...the birth stories about Jesus I cannot help but conclude that though the world may be tilted toward the rich and powerful, God is tilted toward the underdog.
Philip Yancey
Wednesday, 19 December 2012
A shared lunch
Sunday 30th December is a big day for New Life, Hull.
At 10.30am there will be a baptism service. If you want to be baptised, speak to your pastor or Tim M about it.
After the service, there will be a shared lunch, an opportunity to celebrate together as family - and we have a lot to celebrate!
Don't miss out on the opportunity to take part.
If you've been at the services at Central the past two Sundays you may well have picked up a post it note, with a reminder to bring along a particular item of food. If not,then there's chance to pick one up this week.
However, don't think that you cannot come along unless you have a post it note! Please feel free to bring along any contribution. Just make sure that it doesn't require any cooking, but can simply be served straight away.
At 10.30am there will be a baptism service. If you want to be baptised, speak to your pastor or Tim M about it.
After the service, there will be a shared lunch, an opportunity to celebrate together as family - and we have a lot to celebrate!
Don't miss out on the opportunity to take part.
If you've been at the services at Central the past two Sundays you may well have picked up a post it note, with a reminder to bring along a particular item of food. If not,then there's chance to pick one up this week.
However, don't think that you cannot come along unless you have a post it note! Please feel free to bring along any contribution. Just make sure that it doesn't require any cooking, but can simply be served straight away.
A Christmas Prayer.
Loving Father,
Help us to remember the birth of Jesus,
That we may share in the song of the angels,
The gladness of the shepherds,
And the worship of the wise men.
Close the door of hate and
Open the door of love all over the world.
Let kindness come with every gift and
Good desires with every greeting.
Deliver us from evil by the blessing
Which Christ brings, and teach us to
Be merry with clear hearts.
May the Christmas morning make us happy
To be thy children, and the Christmas evening
Bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts,
Forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake. Amen.
Robert Louis Stevenson 1850-1894
Help us to remember the birth of Jesus,
That we may share in the song of the angels,
The gladness of the shepherds,
And the worship of the wise men.
Close the door of hate and
Open the door of love all over the world.
Let kindness come with every gift and
Good desires with every greeting.
Deliver us from evil by the blessing
Which Christ brings, and teach us to
Be merry with clear hearts.
May the Christmas morning make us happy
To be thy children, and the Christmas evening
Bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts,
Forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake. Amen.
Robert Louis Stevenson 1850-1894
Celebrating Christmas
Celebrating Christmas isn't, or shouldn't be, all about presents. When I look back at my childhood, I can remember only a very few of the gifts I was given. What I remember are the traditions, the rituals and the experiences. I've had a number of conversations with friends about this over the last few days, and from them I've compiled a few suggestions for ways to celebrate Christmas which don't involve huge costs.
A Christmas camp out!
No, even I wouldn't suggest getting the tent out in December (although I know some adventurous types who do, as well as a family taking their caravan away between Christmas and New Year), but how about an indoor camp out?
You could make up beds in front of the Christmas tree, using cushions, quilts, blankets and sleeping bags, and snuggle down to watch a Christmas movie, read a Christmas story, or just drink hot chocolate and enjoy the lights on your Christmas tree. I would imagine that this would seem like a great adventure to small children, in fact I quite like the idea myself!
A Christmas Elf.
One of my colleagues, who is mum to two small boys, has an elf toy that comes out every Christmas. He is one of Santa's helpers, and keeps an eye on the boys to make sure they earn their place on the 'nice list'. Each night, he mysteriously moves. He might go to bed in the living room, but come morning he will be found precariously balanced on the edge of the biscuit tin. Perhaps he got puckish during the night? Elf accompanies the boys wherever they go over the Christmas period,and this year he even as his own Facebook page, where photos of his exploits are posted.
My colleague admits to having found this idea on the Internet, and if you google Christmas elf you will find all kinds of suggestions, including printable messages from the Elf, and from Santa.
Use the library.
You can pick up a stack of Christmas themed books from the library, for all ages. Reading one book per night, or a chapter per night, can be a nice activity in the run up to Christmas, and of course borrowing them from the library means it won't cost a penny. My daughter is too old for the crafting sessions my library runs now, but in years gone by these free activities were something we enjoyed and looked forward to.
Christmas costumes.
A friend of mine has a box of 'fancy dress' supplies that she brings out each Christmas to entertain her grandchildren when they visit. Some of the items are actual fancy dress costumes that he was picked up over the years, but the majority are not. A couple of old red table cloths, lots of tinsel, some old net curtains etc. My friend says that her grandchildren love creating their own costumes, and really look forward to it each year.
A Christmas camp out!
No, even I wouldn't suggest getting the tent out in December (although I know some adventurous types who do, as well as a family taking their caravan away between Christmas and New Year), but how about an indoor camp out?
