FED BY FAITH: The Feeding of the Multitude
A Workshop Rotation Model Lesson Set from
St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church
56 Thames Street South
Ingersoll, Ontario, CANADA
N5C 2S9
519-485-3390
email: whispering.ridge@sympatico.ca

This material is the copyrighted property of Rev. Dr. Lonnie Atkinson. Permission is granted to copy this material only for non-commercial use.

Workshop Summary

Cooking: make and enjoy “Haystacks” – a little bit of this; A little bit of that sweet treat.

Video: view “Jesus Feeds The Multitude” from the Jesus A Kingdom Without Frontiers series.

Art: create “Bean Bag Buddies”

Games: play a “Feed the World” discovery game

Computer: explore the story of Jesus feeding the multitude through the Play And Learn CD and Life of Christ CD.

Key Lesson: Mark 6: 30-44
The miracle of the feeding of the multitude tells one of the great stories of Jesus' ministry. The power of faith and the active intervention of Christ Jesus cares for the needs of the people who gathered to hear God's Word.

The story begins with Jesus' disciples reporting on their first preaching and healing mission described in Mark 6: 7-13. Because of the crush of the crowds now coming to Jesus he takes the disciples away for a rest. The people saw where they were going and rushed ahead to meet them.

Despite his hope for solitude, Jesus has compassion for the crowd and begins to teach them. At the end of the day the issue of how to feed so many arises. Mark reports 5,000 were there. Often in the Bible only men were counted, so perhaps as many as 20,000 were there!

After discussing several options Jesus instructs his disciples to organize the crowd into groups of 50 to I 00. Then Jesus takes the food at hand, blesses it, breaks it and gives it to the disciples to share with the people. This part of the story sounds a lot like the celebration of the Lord's Supper.

Miraculously, the people are fed and lots of food was left over.

Key Verses: Mark 6: 39-42
One could focus on verse 41 - "taking the five loaves and two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to set before the people He also divided the twofish among them all." and emphasize the communion comparison.

Or one could focus on verse 42 - "7hey all ate and were satisfied," and celebrate the providence of God.

Or one could teach verse 39 - "Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass," and demonstrate how bringing calm to the crowd and organizing their care made the miracle of meeting their needs more possible.
This central part of the story (Mark 6: 39-42) is rich with Gospel themes.

Key Concepts
The story of the feeding of the multitudes offers several key teaching and discipleship concepts.
1. Jesus is compassionate
a) to the disciples (v. 3 1), urging them to rest and be renewed
b) to the crown (v. 34), acting as their shepherd and feeding them spiritually and physically
2. Jesus is a problem-solving leader
The discussions with the disciples about caring for the crowd (v. 35-40) models
how we are to offer Christ-like care to others
3. Jesus is a worker of wonders and miracles
The sharing of the loaves and fish offers a mystery of faith
As well, see the reflections under the Key Verses section above.

Theme Songs
"Give Me Oil In My Lamp"
"What A Friend We Have In Jesus"

Theme Prayers
Dear Lord, thank you for food for people everywhere. Thank you for spiritual food we fmd in the Bible, in prayer, in worship, in Sunday School, and in your people. Amen.

Gracious Lord, when we are the most hungry or feel lost in the crowd, bring order to our lives and share your compassion with us. In Jesus' named we pray, Amen.

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Cooking Workshop @ Sam's Place

Prepararation
1. Review the "Fed By Faith " theme. Read and reflect on the story from Mark 6: 30-44. Imagine yourself in a large crowd at a concert, parade, political rally, at a church conference. You find yourself caught up in the moment. Your attention is completely directed toward the theme speaker, the group performing on stage, the event itself. The day has gone longer than you had ever expected. You are getting hungry... Then someone says "Sit down here in this group. We're going to feed everyone. " How do you feel? What are your worries? What questions would you ask? How would you feel when the food begins to be shared?
3. Review the "Key Concepts ". Consider Jesus as a compassionate, problem solving leader who works wonders and miracles.
4. Read the attached recipe for "Haystacks ". Gather the required ingredients and test the recipe at home. Try it out on family and friends. Modify to make it an easy and effective example recipe and an easily recreated cooking experience for our young chefs. Remember we hope that they and their families might be able to make these treats at home and revisit the story of the feeding of the multitude when the eat their creations.
5. Prepare "Sam's Place "for the young chefs.
6. Pray for God's presence and leadership in this culinary discovery moment.

Gathering
1. Welcome the young chefs to Sam's Place.
2. Ask them to think about times when they have been in a large crowd (at a school concert, sports event, parade, church). What was it like?
3. Invite the chefs to think about a time when they were very hungry. Then tell them about the "Haystacks "desserts they are about to create.
4. Prayer with them one of the Theme Prayers before you begin.

