CAMPING SEASON. Reaching out... introduced myself to you and became part of the Grow. young people to be involved in this experience

Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. ...
Author: Harold Gaines
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Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of needs to look after the good of the people around us asking ourselves, “How can I help?”

Winter 2016

Love THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR

heart

AND WITH ALL YOUR

soul AND

WITH ALL YOUR

strength. THESE COMMANDMENTS THAT I GIVE YOU TODAY ARE TO

be on your hearts. Deuteronomy 6:5-6

ROMANS 15: 1-2

CAMPING SEASON

Reaching out...

In many LCA districts around the nation mid-year Christian Life Weeks are about to begin, involving many campers, leaders and directors. Camping provides peak experiences for young people and can have a lasting impact since on theirI faith Welcome to 2015! I can’t believe it’s been a year formation. A week-long journey, often through a specific topic such as identity, introduced myself to you and became part of the Grow provides an opportunity for young people to ‘go deeper’ than they can at a oneMinistries It’s been a busy year and 2015 looks like it off or once aTeam. week event.

will beI’mmuch of theI only same andmymore! Weinlook to sharing a slow starter. attended first CLW 2014 forward and I guess you could say the that I am hooked! I had the best time and can really see the value in encouraging journey with you this year and providing you with some ideas young people to be involved in this experience. and insights into child, youth and family ministry. Why did I love it so much?

This OYH’s edition is based on Guiding Principle #11. Ministry practices and approaches

Community – never in my life have I experienced a community have a 1. strong missional focus and dimension, reaching out in Christ’s name to like children,

I did at camp. Leaders and campers alike diving into relationships, encouraging one another, seeking God together, sharing and loving. The words ILiving want to focus quarters on are reaching commanded ‘go and people make in close for five out. daysGod ensures that youus gettoto know a muchbaptising deeper level saying at church disciples of on all nations themthan in the name“hi” of the Father on andSundays. of the Son and of the young people and families in the wider community.

Holy Spirit.’

2. Caring – My role on camp is as a shepherd. This involves me walking

alongside a group of and small group leaders for thethat week a helper I was listening to a sermon once the pastor said; “Note He as said to GO -and He didn’t mentor. Every morning wemake wakedisciples at the crack meetpew together say BE disciples, Jesus said GO and - not of sit dawn in yourand church and BE

On Your Hearts Official publication of the Board for Child, Youth and Family Ministry of the Lutheran Church of Australia LCA Child Youth and Family Ministry 197 Archer Street, North Adelaide SA 5006 p: 08 8267 7300 e: [email protected] www.growministries.org.au

AN CH UR CH

OF AU ST RA LIA

support to each of my leaders during group time. I love this role – I have a mum’s heart and love to care for these young adults in this way.

comfortable in our own place, so busy with our own lives and faith walk that we forget about the GO part.

3. Serving – Not only do I get a chance to serve and care for others but

We need to reach out to those around us, those who don’t know Jesus or have drifted

I get the wonderful privilege of watching the young adults of our church use their gifts and talents in the most amazing way.

away from Him. God’s purpose for us is for us to love Him and then love others, quite simple commands really! Our whole lives need to be built around loving our God, seeking to be

– Camp food is always awesome! Provided of course that you close to4. HimFood and then being guided by Him to love others. sneak in before the young people go back for seconds! J

I would like to encourage you all this year, as you continue in your ministry, whatever it may

In this edition we are sharing a number of articles about how congregations and parents can support their young people during the camping experience. you can make a difference. It doesn’t need to be a huge project to start with. Get alongside Our highlighted guiding principle for this edition is #9 – Children and young people those in your community and show and share the love of Christ, to His glory. are encouraged to participate in acts of service in the name of Jesus Christ. you after camp! each other into the church, just as Christ has SoSee warmly welcome Blessings, warmly welcomed you; then God will be glorified. Romans 15:7 (TLB) be, to continue to put God first. Pray that He will show you areas in your community where

Blessings,

Vicki

:)

LU TH ER

to Whilst talk and During day I helpit is out where and So provide comfortable!” wepray. all found thisthe very funny, true and needed challenging. often we get

ACTS OF SERVICE

d r o W g n i d i u AG Please feel free to print and distribute, single copies are available by contacting [email protected]

S H A R E Share about the kinds of service activities you have been involved in? Was this something you enjoyed or was it hard work? Are there any new or existing possibilities of service that you see in your community?