You could make up beds in front of the Christmas tree, using cushions, quilts, blankets and sleeping bags, and snuggle down to watch a Christmas movie, read a Christmas story, or just drink hot chocolate and enjoy the lights on your Christmas tree. I would imagine that this would seem like a great adventure to small children, in fact I quite like the idea myself!
A Christmas Elf.
One of my colleagues, who is mum to two small boys, has an elf toy that comes out every Christmas. He is one of Santa's helpers, and keeps an eye on the boys to make sure they earn their place on the 'nice list'. Each night, he mysteriously moves. He might go to bed in the living room, but come morning he will be found precariously balanced on the edge of the biscuit tin. Perhaps he got puckish during the night? Elf accompanies the boys wherever they go over the Christmas period,and this year he even as his own Facebook page, where photos of his exploits are posted.
My colleague admits to having found this idea on the Internet, and if you google Christmas elf you will find all kinds of suggestions, including printable messages from the Elf, and from Santa.
Use the library.
You can pick up a stack of Christmas themed books from the library, for all ages. Reading one book per night, or a chapter per night, can be a nice activity in the run up to Christmas, and of course borrowing them from the library means it won't cost a penny. My daughter is too old for the crafting sessions my library runs now, but in years gone by these free activities were something we enjoyed and looked forward to.
Christmas costumes.
A friend of mine has a box of 'fancy dress' supplies that she brings out each Christmas to entertain her grandchildren when they visit. Some of the items are actual fancy dress costumes that he was picked up over the years, but the majority are not. A couple of old red table cloths, lots of tinsel, some old net curtains etc. My friend says that her grandchildren love creating their own costumes, and really look forward to it each year.
Monday, 13 August 2012
Christmas trees and laughing gnomes (or why connect groups matter)
My oldest friend and I have known each other for more than twenty years. We have been friends through many of life's momentous occasions - births, bereavements, weddings, funerals, Celebrations of all kinds...
But our friendship wasn't grown during those big, important, life changing moments.
Our friendship was grown during shared pots of tea, watching TV together, popping round to each others house to say hello, going to the tip together, texting random song lyrics, long and boring train journeys, keeping each other company in Asda, phone calls, assembling flat pack furniture, getting lost trying to get out of Leeds, freezing half to death at Bryan Adams concerts, plotting to put up the Christmas tree in July, sharing M&Ms while watching dodgy horror movies, dressing up for the Sound of Music, going to keep fit classes together, singing along to Bowie's finest creation (the Laughing Gnome track, of course)...
In short, our friendship was built on the ordinary, the routine, the humdrum, the everyday. That's how all friendships are formed. I can turn to my friend in life's big moments, because we have built a relationship in the little, ordinary moments.
And that is what Connect groups are all about. Building relationships through spending regular time together. The Connect group that meets in my home every Monday doesn't feel life changing. It doesn't feel like a momentous event. But friendships are being built, connections are being formed. And that is how church is built.
Relationships take time. They take commitment. I certainly couldn't build real relationships with anyone during the hustle and bustle of a Sunday morning service, in fact big crowds like that can be very lonely places.
So, if you are not in a Connect group, ask yourself why. And ask yourself on what you could be missing out on.
But our friendship wasn't grown during those big, important, life changing moments.
Our friendship was grown during shared pots of tea, watching TV together, popping round to each others house to say hello, going to the tip together, texting random song lyrics, long and boring train journeys, keeping each other company in Asda, phone calls, assembling flat pack furniture, getting lost trying to get out of Leeds, freezing half to death at Bryan Adams concerts, plotting to put up the Christmas tree in July, sharing M&Ms while watching dodgy horror movies, dressing up for the Sound of Music, going to keep fit classes together, singing along to Bowie's finest creation (the Laughing Gnome track, of course)...
In short, our friendship was built on the ordinary, the routine, the humdrum, the everyday. That's how all friendships are formed. I can turn to my friend in life's big moments, because we have built a relationship in the little, ordinary moments.
And that is what Connect groups are all about. Building relationships through spending regular time together. The Connect group that meets in my home every Monday doesn't feel life changing. It doesn't feel like a momentous event. But friendships are being built, connections are being formed. And that is how church is built.
Relationships take time. They take commitment. I certainly couldn't build real relationships with anyone during the hustle and bustle of a Sunday morning service, in fact big crowds like that can be very lonely places.
So, if you are not in a Connect group, ask yourself why. And ask yourself on what you could be missing out on.
Thursday, 5 July 2012
Join in this summer!
All sorts of family connect activities are planned for this summer, including...
A soup & bread fundraiser
A family quiz night
An evening picnic in the park
A Treasure Hunt
ONE
Keep an eye on here for further details!!!
