Children and Families - Scripture Union NZ

Matariki is now officially celebrated as a public holiday in Aotearoa, New Zealand. The dates shift every year, depending on the rising of the Matariki cluster of stars. Māori New Year is celebrated when Matariki appears again in the sky. Matariki is a cluster of stars that is also known as the Pleiades and can be seen from late May or early June. There is much to understand and experience about Matariki. We suggest that you spend time learning and talking with tangata whenua as part of the process. Be sensitive to the complexity of some of the discussions, what children are learning at school, and the humility needed in this conversation. Please contact us to talk further about this. Here are some good places to start that journey: -  https://www.matariki.com/about   - Titiro ki ngā whetū matariki: a great resource for churches from the Salvation Army NZ.  - Te Papa : a range of educational resources, including this free downloadable activity book. - Here's how to find ...

  On the Road to Easter A brand new board game for all the family. Journey together through the events of Easter, through the eyes of Mark. Along the way, face challenges, answer questions and eat skittles! Download all the files you need here!

This is an activity I ran with my intergenerational small group last year, and it was lovely. I have included the script here, but also as a downloadable file you can print off. Adapt and adjust to suit your group, or family and whānau best!  Preparation: You will need a wreath base. Mine is foam/oasis. Soak this in water a day before. I chose to place one medium sized candle in the middle of my wreath. You might like to use the traditional four candles, (three are purple and one is red).  I invited each member, ranging in ages from 3years old up, to bring along some greenery from their garden, as well as purple and red flowers. I also provided some. I added a base of greenery to the wreath to make a start, as it can take time to fill it in from scratch, and small children will lose interest quick! Bring matches and secateurs.  Set up: Place the wreath in the centre of your group, where everyone can reach it. We put it on a coffee table and sat around it.  Script: Th...

We have created six key workshops that are foundational for anyone new to children's ministry. These are additional resources that go alongside these workshops. BEING OUR BEST Positive Discipline tools for teachers - a great general website with lots of practical advice.   'It's the hidden disabilities that keep kids out of church' - this article contains lots of links to resources, and focuses specifically on the church environment. Discipling Neurodiverse Children: Supporting Who God Made Them to Be - this online course is well worth looking at. PRAYER ZONE Activity cards: One Word Prayer Card Hamburger Prayers Card Prayer Dice Card Wikki Prayers Labyrinths ( Finger and Floor ) Fishscale prayers Thank you - catch and toss Pray for Schools Card   ‘It is Night’ Anglican Prayer Book Card Websites: Praying in Colour Methodist Church (UK) free digital prayer cards FAITH FORMATION Resources: It's just a Phase Children's Ministry in the Way of Jesus   Faith forma...

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 ...

  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