R E A D Matthew 25:37-40 Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you? And the Kind will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’

TA L K Culturally things become obsolete and ‘boring’ so quickly. The most alluring and profitable companies only seek the most innovative and creative people who can dream big and do things no-one else could conceive of. The pressure is constant and the high expectations are constantly weighing on people. What happens when we import these values into the church? Is being a Christian like living in a cultural pressure cooker? Not according to Matthew 25. The Christians (called the righteous) in the passage had received the gift of faith in a way which had transformed their lives forever. That’s why they were surprised to hear Jesus commending them for ordinary acts of service like feeding the hungry, offering hospitality and visiting the sick

and those in prison. It means they never did those things so they could share a story or so people would notice them. As Luther says, their faith was just busy and active and before they could think about their motivations for serving, they’d already done it! Only the gospel can open your eyes to the needs of others. Without it, you’ll serve only yourself. Likewise only the gospel will open your heart to people considered the least or insignificant in the community. Without it you’ll only move within your comfort zone. God has a far greater purpose for every generation than that! Jesus sees the least and insignificant people of this world (who are present in every community) as of great importance. Hold on because He will do things you’ve never imagined as the generations serve in His name! • What does your life look like? Do you have time for others? • In your community how can you ‘feed the hungry, offer hospitality and visit the sick’? • How can older congregation members mentor others in acts of service?

P R AY Pray for each other, your congregation and the world.

B L E S S Bless each other with these words: (Name), child of God, every promise of God is fulfilled in you through Jesus Christ. Amen.

G U I D I N G PRINCIPLE

#9

Children and young people are encouraged to participate in acts of service in the name of Jesus Christ.

RIGHT CLICK

BOOK REVIEW

Parenting your teenager in a digital media world Kara Powell, Art Bamford & Brad M Griffin, Fuller Youth Institute, USA

The cry of every parent and church leader in this generation is “How do I help create media-safe homes?” Right Click is a wonderful resource that gives practical answers to the most-often asked questions about how to handle social media. Feel like your kids are drowning in a sea of new questions, apps, and devices?

Want to talk about digital media more with our kids, but aren’t sure how? Help is here. Right Click helps you think and talk differently about digital media, as you learn from inspiring and creative parents like you who navigate these ever-changing waters day after day. Drawing from the best research on media and youth, Right Click offers new breakthroughs for your most pressing tech-related dilemmas. • How to teach your kids to use social media responsibly. • How to set limits on when, where, and how much you use devices in your family--without isolating your kids from their friends. • How to handle the tough stuff: inappropriate sharing, bullying, and porn. • How to make digital media a force that knits your family together rather than ripping you apart at the seams. Right Click equips your family to approach this new connected world like a team. It helps you develop relationships, not rules. Supervision, not surveillance. And best of all, a plan that works without making media - or you - the enemy.

Review by Rev Vaughn Spring As a parent who mostly fits into the Gen X category, I remember consuming media that had no backlit screen or software keyboard. That’s not the case for children today who are swiping right to unlock iPhones before they can talk. How do households maintain meaningful relationships without creating endless rules in this technological age? The authors of Sticky Faith at the Fuller Youth Institute have researched their way into a wonderful resource for households called Right Click. This book reframes complex issues faced by households today with language that is accessible and simple to understand. Beyond reframing the challenges faced by households, the authors have done some amazing cultural interpretation that will help parents comprehend how their digital native children view technology and the function it plays in their lives. Right Click, in line with previous offerings from the Fuller Youth Institute offers endless best practice ideas and strategies for every member of your household. It is written in a sensitive manner to help alleviate the common fears associated with the consumption of technology while working towards a renewed goal of relationships… not more rules! Right Click is perfectly matched to Grow Ministries foundational pillars of Intergenerational Relationships, Faith in Life and Participation and would work well as an intergenerational congregational study, parenting course or for individuals. Right Click can be purchased in hard copy or digital form: visit www.rightclickbook.com or www.amazon.com.au

ACTS OF SERVICE

t e e h S t Fac

L C A C H I L D Y O U T H & F A M I LY M I N I S T R Y

Guiding Principles for Effective Child, Youth & Family Ministry

G U I D I N G PRINCIPLE

#9

Children and young people are encouraged to participate in acts of service in the name of Jesus Christ.

Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you? And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’ Matthew 25: 37-40

Children and young people grow in faith and discipleship by engaging in acts of service to those in need. Jesus calls us to be humble; he showed us this in a most intimate way when he washed the feet of his disciples.