Monday, 28 May 2012
Hospitality and Legend
According to an old Jewish legend, Abraham was seated outside this tent one day when an old man walked slowly into view. Wrinkled and bent, with sand coloured, weather beaten skin, eyes screwed up tight against the sun, and ancient cloak worn soft as a second skin, he looked almost as old as the desert itself.
Abraham kept up, welcomed the man, and, as was the custom, offered him rest and refreshment.
The old man was happy to accept Abrahams offer, and took a seat in the shade to drink some cool water. When the meal was ready, Abraham had his servants offer a portion to the traveller. But Abraham noticed that the man did not take part in The blessing of the meal, and asked him why not.
" I worship the fire gods," replied the man. "I have served them all my life, and could not disrespect them by praying to any other god."
This made Abraham angry, and he sent the man away.
In the cool of the evening, as the sun set, God spoke to Abraham about his visitor, and asked why Abraham had sent him away.
"He refused to bow down to you, Lord," Abraham explained.
"Oh, Abraham," the Lord spoke sadly. "I have been looking after that man for nearly one hundred years. Could you not have looked after him for just one day?"
Abraham kept up, welcomed the man, and, as was the custom, offered him rest and refreshment.
The old man was happy to accept Abrahams offer, and took a seat in the shade to drink some cool water. When the meal was ready, Abraham had his servants offer a portion to the traveller. But Abraham noticed that the man did not take part in The blessing of the meal, and asked him why not.
" I worship the fire gods," replied the man. "I have served them all my life, and could not disrespect them by praying to any other god."
This made Abraham angry, and he sent the man away.
In the cool of the evening, as the sun set, God spoke to Abraham about his visitor, and asked why Abraham had sent him away.
"He refused to bow down to you, Lord," Abraham explained.
"Oh, Abraham," the Lord spoke sadly. "I have been looking after that man for nearly one hundred years. Could you not have looked after him for just one day?"
Thoughts on hospitality
Hospitality is not...
...providing the perfect meal in the perfect home by the perfect hostess. Unless of course, you happen to be appearing on an episode of Come Dine With Me. In real life, people don't hold up score cards in the taxi on the way home.
...a luxury that comes when you hit high roller status. Some friends of mine recently moved into a beautiful new house with a fantastic conservatory, beautiful garden and multiple bathrooms. Spending time there is a pleasure. But no more of a pleasure than it was in their two-up, two-down, farm labourers cottage. The warmth of the welcome comes from who they are, not where they live or how much they spend on the food that they serve.
...a function of gender or personality.
...optional
Hospitality is... The ability to welcome and graciously serve guests and strangers.
Our English word "hospitality" shares the same meaning as the words hospital or hospice. This reminds us that hospitality has to do with care giving and healing.
In New Testament Greek, the word for hospitality is philoxenia. This combines two words 'phileo' which means love, and 'xenos' which means stranger. So literally, 'love of stranger'. A stranger isn't just someone you don't yet know. In a sense, strangers are those who are disconnected from basic relationships. Hospitality is about turning our lives towards those who are isolated, listening well to those who rarely have a voice.
It's really about inclusion. It is about including others into our lives and our network of relationships.
...providing the perfect meal in the perfect home by the perfect hostess. Unless of course, you happen to be appearing on an episode of Come Dine With Me. In real life, people don't hold up score cards in the taxi on the way home.
...a luxury that comes when you hit high roller status. Some friends of mine recently moved into a beautiful new house with a fantastic conservatory, beautiful garden and multiple bathrooms. Spending time there is a pleasure. But no more of a pleasure than it was in their two-up, two-down, farm labourers cottage. The warmth of the welcome comes from who they are, not where they live or how much they spend on the food that they serve.
...a function of gender or personality.
...optional
Hospitality is... The ability to welcome and graciously serve guests and strangers.
Our English word "hospitality" shares the same meaning as the words hospital or hospice. This reminds us that hospitality has to do with care giving and healing.
In New Testament Greek, the word for hospitality is philoxenia. This combines two words 'phileo' which means love, and 'xenos' which means stranger. So literally, 'love of stranger'. A stranger isn't just someone you don't yet know. In a sense, strangers are those who are disconnected from basic relationships. Hospitality is about turning our lives towards those who are isolated, listening well to those who rarely have a voice.
It's really about inclusion. It is about including others into our lives and our network of relationships.
Monday, 7 May 2012
Books, Kindles and a Mermaid's Egg.
This week we have undertaken what, for us, is some pretty major DIY, and we have been shifting furniture all around the house to accommodate it. For the last couple of days we have had to eat all of our meals in bed, as there was nowhere else to sit! However, the end is in sight, and today I spent several happy hours organising my books. Prior to the start of the DIY frenzy I had culled our books pretty ruthlessly. Books that my daughter had grown out of, books that I had enjoyed but wouldn't read again, and books which frankly I had never liked that much in the first place were all boxed up and dispatched to charity shops. (In the spirit of complete honesty, I must confess that a number have been travelling around on the back seat of my car for quite some time, but I will get round to taking them this week.)
