There's nothing that can help you understand your beliefs more than trying to explain them to an inquisitive child.
Frank A. Clark
Family Closeness
Game:
I’m thinking of an animal
'I'm Thinking of an Animal' is similar to the game Twenty Questions, except all the questions and clues pertain to a living creature. One player thinks of an animal, and the other tries to guess which animal it is by asking no more than ten "yes" or "no" questions. If you guess correctly in ten questions or fewer, you get to think of the next animal. If not, the first player divulges the answer and then thinks of another animal. No one really wins, and the game is over when you don't want to play anymore. If you're playing with your child, you may not want to put a limit on the number of questions s/he can ask. Instead, think of it as a way to teach him/her about an interesting subject. Also, when choosing an animal, consider the age of the child. An older player may know all there is to know about easy-to-guess animals, such as cats and dogs, and may need the challenge of harder choices, for instance egrets and yaks. But most 3- and 4-year-olds will recognize only the most basic creatures, such as lions, tigers, and bears.
Sharing:
- Has telling the truth ever got you in big trouble? What happened? Would you do the same again?
- Have you ever told the truth and had no one believe you?
- Have you ever told a lie and been found out? What happened?
- Have you ever felt that telling the truth was the wrong thing to do?
Story:
With your family read John 14.15-21: Loving Jesus
(for a way of explaining/talking about this reading with children look at http://www.sermons4kids.com/comforter.htm
Questions for Discussion:
- What do you think are the commandments of Jesus?
- How does loving Jesus make following His commandments easier?
- What rules do you find difficult to keep?
- These words of Jesus were meant to comfort his disciples by letting them know that the Holy Spirit would be with them. How do you feel knowing Jesus is still here for us?
One summer evening during a violent thunderstorm a mother was tucking her small boy into bed. She was about to turn off the light when he asked with a tremor in his voice, "Mommy, will you sleep with me tonight?" The mother smiled and gave him a reassuring hug. "I can't, dear," she said. "I have to sleep in Daddy's room." A long silence was broken at last by his shaky little voice: "The big sissy."
Prayer and Celebration
Pat-C-Ana
There are many ways and patterns of prayer. Praying with Pat-C-ana is just one [pronounced Patsyanna]. It was originally written by the Rev Richard Browning for use by children at church and school. The prayer below can be used as a way of remembering and teaching which finger represents which type of prayers.
we pray with PAT-C-ANA:
Praise and adoration -
Praying with PAT-C-ANA
Thumb: Praise and adoration
Awesome Lord and Father, the earth is yours and all that is in it. You are our God and we are your people;
Index finger: Thanksgiving
Thank you for life and love, for a home to live in and a family to love.
Middle finger: Confession
Forgive us when we hurt others, and when we offend you.
Help us to love like you love us.
Ring finger: Asking for others
We pray for…
my family and friends and those that I love.
Little finger: Asking for me
And lastly for me, I place myself into your loving care.
Amen.
Service
This week encourage your family members to serve each other. Get them to think of one nice and helpful thing they could do for the parents or siblings. Here are some ideas:
Make someone’s bed for them
Do someone else’s chore
Pick up someone else’s mess
Clean up the dog or cat waste.
Family Time
Bible Story Theme Night
Think of a Bible story - like Noah’s Ark or the Feeding of the Five Thousand. Think of how you might have a family fun night focused on the theme of the story. This might include: Themed food, games, music, decorations, the telling of the story with costumes. Let your imagination run wild.
For more resources, visit www.aycf.org.au
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