“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master.… Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them” John 13:14-17. Jesus not only served but encouraged his disciples to serve too. In the feeding of the 5000, he gave thanks and broke the bread and then gave it to his disciples to hand out. They were not only spectators but became engaged in the act too.

Why is it important for us to serve?

1

WE ARE MODELLING JESUS!

We serve because Jesus came ‘to serve and not be served’. Jesus’ example shows us that he was here to show care, concern and compassion for others and that it was done in love.

2

HUMAN NATURE MEANS THAT WE PREFER TO BE SERVED RATHER THAN TO SERVE.

We prefer to be the ones having our feet washed! But something exciting happens when you reach out and serve, it is hard to explain but those that serve others feel a sense of accomplishment or fulfilment.

3

OWNERSHIP / BELONGING

Acts of service lead to a sense of ownership and belonging; by serving we are investing some of ourselves into a project. If we serve our family, we are invested in our family; it helps us feel part of it. The same is true when we serve in our church, school or community. By serving we become aware of the needs of others and become more interested in what is happening. We are invested too! Children and young people need to feel invested and that what they do matters.

4

DEVELOPS COMMUNITY

When we serve together, when we have invested some of ourselves into something together, it develops community. Having young people serve together is a powerful way to build their sense of commitment and connections. Acts of service are also a great way to create and develop important intergenerational relationships.

How do we encourage young people to participate in acts of service?

HOME A great place is to begin in the home. Whether it’s washing dishes, mowing the lawn or cleaning the bathroom, acts of service at home help children to feel more invested in their families. It also teaches them important life values and skills.

C O N G R E G AT I O N S There are simple things we can do to get our young people more involved. Invite them to choose an area that they would like to serve in. Helping with the audiovisual system, or ushering are obvious choices, but also allow them to suggest other areas where they may like to participate, areas where they can use their gifts and talents. It is really important that their serving is encouraged, not forced, as pressure could alienate them. It would be a great idea if an older adult could mentor them and serve alongside them. Paul wrote to Timothy and said, “Don’t let

anyone look down on you because you are young” (1 Timothy 4:12).

Congregations that nurture young people and allow them to be involved in serving opportunities find that the young people stay engaged in the church. Young people can be passionate when they are given opportunities to express their faith by serving.

T HINGS T O CONSIDER

1

Start small – it allows for the young person to feel successful and gain confidence.

2

Young people can sometimes feel intimidated by having deal faceto-face with people. Sometimes it can be useful to start with projects that don’t involve having to interact with people. This could be things like dishwashing, garden/grounds clean-up or food preparation.

3

Allow them to step up into something bigger when they feel they are ready.

For some simple ideas of things you can do with your children and young people head to GROW Ministries Pinterest page and click on the Serving Together Board!

EQUIPPING

encouraging young people in our church

ations g re g n o c n a c How rney? u jo g in p m a c e support th Camping, traditionally seen in the LCA through Christian Life Weeks (CLW) and weekend camps aimed at school-aged students, provides a unique experience that can have a lasting impact on the formation of faith. We often refer to camping as a peak experience. These camps provide a journey, often through a specific topic such as identity. They offer an opportunity for young people to ‘go deeper’ than they can at a once a week youth event. Faith is deepened through the mixture of meeting new people with a real faith, hanging out with inspiring leaders who have a vibrant faith and living in community together. It is a place where the presence of God can be felt in a real and tangible way through others. Young people often report a camping experience as a turning point for them in the formation of their faith.

Why is CAMPING so important in the faith formation process? • Camps create mountain-top experiences. A mountain-top experience is “a temporary, uncommon encounter with God that is meant to give us a fresh awareness of His reality and nearness.” • Camps create memories. • Camps create shared experiences. • Camps allow time away from the pressure of day-to-day life to focus on God. They are often away from the ordinary and can sometimes help young people listen to God more clearly. • Camps provide opportunities to have times of quiet reflection. • Camps provide a safe place to try new things. • Camps encourage young people to see God in the everyday experiences. • Camps provide exposure to nature, where God is revealed in a significant way. • Camps provide valuable opportunities for young adults to be involved in leadership, according to their gifts.

It is important that the wider faith community (congregation) acknowledges and participates in the journey of camp. This involvement can assist young people to ensure that the experience is not ‘lost’ but becomes an important and vital step in the formation of their faith.