Many of the remaining books were piled up on our dining table for a few days. My mate Dave took one look at them and called it the best advert for a Kindle he had ever seen, and I suppose he has a point.
When Kindles first appeared I thought they sounded awful. I am something of a technophobe at the best of times, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE books. But, having held a few, and read from them, I have softened my attitude towards them. In fact, in a nice red leather cover, I can almost be convinced that a Kindle is a thing of beauty. I don't own one myself, although I do have the Kindle app on my iPad. I've downloaded quite a few free books from the Kindle store, and they have come in really handy to pass the time during unexpected delays, long bus journey etc. I can totally understand how being able to store thousands of books on a Kindle could be useful. For one thing, I wouldn't have to dust them all, before returning them to their shelves. I wouldn't have to pile them up in inconvenient places round the house while shifting furniture. I wouldn't have to pack them up and cart them off to charity shops when I have finished with them.
But on the other hand...I like the thought that someone else is going to read books that I have enjoyed, and I like the fact that a charity will benefit from them. I love that I can lend my books to my friends. I love that I can give my books to my friends! And the truth is, I have enjoyed every minute of sorting through my books. I've enjoyed handling them, and remembering other times when I handled them last. I'm rubbish at taking pictures, and rarely have any photographic records of holidays or special times, but I can pick up a book and remember that the first time I read it I was camping in the New Forest, and what I thought was my husband stroking my neck turned out to be a cheeky pony saying hello. I can pick up a book and remember that it was recommended to me by a friend when we were on a canal bot in Wales, on the day that Jesse fished a mermaid egg out of the canal, and Lily caught a green pepper as it floated by. I love flicking through my books as I dust them. Considering the state they were in, I should probably do it more often. I like finding odd items that I have used as bookmarks, like old Christmas cards. And even actual bookmarks can be a joy. I have a beautiful one that someone brought me back from Egypt. One day, before I die, I WILL see the pyramids for myself!
Now, my librarian friends might want to stop reading at this point, because I must confess that I write in my books all the time. I often write when and where I bought them, along with my name, somewhere near the front. I found a couple bought in Spain, during one particularly dismal and rainy holiday. I had completely underestimated how much I would read while watching the rain pour down incessantly, and you cannot imagine how delighted I was to find a tiny second hand bookshop that stocked English language books. I also underline the bits I particularly like. I'll write comments too. Sometimes, I even write down phone messages, or phone numbers into my books, and I refuse to feel guilty about it! They are my books, I can write what I like in them! And I love to go back, sometimes years later, and see what once mattered to me, what once moved me, once entertained or angered me. It is as close to looking at old diary entries as I shall ever come.
If there is one thing better than looking at my own comments in a book, it is finding a second hand copy in which some stranger has commented. I love it when you find evidence of what is almost a relationship between an unknown reader and the book which is now yours.
The other thing, of course, that a Kindle cannot offer, is the pleasure of physically wandering around a book shop, picking up books here and there, reading a page or two, having your eye caught by some author you've never heard of. The excitment, in a charity shop, of finding the book you were after for less than a pound! Perhaps people who are more accustomed than I am to shopping on line will be much more comfortable, and confident, browsing the Kindle store, but personally I find it quite overwhelming.
So will I get a Kindle one day? Well, quite possibly. I don't want one enough to save up my hard earned cash to pay for one, but if someone offered me one, I wouldn't turn it down. I can well imagine using a Kindle, but I cannot imagine it ever taking the place of my real, live, actual books!
Many of the remaining books were piled up on our dining table for a few days. My mate Dave took one look at them and called it the best advert for a Kindle he had ever seen, and I suppose he has a point.
When Kindles first appeared I thought they sounded awful. I am something of a technophobe at the best of times, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE books. But, having held a few, and read from them, I have softened my attitude towards them. In fact, in a nice red leather cover, I can almost be convinced that a Kindle is a thing of beauty. I don't own one myself, although I do have the Kindle app on my iPad. I've downloaded quite a few free books from the Kindle store, and they have come in really handy to pass the time during unexpected delays, long bus journey etc. I can totally understand how being able to store thousands of books on a Kindle could be useful. For one thing, I wouldn't have to dust them all, before returning them to their shelves. I wouldn't have to pile them up in inconvenient places round the house while shifting furniture. I wouldn't have to pack them up and cart them off to charity shops when I have finished with them.
