Grandparents Can Share the Faith

Children’s Ministry Edition

June 2012 Lynnhaven United Methodist

In today’s mobile, diverse society, several factors are affecting children’s relationships with their grandparents. “Long-distance grandparenting” is common because fewer people live near extended family members. At the same time, however, there’s an uptick in the number of children being raised by their grandparents. And thanks to the increase in blended families, some kids have more than two sets of grandparents.

POWERSOURCE Regardless of how often your children see their grandparents, the older generation has many valuable stories, lessons, and values to share. Most ASK GOD: importantly, grandparents can become involved in their grandchildren’s spiritual journey. The best way to start is by just being involved in children’s lives. Talk to 1. To be with all your them about things that matter. Spend time with them, either in person, on the extended family phone, or via e-mail or Skype. Do activities that kids enjoy and get to know their interests, their friends, and their dreams. Most importantly, love them, hug them, members, whether and pray for them. Share faith through your interactions, and let grandkids know nearby or far away. they’re a blessing from God.

2. To bless grandparents as they share their faith INSIGHTS with your children. • 31% of adults are grandparents. Of that number, 8% provide day care on a regular basis, and 3% are rearing a grandchild. (AARP) 3. To help you nurture the heritage your children • 6.2 million U.S. households are multigenerational. (grandparents.com) receive from older • 72% of grandparents think that role is the single most important and relatives. satisfying thing in their life. 63% say they can do a better job caring for grandchildren than they did their own children. (grandparents.com) “Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power.” (Psalm 145:4)

“Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged.” (Proverbs 17:6)

TEACHABLE Talk to children about the importance of passing on a MOMENTS legacy of faith: 1. What do you enjoy most about being with your grandparents? What do 1. Walk and Talk—Stroll around you wish you could do more of with them, and why? the neighborhood with your 2. What are some lessons you’ve learned from your grandparents? What grandchildren and share have they taught you about God? reflections of your childhood, church, and God. Read aloud 3. What do you think it will be like to be a grandparent someday? What Deuteronomy 6:6-7 and talk will you want your own grandkids to know about you? about why God wants families to spend time together.

2. Pass It On—Food is a great FAMILY EXPERIENCE gift from God to be shared in all Use these activities to reinforce the important role of sorts of ways. Share your grandparents: heritage by teaching grandkids how to prepare a special family • Lifted Higher—Have a grandparent lie down on a blanket. Then have a recipe. Begin a new family child grab a corner and try to pick up him or her. Add a new child to each tradition on holidays. You can corner for each new try. Then switch roles and have an adult try to lift a even share what you create with grandchild on the blanket. If needed, have another adult grab a corner. other people who might Read aloud Deuteronomy 6:4-9. Ask: “How did you feel during this appreciate a homemade treat. experience? Who was easier to pick up—a child or an adult?” Say: “It’s easier for an adult to carry or lift a child. God has given adults the special privilege of ‘carrying’ children closer to him and his Word.” Close in prayer, thanking God for the ways grandparents support us and our faith.

• Spotlight Interview—One of the best ways to learn about people is to interview them. Within our own personal histories, we can see God’s hands at work. Grandparents and grandchildren 3. Stay Connected—The book can connect in meaningful ways by Grand Days (Group) is filled with conducting fun interviews of each other. dozens of ideas for sharing faith First, set ground rules, such as no moments between grandparents interruptions and no commentary. Next, and grandkids. The projects, determine the recording format, whether games, and outings will work low- or high-tech. Finally, brainstorm whether grandparents are questions. Examples include: What’s nearby or far away. They’re also your first memory? What’s your most valuable possession, and why? ideal for older adults who serve What’s your favorite book? What’s been the happiest moment of your life as “stand in” grandparents in a so far? What did you do for someone else today/this week/this month? church or neighborhood. What did/do you like the most about school? What’s the most memorable birthday or Christmas celebration you’ve had, and why? Then ask away! MEDIA MADNESS

MOVIES MUSIC Title: Brave Artist: One Direction CULTURE & Genre: Animated adventure Album: Up All Night TRENDS Rating: Not yet rated Artist Info: This U.K.-based boy band, also known as 1D, got their • More dads-to-be are being Cast: Kelly Macdonald, Emma start on Simon Cowell’s X Factor. toasted at “Dadchelor” parties, for Thompson, Craig Ferguson The five members, ages 18 to 20, one last male-bonding hurrah Synopsis: In this first girl- now have throngs of fans, from before diaper duty begins. (ABC centered Pixar film, Princess preteens to moms. News) Merida wants to blaze her own Summary: “What Makes You • Bike helmets are becoming so trail. When she’s granted an ill- Beautiful,” the up-tempo pop single trendy that kids won’t argue about fated wish, she must learn all about inner beauty, was a chart- wearing them. New “lids” look like about true bravery. topper. brains, disco balls, unicorns, and Our Take: This movie can spark more. Accessories such as Our Take: Although many songs family discussions about mohawk strips also make head focus on relationships, One individuality, dreams, and goals. protection look extra cool. Direction’s lyrics are clean overall.

GAMES, SITES & APPS QUICK STATS • 73% of kids ages 6 Title Content Rating & Platform to 11 say learning to share, be kind, and help others is just as Double Fine These 18 interactive scenes will bring E; Xbox 360/Kinect Happy Action parties and family night to life. Players important for life Theater can swat balls, feed birds, create art, success as learning to and have tons of virtual fun. read, write, and do math. (prnewswire.com) Minecraft This wildly popular game is split into Rating pending; PC, day and night cycles. Players focus on Android, iOS, Xbox 360 • 85% of kids say they’ve listened survival while building elaborate to music with parents in the last structures. week. (Youthbeat, C+R Research) Families Near This site, created by Sesame Street for FamiliesNearandFar.org; and Far military families, allows parents and Best for children who • One in 10 new fathers children to share pictures and play can use computers (with experiences postpartum games together in real time. supervision) depression. The risk peaks when babies are between 3 and 6 This page is designed to help educate parents and isn’t meant to months old. (online.wsj.com) endorse any movie, music, or product. Our prayer is that you’ll make informed decisions about what your children watch, listen to, and play. SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 8:45 a.m. Worship 9:00 a.m. Mother’s 10:00 Sunday School Morning Out 11:00 Worship

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 8:45 a.m. Worship 9:00 a.m. Mother’s 10:00 Sunday Morning Out School 11:00 Worship

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 8:45 a.m. Worship 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. 10:00 Sunday School VBS Art Day 11:00 Worship 5 pm – 8 pm Church- Father’s Day Wide Cook- out and Pool Party at Little Neck Swim 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 8:45 a.m. Worship 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. 10:00 Sunday Children’s School Service 11:00 Worship Morning