Faithful Families Resources June 10 2012

Weekly Inspiration

In time of test, family is best. 

 ~Burmese Proverb

Family Closeness

Game:

What’s the object?

One family member writes the name of an object on a piece of paper and gives it to another family member. The person with the card then has to describe the object to the rest of the family without actually saying its name. Other members of the family then have to guess what the object is. Other words that might be helpful in describing the object could also be written on the card to make it harder to describe. Pictionary cards could also be used for this game if your family is made up of two people.

Sharing:

Questions for stimulating discussion in your family.

Finish these sentences:

• The best way to enjoy each new day is . . .
• One way to stop bullying and mocking is . . .
• Some thing which puzzles me is . . .

Story

With your family read Mark 4.26-34

(for a way of explaining/talking about this reading with children look at http://www.sermons4kids.com/planting_seeds.htm

Questions for Discussion:

• Why do you think Jesus told stories (parables) to explain God’s kingdom?
• What do you think these two stories say about God’s kingdom?
• Why is a seed a good picture for the kingdom of God? 

Prayer and Celebration

Praying on the Spot

Sometimes we forget that prayer is a good response to the daily hassles of life. When your children come to you with a problem use it as an opportunity to pray for them and with them. There are many situations where inviting God in is a reminder for us to put our trust in our creator and redeemer. These might include a bad day at school, difficulty with someone at school or even boredom. There are so many opportunities throughout the day to pray.

Service

Referring again to the Go Volunteer website http://www.govolunteer.com.au/volunteer/default.htm

Here is what they say families can get out of volunteering: 

• Parents act as role models and can demonstrate helping others in need
• An increased sense of worth and accomplishment from making a difference
• A stronger sense of community and decrease in social isolation
• Respect for different people and conditions
• Relative or family members could benefit from the activity
• Learn new skills or using existing skills
• Volunteering is fun and something families can do together

 On the site it says that projects for families can be searched for using the word “team”

Bonus Family Activity

Camping at Home

Put up a small tent indoors or build one out of sheets and chairs and whatever else you have at hand. Cook your food on a BBQ and have hot chocolate and marshmallows. Tell stories and play board or card games just like you would if you were going camping

(This material is based on and draws from earlier Faithful Families emails by Stephen Harrison & Richard Browning: An Unless Ideas Production.) Unless otherwise noted all material on this blog is copyright Stephen Harrison and Richard Browning