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Be the Light of… Leadership
Vision, Creativity, Innovation, Direction
This week is Sabbath week. It is a time for slowing down from our usual hectic pace. We are encouraged to enjoy being present with our families and continue to strengthen our love for each other. You may be able to take up one of the following ideas this week. We would love to hear from you if you have success, maybe you can share a photo through the front office.
Movie Night
Have a weekly family movie night at home. You can rent a movie or choose one from your home collection. Ask each person what movie they would like to see and give each person a chance to choose one of their favourites. To complement your movie night, serve popcorn to make it feel as if you are at the movies.
Volunteer
Volunteering together not only strengthens the family bond, but also demonstrates the importance of giving back to the community. Some ideas include making care meals, visiting elderly neighbours or donating good second hand clothing to Vinnies.
Bake Cookies
Baking cookies is a fun kitchen project that can bring everyone in the family together. Making the cookies can be as fun as eating them.
Sit Down To Dinner
Sitting down to a dinner is a great way to connect with each other and share the details of your day. You can cook together to increase the bonding time or make it as simple as ordering a pizza and enjoying it together.
Go on a Picnic
Take the family on a traditional picnic with all the trimmings. Let everyone pack one of their favourite foods.
Play Games
Games can bring tons of laughter and fun to your family bonding time. Game night can bring out the inner child in everyone. Some games to consider playing are cards, Trouble, Monopoly, Pictionary and Trivial Pursuit. Create a family game collection and take turns picking out a game to play.
Games that are played on the Wii or Play Station are other options to consider. Also consider going outdoors and playing a game such as netball, footy, basketball or cricket. Exercise can be a part of family fun and offers everyone benefits.
Take a Walk
Getting outside and enjoying the fresh air can be a great stress reliever as well as a fun way to get everyone together to talk and enjoy the scenery. You can take a walk around your neighbourhood or go to a local park or hiking trail.
Backyard Camping
Family camping for one night can take place right in your own backyard. For this family night activity you'll need a tent or sleeping bags, as well as items like insect repellent and a torch. Keep it simple and plan to cook hotdogs and marshmallows over a BBQ on a long skewer. Once inside the tent for the night, become a storyteller or sing songs together.
Watch a Sunset
Planning a walk at sunset is a fun way to spend time together. If possible, choose an elevated location from which you can see the sun's descent.
Family Night Out
Have a family night out and go to a movie, concert, or play. Get each person to come up with a list of fun night out activities and compile a list. Choose a different activity each week or month.
Read Together
Pick a book that everyone is interested in. Have each person take turns reading aloud, then discuss the book as you are reading and when it is finished.
Make Craft
Arts and crafts can be fun for kids and adults. There are many craft projects that are simple, yet can still be a great way to bring everyone together.
Journaling
Start a family journal. Designate one night a week to make a new entry and take turns on who gets to write the information, letting them add their personal observations to the events of the past week and comment on people and places. If a relative from the past has left behind a diary or journal, pass it around, read it aloud and discuss the events and people that shaped the writer's life.
A Prayer for Families to pray together
God be with our family,
From the youngest to the oldest,
Lighting up our relationships,
Sowing grace into our troubles.
God be with our family,
Weaving love into our work,
Our rest and our play.
Amen.