We’re all in new territory – churches are closed, schools are closing, the supermarket aisles are empty and we’re all trying to work out what to do. What does homeworking, homeschooling, home church with the whole family even look like? Will we all sit in neat rows on laptops? What if our kids struggle to sit quietly through a sermon streamed from the Pastor’s study? Is there more we can do? How can our whole family join with countless millions in celebrating our risen, reigning Lord ruling over our hurting world for another week?
How about if I described to you family home church that looked like JOY? Your family dancing round the living room to your three favourite songs about Jesus. Home adventures as you paint rocks that praise Jesus and create the world’s first donkey cake. Laughter as a family donkey derby begins as parents compete with a child on their back. Real questions, as your children discover that you don’t have all the answers and you are as surprised as they are by God’s word. Honest prayer, as we thank Jesus that he is King and ask for his help to love one another and trust him through difficult times.
Suddenly home church as a family looks like an opportunity to be grasped, a light in the darkness of everything fun getting cancelled. This Sunday, your family’s home church begins. Let us help you start well. Make use of our Wonder of Easter Sunday School resource as a family and run your own home church. Yes, we wrote it for a Sunday School setting, so not everything will work in your household – but there’s lots of great ideas to choose from. Download the material, print it out if you want, treat it like a menu, highlight what you like and what will suit your kids and get everyone involved in putting it together.
Get the kids to help with preparation. They could plan and act out a Bible drama. Get the older ones to prepare some visuals or a power point. Debate your song choices. Grab your craft material. Collect your props. Connect with another family who feel intimidated. Skype a Granny. Pick a time and go for it.
Of course, it won’t be as ‘neat’ as church. (We will return to our church family so grateful to be back!) Of course, it will feature frustration and anger. Of course, it won’t go as you hoped. But God’s word will be opened, mouths will praise him and your children will see that church is worth the effort. Priceless.
This Sunday an exciting and challenging journey begins for your family. A journey through difficult times, when more than ever we need to cling to the good news of our risen and ascended Saviour who is seated on the throne in heaven. He is who we go to. He is who we take our family to.
“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.” (John 6:68-69)
Bring your family to Jesus this Sunday. Journey with him to the cross, the grave and the throne. Remember that he is good and we have an eternal hope. This is the Wonder of Easter.
As a Faith in Kids team we will be providing support for families adapting this material to use at home. We will also be providing more material for families to use during the week to encourage family Bible times. We will be praying for God’s help, strength and protection. Join with us. To him be the glory forever. Amen
