We’ve reached Day 6 of Scripture Union International’s daily devotional series “God’s word for times like these”

Matthew 6:25-34

As many of us around the world find ourselves inside, this passage comes as a reminder to stop and look out of the window. Notice the clouds in the sky, watch a bird circle on the wind, pay attention to the flower growing in the container by your door. As we pause and take notice, we can hear Jesus’ words afresh, ‘Are you not of more value than they?’ These words, spoken thousands of years ago, are coming to life for us in new ways. Our creator God cares more for us than the blades of grass. Jesus urges his friends not to worry about tomorrow. While we will naturally have concerns, we are not to be overcome. Rather, we can focus our attention on the things of God. We are to strive for God’s kingdom. Now is the time to seek God’s righteousness, and to bring God’s presence to those we meet, whether in our own homes or via a screen. Let us encourage each other to take one day at a time, for today’s troubles are enough for today (v34).

Click here to read the sixth devotional ‘Pause’ online: https://scriptureunion.global/covid-19/bible-engagement/day-6/

Click here to download a pdf version: https://scriptureunion.global/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Gods-Word-Day-6-EN.pdf

Camp Quality, who are known for supporting kids who are battling cancer, have recently launched their ‘Happiness Hub‘.

The website is focused on providing fun activities, wellbeing resources and inspiring content for children and their families. We’ve really enjoyed exploring the site and getting some great activities and resources for this time in isolation.

Check out the Happiness Hub here: https://www.happinesshub.org.au/

We’ve reached Day 5 of Scripture Union International’s daily devotional series “God’s word for times like these”

Lamentations 3:21-26

The situation could not have been worse. Jerusalem was in ruins and Jeremiah’s people were in captivity. Pain and poverty were all around. There was much to mourn and lament about! Yet Jeremiah deliberately stops thinking this way and focuses his thoughts in a different way. “Yet this I CALL TO MIND, and THEREFORE I have hope” (21) and he parks his restless mind on the unchanging character of God. “I SAY TO MYSELF: The Lord is my portion” (24).

We can learn from Jeremiah! Today in the midst of all the difficult things we face, we can choose to focus on what we already know about our Father: that He greatly loves us, His heart goes out for us and He will never forsake us (22-23). We may not be able to change our circumstances, but we can see our circumstances in a different light, if we filter them through the truth of these verses. Sometimes we need to preach to our souls, as Jeremiah did!

Click here to read the fifth devotional ‘Preach to your soul!’ online: https://scriptureunion.global/covid-19/bible-engagement/day-5/

Click here to download a pdf version: https://scriptureunion.global/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Gods-Word-Day-5-EN.pdf

The team over at Scripture Union Wales have launched a new video series called INspire!

INspire videos focus on a range of current topics, with the purpose of connecting teens and young adults to the bible.

You can watch the videos at their YouTube Playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvk5fboUt6LRWemNnvTeik4FCH9oMP9Cw

Alternatively, visit: https://content.scriptureunion.org.uk/inspire

We’ve reached Day 4 of Scripture Union International’s daily devotional series “God’s word for times like these”

Psalm 46

Nearly every country in the world is implementing an unprecedented course of protective measures – from closing borders to limiting activities. These measures are in place to restore control and prevent panic. Ironically, control is somewhat illusive, whilst panic is real and growing.

Are we losing this battle, the same way as the Jews were losing theirs with numerous enemies many years ago? Are we ready to cry out with the Psalmist, that the only help we have, the only strength we possess, the only refuge we can count on, is our God?

He is here with us in the midst of the chaos. He is still in control. He calms us when we become still and know that He is God. So, put down your broken weapon of wanting to be in control and come and find confidence in Him.

Click here to read the fourth devotional ‘Still in control’ online: https://scriptureunion.global/covid-19/bible-engagement/day-4/

Click here to download a pdf version: https://scriptureunion.global/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Gods-Word-Day-4-EN.pdf

Scripture Union NSW, working with the YouVersion Bible App, have released some fantastic resources to help people engage with the bible – especially in the midst of Covid-19.

