Children and Families - Scripture Union NZ

We live in very busy times, with lots of things on the go. It is no different for our children. Where do we find God? God of course is present with us in all our busyness, but we also need to stop and give God our undivided attention. Let's explore how to press STOP at the end of the day. How do we help children to stop and spend time with God? It’s certainly not easy! We asked some children for their ideas, our team contributed their favourite tips, and we have included a couple of simple suggestions. Because no one has time for complicated! Feeling inadequate? Stonehouse and May in their book, Listening to Children on the Spiritual Journey , interviewed parents about their night-time rituals. What did they do at the end of the day to help their children meet with God?  They discovered that for some parents this time was precious, and they spoke of being humbled and amazed at the depth and sincerity of their children’s prayers. But other parents spoke

Weaving spiritual practice into our day can be a challenge. In the busyness of work, school, meetings, sport and life, setting aside time to connect with God can seem one step too far.  Here's one simple practice we have found helpful. It's as easy as 5 steps. And it's a simple version of an ancient practice. That means people have been using this method for centuries. That's gotta mean its good, right?  Faith Five: Five steps to help you and your family connect with God.  This method is based on a practice called the Examin , an ancient way of pausing at the end of the day to reflect on where God has been. It can be incorporated into your bedtime routine for five to fifteen minutes a night, or can be used during a meal time. We use this on our kids camps as a review at the end of each day.  Five steps, hence the name.   “Faith Five is easy, biblical, intergenerational and faith forming." Andrew Ramsbottom  1.  SHARE your highs and lows of the d

PRAYDAY 2015 16 October 2015 This year we have put a big circle around 16th October. We are calling on people all around Aotearoa, New Zealand to choose this day to stop and pray for our schools.  We have lots of great resources on our website to help you:  www.sunz.org.nz/pray-day-2015   And here are a few simple tips to get you started.    Put a note in your diary, set an alarm on your phone, put a post-it note on the fridge. Talk to others. Do you have a prayer partner, a friend, your Bible in Schools or Cool Bananas or SUPAkidz Team?  Decide on a time to meet and pray.  A couple of extra ideas for your church What about asking your church if you can pray for schools during the service on the 18th Oct, or put a notice in the church newsletter.   At church the Sunday before Pray Day, draw up a 24 hour timetable. People sign up for a half hour slot throughout the day and night on Pray Day.   Available on our website: Check out the prayer event Lif