But on the other hand...I like the thought that someone else is going to read books that I have enjoyed, and I like the fact that a charity will benefit from them. I love that I can lend my books to my friends. I love that I can give my books to my friends! And the truth is, I have enjoyed every minute of sorting through my books. I've enjoyed handling them, and remembering other times when I handled them last. I'm rubbish at taking pictures, and rarely have any photographic records of holidays or special times, but I can pick up a book and remember that the first time I read it I was camping in the New Forest, and what I thought was my husband stroking my neck turned out to be a cheeky pony saying hello. I can pick up a book and remember that it was recommended to me by a friend when we were on a canal bot in Wales, on the day that Jesse fished a mermaid egg out of the canal, and Lily caught a green pepper as it floated by. I love flicking through my books as I dust them. Considering the state they were in, I should probably do it more often. I like finding odd items that I have used as bookmarks, like old Christmas cards. And even actual bookmarks can be a joy. I have a beautiful one that someone brought me back from Egypt. One day, before I die, I WILL see the pyramids for myself!
Now, my librarian friends might want to stop reading at this point, because I must confess that I write in my books all the time. I often write when and where I bought them, along with my name, somewhere near the front. I found a couple bought in Spain, during one particularly dismal and rainy holiday. I had completely underestimated how much I would read while watching the rain pour down incessantly, and you cannot imagine how delighted I was to find a tiny second hand bookshop that stocked English language books. I also underline the bits I particularly like. I'll write comments too. Sometimes, I even write down phone messages, or phone numbers into my books, and I refuse to feel guilty about it! They are my books, I can write what I like in them! And I love to go back, sometimes years later, and see what once mattered to me, what once moved me, once entertained or angered me. It is as close to looking at old diary entries as I shall ever come.
If there is one thing better than looking at my own comments in a book, it is finding a second hand copy in which some stranger has commented. I love it when you find evidence of what is almost a relationship between an unknown reader and the book which is now yours.
The other thing, of course, that a Kindle cannot offer, is the pleasure of physically wandering around a book shop, picking up books here and there, reading a page or two, having your eye caught by some author you've never heard of. The excitment, in a charity shop, of finding the book you were after for less than a pound! Perhaps people who are more accustomed than I am to shopping on line will be much more comfortable, and confident, browsing the Kindle store, but personally I find it quite overwhelming.
So will I get a Kindle one day? Well, quite possibly. I don't want one enough to save up my hard earned cash to pay for one, but if someone offered me one, I wouldn't turn it down. I can well imagine using a Kindle, but I cannot imagine it ever taking the place of my real, live, actual books!
Sunday, 29 April 2012
Hospitality part 2 - what does hospitality look like?
Let's consider what the word hospitality means, what it actually involves on a day to day basis. We are showing hospitality when...
...we accommodate, provide a comfortable place for someone
...we are affable, gentle and gracious
...we are amiable, friendly and agreeable
...we are cheerful
...we serve as companions; holding a hand, listening, just being there
...we are considerate
...we are cordial, warm and sincere
...we entertain; invite guests over for company, to nourish, treat and welcome
...we are friendly, warm and comforting
...we show generosity
...we welcome in warmth
...we are sociable
...we show kindness
...we accommodate, provide a comfortable place for someone
...we are affable, gentle and gracious
...we are amiable, friendly and agreeable
...we are cheerful
...we serve as companions; holding a hand, listening, just being there
...we are considerate
...we are cordial, warm and sincere
...we entertain; invite guests over for company, to nourish, treat and welcome
...we are friendly, warm and comforting
...we show generosity
...we welcome in warmth
...we are sociable
...we show kindness
Hospitality part 1 - What does the bible say?
Hospitality is really important to me. As a family, we really enjoy welcoming others around our table! This is the first of a series of posts exploring the value and importance of Christian hospitality. As always, scripture is e best place to start, and there are certainly no shortage of references to hospitality in both the Old and New Testament. Did you know that in the book of Acts alone there are 30 direct references to hospitality being given and received? So, here are a few to get us started...
Hebrews 13:2 do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
1 Peter 4:9 ShOw hospitality to one another without grumbling.
Romans 12:13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
Leviticus 19:34 You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.
Have a look through these, too...
Matthew 25:34-46
Romans 16:2
Leviticus 19:33
Ephesians 6:7
Proverbs 31:20
Titus 1:8
1 Timothy 3:2
3 John 1:5-8
Mark 9:41
Isaiah 58:7
2 Kings 4:8-17
Exodus 23:9
Hebrews 13:2 do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
1 Peter 4:9 ShOw hospitality to one another without grumbling.
Romans 12:13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
Leviticus 19:34 You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.
Have a look through these, too...
Matthew 25:34-46
Romans 16:2
Leviticus 19:33
Ephesians 6:7
Proverbs 31:20
Titus 1:8
1 Timothy 3:2
3 John 1:5-8
Mark 9:41
Isaiah 58:7
2 Kings 4:8-17
Exodus 23:9
Things to do - create a cloud
This is an almost educational activity, but don't let that put you off!