Here are some links to a range of reading plans made for children, teens and adults.

‘Who Do You Say I Am?’ (Primary Age): https://www.bible.com/en-GB/reading-plans/19079-who-do-you-say-i-am-primary-age

‘Stories Of The Kingdom‘ (Primary Age): https://www.bible.com/en-GB/reading-plans/19091-stories-of-the-kingdom-primary-age

‘A Step Of Faith‘: https://www.bible.com/en-GB/reading-plans/18788-a-step-of-faith

‘Jonah: Taking Part In God’s Big Story‘: https://www.bible.com/en-GB/reading-plans/18954-jonah-taking-part-in-gods-big-story

‘The One Behind The Book‘: https://www.bible.com/en-GB/reading-plans/18992-the-one-behind-the-book

‘A Recklessly Extravagant Love‘: https://www.bible.com/en-GB/reading-plans/19010-a-recklessly-extravagant-love

We’re up to Day 3 of Scripture Union International’s daily devotional series “God’s word for times like these”

2 Chronicles 7:11-16

King Solomon and Israel have just dedicated the new temple to God and then God speaks to Solomon. He tells him that, when the difficult times come (including plague), there is a process for the people to receive God’s healing: be humble, pray, seek, turn, hear, forgive – then healing will come. It’s a combination of dependence on God and action.

Like Solomon, we can demonstrate to people this act of total dependence on God. For if we turn to God, He will heal.

Click here to read the third devotional ‘Turn to God for Healing’ online: https://scriptureunion.global/covid-19/bible-engagement/day-2/

Click here to download a pdf version: https://scriptureunion.global/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Day-2-copy.pdf

As a father of 3 children under the age of 10, my daily calendar currently starts off something like this…

—

9:00am:     Team ‘meeting’

9:10am:     “Dad I need to go potty” (3 year old)

9:20am:     “Dad I’m hungry” (3 year old)

9:25am:     Argument ensues between my boys, typically about why one is not playing with the other

9:30am:     “Dad I need to go potty” (3 year old)

—

Working from home while trying to entertain three kids under 10 is a real juggling act! I’d like to give ABC iView a huge shout out for all their “babysitting content!”

For the last almost 10 years I have had the privilege of having the flexibility to work from home one day a week to help balance parenting responsibilities. I have loved the opportunity to spend more time with each of my three children, and in a pre-coronavirus world this worked great!

Working 5 days from home is a totally different ball game…

These days I find I’m highly productive from 9pm-11pm, but that’s probably not sustainable indefinitely.

Over the last two weeks I’ve been putting a lot of thought into this. I don’t have any magic solutions but here are 4 things I have discovered that might help you balance parenting with working from home…

1. Exercise breaks can be a great time for inspiration

Taking my kids for a bike ride each afternoon for an hour has been a great opportunity to process the day and dream of what could be next. It’s well known that exercise is great for your brain’s wellbeing – increasing the amount of oxygen that your brain needs to thrive and grow. We are in the middle of planning what SU camping looks like online, and most of my ideas have come from that hour away from my desk each day.

2. Relaxed team video meetings each morning are so valuable

Even though I miss catching up for coffee with colleagues at work to hear what people are doing and input ideas, our 30 minute relaxed team catch up each morning has become my favourite part of the working day. Maintaining strong teams is crucial to keep productivity and positivity levels high!

3. Be honest about what you can achieve

It’s important to be realistic about what can and can’t be achieved in this time period. For us, not being able to run physical camps over school holidays has been a huge setback, and has changed a lot of our goal posts for 2020. Working to find other ways to encourage the communities we’re interacting with, particularly online, has been rewarding and encouraging – particularly due to the wise understanding of the situation from our leadership.

