me, Messy Church activities are often moved out of regular church services into their own little niche service. 

Words for Lent: A Time to be Tempted

By Maria I. Tirrabassi and found in Before the Amen by Maren C Tirabassi and Maria I. Tirrabassi (Eds), Pilgrim Press, Cleveland, 2007, ISBN 978 0 8298 1750 8, page 51. Based on the Matthew reading.

Not By Bread Alone

Found in Australian Psalms by Bruce Prewer, Lutheran Publishing House, 1979, page 100 and based on the Matthew reading.   

Don't Test God

Found in Australian Psalms by Bruce Prewer, Lutheran Publishing House, 1979, page 104 and based on the Matthew reading. This book is an oldie but a goodie.    

Listening Song: Forgiven

Based on Psalm 32 and is found on the Sons of Korah album, Redemption Songs, Wordsong Artists, 2000

Activity: Connections Web

Found in Multi-Sensory Scripture by Sue Wallace, Scripture Union, 2005, ISBN 1 84427 166 8, number 25.

Activity: Wiping the Slate Clean

Found in Multi-Sensory Scripture by Sue Wallace, Scripture Union, 2005, ISBN 1 84427 166 8, number 43. This is based on the Psalm reading.

Ash Wednesday ABC (18th February 2026):

Bible readings: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 or Isaiah 58:1-12, Psalm 51:1-17, 2 Corinthians 5: 20b - 6:10, Matthew 6:1-66,16-21

Just a note...I have never done Ash Wednesday before but seeing a resource turned up for it I thought I would start one so not much to start with as yet, but i will start seriously looking. 

About the images:                                                                                                 Top Left: This a is a free image from the wonderful Church galleries site which is down at present - see my link column to the left.                                                    Top Right: A wikicommons image with the copyright included on the image

Drama for Ash Wednesday: If the Glove Fits....    Found in Mega Drama 1 by Verena Johnson (Ed.), Open Book, 2001, ISBN 0859109151v1, page 30 (pictured at left). This has been written for the 2 Corinthians reading.

Transfiguration of Jesus A (15th February 2026): Finding God

 

Bible Readings: Exodus 24:12-18, Psalm 2 or Psalm 99, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Matthew 17:1-9.

About the images:

Upper Left: I took this photo in the Australian high country at Danny's Lookout where it snows in winter.  Sometimes the light up there is really amazing and the mountains seem to glow. Please feel free to use this image for worship and related activities - for more information on the High Country visit: https://www.travelvictoria.com.au/regions/highcountry/

Upper Right: This is also my photo with biblical text added. This photo is taken looking down Duck Arm (to where we live) on the Gippsland Lakes (for more info: http://www.gippslandtourism.com.au/Gippsland-Lakes/).  Please feel free to use this image for worship and related activities.

Middle Left: This is a free Heartlight image.  Please see my links column at left.

Middle Right: This a is a free image from the wonderful Church galleries site which is down at present - see my link column to the left - and quite useful seeing Ash Wednesday is only three days away.

Lower Left: This is a free clipart from Cerrezo Barredo - see my link column at left

Lower Right: This is a free Heartlight image.  Please see my links column at left.

Bottom Left and Right: These are free images from the Sundaygraphx site. 

Listening Song: Shine

By the Newsboys on their album, Going Public (pictured at left) or on WOW 1996. This song uses words from the gospel reading.

Listening Song: Jubilate

By Robert Prizeman on the album, Libera (pictured at right). I used this with the Adult Response below.

Kid's Story: Westlandia
By Paul Fleischman (Author), Kevin Hawkes (Illustrator), Candlewick Press, ISBN 9780763600068 (pictured at left).

Discussion:
Share a time when you have experienced the presence of God?

Film Clip: The Work of Musalaha

Musalaha (Reconciliation) is an organisation in the Holy Land which brings together Christians, Jews and Muslims, Palestinians and Israelis.  They cut through the fear and disconnection and distraction of all that is going on in this divided Land and they talk and act out hope and love and dreams.  Their actions transfigure their world. Visit their site here at https://musalaha.org/ and watch some of their excellent videos. 