You can make a cloud in your kitchen using a clear, empty two litre plastic pop bottle, a match and some water.
First, fill the bottle one third full of hot water. Put the top on and give it a really good shake for one minute. As the water evaporates, water vapour will be produced in the wit inside the bottle.
Unscrew the top of the bottle and hold a lit match just inside the opening for a few seconds. Drop the lit match into the bottle and immediately replace the cap. Watch as the space above the water fills with smoke and soot.
Give the bottle a tight squeeze then quickly release it. Keep squeezing and releasing the bottle until you see a cloud form.
Once you have created your cloud, take the cap off the bottle and watch the little cloud escape.
You can make a cloud in your kitchen using a clear, empty two litre plastic pop bottle, a match and some water.
First, fill the bottle one third full of hot water. Put the top on and give it a really good shake for one minute. As the water evaporates, water vapour will be produced in the wit inside the bottle.
Unscrew the top of the bottle and hold a lit match just inside the opening for a few seconds. Drop the lit match into the bottle and immediately replace the cap. Watch as the space above the water fills with smoke and soot.
Give the bottle a tight squeeze then quickly release it. Keep squeezing and releasing the bottle until you see a cloud form.
Once you have created your cloud, take the cap off the bottle and watch the little cloud escape.
Sunday, 22 April 2012
Things to do - parachuting
You can make a mini parachute with a 30cm circle cut from a plastic carrier bag, 8 lengths of thread, about 35cm long, and a little plastic toy (a soldier is traditional, but use whatever you have - why shouldn't a plastic sheep have a go at parachuting?)
Tie the threads around the edge of the circle, at evenly spaced intervals, then tie them all to the plastic toy. Pinch the middle of the circle, swing it around then let go. As the toy falls, the parachute will open. The higher you can get, the better it will work.
Why not make a parachute for each member of the family and see whose stays in the air longest?
Tie the threads around the edge of the circle, at evenly spaced intervals, then tie them all to the plastic toy. Pinch the middle of the circle, swing it around then let go. As the toy falls, the parachute will open. The higher you can get, the better it will work.
Why not make a parachute for each member of the family and see whose stays in the air longest?
Sunday, 15 April 2012
The most common problem that nobody has...
"Envy has the power to sabotage our own personal destiny in God because God cannot honour our efforts when they are subliminally driven by impure motives. As long as envy remains hidden in the crevices of our hearts, our fruitfulness in Christ will inescapably be impeded.
but more than that, when we envy one another in the Kingdom of God, we release dynamics that actually bind the progress of the Kingdom in our sphere, or region. envy has the power to obstruct the release of Kingdom blessing...
...Envy killed the body of Jeses Christ when he came to this planet the first time, and it's still killing his body - the church - today."
From 'Envy: The Enemy Within' by Bob Sorge
but more than that, when we envy one another in the Kingdom of God, we release dynamics that actually bind the progress of the Kingdom in our sphere, or region. envy has the power to obstruct the release of Kingdom blessing...
...Envy killed the body of Jeses Christ when he came to this planet the first time, and it's still killing his body - the church - today."
From 'Envy: The Enemy Within' by Bob Sorge
Saturday, 14 April 2012
Tower building.
A team building exercise in all sorts of situations, or a competition, or just for fun.
You could make up a whole backstory of why the tower is being built, such as a signal for help by lost explorers in the rainforest, or you could just build it!
You could set requirements, such as the tower has to be at least as tall as the smallest person in your family,mor has to support the weight of a golf ball, or a small torch, etc.
My favourite materials for tower building are marshmallows and spaghetti, partly because the participants get sticky hands which ups their frustration level ;-)
Newspaper and a limited amount of tape are good - rolled up sheets of newspaper make a surprisingly strong building material.
Art straws, or drinking straws, and a limited amount of tape or blutak work well.
I've always set a time limit for tower building, as well as a limited range of materials, and given it a competitive edge, but it would be quite interesting to see what could be done with no limits at all. I imagine enormous structures could be created!
You could make up a whole backstory of why the tower is being built, such as a signal for help by lost explorers in the rainforest, or you could just build it!
You could set requirements, such as the tower has to be at least as tall as the smallest person in your family,mor has to support the weight of a golf ball, or a small torch, etc.
My favourite materials for tower building are marshmallows and spaghetti, partly because the participants get sticky hands which ups their frustration level ;-)
Newspaper and a limited amount of tape are good - rolled up sheets of newspaper make a surprisingly strong building material.
Art straws, or drinking straws, and a limited amount of tape or blutak work well.
