UCA Children and Families Ministry

When looking for free Christmas resources, in English as well as other languages don't forget to check out the offerings on the Max7 site https://www.max7.org/en/library/Christmas

No time for reading? Then how about listening? You will find a collection of Podcasts supporting the Being an Intergenerational Church: A Commitment. A Vision. An Invitation resourceon the Assembly webpage https://uniting.church/interesting-podcasts/

Laugh along with Karen Mitchell Lambert with this find from The laughing Christian

Lot's of idea's for to use with Children during Advent and Christmas here. https://flamecreativekids.blogspot.com/p/25-advent-activities.html?fbclid=IwAR3rtfE_mAOUD-r7bGRdp1endOc6hSzEtA-js6hpXgQ_HkXi3WO73c967ng

What are our thoughts on this one? Has anyone changed their carol habits to accomodate the change in society https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/christmas-carols-in-advent-yes-2/?fbclid=IwAR1NtYng03_e7cU6DNn_t0ykvcvWYWGTGQUqCPkg4UkdERZ6rrYY7LTBuiE
Photo by Pavel Danilyuk: https://www.pexels.com/photo/fashion-man-people-woman-8815215/

It is not only adults that benefit or need a Blue Christmas service. It is worth reminding people again that we can make our Blue Christmas services appeal to more than one generation. This artcle by Christine Sine, is an oldie but a goodie and aways worth a read. Updated for 2023
https://godspacelight.com/2018/12/10/acknowledging-our-pain-resources-for-a-blue-christmas-service/

Do you have it yet? Your download of the Regenerational Resource, of course. Do it now before you forget. https://intergen.org.au/regenerational/?fbclid=IwAR1mz4_C20NtRoCrhakm7U-j5xwZF1g5gQ80pnJbNVbchPq2DamcFny5WeE

We all love Christmas treats? How about this gorgeous food platter that doubles as a storytelling device. Enjoy. https://buildfaith.org/a-healthy-edible-nativity/?mc_cid=e8c73d1322&mc_eid=8183923a83&fbclid=IwAR0B55uQ7divJhxgZESjKKtdV8DhbLWmnla-dwJpSLtDmLYgOWdZICRtQhE

Laugh along with Karen Mitchell Lambert and this find from Hunybunch Hunts

NEWLY RELEASED - Australian Advent Wreath Liturgy.
Designed to be used throughout advent and across all Advent Sundays, this Australian native liturgy uses native symbols to express the themes of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love.
Downloadable now from https://intergen.org.au/

Have you seen this book? Written to encourage children to use their gifts and share the Gospel. How will you use it in your ministry? https://www.amazon.com/Am-Gods-Storyteller-Lisa-Hendey/dp/1640601627/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1BTV36M6AT7HM&keywords=i+am+god%27s+storyteller&qid=1696987088&s=books&sprefix=I+am+God%27s+Storyt%2Cstripbooks-intl-ship%2C390&sr=1-1

Time for a short read, and be reminded how Intergenerational Ministry can be implemented https://childrensministrybasics.com/2023/11/14/from-age-isolated-to-age-integrated-initiating-intergenerational-ministry-in-your-church/

Don't miss out on all things Advent and Christmas in the December Intergenerational Ministry Update collated by Chris Barnett. Find it here https://uniting.church/intergenerational-ministry-update-december/

Here is an Intergenerational approach to Advent that might be worth a try, Gathering to write, find our more about it here https://buildfaith.org/gathering-to-write-an-intergenerational-advent-practice/?fbclid=IwAR1zUP-sAmmaSuAe1TLftl9X2VMqDefr5FSZXCaC_G2DbPgMUGSOAGQvkpI

A find from Dinasaur

Today marks the start of 16 Days of Activism against Gender based Violence. You will find 16 days of Prayers plus useful resources on the UCA Assembly website https://uniting.church/16-days-of-activism-2023/
Please add into this prayerlist the silent victims, our children, who learn unhealthy behaviours, live in fear and who's lives can be cut short or ultered irrevocably.
We pray too for all those working in the ministry of Child and Family care.
If you are triggered or need help for someone in your care. Call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800
You can learn more about the reasons for the 16 days here https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/ending-violence-against-women/unite/16-days-of-activism

Photo by Meruyert Gonullu: https://www.pexels.com/photo/young-girl-in-despair-6034063/

Each year I look forward to Mainly Ministries Christmas resources. Created as either a one off or over 3 Sunday services, These downloadable resources are always worth a look https://mainlyministries.org/collections/available-to-all/products/christmas-resource-free-1?

