Reverse Advent: Gathering items for "blessing bags"
When you pull up to a stop light and there is a person or family with a sign that says "HUNGRY - NEED HELP" what do you? If the kids aren't in the car it's a little easier to look away. And often there's no cash in the wallet anyway because many of us rarely carry cash these days. "Blessing bags" are ziplocs filled with a few items that could be helpful to folks in need. It might contain a cereal or protein bar, hand warmers, chapstick, cough drops - things that we take for granted but might be really helpful to others. This Advent our families are keeping boxes at home and rather than focusing on getting something each day in Advent, we are remembering others by putting something in the box. If you don't have time for a box at home, you can bring a few items to drop in our collection box at church. The Sunday School children will assemble bags in January and each family can take a few to have on hand. NOTE THAT WE ARE NOT FILLING BAGS UNTIL JANUARY - YOU CAN STILL BRING ITEMS UNTIL THEN! Here is an example of what one parish did to focus their family on giving rather than getting during Advent.
Looking for ideas for gift ideas that will support your family's spiritual growth? Check out some suggestion here.
Having regular faith practices, that they do together at home, is one of the most important gifts that parents can give their children. Mealtime prayers, bedtime prayers, special Advent and Lenten programs, reading books together and talking about where you see God in the story - any or all of these "count."
Some resources follow. If you have a home practice you'd like to share with other families, or a favorite website/app, please share here.
Our friends at Virginia Theological Seminary have put together in one space some great ideas for praying at home, in the car, and making space for faith in our busy lives. Check out Home Practices at buildfaith.org
Storypath is a place where parents can connect Bible stories and themes to children's literature. You can search for books by theme, Bible verse, lectionary cycle or just topic.
These articles from various sources around the internet are good resources, too.
Bedtime prayers. It's a win to just to get the kiddos into bed and a simple "Now I lay me.... " in, but here are some great ideas for family practice. You might even get some insight into their day!
Lectio Divina with Children. "This beautiful practice can be a powerful experience of praying with Scripture as a family. As the children begin to read, they can take turns reading the Scripture story.”
Stewardship. How do we teach our kids about stewardship, when most of our giving is online and we put in little, if anything, when the plate is passed?