ISSUE
72 Welcome! Check out our ideas! Pull it out! & Pass it around!
THE WHOLE WORLD IS IN HIS HANDS As we re-emerge from lockdown, we have a lot to process and decisions to make about what we carry forward with us and what we leave behind. What are our priorities to consider as we move ahead? Two things we have recognised are: The importance of caring for others
The importance of caring for ourselves
Living in our bubbles highlighted how important the people in our lives are. We treasured those connections via technology with Nan and the video messages from the cousins. We talked with our neighbours over the fence and longed for real, in-person hugs. We also became very aware that we live in a connected world, as we saw the pandemic spread across the globe. Living in our bubbles also highlighted how important it is to care for ourselves. As we faced uncertainty and anxiety, we may have learnt to slow down and take a deep breath. We may have enjoyed a slower pace of life and the chance to reclaim Saturdays back from the rush of driving our children to sports games. We may have discovered the things that really matter to us. In this issue of the WAY2GO Mag we explore some practical suggestions for caring for others and caring for ourselves.
___ Annette Osborne SUNZ Children and Families Consultant
BY LIZ EICHLER
CARING FOR Global prayer
others
More than ever, the world around us needs our prayers. This is an important way that we can respond to a global crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting every corner of the world: north, south, east and west. And so, this prayer idea is based on the four points on the compass, as well as the five senses.
TO BEGIN Look at a newspaper or an online news source and a map of the world, and talk about some of the things going on in the world. Share this sensitively depending on the age of your children. MOVE AROUND THE ROOM Set up five prayer stations, one in the middle of the room and one in each corner to represent north, south, east and west:
CRAYONS AND PAPER
Draw all the things that are busy in your head. Look back on your drawing and give each of these things to God in prayer. LEGO (TOUCH)
Build a tower. As you place each brick think about a specific country for each colour. Pray for God’s help. BREATHE IN, BREATHE OUT
Squirt some hand sanitiser on your hands. Smell them. Breathe in slowly, breathe out slowly. As you breathe in, think about some of your concerns. As you exhale, give these concerns to God. STOP AND LISTEN
Listen to The Lord’s Prayer in Te Reo Māori and English (See our Breakthrough website www.sunzbreakthrough.org.nz for good examples of these). FAVOURITE FOOD
What is your favourite takeaway food? Thank God for the people who prepare this food for you.
BY ANDREW RAMSBOTTOM
CARING FOR
ourselves
Hitting reset
FINDING THE SABBATH
Reset is a very topical word right now. I arrived at seven reset buttons for myself coming out of COVID-19 lockdown:
The biblical concept of Sabbath is an opportunity to cease or stop. In today’s modern culture it can be hard to set aside time, especially when Sunday’s are busy for those involved in church leadership. As you consider finding time to ‘reset’, how could Sabbath become an important part in the rhythm of your life?
Pray Trust that God will provide what we need, so ask with confidence. Simplify Streamline our daily routines, streamline our ministry. What matters most? Minimalise Have less stuff!
Four questions to consider: à When is your Sabbath? à What do you deliberately choose not to do on your Sabbath? à Who do you do your sabbath with? à How do you teach, share about and model Sabbath to children and families? TWO SUGGESTIONS FOR YOUR FAMILY
Read Read an article or book all the way to the end.
Play games together—card games, board games or puzzles. Make this time together a technology free zone. It’s much easier to not be on a device if there is a fun alternative.
Slow down Do less of what doesn’t matter. This may be less Social Media or less TV.
Listen to worship music together. Take turns to choose the song. This music could be on in the background while you play games or eat together.
Be quiet Speak less and listen more. Leave your phone at home occasionally.
FOR MORE SEE WWW.SUNZBREAKTHROUGH.ORG.NZ
Pray Listen to God.
Check out our NEW RESOURCES WEBSITE
www.sunzbreakthrough.org.nz Our SUNZ Breakthrough website is a good place to go for up-to-date resources and articles. You can find more ideas for incorporating Sabbath and rest into family life, as well as an activity to run with your children’s programme to help them reflect on life at the moment!
More Resources LESSONS FOR POST-COVID-19 CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
This is a two-week resource to give children aged 5-14 space to reflect. This resource is based on the ‘Tree of Life’ counselling approach, and helps children process their thoughts and develop resilience. Written by Raewyn Moodie, Regional C&F Coach, Northern Baptist Association. baptistcfm.org.nz
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
Please contact us if your church is interested in children’s ministry training. Our Children and Families Team are available to support you! Contact us at way2go@sunz.org.nz for more information. SNAPSHOTS
Daily Bible reading material for 8-11-year-olds, packed full of questions and puzzles and glossy colour! At $15 for a whole year this is a great deal.
Scripture Union wants to work with your church to create opportunities for children and young people to discover and follow Jesus, grow as leaders, and influence the world. Contact us and let us know how we can help you.
SCRIPTURE UNION IN NEW ZEALAND
PO Box 760, Wellington 6140 way2go@sunz.org.nz 0508 423 836 sunz.org.nz