I've always set a time limit for tower building, as well as a limited range of materials, and given it a competitive edge, but it would be quite interesting to see what could be done with no limits at all. I imagine enormous structures could be created!
Cracker game.
Stand, with head tipped back.
Rest a cracker on your forehead.
Manoeuvre the cracker into your mouth, without using your hands.
The winner is the first person (or quite possibly, the only person!) to successfully eat their cracker.
Rest a cracker on your forehead.
Manoeuvre the cracker into your mouth, without using your hands.
The winner is the first person (or quite possibly, the only person!) to successfully eat their cracker.
Friday, 13 April 2012
Play dough, bubbles and slime.
Play dough recipe.
115g plain flour
60g salt
2 tablespoons cream of tartar (from the baking section in the supermarket, near to the baking powder)
2 tablespoons veg oil
275ml water (with food colouring added, if you like)
1 teaspoon vanilla essence (optional, but it really imporoves the smell!)
Put all the ingredients into a large saucepan, and heat over a medium heat, stirring, until the dough forms into a ball. When cool enough, knead it until it is nice and smooth.
When not being used, don't leave it to dry out. Keep in an airtight container, wrap up in cling film or a plastic bag. That way, it will last for ages.
Bubble recipe.
150ml washing up liquid (the cheaper, the better)
1.5litres water
2 tablespoons of glycerine (optional, but it really, really improves the mix)
Mix the ingredients together gently, so they don't get too bubbly. Pour into containers. You can use it right away, but it is more effective if you can leave it overnight, or for a few hours.
Making bubble wands.
> just looping your thumb and fret finger into a circle makes a simple and effective bubble wand, but you will get a bit soapy.
> garden wire, or wire coat hangers can be shaped into wands of various sizes. Watch out for sharp ends.
> pipe cleaners work, but get a bit soggy
> drinking straws make loads of tiny bubbles
> raid your kitchen drawers for any implements with holes in them!
Slime recipe.
2 mugs of water
1/2 mug of corn flour
Food colouring
Boil water in pan. Add corn flour, then colouring, while stirring CONSTANTLY.
Leave to cool.
Makes a messy, gooey slime!
115g plain flour
60g salt
2 tablespoons cream of tartar (from the baking section in the supermarket, near to the baking powder)
2 tablespoons veg oil
275ml water (with food colouring added, if you like)
1 teaspoon vanilla essence (optional, but it really imporoves the smell!)
Put all the ingredients into a large saucepan, and heat over a medium heat, stirring, until the dough forms into a ball. When cool enough, knead it until it is nice and smooth.
When not being used, don't leave it to dry out. Keep in an airtight container, wrap up in cling film or a plastic bag. That way, it will last for ages.
Bubble recipe.
150ml washing up liquid (the cheaper, the better)
1.5litres water
2 tablespoons of glycerine (optional, but it really, really improves the mix)
Mix the ingredients together gently, so they don't get too bubbly. Pour into containers. You can use it right away, but it is more effective if you can leave it overnight, or for a few hours.
Making bubble wands.
> just looping your thumb and fret finger into a circle makes a simple and effective bubble wand, but you will get a bit soapy.
> garden wire, or wire coat hangers can be shaped into wands of various sizes. Watch out for sharp ends.
> pipe cleaners work, but get a bit soggy
> drinking straws make loads of tiny bubbles
> raid your kitchen drawers for any implements with holes in them!
Slime recipe.
2 mugs of water
1/2 mug of corn flour
Food colouring
Boil water in pan. Add corn flour, then colouring, while stirring CONSTANTLY.
Leave to cool.
Makes a messy, gooey slime!
Scriptures to pray over your children
Proverbs 18:21 says that the tongue has the power of life and death. As parents, we have the power to speak over our children. When we choose to speak God's word over them, we are speaking life. Even if you are not a parent, you can still bless the children of our church by praying these scriptures over them.
What follows are scriptural confessions that you can speak over you children, and as Isaiah says, these words will not return empty, but will accomplish and achieve the purpose for which they are sent.
Psalm 112:2 My children are blessed and mighty in the land.
Psalm 138:8 My children will fulfill God's will and purpose for their lives.
1Timothy 4:12 My children are examples to others in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
Psalm 25:21 May integrity and honesty be their virtue and protection.
Luke 6:36 May my children always be merciful, as the Father is merciful.
Galatians 6:5 May my children learn responsibility, for each one should carry his own load.
Hebrews 12:1 Teach my children perseverance in all that they do.
1Thessalonian 1:6 May my children be filled with the joy given by the Holy Spirit
What follows are scriptural confessions that you can speak over you children, and as Isaiah says, these words will not return empty, but will accomplish and achieve the purpose for which they are sent.
Psalm 112:2 My children are blessed and mighty in the land.
Psalm 138:8 My children will fulfill God's will and purpose for their lives.
