The fridge door is the message bank of most kitchens, where the whole family communicate about their lives. Therefore, a Lent Calendar ‘countdown’ to Easter seems a good way for families to remember that Lent is more than giving up some food or activity, it is a time of reflection and repentance, a time to study God’s word, live simply and explore Lent traditions that have helped… Continue reading

Getting ready to begin programs with children means this is a busy time of the year! But while you are sorting crayons, counting numbers of children, looking at the curriculum, checking books and organising teachers and leaders don’t forget to claim some space in a worship service at your church to bless the work you are doing and ‘commission’ the leaders. This is a great opportunity to highlight… Continue reading

Christmas is such a busy time for families and it is good to encourage them to stop and reflect even for a few moments on the Christmas message of love, peace, hope and joy to the world. As a quiet space in a Messy Church experience, or as an option for parents at playgroup, this invitation to light a candle and say a prayer helps people to feel more peaceful. Feel free to adapt this to your… Continue reading

Cybersmart is a website which provides activities, resources and practical advice to help young kids, kids, teens and parents safely enjoy the online world. You might think this is just an issue for teens but younger kids are ‘connected’ and making use of online/social media at an increasing rate too! Through the online story books/videos, games and downloadable youtube videos you can… Continue reading

About this time of year schools are already planning for the next intake of kindergarten children, and most schools will have parent information evenings and one or more “orientation” days for the new kindergarten children to have a taste of “big school”. These may already be taking place, but will certainly be taking place soon after the holidays. This is a most opportune time for… Continue reading

The first Sunday in September is Father’s Day! Here are some simple ideas for children to make a small gift for the special men in their lives – maybe their Dad, their Grandpa, an uncle, a brother. Dad’s Survival Kit A fun surprise for a father or grandfather needing a lift! How? Take a clear plastic or cellophane bag and put in: a packet of Smarties a Time Out bar a sherbet lolly or… Continue reading

Happy Anniversary to the Uniting Church in Australia – 34 years on June 22nd Older members can remember the momentous event when three separate denominations joined together to form the Uniting Church in 1977. But it is worth taking the time to tell the story to younger generations or new members, so that the joy of that occasion and all that has been achieved is not lost. Here are few… Continue reading

This year Pentecost falls on June 12 and there are many ways children, as experts in enjoying birthday parties,  can lead the adults in celebrating the ‘birthday’ of the church.  Here are some suggestions for ways for children to creatively explore Pentecost, for a children’s talk as part of worship and a link to the SA Synod’s All-Age Worship resource for Pentecost which includes a… Continue reading

Something yummy to eat If you can make some simple biscuits or know someone who can, this is a great idea. Prepare a batch of heart shaped plain biscuits (eg shortbreads) for children to decorate. They will love to ice them and sprinkle them and give them to their mothers as a gift. Older children love ‘writing icing’, coloured icing in tubes that can be squeezed out, and it… Continue reading

Grace Cube The Grace Cube can be cut out, folded up and glued into a cube, each side providing you with a different way to say grace at the meal table, take it in turns to throw the dice before you eat and say the prayer on the cube. A Grace is a prayer said before meals as a simple way to thank God for our lives and for providing us with the food we eat. Download the Grace Cube Other… Continue reading