Faithful Families Resources October 19 2014

In bringing up children, spend on them half as much money and twice as much time. ~ Author Unknown

Family Closeness

Game:

Zip Zap

This is a  basic game consisting of two words- "Zip" and "Zap". Someone will begin the "flow" by turning to the person next to them and saying "Zip". The flow will continue in the same direction with everyone saying "Zip" until someone decides to reverse the flow by saying "Zap." At that time, the person who just got "zapped" will look at the "zap"-er and say "Zip!" Flow then reverses from it's original with everyone saying Zip again. Example: The "Zip" starts clockwise around the circle until 1 person looks the other way and says "Zap." Then the "Zip" flows counterclockwise until someone else says "Zap." 

Zip continues the flow, Zap reverses it. 

If someone says the wrong word, mumbles, stalls, or looks the wrong way for the word they said, they're out. Continue playing until down to 2 players. 

(The Source for Youth Ministry)

Sharing:

• What is or was your favourite nursery rhyme as a child?
• What is or was your favourite outdoor game to play as a child?

Story

With your family read: Matthew 22.34-40

Questions for Discussion:

• What does it mean to love God with all your heart, mind and soul?
• What might this look like? Sound like? Feel like?
• What does it mean to love your neighbour as yourself?

Prayer and Celebration

Squeezy Prayers

One way to pray is to use "squeezy prayers" Everyone holds hands in a circle. An adult will begin the prayer. When they have finished they  squeeze the persons hand next to them to show it is there turn. They  may pray out loud, or silently, or may squeeze on to the next person.  When the squeeze has reached the starting person they may say another

closing prayer or just: Amen.

Here are suggestions for ways of using the squeezy prayer:

Using a squeezy prayer ask God for something that is needed in the world…like peace,or understanding or for help in a particular problem in the world.

Using a squeezy prayer say thank you for a good friend or friends. Say them by name and even say something you like about them.

Using a squeezy prayer say thank you for something that you are good at. A gift God has given you.

  

Bonus Family Activity

Story Night

Dedicate a night to telling stories. Ask each member to bring and tell a story. This could be something that happened to them, a story they have made up or the retelling of a story that they have read. Stories are not allowed to be read.

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

Faithful Families Resources October 12 2014

The family should be a closely knit group. The home should be a self-contained shelter of security; a kind of school where life’s basic lessons are taught; and a kind of church where God is honoured; a place where wholesome recreation and simple pleasures are enjoyed.

~ Billy Graham, “My Answer,”

Family Closeness

Game:

Feely Bag

Get two bags or two old socks. Place identical items in each of the two bags or socks. Some suggested items to use are: bottle caps, cotton balls, small sponge pieces, keys, large buttons, etc. Show your children the two bags and match each set of two items one to one. In this way, the child will see and understand that there are two identical items of each kind. Refill the two bags or socks and give one of the bags containing identical objects to the child. Take one of the objects out of the bag and show it to the child. Tell the child to feel in his bag for an object that is just like the one that you took out of your bag. Remind the child to "feel" not look.

Sharing:

• When do you feel closest to your family?
• When do you feel God’s presence with you the most?
• What is your favourite place to be by yourself?

 Story

With your family read: Matthew 22.15-22

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

Questions for Discussion:

[The Pharisees thought they could trick Jesus with this question about taxes. If Jesus said, ‘no don’t pay tax’, then he would be in trouble with the Romans, but if he said, ‘yes, pay tax’ then the people would think he approved of Rome. His answer here suggests we need to honour the Government and honour God.]

• What things should we do to be a good citizen?
• What things should we do to be faithful to God?
• Do you think the two ever come into conflict?
• If being a good citizen conflicted with being a faithful disciple what would you choose to do?

Prayer and Celebration

Praying ACTS

Often children get into the habit of always praying thank you prayers or always praying asking prayers. One way to help them broaden their idea of prayer is to teach them this simple way of remembering some different types of prayer.

