A Sent People
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Lent is a great 6 week opportunity for us to intentionally walk through this season with our intergenerational whānau. Each week focuses on the theme of being a sent people, as we are challenged to join God in His transforming mission in the world.
Each week has a starter question, a story to read or watch (get creative!), and a family friendly film to watch. You can pick and choose which bits you want to include or adapt to suit your context. There are three key action points to help us explore how we can be family on mission. So in each part of the story, we will:
These studies were prepared to go alongside the Lent Studies for the Anglican Diocese of Wellington, providing them with some all age resources suitable for an intergenerational group study. |
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Family Film Night
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There are suggestions for a family movie each week, and all the films are suitable for both children and adults alike. Put on the popcorn, get out the blankets and make a blanket fort, turn off your devices (everyone!), and settle in for a family film night. All films are available to stream online (iTunes links are below) or should be in your local DVD store.
Week 1 – Secret Life of Pets (2016) Week 2 – Finding Dory (2016) Week 3 – Moana (2016) Week 4 – Sing (2016) Week 5 – Trolls (2016) Week 6 – Inside Out (2015) Use your discretion when showing them to younger children – you might like to watch them in advance if your kids are sensitive viewers, and watch the film with them, guiding them through the plot. |
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Memory Verse
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Our memory verse for Lent is “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you” John 20:21. This reminds us that Jesus was sent to us, and we are sent into the world. We are a sent people. Put this verse from scripture up where everyone in the family can see it - write it on the window or mirror with window markers, turn it into a poster, put it on the fridge, or stick it up by your children’s beds to look at as they go to sleep.
For more resources to help you prepare your family and church for Lent and Easter, see the resources page on our website pages |
“Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you"
John 20:21 |
Week 1
TalkWhen was the last time you had to wait for something?
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ExploreJohn the Baptist, and Jesus is baptised - Mark 1:1-15
No one knew when the Saviour of the world would come, or what he’d look like. But God knew. And his friend John knew what to look out for. When Jesus arrived at the Jordan river and met John, He had been waiting for His adventure to begin for over 30 years. It was time for Him to show the world what God’s kingdom was like. You can read today’s story about John the Baptist and Jesus in Mark 1:1-15. You can also find it in The Jesus Storybook Bible - Heaven breaks through, p. 200, and Diary of a Disciple: Luke's Story, Chapter 3 – Doves and Dunkers. |
Think
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WatchThe Secret Life of Pets (2016, PG)
What do our pets do when we go out of the day? Do they sit there, waiting for us to return? Max, the terrier, is missing on the streets of Manhattan, and the other pets have to leave their home comforts to save him. Themes to talk about: family, courage, responsibility, care for animals. |
Week 2
TalkWhen was the last time you have had to do something new? How did you feel? (e.g. new school, new skill)
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ExploreJesus calls his disciples - Matthew 4:18-25
“God’s story isn’t just a story about our friendship with God. It’s also about joining God on an adventure.” – Jason Byerly in God’s Big Adventure. The disciples have just set off on a new adventure with Jesus, and new experiences can be daunting – but they can also be wonderful. Little did they know that this new start would be the beginning of something amazing. You can read today’s story about Jesus calling the first disciples and healing the sick in Matthew 4:18-25. You can also find it in The Jesus Storybook Bible - ‘Let’s Go’ p. 208, and Diary of a Disciple: Luke's Story Chapter 5 – Floppy Fishermen and a man on a blanket |
Think
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WatchFinding Dory (2016, G)
For Dory, everyone’s favourite forgetful fish, the world is new every few minutes. Dory may be different, but this film shows us that being different is ok. With a little help from her friends, Dory sets off on adventure to find her family – and they soon discover the magic within their flaws, friendships and family. Themes: friendship, being different, courage, family |
Week 3
TalkCan you think of a time when you have had to be brave?