Story: The Job Applicant
Found in Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks by Wayne Rice, Youth Specialties Inc, 1994, ISBN 031040261, page 126 (pictured at left). This story is based on the Matthew reading.

Story: The Boy and the Circus
Found in Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks by Wayne Rice, Youth Specialties Inc, 1994, ISBN 031040261, page 56 (pictured at left). This story is based on the Matthew reading.

Adult Response:

Give everyone a pencil and a card with a mountain pictured on it.
Suggest: Let's think of ways we can "climb the mountain" and put ourselves in places where God can reveal His presence to us. Have a minute or so in silence. Play a piece of thinking music - Jubilate (above) works really well. Use the card to write a prayer, draw a picture, compose a poem or put down a resolution. Not sure where I got this idea from - let me know if it's not mine.

Poem and prayer: transfiguration.
Found in Dad and Daughter by Ron Gordon and Jennie Gordon, 2012, ISBN 9780646586601, page 18 (pictured at left).  These are based on the gospel reading.

Also:

Response Activity: Seeing the Face of God
Found in Bringing the Word To Life Together: Year A by Andrew Collis and Dorothy McRae-McMahon, Mediacom, Adelaide, 2010, ISBN 9780949656919, page 48ff (pictured at right). This is based on the Gospel reading and the Old Testament reading.

Lots of Useful Stuff

Found in The Abingdon Creative Preaching Annual by Jenee Woodard (Ed.), Abingdon Press, Nashville, 2013, page 53ff (pictured at left).

Drama: Transfiguration

Found in Mega Drama 1 by Verena Johnson (Ed.), Open Book, 2001, ISBN 0859109151v1, page 99 (pictured at right). This has been written for the gospel reading.

Drama: Shining Clouds and Sweaty Palms

Found in Let's Make Another Scene 3 by Verena Johnson, Open Book, 1995, ISBN 0859107620, page 54 (pictured at left). This drama is based on the gospel reading. 

Drama: Told Not to Tell

Found in Present on Earth by Wild Goose Worship Group, Wild Goose Publications, 2002, ISBN 0 901557 64 2, page 57ff (pictured at right).  This is based on the Matthew reading.

Activity: Scrapping Injustice

Found in Multi-Sensory Scripture by Sue Wallace, Scripture Union, 2005, ISBN 1 84427 166 8, number 12 (pictured at left). This is based on the Psalm 2 reading.

Epiphany 5 A (8th February 2026): Daring to Have A Go/Shine/Be a Thermostat Not a Thermometer

 

Bible Readings: Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-10, 1 Corinthians 2:1-12(13-16), Matthew 5:13-20

About the images:

Upper Left and Right and Lower Left and Right: These are free Heartlight images. To visit the Heartlight site, please go to my Links column below left.

Middle left: This is a Microsoft free clipart with my text.

Middle Right: This is a free sample clip art from Church galleries which is not in operation at the moment.

Bottom Left: Another excellent free image from Cerezo Barredo - see my link column at left. 

Listening Song: Shine

By the Newsboys on their album, Shine: The Hits (pictured at left) or on WOW 1996. This song uses words from the gospel reading.

Discussion:

1. Salt and light have lost their preciousness in many ways to the Western world. What might Jesus say to us today if he was talking to us? You are like........
2. How do we shine God's light onto those around us?

Brainstorm:

Brainstorm definitions of the word "disciple".

Kids' Story: The Tawny Scrawny Lion

by Kathryn Jackson, Little Golden Book (pictured at right).  This goes well with the 1 Corinthians reading for both last week and this week.  It also goes well as a bit of a lead in conversation with kids about bullying.  I used it for both reasons at church today seeing that we celebrated the kids start of the school year here in Australia.  

Film Clip: True Fasting

This clip is from Work of the People - see my link column at left.  It goes well with the Isaiah reading: go to https://www.theworkofthepeople.com/true-fasting

Story: Why the Potatoes Sprouted

This story can be found at

http://wesley.nnu.edu/wesleyctr/books/1801-1900/HDM1876.pdf Story No. 1430. It is based on the gospel story.

Story: Thermometers and Themostat

Found in Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks by Wayne Rice, Youth Specialties Inc, 1994, ISBN 031040261, page 198 (pictured at right). This story is based on the Matthew reading.

