Children and Families - Scripture Union NZ

There is power in a question... A group of children and I were exploring the story of Zacchaeus. He had climbed the tree so he could see Jesus coming. I asked the children to imagine themselves as Zac. Jesus gets closer, and then all of a sudden he stops. I asked them just one question: What would you have said when Jesus  stopped under your tree and looked up?  This is what they said:  “Wow! I can’t believe he noticed me.” “Hi Jesus.” “Oh dear, God’s going to tell me off. Boo hoo boo.” “Well done Zacchaeus for listening to Jesus.” “Why is Jesus talking to me?” “I can’t live like this now.” These responses reminded me that there is power in a question. Look at the depth of thinking in those answers!  There is power in a question to open up possibilities, to invite imagination, and to bring to life children's feelings and responses to God. Notice that one child assumes that Zac is going to get a telling off. What image of God does this child carry that makes them

  As we approach the events of Easter, this simple activity will help provide context for your children. Create a simple map of Israel on the floor, allowing children to see for themselves the places where the events in the gospels happened. Click here to download the instructions

Te Kawenata o Waitangi (the Covenant of Waitangi) The Treaty of Waitangi  signed 6 Feb 1840 “Te Kawenata o Waitangi is the name Māori gave to the Treaty of Waitangi. It means, the ‘Covenant of Waitangi’, and reflects the influence of the gospel on New Zealand history. The signing of the Treaty was not simply a contract but a covenant, in the Biblical sense of the word.” (Mark Grace, The Gospel and the Treaty of Waitangi, 2014) Waitangi Day is a great opportunity to reflect on our history as a nation, but also the part that Christians played in this historic event. Here are some ideas you might like to use in your Sunday School or children’s programme or together with all ages in your church services. Click on the links below to view and download free resources. We are keen to add to this col lection, so if you have an idea or activity we would love you to share it w ith us. Email: annette.o@sunz.o rg.nz A few main points:  Click here for a brief overview of the Tre

As you are reading this, no doubt certain shops are advertising ‘Back to School’ sales for stationery, shoes and various other school-related supplies. As the beginning of the school year looms, I wonder what range of emotions are in your household? Ordinarily, perhaps you, as a parent, have looked forward to your children returning to school and your household to its usual routine. Your children, on the other hand, may be enjoying the sun, the sand and the surf too much to be wanting school as much as you. How do we help our children head back to school in a healthy way, and how do we let them go in a way that is healthy for us? These are big questions. I firmly believe in the need for and the importance of prayer. Not only can you be praying for your children, but they can too, for themselves and their friends. Here are some great prayer ideas for your church and your home to help you and your children in their return to school. Prayer Stations: This resource gives you instructions a

  Matthias Stomer, Adoration of the Shepherds  wikipedia This painting from 1650 reflects its time. The clothing and skin colour of those pictured place this image some distance from the original events of Jesus' birth, not to mention Jesus' glow-in-the-dark-ness! But what captivates me about this beautiful painting is the faces of the shepherds. There is no distance here between these visitors and the baby. They lean right in. Their faces show wonder and awe, caught in the glow of divinity. This painting is called 'Adoration of the Shepherds', and it sure captures that.  Let's be like the shepherds. Lean in, draw close. Allow the moment to soak into our hearts.  Let's be people of adoration, who once again find ourselves in the presence of Immanuel, God with us. 

  Join the Crowd Step into the account of Jesus' visit to the town of Capernaum. See the dusty streets, smell the drying fish and donkey poo, hear the sounds of the sea... This intergenerational service explores Mark 2:1-12 and invites everyone to join the crowd as they seek Jesus. Watch as four friends dig a hole in a roof, and consider together how we help carry each other in faith.  You will need:  Service outline  Map of Capernaum Photo of modern day Capernaum   Picture of a reconstruction of the village 'Everyone is talking about it' cards  Character cards Max7.org video clip 'Crippled man' Silver Statues instructions