Sunday, July 15, 2012

Faithful Families Resources July 15 2012



Weekly Inspiration
As the family goes, so goes the nation and so goes the whole world in which we live
~ John Paul II

Family Closeness
Game:
One Word
In this game the family must have a conversation with each other by speaking only one word messages back and forth. Some possible topics for discussion could include:
  • a favourite food. 
  • a favourite sports team. 
  • a fear. 
  • a dream
  • a recent accomplishment. 
Sharing:
Questions for stimulating discussion in your family.
Finish these sentences:
  • I would like to be more like ________ because . . .
  • Something I really like about myself is . . .
  • I have a dream: that . . .

Story
With your family read Mark 6.30-34
(for a way of explaining/talking about this reading with children look at http://www.sermons4kids.com/getting_away.htm
Questions for Discussion:
  • Where did Jesus want to take the disciples?
  • Why did he want to take them there?
  • What do you think this says about serving God and working?
  • How do you like to renew your energy?

Prayer and Celebration
Secret Hat Prayer
Put all your family members’ names in a hat. Each member of the family must draw out a name but not tell anyone. During the week encourage the member of your family to pray for that person each day. Get them to choose a time when they will do this. Help them to think about things they might pray for such as: health, work/school, growth, knowledge, faith, things they need help with or giving thanks for the person. Parents might need to remind children of the time they have chosen each day. This activity helps children to start thinking about praying for others when they are on their own.

Service
One of the profoundest ways that we might share our love of Christ and our love of life with others is not through words but through our loving actions. Here are some suggestions for your family to share with those who live around you.

Invite another family who you are friendly with to church followed by a BBQ.

Bake something for your neighbours – maybe biscuits or a cake. (Do you know your neighbours? Where I live I have had six sets of neighbours on one side in the space of five years.)

When you see people moving in why not invite them over for some food or take a cake or biscuits over to them or some cold drinks.

If you know of an elderly or chronically ill person who is having difficulty with their garden why not get your family to adopt them. That is, regularly as a family go and mow the grass, weed, clean up and maybe plant some flowers.

Family Time
Bonus Family Activity
Kickball
Get the family outdoors this week with a game of kickball. Line up facing each other across the yard and kick the ball to each other. Trying kicking the ball as close to the person your trying to reach as possible. Re


(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

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