Good News
1. Read the Key Lesson from Mark 6:30-44
2. Following the recipe, make the "Haystacks " together. While you are creating these delicious delights ask the chefs to think about the Bible story they have heard and how Jesus care for the hungry people.
3. If time allows, talk briefly at the end about the Key Concepts as they describe who Jesus is.

Blessing
1. Share a sweet treat and if time and ingredients allow make an extra treat to share with a paren tor a friend. Give thanks for Jesus who feeds our hungers.

"Haystacks"
(No Bake Chow Mein Noodle Cookies)

Ingredients
1 6 oz. Package of Chocolate Chips
1 6 oz. Package of Butterscotch Chips
1 cup of Salted Peanuts
1 cup of Chow Mein Noodles
(you can substitute cereals like Cherrios, Corn Bran, Shreddies for the peanuts if nut are a concern. Or you can sirnply add some of the others to create different haystacks)

Directions
Melt chocolate and butterscotch chips
(microwave or double boiler)
Once melted remove from heat
Add peanuts and chow mein noodles
Drop by teaspoons on to waxed paper
Leave until hardened
(refrigerate/ use a quick trip to the freezer if you can't wait!)
Eat and enjoy!!!

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Audio Visual Workshop @ The Sower's Cinema

Preparation
1. Review the "Fed By Faith" theme page.
2. Read and reflect on the story from Mark 6.30-44. Imagine yourself in a large crowd at a concert, parade, political rally, at a church conference. You find yourself caught up in the moment. Your attention is completely directed toward the theme speaker, the group performing on stage, the event itself The day has gone longer than you had ever expected. You are getting hungry... Then someone says "Sit down here in this group. We're going to feed everyone. " How do you feel? What are your worries? What questions would you ask? How would you feel when the food begins to be shared?
3. Review the "Key Concepts ". Consider Jesus as a compassionate, problem solving leader who works wonders and miracles.
4. Preview the video "Jesus Feeds the Multitudes "from the Jesus, A Kingdom Without Frontiers series. Consider what parts of the video story most relate to our theme and key concepts. What parts of the story are easily understood from watching the video? "What parts are confused or complicated?
5. Prepare the "Sowers Cinema "for the young theatre goers. Pop and bag the popcorn.
6. Praye for God's presence and leadership in this video discovery moment.

Greeting
1. Welcome the young theatre goers to the Sower's Cinema.
2. Ask them to think about times when they have been in a large crowd (at a school concert, sports event, parade, church). What was it like?
3. Invite the viewers the think about a time when they were very hungry. Then share with them the popcorn and get ready for the movie.

Good News
1. Read the Key Lesson from Mark 6.-30-44
2. Begin the video "Jesus Feeds the Multitudes " inviting the viewers to think about the Bible story they have heard
3. If time allows, talk briefly at the end about the Key Concepts as they describe who Jesus is.

Blessing
1. Pray one of the Theme Prayers.
2. Invite the theatre goers to go out believe in Jesus who feeds the multitudes and cares for his children every where.

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Arts and Crafts Workshop @ Disciples'Designs

Preparation:
1. Review the "Fed BY Faith" theme page.
2. Read and reflect on the story from Mark 6:30-44. Imagine yourself in a large crowd at a concert, parade, political rally, at a church conference. You flnd yourself caught up in the moment. Your attention is completely directed toward the theme speaker, the group performing on stage, the event itself. The day has gone longer than you had ever expected. You are getting hungry... Then someone says "Sit down here in this group. We're going to feed everyone. " How do you feel? What are your worries? What questions would you ask? How would you feel when the food begins to be shared?
3. Review the "Key Concepts ". Consider Jesus as a compassionate, problem solving leader who works wonders and miracles.
4. Read the attached craft design description for Bean Bag Buddies. Gather the required materials and supplies and test the craft at home. Try it out with children, family and friends. Modify to make it an easy and effective example craft and an easily recreated craft creating experience for our young artisans. Remember we hope that they may have fun making and enjoying their "Buddy". We also pray that this simple craft will help our young learners revisit the story of the feeding of the multitude when they cuddle their creations.
5. Prepare "Disciples' Designs "for the young craftspeople. Precut and lay out supplies Modify you –preparations based on the age group you are teaching
6. Prayer for God's presence and leadership in this creative discovery moment.

Greeting
1. Welcome the young artisans to Disciples' Designs.
2. Invite them to think about being hugged How do they feel when some one hugs them? Ask them to think about times when they have hugged and care for a pet, a friend, a brother or sister, a favorite stuffed animal or doll. What was it like? Imagine being in a large crowd and being cared for by a loving parent, an older sibling, a grandparent, some one who cares.
3. Ask the craftspeople to look at the Beanie Bag Buddies you have created. Invite them to think about caring for others, feeding them, hugging them, playing with them, loving them.
4. Prayer with them one of the Theme Prayers before you begin.

