Together/Apart
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When things seem to change to quickly day to day, as we respond to COVID-19, we're having to 're-learn' how we gather, support and care for one another. In many ways it feels like someone just threw out the "church rule book"... And while there may be underlying uncertainty in what this looks like, we truly do believe that when Jesus is at the centre of the local church, we can shine with the light of the world. And the world needs an extra bit of light at the moment!
We've seen some amazing glimmers of hope over the last few days, as churches across NZ come together to re-think, re-learn and dream up creative ideas to shine even brighter than before. Our Strandz team are working hard behind the scenes to make sure we can support our churches well, as we work out how to do this season together. We will add to this page when we can. We know some amazing, creative, courageous and adaptive leaders who can help - and maybe when someone throws out the "church rule book", we all get to play a slightly different game. Kia kaha everyone x |
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COVID-19 and changing levels
It can be unsettling as we adapt to the changing Covid levels, and news of new community transfer. Here is a Level 2 poster we put together to welcome kids to church
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Fuel up your own tank
You may find yourself giving out to others more than usual, and balancing the anxieties and concerns of your friends and family. Having a daily rhythm of prayer and Bible reading will help fill your own tank, as we ask the Spirit to fill us afresh each day.
Lectio 365Written by leaders from the 24-7 Prayer movement, and produced in partnership with CWR, Lectio 365 helps you engage with Scripture to inspire prayer and shape your life.
Lectio 365 is inspired by Lectio Divina, a way of meditating on the Bible that’s been used by Christians for centuries. Each day, Pause to be still. Rejoice with a Psalm and Reflect on Scripture. Ask for God’s help, and Yield to His will in your life. |
ANZPB onlineThere is an online version of A New Zealand Prayer Book He Karakia Mihinare o Aotearoa which you can use from home. If you are meeting with others over Zoom, you can share your screen and use the website as a template for worship.
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Sunday worship as a whānau
With the restrictions on public gatherings and the need to self-isolate, we need to find new and creative ways of being church together, apart.
Connectible
Connectible is our primary platform for collecting and sharing lectionary based all age material for Sunday worship. Head over there to find prayer ideas, videos, crafts, games, jokes. If you are creating anything for your house churches or small groups, please share them with us - and others! We're all in this waka together, so let's share the good you guys have! You can email us at hello@strandz.org.nz |
The Anglican Diocese of Wellington have been live-streaming their services on movementonline.org.nz, Shine TV, Facebook and YouTube
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Family Devotions from Scripture Union International
This series, written by Annette Osborne in Auckland, is specifically for families confined to their homes during the Covid-19 pandemic. Articles and Reading
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House churches
Bubble Church: A special message for kids
We put together a quick message for our children across New Zealand, to encourage them to look for what God was doing in our bubble churches. We think adults might like it too!
We put together a quick message for our children across New Zealand, to encourage them to look for what God was doing in our bubble churches. We think adults might like it too!
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Why House Church? Bishop Eleanor talks through the opportunities this season gives us for discipleship
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How to church: Lockdown edition ft toddlers (thanks Nelson Diocese). Also see their family worship ideas
A discussion between Archbishop Philip Richardson and Bishop Justin Duckworth about Passionist Family groups.
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PrayersWe are not people of fear:
we are people of courage. We are not people who protect our own safety: we are people who protect our neighbours’ safety. We are not people of greed: we are people of generosity. We are your people God, giving and loving, wherever we are, whatever it costs For as long as it takes wherever you call us. Amen (Prayer from Church of England) 
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Family blessings for the weekSunday
Risen Son, bless us with life! Creator God, bless us with rest! Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on us. Monday As the new day dawns and our week begins, bless our feet in paths of peace and our hearts with hope and courage. Tuesday Gentle Jesus, go before us in goodness Graceful Jesus, go behind us in mercy God of power, teach us to walk beside you And to rest in your arms of love. Wednesday Jesus, our friend, hold our hands, hold our hearts, hold our nerves steady as we believe and trust in you. Thursday Creator God, bless us with joy. Bless us with purpose, bless us with love and may we be a blessing to your creation this day. Friday We bless this day with the freedom of God and say “Be still” to the storms of the sea, we bless this day with the beauty of love that was poured out for you and for me. Saturday We rejoice in the gift of each other We rejoice in the gift of you We bless each other with joy today We bless each other in you |
Story timeSue Fallow, from the Nelson Diocese, put together some fabulous 'Storytime with Sue' videos.
