Children and Families - Scripture Union NZ

This is a craft I created for my Bible in Schools class. They are 6 year olds, so I needed something quick and simple. It is easy and it looks very effective. I was pleasantly surprised at how well it turned out! To make this craft you will need: A simple template of an Easter egg card. Here are two designs to choose from: 'Happy Easter - Ngā mihi o Te Aranga' 'Jesus is alive - Happy Easter' Print double sided, on the short edge.   - You will need one sheet per child. If you have young children you will need to cut out the Easter egg shape on the front, otherwise let the children do it. - You need strips of different coloured paper and ribbon. I also include some strips with 'Jesus is alive!' printed on them. You could handwrite these, or invite the children to.  Work on about 8 strips per child. - Each child needs a glue stick. All the children need to do is cover the egg shape with glue and lay their strips across it so no white spaces

40 Days in the footsteps of Christ The view from the Mt of Olives I have found this to be one of the most helpful websites around for background to the gospels. I used it to give me lots of context for a Palm Sunday All Age service on Sunday, and now I'm discovering things I never knew about the Breakfast on the Beach in John 21. http://www.jesusjourneybook.com/ 

If you are a cricket fan you will already know there is a World Cup going on. You will already know that over the weekend Martin Guptill hit a cricket ball out of the park, literally. Someone had to go outside to retrieve it. I don't know about you, but sometimes I place pressure on myself to 'knock it out of the park'. When I get the opportunity to run an All Age service (to have all ages worshiping together) I feel the need to make it AMAZING!  I am sure I am not alone in this.  The opportunity doesn't come around that often, and high expectations abound. It is something different, so to win over those who aren't sure 'different' is good, it needs to be AMAZING! That's why this article by Beth Barnett made such sense to me.  As we approach Easter, we often have more opportunities to have all ages worshiping together. So, I recommend you read this article. It's one of the best, and it is packed with practical and thought provoking suggestions. 

Biblegateway.com in 2014 published a Holy Week infographic on their website. That infographic has juts been published in Newsweek.   “Holy Week” is the name given to identify the final days leading to Jesus’ arrest, crucifixion, and resurrection.It contains all the people, groups, places and events on one page including Bible references.  It is a must have resource when exploring the Easter story. Download the infographic and read the full story here .

This is a cool activity and so easy.  1. Line ten ice block sticks up in a row. 2. Stick two together with masking tape, then turn over and stick the next two on the other side. Turn back and repeat. 3. Use felts to draw a picture of Jesus’ death on one side, and a picture of the resurrection on the other side. 4. Fold the sticks up. (See the third photo.) 5. Show the children how to use it to tell the Easter story to their friends and families. While the children are making their picture it's a good opportunity to help them think about Easter. Try asking using these questions. -Why did Jesus choose to die? -What happened when Jesus came back to life? -What is your favourite part of the Easter story? Why? -What do you think the most impo rtant part of the Easter story is? Why?

More Easter Resources coming your way! The Kidron Valley, Jerusalem Here are a few more Easter ideas to fill your basket! Easter Cracked:   This is an oldie but a goodie.   It is one of the most popular of Scripture Union’s resources and for good reason.   This book is filled with a variety of ideas for Easter: crafts, drama, service outlines, songs and activities for children and adults. To find out more phone Maurice on 0508 423 836 or click here to email him a request for more information.  Praying in Colour: http://prayingincolor.com/lenten-calendar-templates-for-2015 - Have you discovered ‘Praying in Colour’ yet?   If not, head to this website and check it out. We have used this way of praying with children on our camps for several years and we highly recommend it. There are some great calendars to download for free, to use during Lent. I know, Lent is underway, but it’s not too late to start.    http://catechistsjourney.loyo

The road up to Jerusalem There are plenty of great Easter ideas out there to help us explore Lent and Easter with children; in our communities and in our churches. I have pulled out a couple of good websites, books and ideas you might like to use. Even better, comment below with any great ideas you have.  Let’s share these ideas around and support each other.  I will be putting up a couple of ideas each week so watch this space! Easter in Israel:   Have you received your free Easter book yet?  If not click here to send a request and download your copy today!  This book is suitable for Bible in Schools and SUPAkidz Clubs in Schools, as well as in churches.  Check out this link for more info. Websites:   Kidsfriendly.org.nz - Kids Friendly New Zealand’s website is packed full of great Lent and Easter ideas.   http://www.40acts.org.uk/ - 40 days of giving back, doing good and living generously. This is a clever and creative website that is well worth