Good News
1. Read the Key Verses from Mark 6:39-42.
2. Following the craft design, create the "Beanie Bag Buddies " together. Remember Disciples' Designs is not about creating the perfect craft. It is about cooperatively crafting and encouraging creativity to help learn
3. Encourage the crafters to have fun while they are making their personalized "Buddies ".

Blessing
1. Celebrate the creations made by our crafters. Give thanks for Jesus who feeds our hungers, holds us close and cares for us at all times.
2. Send them out in Christ Jesus' love.

Beanie Buddy Fish

Supplies
Sheets of rough sandpaper (120) (split in half lengthwise)
Fish shape (about the size of your hand). Cut out of cardboard – use a tracer
Crayons
wiggly eyes
Ironing Board and iron
Glue Gun and glue sticks
white felt
Funnel
Rice or beans
1/2 cup measurer

Preparation Before Class

Trace fish pattern on sandpaper
Trace fish pattern on felt
Use straight stitch and follow outline
leave an opening at the tail
cut out fish 1/4" away from stitching line (Zigzag scissors make an interesting edge)

Class Instruction

I. Show the children the finished craft

2. Give each child a piece of sandpaper which has an outline of the fish.

3. Show them an example of a sandpaper on which a fish has been coloured

4. Instruct the class to colour their fish. Remind them if they colour lightly it will not show when pressed with an iron.

5. With adult supervision place the sandpaper rough side down on the felt fish.
With a hot iron press in Order for the wax to adhere to the felt-

6. Peel the sandpaper off the felt fish.

7. Fill the fish with about 1/2 cup of rice or beans.

8. Seal the opening with a glue gun

9. Glue a wiggly eye on the fish.

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Performing Arts And Active Games Workshop
@ The Apostles Acting Co.

Preparation
1. Review the Theme Page for the "Fed By Faith " workshop series.
2. Read the Key Lesson from Mark 6.30 - 44.
3. Imagine the scene described in the Key Lesson. What were the sights you would see and the sounds you would hear? Close your eyes and put yourself in the middle of the story. Who are you? Do you relate more to the disciples and their experience or are you more like a member of the crowd?
Imagine listening to Jesus teach as the crowd gathered, as the day passed.
Imagine feeling hungry, wonder what you might eat for supper. Think
about leaving to go and find food but being draw back by Jesus' words, his presence.
Picture your response as the disciples begin to follow Jesus' instructions and divide the crowd into smaller groups. Try to capture your feelings as the food appears, is shared, fills you up, and leaves lots left over.
4. After you have imagined the story reflect on how you would teach it and the Key Concepts to your young actors.
5. Preview the "Feed the World" Game. Play it with family and friends and adapt it for the age groups of learners you will be working with in the Acting Co.
6 Set up the Acting Co. space for the young actors. Have all the props and game pieces ready to begin.
7. Pray for God's guidance as you prepare to share the Good News of believing in being fed by faith

Greetings
1. Welcome the young actors to the Apostles Acting Co.
2. Share with them the Key Verses from Mark 6:39-42
3. Invite them to think about the blessings of having food to eat and nourish our bodies. Tell them about the theme of our series, "Fed By Faith".
4. Pray one of the Theme Prayers with them.

Good News
1. Tell the story of Jesus Feeding the Multitude to the young actors using your own words and drawing on your personal reflections. Highlight the main themes and the Key Concepts as you tell the story of this great event.
2. Invite the actors to tell the story in their own way... Storytelling can be fun! Ask them to you their own words and share what they remember of the story. The actors can go on stage, do it with someone else, use props, involve everyone to be the crowd, disciples, etc. Don't force anyone to do this. Give them lime. If is important for the leader to model how one could do storytelling - as an example only.

3. Play the Feed the World Game. Remember it a game and should be fun to play. It is also a discussion starter activity. Look for good opportunities to discuss how God fed the multitudes.
[Exchange Volunteer adds: To find instructions for the Feed the World Game:
check out this web site click here]

Blessing
I. Pray together for all the world to know of God's compassion and love.
2. Go in peace and seek to share Jesus' vision that all the people can be fed.

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Computer Workshop
@ PARABLE POWER CENTRE

Preparation:
1. Review the “Fed by Faith” theme page.
2. Read and reflect on the story from Mark 6: 30 – 44. Imagine yourself in a large crowd at a concert, parade, political rally, or a church conference. You find yourself caught up in the moment. Your attention is completely directed toward the theme speaker, the group performing on stage, the event itself. The day has gone longer than you had ever expected. You are getting hungry….Then someone says, “Sit down here in this group. We’re going to feed everyone.” How do you feel? What are your worries? What questions would you ask? How would you feel when the food begins to be shared?
3. Review the “Key Concepts”. Consider Jesus as a compassionate, problem-solving leader who works wonders and miracles.
4. Review the lesson plan in detail. Consider ways to adapt the workshop
5. depending on the age group of the participants.
6. If possible, try to review software in advance to assist children in working on the computer (Life of Christ and The Children’s Play and Learn Bible are recommended).