Also:

Poem and prayer: salt and light.

Found in Dad and Daughter by Ron Gordon and Jennie Gordon, 2012, ISBN 9780646586601, page 14 (pictured at left).  These are based on the gospel reading.

Response Activity: Shout aloud!

Found in Bringing the Word To Life Together: Year A by Andrew Collis and Dorothy McRae-McMahon, Mediacom, Adelaide, 2010, ISBN 9780949656919, page 40ff (pictured at right). This is based on the Gospel reading and the Old Testament reading.

Lots of Useful Stuff

Found in The Abingdon Creative Preaching Annual by Jenee Woodard (Ed.), Abingdon Press, Nashville, 2013, page 39ff (pictured at left). 

Worship Activity: Prayer Lights

By Jim Burns and Robin Dugall in Worship Experiences, Gospel Light, 1999, ISBN 0830724044, page 43 (pictured at right).  This is based on the Matthew reading. 

Worship Resources: What's Wrong with the World?

Found in Multi-Sensory World by Craig Borlase, Scripture Union/Tear Fund, 2008, ISBN 9781844272662, page 15 (pictured at left). This is based on the Old Testament reading. 

Drama: The Colours of the Rainbow
Found in Mega Drama 1 by Verena Johnson (Ed.), Open Book, 2001, ISBN 0859109151v1, page 24 (pictured at right). This has been written for the gospel reading.

Sermon ideas: There is No End to the Work

Found in Life on the Road by Athol Gill, Herald Press, 1992, page 171 (pictured at left).  This is based on the Gospel reading. 

Drama: How Many Does it Take to Change a Light Bulb

 found in Let's Make a Scene for..... by Verena Johnson, Open Book, 1998, ISBN 0859108937, page 23 (pictured at right). This goes well with the Matthew reading. 

Drama: Candles in the Bin

Found in All Age Sketches for The Christian Year by Peter Shaw, The Bible Reading Fellowship, 2006, ISBN 10 1 984101 458 3, page 51ff (pictured at left).  This is based on the Matthew reading.

Prayer: Salt

Found in Multi-Sensory Prayer by Sue Wallace, Scripture Union, 2001, ISBN 1859994652, page 29 (pictured at right) and based on the Matthew reading.

Prayer: Let Your Light Shine

Found in Multi-Sensory Prayer by Sue Wallace, Scripture Union, 2001, ISBN 1859994652, page 50 (pictured at right) and based on the Matthew reading.

Worship Activities: Salt and Light

Found in Welcome Mat by Beth Barnett and Keith Dyer, Scripture Union, 2011, ISBN 978 0 9871500 2 8, page 46 (pictured at left). These are based on the Matthew reading. 

Discussion: Love and Justice, Salt and Light

Found in Welcome Mat  by Beth Barnett and Keith Dyer, Scripture Union, 2011, ISBN 978 0 9871500 2 8, page 136 (pictured at left).  These are based on the Matthew reading. 

We Are Salt and Light: 

By Maria I. Tirrabassi and found in Before the Amen by Maren C Tirabassi and Maria I. Tirrabassi (Eds), Pilgrim Press, Cleveland, 2007, ISBN 978 0 8298 1750 8, page 37. Based on the Matthew reading.

Kids: The Lampstand 

This is another brilliant book  by Andrew McDonough, Lost Sheep Resources, 2023. This goes with the Matthew reading.  The great thing about these books is that they only around $A8 and for a further $A12 (or instead of) you can buy on line the story in any format you need to project the pictures in church.  There are also free activity sheets and for a cost activity books for both teachers and children.  Visit www.lostsheep.com.au to check out all the excellent resources.

Prayer for Healing 

By Rachel G Hackenberg and found in Before the Amen by Maren C Tirabassi and Maria I. Tirrabassi (Eds), Pilgrim Press, Cleveland, 2007, ISBN 978 0 8298 1750 8, page 221. Based on the Matthew reading.

Activity: The Dirty Mirror

Found in Multi-Sensory Scripture by Sue Wallace, Scripture Union, 2005, ISBN 1 84427 166 8, number 6. This is based on the Matthew reading.