Faithful Families Resources for 24 September 2017

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.