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ExploreJesus sends out the 12 disciples - Matthew 10:1-15
I wonder how the disciples would have felt, when Jesus told them they were going out on their own mission? How would you have felt? Jesus didn’t just send them out alone, they would go out together and, even better, the Bible says he sent them out with two important things. He gave them his power to heal and get rid of bad spirits, and he gave them some instructions about what to say, where to go and what to do. Their courage came from Jesus’ words. They were brave because Jesus sent them with his power, and we can be brave because God gives us his Holy Spirit. You can read today’s story about Jesus sending out his disciples in Matthew 10:1-15, and the Diary of a Disciple: Luke's Story, Chapter 6 – Baths, Blessings and Builders. |
Think
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WatchMoana (2016, PG)
Moana is an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people. During her journey, Moana meets the once-mighty demigod Māui, who guides her in her quest to become a master wayfinder. Together, they sail across the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds, and along the way, Moana fulfills the ancient quest of her ancestors and discovers the one thing she’s always sought: her own identity. Moana knew that her role in life was bigger than staying on her island, as she knew she had a bigger mission to fulfil – a mission that required a great sacrifice to save others. What would have happened if Moana had ignored what her heart was telling her to do, and just stayed on the island? Themes: courage, self-sacrifice, care for creation. |
Week 4
TalkWould you rather be famous - or successful? Why?
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ExploreJesus predicts his death and a mum asks Jesus a big question - Matthew 20:17-28
In today’s true story from the Bible, we hear how Jesus told his disciples about the suffering he was going to endure. And soon after that, the mother of Zebedee’s sons asks for a special place for her boys. This story reminds us that people wanting status and recognition is nothing new! And while some want a life of fame and fortune, Jesus lived the complete opposite. Jesus didn’t come to earth to be famous, he came to be a servant. You can read today's bible story in Matthew 20:17-28 |
Think
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WatchSing (G, 2016)
In a last-ditch attempt to save his failing theatre, koala Buster Moon puts on a singing contest. Animals from all over the city enter, in search for fame and fortune. Themes: Gifts, talents, perseverance, courage, fame, family responsibilities. |
Week 5
TalkIf you were on a desert island, who would you take with you - and why?
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ExploreThe Great Commission - Matthew 28:16-20
In these final words to the disciples, Jesus tells them what they are to do when he goes. Don’t sit still, don’t hide, don’t wait – go and share the good news of Jesus with everyone! These words have been known as the ‘Great Commission.’ But what does Commission mean? You can break the word commission into two: co and mission. ‘Co’ means ‘with/alongside/together’. So our mission isn’t a solo one – we do it with God. It begins with what God is doing in the world, and we get to join in with all God is doing. Together. You can read today's bible story in Matthew 28:16-20 or The Jesus Storybook Bible, Going home, p. 318, and The Diary of a Disciple: Luke’s Story, Chapter 24 – Not the end! |
Think
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WatchTrolls (2016, PG)
After the giant Bergens invade Troll Village, Poppy, the happiest Troll ever born, and overly-cautious Branch set off on an adventure to rescue their friends. Together the unlikely pair learn about trust, empathy, working together, and the true meaning of “No troll left behind.” Themes: friendship, belonging, family, courage. |
Week 6
TalkCan you think of a time when you misunderstood something? Maybe it was what someone was saying, or a situation. What happened?
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ExplorePeter’s misunderstanding - Matthew 16:21-28
In today’s story, Peter misunderstood what was happening with Jesus, and why he had to die. Sometimes we can misunderstand situations or people too, if we can’t see the whole picture. This can lead to people being confused, hurt, or offended. And sometimes our friends outside the church might not understand why we believe in God, and we can feel misunderstood. They might even be unkind and call you names. However, we can choose how we respond to those times - with love and grace. You can read today's bible story in Matthew 16:21-28 Please note this is the correct bible verse! (wrong one printed in the booklet) |
Think
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WatchInside Out (2016, PG)
Growing up can be a bumpy road, and it's no exception for Riley, who is uprooted from her Midwest life when her father starts a new job in San Francisco. Like all of us, Riley is guided by her emotions – Joy Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness. As she struggles to adjust to a new life in San Francisco, Riley discovers that life can be confusing, with many misunderstandings along the way. Themes: control, emotions, mental health, friendship, empathy, rescue. |