How can you help? Prayer Prayer is a powerful tool to encourage and empower people. Congregations can show support to young people by praying for them. Pray for them before camp –the names of those going on camp could be listed in the bulletin. Bring the young people up to the front of the worship service and pray over them before camp. Encourage your congregation to pray for them while they are away. Pray for them after their return – encourage the prayer team of your congregation to surround these young people in prayer after camp so that they will be supplied with all they need to forge ahead. Ask the young people for specifics such as an area of struggle, or if there is a spiritual practice they wish to engage in upon their return (such as increased Bible study or prayer). With their permission, pass these on to specific people for prayer.

Application It is vital that a connection is made with these young people to show them that as their church family you care about them and that their journey is important to you. Research shows us that young people are looking for authentic and caring relationships. You will be amazed at how this intentional communication will impact your congregation as your young people feel valued. Give the young people an opportunity to reflect and share their experiences.

1. PERSONAL T EST IMON IES ARE POWERFUL Encourage the young people to share about their experience on camp, what they learnt, the things that impacted them the most. Help them to reflect and write down these things and share these at a space provided during a worship service, at a youth event or at a special celebration meal. (See No. 2).

2. CELEBRAT ION MEAL Some of the young people that attended camp from your area may not be regularly involved in a faith community. Host a celebration meal for young people, parents, key leaders and mentors of your congregation. Include a time where they can share. This is a great way to include those on the ‘outer’ and encourage relationships and connections.

3. EXPRESSION Allow the young people to create something to show their experience at camp. Photos, PowerPoint or video can be used to share at different church events. Ask them what they want to create to share.

Living it out Camp can often lead to a time of spiritual growth; this is an important time to offer opportunities and support to ensure this growth can continue. This is where congregations have the perfect opportunity to connect with young people and help them on their walk. Find people within your congregation who can support this and intentionally find ways to mentor and care.

4. MENT ORING RELAT IONSHIPS Mentoring is important. At the most basic level it guarantees that a young person has someone who cares about them. They are not alone in dealing with their day-today challenges. Little things that may seem easy and straightforward to us may be a major issue for a young person with little or no experience.

1. ENCOURAGE BIBLE READING AND DEVOT IONS

One way that your congregation can show support is to help set up some mentoring relationships with the young people in your community. Mentoring creates relationships which in turn help create community within a congregation. It is a way of inviting people to share their lives, their stories and their faith together. It’s one way that every congregation can be involved in youth ministry in an enriching and substantial way.

We know that regular time in God’s word encourages us in our walk. Often it is hard to know where to start. Help young people by providing an appropriate study resource and encourage them to identify time during the week that they could spend time learning more about their Father. Is it possible to offer a small group for the young people to continue their walk together? It can be for a set amount of time of six weeks with the option of continuing if the group wishes to. In this time provide tools for their toolkit to ensure this new growth continues as they remain connected to the vine. Encourage conversations about walking with faith in every area of their lives and that God isn’t just for Sunday mornings.

5. ENCOURAGE FAMILIES T O SHARE T HEIR FAIT H AT HOME Parents remain the number one influencers of faith. What Mum and Dad do and say is still the biggest factor in whether a child will have faith. Encourage your families to share their faith at home with practical resources. A simple method to get started is sharing the Faith 5.

2. HELP T HEM T O IDENT IFY T HEIR GIFT S AND TALENT S Have intentional conversations with the young people to find how they can use their new-found enthusiasm to encourage and empower their church family. (See the Grow Ministries fact sheet – ‘How to encourage gifts and talents’ for ideas about this.)

3. WORSHIP T IME A response that we often hear after camp is that “my church is nothing like camp”. To young people, this is a real concern which needs to be recognised. At camp they are exposed to a worship style that they connect with, and that expresses their faith in a way that suits them. Rather than looking at this as a negative or criticism, as leaders we can encourage our young people to share their thoughts and ideas and seek ways that help them to feel more connected. We understand that not every congregation has the resources to cater to every different style of worship for each individual. It is important however, that the needs of the young people are listened to and provisions made in our Sunday services that allow them to participate in a style that connects directly to them. This allows us to move into a more intergenerational style of ministry where all ages and stages are valued.

1.

SHARE highs and lows of the day.

2.

READ some verses or a whole story from the Bible.

3.

TALK about the Bible reading, share your ideas about how the story relates to life today.

4.

PRAY for each other about the highs and lows.

5.

