I love Advent and candles. Here’s a really simple idea for using them to develop thankfulness in the run up to Christmas. It doesn’t take long, but a few moments each day will help develop a habit of thankfulness in a month when so much is trying to pull us away from it. You might … Read more
My name is Victoria and I’m a nativity scene addict. There. I’ve said it. I just love nativity sets, especially ones which everyone can touch, play with and enjoy. There are some lovely ones about, and although it may seem like quite a bit of money, I’ve found this is one of the best ways to engage … Read more
Set up a tent in the garden and share a Bible story together inside it. Here’s three tent-based Bible stories you could share in your tent: Abraham and Sarah are visited by three angels Genesis 18:1-15Moses and the the tent of Meeting Exodus 33:7-11The siege of Samaria 2 Kings 6:24- 7:20 (ends with a gruesome … Read more
This week I’ve aquired a variety of Play Mobil baskets so I thought we could do the story of Jesus feeding the 5000. It’s a story we know well, but I’m always amazed at how playing a story allows us to explore it and how it relates to us in new ways. Having set out … Read more
Do you have Godparents? Are you a Godparent? Here’s some ideas of things you could do to celebrate! 1 Get in touchNot spoken for months or years? Get in touch this week by phone or email or facetime or text or letter. When my God daughters were little, I sometimes made them letters using pictures … Read more
In her book, Parenting Children for a Life of Faith, Rachel Turner talks about creating windows on our faith practises so our children can see what faith looks like for us. We all have our own ways that we like to spend time with God. Mine is often with art materials. Some mornings before the girls … Read more
Exploring Generosity is a 32 page, full colour book from GodVenture in partnership with 40acts. WHATS INSIDE? Each activity has It’s a fab way for families to explore the Bible and let God speak with them about generosity. HOW TO USE THIS BOOK FOR AN ALL-AGE SERVICE Around your meeting place, set up some stations based on activities from … Read more
This is really similar to the Thanks jar but without the risk of broken glass, either in the session or at home. It works at any time of year, but I like to do it at the start of the year. We did it at our Messy Church, using one box for thank you words … Read more
This is a a great way to pray with people of all ages, including very young children. Get out the bubbles and say that they represent the blessings of God, that is, all the good things in our lives, as the Bible says that every good and perfect gift comes from God (James 1:17). I … Read more
Teaching Children to Pray This may not immediately seem like an idea for children, but more and more research and experience show how little space we all have in our lives and how some quiet and silence can help us connect with God. This activity is inspired by Rachel Turner’s Parenting for a life of … Read more
Take it in turns to throw the dice and say specific thanks prayers. For example, If you roll a 1 – pray for your church. Below is a suggested list. your church your family your village/town/city your nursery/school/work your country your world You could also make up your own code, perhaps using situations you know … Read more
Make picture/word signs of keywords and challenge everyone to hold them up as they hear each word in the passage. This activity works well with non-narrative passages, such as John 6 which is where Jesus says: I am the bread of life. It’s a good way to help people pay attention to the words, and … Read more