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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CURRENT LEVEL: Level 4: Stay at home
At Level 4, we stay home in our bubbles and keep ourselves and each other safe by limiting our contact with others. We connect up with our friends and church congregations through online gatherings, phone calls and messages.
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Sunday worship as a whānau
With the restrictions on public gatherings, we need to find new and creative ways of being church together, apart.
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Bible Explore
Bible Explore is our primary platform for collecting and sharing lectionary based all age material for Sunday worship. We are hoping to keep these pages updated with 'bubble friendly' activities. The Anglican Diocese of Wellington will livestream services in Level 4 on movementonline.org.nz and YouTube
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Family Faith & Covid
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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.
Nelson Diocese family worship ideas |
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Talking to kids bout Covid-19
- Article and video on how to talk about COVID-19 with children from the Child Mind Institute in the United States.
- 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
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Prayers
We 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) |
Story timeStorytime, from the Nelson Diocese
Fun activities
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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)
- 10 tips for leading a small group on Zoom (Upper Room)
- Some tips for Playgroup via Zoom (Christian Playgroup Network)
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.
- Feeling safe and stuck at home (Parent Cue)
- Creating routines for households (All Belong)
- Link to the document from the Waitemata Whanau Collective sent last week which is now online
LEVEL 2
In Level 2, some churches open back up for corporate worship. There may be social distancing and communion in one kind (bread online). As the levels change, it can be confusing to remember which 'rules' are in place. So here is a poster we designed to welcome kids to church in Level 2
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Parenting and caregivers
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General Parenting/caregiving resources
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Articles and Reading
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