Faithful Families Resources for 1 October 2017

Faith is the bird that feels the light when the dawn is still dark.

~Rabindranath Tagore

Family Closeness

Game:

The other chocolate game

You will need as many different types of chocolate bars as there are players for this game. Alternatively it could be played with other random objects. Everyone is seated around the table. At the start of the game, put the chocolate bars in the middle of the table where everyone can see them. Set a timer for ten or so minutes. Everyone takes turns rolling the die until someone rolls a 1 or 6. When a 1 or a 6 is rolled, that person can do one of two things: they can take one of the bars from the table and hide it in their lap or ask for one by name that some else has taken. For example: John rolls a six and says, “I want the Snickers that Peter has.” If Peter has the Snickers, he hands it over to John. If not, it is the next family member's turn. People roll the die and take bars from each other until time is up. At the end, the family should put the chocolate bars back in the middle and share them out.

Sharing:

• Who put your parents in charge of you?
• Why is it important for children to listen to their parents?
• When do you think your parents stop having responsibility for you?
• What do you think it is like being a parent?

 Story

With your family read: Matthew 21.23-32

 Questions for Discussion:

• Who gave Jesus permission to do all the things he did?
• Is it better to say no to your parents but then do what they ask or say yes and then not do what they asked?
• Why did the Pharisees and other people find it hard to believe in Jesus?
• Why do people find it hard to follow Jesus today?

 Prayer and Celebration

Teaspoon Prayers

One simple pattern for shaping prayer is to remember the three words – thank you, sorry and please. The first three letters of these are TSP which reminds us of a teaspoon. Teach this to your children so that they can remember a way of praying that includes these three things. Have a teaspoon on your dinner table to remind the family to pray for these three things before eating each night. You could even decorate the teaspoon in some special way so that it stands out and you don’t forget.

Bonus Family Activity

15 Minute Activity Pick

Make a commitment to spend at least 15 minutes a day doing an activity of your children’s choice.