Greeting
1. Welcome the “explorers” to the Parables Power Centre. Introduce yourself and have the children introduce themselves to ensure that new children are able to get to know others.
2. Encourage each class member to share the keyboard and mouse with fellow “explorers” at their computer station. With growing class sizes, this is very important.
3. Tell the children that you will be learning about an amazing story that shows us the power of Jesus’ ministry on earth. Ask them if they have ever heard of the word ‘miracle’. Do they know what it means. Tell them that today we will be learning about a miracle that Jesus performed for thousands of people.

Good News:
1. Read the “Fed by Faith” scripture lesson from Mark 6: 30-44. (You may like to ask some of the older children to take turns reading the verses. They often enjoy this. There are extra bibles in the Disciples’ Design Studio cupboard on the far left).
2. Ask the children how it must have felt for those who realized just what happened that day. Ask them to imagine being a child in the crowd. How would you feel about Jesus, and all he had done that day.
3. Explain to the children that many of the stories of Jesus are told in the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, in four different ways. These books are the way each of the authors interpreted and remembered the stories of Jesus. Today, our scripture lesson is the version of the story written by Mark. John also told this story from a little different perspective.
4. Tell the children that they will now hear the story again, but presented in a little different way through a computer program. These programs are from John’s gospel, and he remembers that the food actually belonged to a child.

For older children (recommend Seniors and 9 – 10 groups) use Life of Christ CD
1. Insert CD and select New Exploration. The explorer types his/her name to start exploration.
2. Click on ‘Question Mark’ on the top left corner to show exploration opportunities.
3. Click on “Lesson Indexes”
4. Click on Section Title – “Ministry with His Disciples”
5. Select Title #19 “One Boy’s Lunch Feeds 5,000”
6. The story will be told. (This is actually John 6: 1 – 14)
7. The author asks at the end, “What do you think that you could offer to Jesus?” Discuss this with the children. (If they need some help getting started, suggest discipleship, care for others as he cared for us).
8. Have the explorers take the quiz at the end of the lesson.
9. Another area of exploration can be in “Reference Library” – “Bible Words” book. Ask the explorers to look up the word ‘miracle’…an event that can’t be explained by natural or human effort, only by God’s power. With the older students, discuss what this means to them. This story offers a mystery of faith, that if we believe, we truly know that there is nothing that God can’t do for us.
10. In place of item #8 above, the 9 and 10 year olds could also play the “Bible Concentration” which is on the desktop display on each computer. Have them try to solve the riddle under the matching game.

For children ages 7 & 8 and under (recommend the Play and Learn Children’s Bible CD)

1. Insert CD and click on “Play and Learn” icon on desktop display.
2. “Chariot Media” dialogue box will come up, and click “Run”
3. Select “Bible Stories” and then “Jesus is our Friend”.
4. Then select the “Lunch for 5,000” story.
5. The story will be told. After each frame the student must click on the forward arrow to advance the story. (Recommendation – when asked if you would like the computer to read the story say “No” on 2 computers. This allows for only one voice to tell the story vs. 3 not quite all in synch)
6. There are various questions during the story that you may wish to discuss as you go along.
7. When the story is complete, click on the return arrow.
8. Ask the children, if they can imagine feeding 5,000 people. Share your thoughts on how “awesome” this story truly is. Tell them that today we often use the word “awesome” for something we think is pretty neat, but it really means something truly amazing. Again and again, Jesus demonstrates how awesome his power in our lives truly is.

9. If you have time, the children may then enjoy going into “The Games Room”
10. There are various games, puzzles, etc. in this section.
11. Have the children take turns and make sure they share the mouse.
12. They may also enjoy some of the other games if time permits.
13. The 7 & 8 year olds enjoy “Bible Concentration”. The 6 year olds enjoy “Where’s Noah”. Both these are on the Main Desktop display, and are fun. The children know where they are. The 4 and 5 year olds will need assistance in maneuvering around the keyboard.

Blessing:
1. As you prepare to leave, pray one of the Theme Prayers.
2. Have the explorers go out with the faith that there is nothing that God can’t do, and He truly is an awesome God.

Notes: There are 3 Life of Christ and Play and Learn CDs in the cupboard. Each must be inserted into the computers for use.

For Life of Christ, it is recommended that you turn the speakers off/down on 2 machines to avoid the stories being told seconds faster or slower than the others.

Thanks for sharing your gifts of leadership with us.

This lesson set was posted by Kathy Smit, St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, Ingersoll, ON

Exchange Volunteer improved readability.

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