Issue 61
Be salty! Shine light! These are two images Jesus used to illustrate how we are to live. They are images of goodness. If you are caught out tramping through the bush, and the walk takes longer than you anticipate and night falls, there is nothing so inviting, nothing so good as the lights of the hut peeping through the trees. If you grew up in my family and someone forgot to put salt in the porridge, you will understand how not-good that was! Be salty! Shine light! These are two images Jesus used to illustrate how we are to live. They are images of goodness. If you are caught out tramping through the bush, and the walk takes Living as followers of Jesus means we bring goodness to wherever we find ourselves. In other longer than you anticipate and night falls, there is nothing so inviting, nothing so good as the words, we contribute something positive to our communities in a whole range of ways. Somelights of the hut peeping through the trees. If you grew up in my family and someone forgot times it’s through a programme we run, and other times it’s through inviting a neighbouring to put salt in the porridge, you will understand how not-good that was! family over for dinner. Always it is through the relationships we nurture. Living as followers of Jesus means we bring goodness to wherever we find ourselves. In other words, we contribute something positive to our communities in a whole range of ways. Sometimes it’s through a programme we run, and other times it’s through inviting a neighbouring family over for dinner. Always it is through the relationships we nurture. This issue of the WAY2GO mag will look at four simple suggestions that bring goodness to our This issue of the WAY2GO mag will look at four simple suggestions that bring goodness communities. to our communities. For more check out our blog: childrenandfamiliesnz.blogspot.co.nz
For more check out our blog:
childrenandfamiliesnz.blogspot.co.nz
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“There was a woman who noticed that when the school bell rang, the kids near her walked home. They were often bored, with nothing to do. These kids walked right past a church on their way home. She thought to herself that an afterschool programme would be a good thing, but the church had a small and elderly congregation. No one had the energy to run around playing games. But they did have a building. So, she put a plan in place. She asked Scripture Union to help her to run a SUPAkidz afterschool club. The church provided the building and a team to serve afternoon tea and pray for the programme. She gathered leaders from several churches in the area, including a senior pastor. They launched their afterschool programme. It wasn’t long before children started walking in the door. And then some dads turned up too, coming along to see what was going on and to join in the games. One of the dads then decided to get involved as a leader.”
Loneliness is an epidemic in our in communities. How can wecan encourage friendships to develop: Loneliness is an epidemic our communities. How we encourage friendships to develop: friendships between churches, friendships between generations, friendships between the the friendships between churches, friendships between generations, friendships between local church and community? local church and community?
HaveHave you you considered considered running running an afterschool an afterschool programme? programme? Scripture Scripture Union Union has great has afterschool great afterschool programme programme material. material. It’s easy It’stoeasy picktouppick andup use, and use, packedpacked full of full games, of games, Bible storytelling Bible storytelling ideas, ideas, activities activities and much, and much, much more! much more! Check Check it out it out at our at online our online store or store get or in get touch: in touch: www.sunz.org.nz/shop www.sunz.org.nz/shop
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When the Olympic flame is carried into a huge stadium and lit on a high installation, millions of people around the globe watch with awe and inspiration. Such is the power of sport. It has the capability to ignite flames in our hearts, and shine like beacons of light in communities. If you were to ask a room full of people anywhere in New Zealand the question, “Who likes sport?” chances are you would get most hands shooting up in keen response. And to the question, “Who participates in some form of sport?” you would probably get as many responses as before. Bottom line: we Kiwis are a sports-mad bunch! As Church we have an opportunity to connect with many people through our mutual love of sport and play. We can impact our local communities and shine our torch brightly. How could you, your church, your ministry, make an impact through sports and games?
One possibility is Sweaty Church, a fresh expression of church using sport, games and physical activities to engage, experience and explore. Biblical themes and truths are at the centre of each session. Families explore together how these relate to their lives, as they participate, alongside other families, in sport-based activities, games, team challenges and team talks. Sweaty Church creates an opportunity to invite families from the community, as well as an opportunity for intergenerational serving within a faith community. Older congregants, teenagers and young adults can all be part of a team to organize and run Sweaty Church. It is a wonderful, active and engaging way of “being church”. Are you ready to light a Sweaty Church torch in your community? Jacolize Becker, Children and Family Ministries Facilitator, Anglican Diocese of Auckland. If you would like to know more about Sweaty Church contact Jacolize at jacolizeb@auckanglican.org.nz www.sweatychurch.co.uk www.scriptureunion.org.uk