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NEW TESTAMENT CHALLENGE — IDEAS FOR FAMILIES

Where should we begin?

• Just Begin! Move forward from today . . . don’t go backward until a reflection / buffer day.
• Read the passages while you are eating supper together
• Set a time when you can all read the suggested passages together
• Don’t just save them for bedtime, be creative and mix it up

How do I read all of this with my kids?

• Older children can take turns with adults or with each other reading the passages; or allow everyone a time to read the passage(s), but come together with one question for everyone else to respond to
• Older children can read particularly dramatic parts while younger ones act out the scene
• Younger children may enjoy hearing key stories from the selection from a children’s Bible
• Find a Bible on CD set and listen to it while riding in the car
• Don’t underestimate what they can handle! If you have exhausted the children’s Bibles, then read selections from your own Bible — How energizing for your child to hear that they are “ready” for the grown-up’s version!!

What can we do with this week’s selections so the kids understand it?

• TALKERS? Have older kids “play teacher” and ask questions about what was read to the rest of the family. Challenge them to come up with questions about details, connections, or comparisons. Play “stump the parents” to test how well you are listening!
• RELATIONAL? Pull out props to act out some of the healings Jesus performs (John 9 will be a favorite with mud made with spit!).  Talk about how the people would have felt having someone pay attention to their needs.  How would they fell to have Jesus heal the biggest problem they have?  What big problems do your children feel right now?  Pray for them to let Jesus take care of it.  Who else might your family be able to pray for?
• ACTIVE? Come up with a family project!  Jesus spent a lot of time meeting real needs of those he met.  Is there an elderly person that could use some yard work done?  Is there trash that could be picked up from the neighborhood?  Does someone need help washing their car?   Invite another family to participate with you!  Share how there are many things from Jesus’ life that you have read about.  Explain that you are creating memories of how your family tried to act on it!
• CREATIVE? Jesus reached out to those that were forgotten around him.  They were often alone or just overlooked.  Consider making cards for those around you who might be forgotten or overlooked.  Maybe there is someone who is alone in your neighborhood?  Is there a nursing home that you could drop cards off to?  Or perhaps colorful pictures to a hospital?  Just let others know that they are cared for and thought of!