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Fun activities
- Free Audiobooks for kids during the coronavirus outbreak (Audible)
- The Great Indoors - activities to keep boredom at bay, when we are in lockdown. (Scouts)
- Science at home - STEM activities and experiments for kids at home (Nanogirl)
- Go home, stay home: 10 more ideas for surviving self-isolation (Parenting Place)
- Family Fit – families, fitness, fun, faith (Family Fit)
- Together at Home – weekly resources
- Fun, biblical boredom busters (Ministry to Children)
Digital World
In many ways, we've found ourselves navigating the digital world in a whole new way. With the speed at which we have had to shift to online platforms for connection and worship, it can present us with some problems and hurdles. Here are some tips from Parenting Place and our Anglican Diocese of NZ recommended guidelines for video conferencing young people.
- Video conferencing guidelines with young people (Anglican Dioceses of NZ)
- Connecting with friends and whānau using technology (Parenting Place interview with youth leaders from Attitude)
- Engaging “zoomed out” youth - webinar (PRC)
- 10 tips for leading a small group on Zoom (Upper Room)
- Some tips for Playgroup via Zoom (Christian Playgroup Network)
Parenting and caregivers
Some of the resources and links below have been provided by Oranga Tamariki, and shared here for your information
Talking to children about COVID-19 again...
With the changing Covid levels, children may be worried about what this may mean for seeing their friends, school, activities and church. We will know more over the coming days, but here are some helpful resources that can help you have these conversations with kids.
- Sparklers was developed in response to requests from the education sector for tools to help them support and promote the wellbeing of young Cantabrians after the earthquakes, and they have put together a great website. When Covid struck in March, Sparklers at Home was launched for parents and children. Check out their covid activities and ideas
- Tools for reducing anxiety and helping children with wellbeing - Radio NZ Interview
- How to talk to your kids about Covid-19 again
- Keep children safe and reassured
Explaining COVID-19 to children
- Child-friendly video explaining COVID-19 by well-known New Zealand scientist Nanogirl (Dr Michelle Dickinson).
- Advice on talking to children about COVID-19 from the Ministry of Education.
- Article and video on how to talk about COVID-19 with children from the Child Mind Institute in the United States.
- COVID-19 Level 4 visual story (PDF) from the Open Home Foundation.
- When the world stayed home (PDF) visual story of COVID-19 for younger children.
- COVID-19 parenting resource for younger children (PDF) from Plunket.
General parenting/caregiving resources
- SKIP - evidence-based information and resources to keep kids safe and nurtured in tricky times.
- The Parenting Place - providing daily support for whānau through COVID-19.
- Grandparents Raising Grandchildren - support for grandparents and whānau caregivers through COVID-19.
- Pepi Penapena – Cherish Babies - a campaign to share the beautiful parenting practices of our tūpuna.
- Caring Families Aotearoa - support, advocacy and training for caregivers.
- COVID-19 parenting tips (PDF) from the World Health Organisation.
- Resource for caregivers (PDF) to help them understand stress responses in children and young people and how to respond.
- Supporting people with Autism through uncertain times (PDF) from the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute (FPG).
- Helping our highly sensitive children through the lockdown? (Parenting Place Facebook Live interview)
- Support for Families - from The Waitemata Whanau Collective
- Child Wellbeing in a pandemic webinar (Faithful Generation)
Great tips for families to get through Level 3
Parenting for Faith journal resource to help you and your children capture a little flavour of what God was doing in your lives and home during this Covid-19 season.
- The power of atmosphere (Parenting Place)
- Seven ways to help an anxious child (Parenting Place)
- Feeling safe and stuck at home (Parent Cue)
- Creating routines for households (All Belong)
- Ten ideas for surviving self-isolation (Parenting Place)
- Link to the document from the Waitemata Whanau Collective sent last week which is now online
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