BLESS one another

share read



talk

share read

pray

bless

talk

pray

bless

This could include; • Giving them the opportunity to join an existing band, using their musical skills to enhance worship on a regular basis. • Encourage them to start a new band. This could be as simple as a guitar player and a singer that offers an acoustic style of worship. • The use of YouTube clips of songs that they connect to. • Opportunities for testimonies. For more information about Grow Ministries and the resources available for encouraging the nurturing of faith in the home, please call Grow Ministries at 08 8267 7300 or visit the website: www.growministries.org.au

EQUIPPING

encouraging young people in our church

a role y la p ts n re a p n How ca y? e rn u jo g in m o c in the Camping, traditionally seen in the LCA through Christian Life Weeks (CLW) and weekend camps aimed at schoolaged students, provides a unique experience that can have a lasting impact on the formation of faith. We often refer to camping as a peak experience. These camps provide a journey, often through a specific topic such as identity. They offer an opportunity for young people to ‘go deeper’ than they can at a once a week youth event. Faith is deepened through the mixture of meeting new people with a real faith, hanging out with inspiring leaders who have a vibrant faith and living in community together. It is a place where the presence of God can be felt in a real and tangible way through others. Young people often report a camping experience as a turning point for them in the formation of their faith.

Why is CAMPING so important in the faith formation process? • Camps create mountain-top experiences. A mountain-top experience is “a temporary, uncommon encounter with God that is meant to give us a fresh awareness of His reality and nearness.”

Research shows that parents continue to be the single greatest influence on their children’s faith. It is important you take an active part in the faith formation of your child. Give them an opportunity to experience all that camp has to offer and share in the journey by talking to them about the experience before and after camp.

BEFORE CAMP

• Camps allow time away from the pressure of day-today life to focus on God. They are often away from the ordinary and can sometimes help young people listen to God more clearly.

Discuss with your child their expectations of camp. What might they do, see and hear? Talk about who else is going. Show that you are interested in them and excited about what camp might mean for them and their relationship with Jesus. Ensure they have all that they need to be ‘successful’. Go through the camp list with them, especially if they are younger. Pray for them in the lead-up to camp, pray for them in the car on the way there.

• Camps provide opportunities to have times of quiet reflection.

AFT ER CAMP

• Camps create memories. • Camps create shared experiences.

• Camps provide a safe place to try new things. • Camps encourage young people to see God in the everyday experiences. • Camps provide exposure to nature, where God is revealed in a significant way. • Camps provide valuable opportunities for young adults to be involved in leadership, according to their gifts.

The after camp experience can be a bewildering time for young people. They are coming down from a high, often very quickly as they are tired and excited all at the same time. They’ve had an awesome time, appreciated sharing stories, intense bible studies/sessions, and enjoyed small group time with new friends. They have valued being part of a community where they have found acceptance, been loved on by some amazing leaders and heard some new and exciting worship music.

COMING HOME CAN BE DIFFICULT Here are some more ideas to help with the after camp experience:

1. PREPARE T O BE AN ‘OUT SIDER’ T O T HEIR EXPERIENCE You weren’t part of the experience, trying to play catch-up on the way to lunch straight after picking them up from camp might be a bit too much to expect.

2. T ELL T HEM YOU MISSED T HEM Let them know you are glad to see them! Let the first words they hear when they return be words of love, engulfed in a hug. “It’s so good to see you. I missed you. I’m glad you’re back.”

When they are ready, here are some things that might help the conversation: What new things did you discover about God and your faith? Was anything on camp confusing? What commitments did you make on camp, to yourself or to God, and can I help? Your child may have a desire to pray, read the Bible or support their friends. Perhaps your child wants you to help them get a new devotional or Bible, take them to a youth group or help them catch up with friends from camp.

3. LET T HEM HAVE ‘SPACE’ Allow them some transition time. They will be very aware of all of the responsibilities such as homework etc. that await them. Avoid talking about school obligations immediately upon their return. Let them enjoy the moment.

4. PRAY FOR T HEM

6. FOLLOW UP Parents can help by planning follow-up events after the peak experience of camping. Organise events where your child can reconnect with their new friends. See the fact sheet – How can congregations support the camping journey? for ways you encourage your congregation to support your child and their friends.

Pray for them while they are away. Pray that they will experience God’s love in a significant and perhaps new way. When they return, tell them that you prayed and share the specific things that you prayed about.

5. CREAT E SPACE Young people can be hesitant to divulge too much information. It’s important to remember to give them some space initially, especially if they’re tired, but you might like to say something like this when your young person arrives home, “It sounds like you had a really great time. Whenever you’re ready to talk, I’d love to hear about it.” Allow them to find the time and place to talk about their experience.