Time to go Intergenerational in your Advent worship this year? Or are you looking for the wonderful Engage Together Advent resource? Well it is available now to download for free. Based on the Revised Common Lectionary but also suitable for all Advent worship following a traditional worship pattern, this resource is well worth a look. https://intergen.org.au/product/engagetogetheryrbadvent23

A quick read for some great ideas for all ministering to, or for families themselves as we approach Advent and Christmas https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/5-ways-families-can-explore-waiting-and-hope-advent-season

Now here is an idea? Have you ever thought of doing an Intergenerational "Kick-starter" for Advent https://buildfaith.org/an-intergenerational-advent-celebration/?fbclid=IwAR2v2dqNMj25Wik0WUigs8Mm6xWtn8mElRZHc-eLf4y4-mTSL4MG2SJVkoM

Here's a gift for Families. A Liturgical Calendar. Based on the Gospel readings for the Revised Common Lectionary for the coming year, Year B, which starts on the first Sunday in December, it is also suitable for any Family based ministry over that 12 month period. Created by me during the Flahlab earlier this year and now available on the Max7 website https://www.max7.org/en/resource/familybiblereadingcalendarrclyearb?fbclid=IwAR2UMsWId4eCW6_E072EeLmzhEu6IwMusrgMW7IK_4bytB50jVnBhRhvGlM

Laugh along with Karen Mitchell Lambert and this find from Geek World

Christ the King Sunday is fast approaching, How about ending the Liturgical Year with an Intergenerational Service We recommend the great resources created by Intergen and this one was written by our own Beth Nicholls
https://intergen.org.au/product/ctkyeara2023

We are creating Advent and Christmas Resources again this year, to help congregations, families, and the community explore Love in Action.

Using the metaphor of growing a garden to prepare our hearts, souls, and minds for the birth of Jesus, over five weeks, we will use the lectionary readings to delve into God’s story of love and faithfulness.

There will be four parts to this resource:

*Worship Resource (for weekend services)
*Bible Reflections (for Church members and families)
*Community Reflections (for families of playgroups, childcare centres, and other ministries)
*Early Learning Resources (for childcare, playgroup, and other children’s ministries)

Materials will be available early in November; please add your name to the distribution list (https://ow.ly/NMM950Q0q6F) or contact Jess Pinkerton at [email protected] or Paul Wetzig at [email protected]

Have you thought of runing an all age Arts retreat this Advent? Be inspired with this article Create, Contemplate and Calm: Hosting an Arts retreat for Advent https://buildfaith.org/host-an-advent-arts-retreat/?fbclid=IwAR1SwhiZNi2Kx6nxZACuFlnqGbPKZnoJl2_yilt3u-2YeCb4ndHhHkLSPxk

We are just loving these Intergenerational Prayer cards. Get yours herehttps://www.methodist.org.uk/media/28466/digital-prayer-cards-131222.pdf

Laugh along with Karen Mitchell Lambert and this find from Heck this is Wholesome

Tomorrow is Remembrance Day, you can find a video and Prayer to use in your services this Sunday on the UCA Assembly website https://uniting.church/marking-remembrance-day-2023/ and if you are looking for a good collection of Remembrance Day craft you can find ideas on the Sun Hats and Wellie Boot site https://www.sunhatsandwellieboots.com/2021/11/remembrance-poppy-crafts-for-kids.html?m=1&fbclid=IwAR0T-jofqv6UzsgTBiAxVHCnq0aczUL_i14VA2tIEMgiDgpbmHCo825-wtA

This might be useful for your families. https://emergingminds.com.au/resources/how-to-talk-to-children-about-war-and-conflict/?audience=family

Looking for a great intergenerational option for Advent (and beyond)? Find out more at the upcoming LIFT (Living in Faith Together) on-line introductory event, taking place on Tuesday 14 from AEDT 11am. FREE Registration via https://intergen.org.au/liftintro

Don't miss out on the Intergenerational November Update by Chris Barnett. check it our here https://uniting.church/intergenerational-ministry-update-november/?fbclid=IwAR2KdRzgHal4a7BYcM0kgj6K25DbFryFv-CpFOIYLPDyef_ImVW6rjh0FLs

Hooray! All 12 Being an Intergenerational Church papers are now up on the website https://uniting.church/being-an-intergen-church-papers/?fbclid=IwAR1qstfRSuDUmU_NHFZiIFuJ5Ybfxoe2BQjhWL2z4NKkl2z6_BO9DvcPef8
These 12 papers are short, easy to read and on topic.

Great Advice from Karen Mitchell Lambert and this find from Come to the Edge

Running a bit late for registration for this one but they might still let you register if you ask nicely! A face to face conference at CTM Melbourne Australia. It is commencing with a public launch NEXT Thursday the 9/11 at 6pm. The public launch includes the YOUR STORY report, where 16-29 year old young people have shared about WHAT AND WHO HELPED AND HINDERED THEIR FAITH JOURNEY FROM CHILDHOOD, teen and current. A gold mine of important information for all working with Children. Register here https://reg.eventgate.com.au/Event/28732/Converge-Conference-2023

One to read, or two so you can add one to the church library. This is how you can obtain a copy of All Ages Becoming: Intergenerational Practice in the Formation of God's People. https://www.intergenerate.com.au/resources?utm_campaign=ba1b41e9-06cc-453e-b7c0-e60a0a79ef80&utm_source=so&utm_medium=mail&cid=4bfa0e31-82c1-4a11-b8f9-af04b31a09d7

Prof. Amy-Jill Levine, currently speaking at Preachfest 2023, is such a versitile speaker, be it to Ministers, theological students or children. Let her speak into your own congregations through her children's book, Two were mentioned yesterday Who is my Neighbour and 100 Sheep: A counting parable, though there are many more including the marvelous Mustard Seed, The Good for Nothing tree, A very big problem and more due.

How do you explain All Saint's Day to children? Love this short video. How would you use it?

All Saints Day For Kids All Saints Day falls on November 1. While kids are excited about Halloween, use this video to share with them about this special day.Music: "A Walk in the Pa...