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

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

Advent Treasure Hunt If you have a nativity scene, this is easy but you can make your own figures from cardboard tubes.  Wrap the pieces in tissue paper and hide them around the house.  Create a treasure map either by drawing a map or creating clues (for example: This animal was surprised to find a baby where its breakfast should have been.  Now it is to be found where you get breakfast. … Continue reading

Here are my ‘Top 20′ selection of books to get you started thinking about topics like child theology, ministry to children and families and inclusive worship. How do we as a church prepare children and young people to be involved in the ongoing life of the church?   Are we countering the negative messages of our culture?  Do children have opportunities to develop an inner working model of … Continue reading

Print off on to everyday A4 photopaper . Photo on image side and words on the back. Ruth Bible card Naomi Bible card Boaz Bible… Continue reading