For more information about Grow Ministries and the resources available for encouraging the nurturing of faith in the home, please call Grow Ministries at 08 8267 7300 or visit the website: www.growministries.org.au

EQUIPPING

encouraging young people in our church

tions a rs e v n o c h it fa Encouraging ple with young peo Deuteronomy 6: 6-7 was given with the express purpose of encouraging a lifelong pursuit of a love for God that would envelop every molecule of a child’s being and existence:

‘’And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise”.

Unfortunately, many parents feel ill-equipped to pass along their faith to the next generation. It is sometimes difficult to know where to start, especially when it comes to children in high school. If faith conversations aren’t natural in your house, it can be uncomfortable and you may be unsure where to start. Firstly, always know that you can rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you; He will give you the words to say and help you when you feel ‘stuck’.

BE BOLD Be bold and confident in what you believe. Know whose you are and know that God will always be with you. Ask God what it is He wants you to say.

WHAT YOU KNOW IS ENOUGH One of the biggest fears we have when sharing our faith is that we don’t know enough. You don’t have to be a biblical scholar to share your faith. The disciples Peter and John were ‘in training’ when they spent time with Jesus. It’s important for us as parents to nurture our own faith, spending time in the Word and in God’s presence so that our knowledge and relationship with Him grows. You will be pleasantly surprised and encouraged how God uses what you have been reading to interact in our conversations with our children. Acts 4:13 “They couldn’t take their eyes off them, Peter and John standing there so confident, so sure of themselves! Their fascination deepened when they realised these two were laymen with no training in Scripture or formal education.”

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SHARE YOUR ST ORY Share what God has done for you. Your story of how God has worked in your life is powerful. Be vulnerable and open (within reason) with your children. You may never know how your words will encourage and influence them. Time is one of our most precious commodities, we often say we don’t have time to share in the busyness of life, so when is the best time to talk about our faith? The answer is in the Bible verse above - at all times! Here are some tips to get started:

CAR T IME - As parents, doesn’t it feel like we are always in the car going somewhere? What a great place to have a conversation - you have a captive audience. Try turning the radio off, removing technology from the passengers (including adults!) and share the highs and lows of the day. Take a moment to pray for the event you are heading to, or coming from. MEAL T IME - Take a moment to give God thanks and praise

before eating, whether it be at breakfast or dinner time. This is a great ritual that can be passed through the generations. Meal times are also a great time to share highs and lows. Often it is the only time you are together as a family, especially if you have teenagers or children busy with sport and activities. Make the most of this time and share together. Maybe you could use this time to have a regular family devotion. Take small steps, in some families you are only together for a meal at the same time once a week – start there!

HOLIDAYS - Holidays give families an opportunity to intentionally spend time together. Dedicate some time to reading a family devotion, praying, listening and singing to worship music. Intentionally put ‘God-time’ into the holiday. Take turns sharing things you are grateful for on the holiday, and something you are looking forward to when you get home.

ONE-ON-ONE T IME - Establishing the ritual of one-on-one time with each of your children will deepen your relationship immensely and also provide an opportunity to share your faith. Make time for a weekly or monthly ‘date’ when you have a milkshake or see a movie together. It is something you will look back on and never regret doing.

For more information about Grow Ministries and the resources available for encouraging the nurturing of faith in the home, please call Grow Ministries at 08 8267 7300 or visit the website: www.growministries.org.au

Re-thinki

ng

child, you th and fam ily ministr y in modern Australia An opportun ity to encou rage and su congregation pport s of the LC A.

The Gospe l message but our cu will always lture has c remain the hanged. W same, God’s Word e don’t ne , just how ed to re-th w e bring it to families in ink children, yo a meaning uth and ful, cultura lly relevant way.

RE-THINKING TRAINING

How does your congregation embrace families and young people? Do you understand the current culture and how it affects faith formation? For many congregations and families, sharing the Christian faith with children and youth is an area of struggle or challenge. Culture and society has changed so much, raising many new questions and issues and pressures. This isn’t about a new program or ideology, but instead remembering the ways God showed us to incorporate ministry into our everyday lives.

Did you know that Grow Ministries would love to encourage your congregation by holding a training session in your area that outlines how we can embrace and encourage faith formation. WHO IS THIS TRAINING AIMED AT? All those involved in child, youth and family ministry - Pastor, parent, grandparent, caregiver, children’s ministry leader, Sunday school teacher, kid’s talk presenter, youth ministry leader, youth leader, congregational leader and those involved in community programs.

Everyone plays a part in growing communities of faith! So that’s you! If you would like to find out how you can host an event please head to our website or email us at [email protected].

Everything you need to know about Grow is at www.growministries.org.au

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