Families

Messy Church

A number of corps around the territory wrestle with providing church in a different format.

Messy Church is not ‘just for children’—it is for all people and has been especially helpful in allowing playgroup dads and other men to engage with church.

Messy Church is not ‘a way to get people to come to Sunday church’—it is church.

Go to www.messychurch.org for more information. On the website you will find heaps of resources, ideas, ways to connect, a blog of messy happenings, downloads etc

Family Experience Services

'Children are not passive receivers of an already completed picture of God. They are artists, painting their picture from the colours and with the instruments - experiences, ideas, and insights - available to them.' (Stonehouse & May, Listening to Children on the Spiritual Journey)

This quote says that our children use the information they hear and the experiences they have, to formulate their picture of God. It is so important that we provide our children with rich and engaging environments, conversations and relationships to help support and influence them on this faith journey.

These elements should be found in the home and in the church and in a variety of activities within the church community. Opportunities to involve families together in the exploration and worship of God should be a priority in all of our churches.

This section seeks to:

- encourage you each to think about the importance of providing rich, multi-age environments and experiences within your church community;
- provide links and resources to be used in family services;
- provide suggestions and resources for interactive stories/messages to be included in worship.

Note that family services should be church services with just that focus: families. They are not services with stories and songs and activities aimed just at children; they are genuine all-age services with elements for family members of all ages.

Zoo Boogie

Zoo Boogie is the journey of a bunch of musically gifted animals who live at a Zoo. Led by Dale the Zoo Keeper, the animals love to perform, share stories and enjoy life together. They learn what it means to be part of a family and put the needs of others first, as Dale teaches them all about values like patience, kindness, joy, peace, self-control and much more.

Zoo Boogie's music and activities are created for children aged 2-7 years. For more information about what we do, or to book Zoo Boogie for your next event, please visit the website. 

Resources

How to care for a family when a child dies. > Download Urgent care: Death of a child (PDF, 325KB)

'Skylight is here because grief happens and support matters.  They offer a wide range of services to support those facing tough times of change, loss, trauma and grief - whatever the cause, and whatever their age.

They also equip, train and support those wanting to assist them, such as friends or family members, community volunteers and professionals.  Check out their website of resources available and training offered.  www.skylight.org.nz 

 'Here's an idea to help you continue the faith conversation at home'  > Download the family meal planner (PDF, 234KB)