A – adoration : Prayers telling God how wonderful He is.

C – confession : Prayers saying sorry for the wrong we have done.

T – thanksgiving : Prayers thanking God for all He has done.

S – supplication: Prayers asking God for the things we and others need.

On different days of the week you might like to get your family to talk about and pray each of the different types of prayers. Alternatively you could write the four letters on pieces of paper and pick them out of a hat to determine which one you will use. When it come to confession prayers help your children think not just about their own personal sin but the things we as a people have failed to do – like care for the environment or the needy.

Bonus Family Activity

Photograph Night

Get a new roll of film and take your family on an adventure. Make a list of photos they must take at particular places and go out and get them. Eg. photo with a policeman, a funny photo, a photo with at east two animals.

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

Faithful Families Resources October 5 2014

The daily activities of family life are the canvas for experiencing and sharing their faith life with one another.

~Diana Garland

Family Closeness

Game:

Hot Potato

One family member sets a timer for a random amount of time. It could be anything from 10 seconds to 90 seconds or more. If you are using a smart phone timer make sure no one can see it, including the person who set it. An object (it doesn’t have to be a potato) is passed around from person to person until the timer goes off. The person holding the object when the timer goes off must answer a question from other family members or do something silly like sing a song or do a dance or something the family has decided. Play again as many times as you like.

Sharing:

• What would you do if you were invisible for a day?
• What kids are popular at school? What do you think makes them popular?
• How do you think children are affected by movies?

Story

With your family read: Matthew 22.1-10

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

 Questions for Discussion:

• Why do you think people didn’t go to the wedding banquet?
• Have you ever not gone to something you were invited to?
• How did the king make his wedding banquet happen?
• Who do you think the king in the story is meant to represent?
• What do you think God might be inviting you to?

 Prayer and Celebration

A Prayer for Children

Loving God,

your Son told his disciples

to become like little children.

Lead us to work for the welfare

and protection of all young people.

May we respect their dignity

that they may flourish in life,

following the example of the same

Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

A Prayer for Family Life

 God of compassion,

whose Son Jesus Christ, the child of Mary,

shared the life of a home in Nazareth,

and on the cross drew the whole human family to himself:

strengthen us in our daily living

that in joy and in sorrow

we may know the power of your presence

to bind together and to heal;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

 from the Church of England

https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-worship/topical-prayers/prayers-for-children-and-families.aspx

Bonus Family Activity
$5 Dollar Shopping Night.

Take your family to a supermarket and give each member $5 or other appropriate and affordable amount. Tell them that they will be buying something to contribute to dinner but they are not allowed to tell one another what they are buying. Send them off to make their decision then get back together once you have bought the items. Enjoy you interesting dinner.

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

Faithful Family Resources September 28 2014

If I had my child to raise all over again,

I’d build self-esteem first, and the house later.

I’d finger-paint more, and point the finger less.

I would do less correcting and more connecting.

I’d take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes.

I’d take more hikes and fly more kites.

I’d stop playing serious, and seriously play.

I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars.

I’d do more hugging and less tugging.

~ Diane Loomans  ‘If I had my child to raise over again.”

Family Closeness

Game:

Paper Strips

Give everyone in your family a sheet of newspaper and tell them to  tear it into as long a strip as possible. For a greater challenge turn off the lights

Sharing:

• Have you ever worn something in public that embarrassed your parents?
• What was it?
• Where was it?
• What did your parents do or say?
• What happened?

 Story

With your family read: Matthew 21.33-42

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

 Questions for Discussion:

• Which character is like God in this parable? Which character is like Jesus? Which character is like people?
• Did the tenants have any right to the vineyard?
• Why did they attack the slaves and the son?
• What is Jesus trying to teach us with this parable?

Prayer and Celebration

Passing of the Cross

Use a small wooden cross or even a metal one on a chain. In a circle the cross is taken up. Who ever holds the cross is the person who prays.  This prayer begins with one person who either says a prayer out loud or silently says or imagines a prayer. The cross is passed when the person who holds it is finished.  Each person takes their turn. 

