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

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

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

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

Many families these days find it difficult to sit together at the dining table for a meal; there are television shows to watch, mum or dad might have to work late, the children have commitments, things are busy. Why not during Lent make the commitment to have one meal together at the dining table each week. During this time talk together as a family of your concerns, things you are thankful… Continue reading

UnitingPeople has just released the 100 Ways to celebrate Christmas booklet on their site. Designed to be a free download for you to keep and refer back to year after year, it is available in A4 and A5 sizes and filled with great Christmas activity ideas. As they explain: At the core of Christmas we celebrate peace & joy & love. It isn’t always easy to experience this, when… Continue reading