1Timothy 4:12 My children are examples to others in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
Psalm 25:21 May integrity and honesty be their virtue and protection.
Luke 6:36 May my children always be merciful, as the Father is merciful.
Galatians 6:5 May my children learn responsibility, for each one should carry his own load.
Hebrews 12:1 Teach my children perseverance in all that they do.
1Thessalonian 1:6 May my children be filled with the joy given by the Holy Spirit
Wednesday, 11 April 2012
Things to do - Sardines
This game is hide and seek in reverse.
One person hides, while everyone else counts to fifty. Then, the seekers split up and start hunting. If a seeker finds the person that is hiding, they squash in next to them in the hiding place. The loser is the last person to find the hiding place where all the other players are squashed together like sardines.
Tuesday, 10 April 2012
Things to do - Get Tuned In
What do you need?
A radio
Timer or stopwatch
Paper and pens
How to play;
Each player takes turns to tune the radio to a random channel and leaves it there for 10 seconds. The player with the highest score wins. Dead simple!
Here's some ideas for point scoring.
MUSIC=1 point (bonus extra 3 points if you can name the song)
NEWS=2 points
FOREIGN LANGUAGE= 3 points (bonus extra 3 points if you can name the language)
ADVERT= 3 points ( bonus extra 5 points if you've ever bought the product)
WEATHER=5 points
SPORT= 5 points
PHONE IN= 5 points
TRAFFIC REPORT= 4 points
If there is an overlap of subjects during the ten seconds, it is the first subject that counts.
There are variations, such as Radio Bingo. Each player has a list of categories to cross off, winner is the first to cross them all off, and shout "I'm tuned in!"
I played this in a tent, in the rain, with half a dozen twelve year olds, and it kept them, and me, entertained for nearly an hour! Then, about twenty more kids joined us and we sang along, very badly, to songs on the radio for the rest of the evening. It became the most memorable and fun night of the trip for most of those kids.
Monday, 9 April 2012
More scripture to pray over your family.
1 Thess.5v11 Encourage one another and help one another, just as you are now doing.
Acts 20v32 And now I command you to the care of God, and to the message of his grace, which is to build you up and give you the blessings God has for all his people.
Pray that your family is a place of encouragement. A place where people need not fear failure or ridicule, but instead can be built up and can grow and stretch and meet their destiny in Christ.
Acts 20v32 And now I command you to the care of God, and to the message of his grace, which is to build you up and give you the blessings God has for all his people.
Pray that your family is a place of encouragement. A place where people need not fear failure or ridicule, but instead can be built up and can grow and stretch and meet their destiny in Christ.
Sunday, 8 April 2012
Using scripture to pray for your family.
As a wife and mother, I am particularly aware of being called to pray for my husband and for my daughter. I believe passionately in the power and the value of prayer. I have found it useful to use scripture as a starting point for prayer. Indeed, declaring scripture as a prayer is a powerful act in itself. I am going to share some of the ways in which I use scripture to help me pray.
1 Peter 4v8 Above everything, love one another earnestly, because love covers many sins.
There is no function of a family more important than to love one another, so to neglect to pray about this seems like madness! All sorts of irritations and arguments can flare up within a family, so strengthening the bonds of love can be vital to help us to overcome difficulties.
1 Peter 4v9 Open your homes to each other without complaining.
Your family and your home can be the first, or even the only glimpse of Jesus some people may get. No one expects you or your family to be perfect, but being hospitable, and welcoming others to see you dealing in a loving and Christlike way with all the ups and downs of family life can be a really valuable witness to both Christians and non-Christians alike. Pray for opportunities to show hospitality to others, as a family.
1 Peter 4v8 Above everything, love one another earnestly, because love covers many sins.
There is no function of a family more important than to love one another, so to neglect to pray about this seems like madness! All sorts of irritations and arguments can flare up within a family, so strengthening the bonds of love can be vital to help us to overcome difficulties.
1 Peter 4v9 Open your homes to each other without complaining.
Your family and your home can be the first, or even the only glimpse of Jesus some people may get. No one expects you or your family to be perfect, but being hospitable, and welcoming others to see you dealing in a loving and Christlike way with all the ups and downs of family life can be a really valuable witness to both Christians and non-Christians alike. Pray for opportunities to show hospitality to others, as a family.
Welcome!
New Life Church, Hull has a number of Activity Connect groups, which provide varied opportunities for members of the church, as well as friends and family, to spend time together engaged in a fun activity. Family Connect is one of those groups. The aim of Family Connect is to offer opportunities for ALL members of the family to spend time together, enjoy one another's company, and learn from each other. Parties, shared meals, sleepovers, trips to parks and museums are just some of the activities which have taken place. This blog is intended to complement those 'real life' activities.
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