Prompts may be given by the someone as the cross is passed.

 Eg. See…a friend in need, a hurt that needs healing…etc.

Pray one sentence…prompt:  thank you God for

Bonus Family Activity

Fast Progressive Dinner

As a fun different meal idea take your family on a fast food progressive dinner. Start at one fast food place for entrée…maybe fries, move to another for main course and then on to another for dessert. To make it even more unusual don't decide where you will go..put the names of all the fast food places you know into a hat and draw them out as you go along.    

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

Faithful Families Resources September 21 2014

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 type 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 persons 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 roll 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 members 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 list to their parents?
• When do you think you 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.

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

Faithful Families Resources September 15 2014

And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them. Mark 10:13-16 ESV

Family Closeness

Game:

Concentration

Gather about twenty objects and put them on a tray.  When you are ready to play uncover the tray and give everyone about two minutes to memorise what is on it. Then take it away. Give everyone a pen and pencil and give them a few minutes to write down what they remember on the tray. Children might need helping in writing the names of object. (Youth Ministry Encyclopedia. Lyman Coleman)

Sharing:

What character from a book or television are you most like? How are you like them?

If you had to change your name, what would you change it to?

Who is someone who has made a difference in your life?

Story

With your family read: Matthew 20.1-16

 Questions for Discussion:

• Why were the people who worked all day upset?
• Do you think what the landowner did was fair? Why or why not?
• If in this parable the landowner represents God, what do we learn about God?
• God’s grace means everyone is loved, forgiven and accepted no matter what they have done? What do you think about this?
• What do you think about the statement: God gives us what we need, not what we deserve?

Prayer and Celebration

Prayer Placemats

Use your computer to create some prayer placemats for your dinner table. These could simply have three or four different prayers printed on them for your family to pray together at the dinner table. Your children could then colour them in or decorate them. To finish them off laminate them so they will last longer. If your children are as handy at desktop publishing as many are get them to design the placemats.

Bonus Family Activity

Crowd Squeezer

Step 1: Spread a sheet or blanket on the grass and challenge everyone to pile on top so that no part of any person's body touches the ground beyond the blanket.

Step 2: If the group succeeds, fold the blanket in half and try again.

Step 3: Continue in this way to see how small an area you can all squeeze.                                                                                                                      

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

Faithful Families Resources September 7 2014

Parents shouldn't give up doing what is best for their children even when their children are ungrateful. ~Martin Luther

  

Family Closeness

Game:

Stopwatch Games

With a stopwatch and a bit of imagination, your family can clock hours of crazy contests.

• How long does it take to blow a perfect bubble after you put a new piece of gum in your mouth?
• How long can you chew your food for before it disappears?
• How many times can you click in a minute?
• How long does it take to run around the house?
•  How many baskets can you shoot in 2 minutes?

Sharing:

• If you were told tomorrow that you were going to jail forever how would it change the way you act or live?
• If you were told tomorrow that you were adopted how would it change the way you act or the way you live?
• If you were told today that you are a special child of God how would it change the way you act or live?

 Story

With your family read: Matthew 18.21-35

 Questions for Discussion:

• Is forgiving someone seventy times a lot?
• Do you think Jesus really meant we should keep count?
• Who do you think the king might be in this story?
• Who do you think the first slave might be?
• Knowing God forgives us, why do we often find it hard to forgive?

Prayer and Celebration

Gratitude Board

On the fridge or at your table keep a small white board called a gratitude board, and on it things are recorded and dated whenever someone is passing by that they want to say thank you for or that they are glad about. These can be used once a week or one a more regular basis as the focus for family prayers.

Bonus Family Activity

Follow the Leader

Depending on the age of your children play a game of follow the leader. The leader goes around the house doing a variety of things. Eg. Crawl across the carpet, jump through the dining room, climb over a bed, clap hands in the bathroom etc. Everybody has to do what the leader does.

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