4. Look to our creator for refuge and strength

This passage has been a real encouragement for me…

“I run to you, God; I run for dear life. Don’t let me know! Take me seriously this time! Get down on my level and listen, and please – no procrastination! Your granite cave a hiding place, your cliff aerie a place of safety. You’re my cave to hide in, my cliff to climb. Be my safe leader, be my true mountain guide. Psalm 31:1-3

As we move into school-from-home, I wish everyone all the best and hope these tips help you find peace in this (at times) crazy season.

If you are about to teach your students in person and online I pray for peace, joy and laughter in this time. Above all else, don’t be too hard on yourself. Embrace the chaos. It will make for some great stories someday.

I still remember my first zoom training I ever ran, people couldn’t hear me, see me, see my screen, but I enjoyed hearing them have a wonderful chat amongst themselves for 20 minutes until we pulled the pin and tried again another day.

And that’s the thing, if at first we don’t succeed, we’ll try it all again tomorrow. So don’t sweat it. You got this!

About the author…

Beavs is a former High School Maths and Christian Education Teacher who has been working and volunteering with SU QLD Camps for almost 20 years. As Camps Specialist he supports volunteers and chaplains run camps and community outreach events throughout Queensland, reaching over 4500 young people. Beavs is married with 3 children, and loves coffee and watching sport.

Today we’re continuing Scripture Union International’s Daily Devotionals for the Covid-19 season.

Psalm 90

As most of us are experiencing a ‘lockdown’, and/or working from home, we probably think on times when we could enjoy wide open spaces! Moses and the people of Israel were in the wilderness – open space! But it seemed as though their heads were still inside Egypt. This must have been a very difficult time for Moses and we can feel the anguish within this Psalm – which is possibly the only Psalm he wrote. However, Moses points us to a God who listens, who answers and who has compassion. This is a God who has been, is and will be – our dwelling place. In him there is safety, security, shelter, protection and refuge.

Click here to read the second devotional ‘Run for Refuge’ online: https://scriptureunion.global/covid-19/bible-engagement/day-2/

Click here to download a pdf version: https://scriptureunion.global/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Day-2-copy.pdf

‘God’s Word for times like these’ is a series of 10 inspirational Bible reading notes produced by Scripture Union International as the world tries to cope with the immediacy and the urgency of Covid-19. As the threat of the unknown looms large, as the anxiety of the heart overtakes the head’s ability to make rational decisions and as the world is in hysteria over toilet paper and food, reality has never hit home stronger. In such a situation, where do we turn? What brings us hope? What brings us encouragement? In the words of Peter, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life”.

We’ll be posting these 10 devotionals over the next 10 days.

Click here to read the first devotional ‘Keep On Asking’ online: https://scriptureunion.global/covid-19/bible-engagement/day-1/

Click here to download a pdf version: https://scriptureunion.global/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Gods-Word-Day-1-.pdf

News of the coronavirus (COVID-19) is everywhere, from the front page of all the papers to the playground at school. Many parents are wondering how to bring up the epidemic in a way that will be reassuring and not make kids more worried than they already may be. Here is some advice from the experts at the Child Mind Institute.

• Don’t be afraid to discuss the coronavirus. Most children will have already heard about the virus or seen people wearing face masks, so we shouldn’t avoid talking about it. Not talking about something can actually make kids worry more. The conversation is an opportunity to convey the facts and set the emotional tone. The goal is to help children feel informed and get fact-based information.
• Be developmentally appropriate. Don’t volunteer too much information, as this may be overwhelming. Instead, try to answer the child’s questions. Do your best to answer honestly and clearly. It’s okay if you can’t answer everything; being available is what matters.
• Take your cues from the child. Invite children to tell you anything they may have heard about the coronavirus, and how they feel. Give them ample opportunity to ask questions. You want to be prepared to answer (but not prompt) questions. Your goal is to avoid encouraging frightening fantasies.
• Deal with your own anxiety. When you’re feeling most anxious or panicked, that isn’t the time to talk to kids about what’s happening with the coronavirus. If you notice that you are feeling anxious, take some time to calm down before trying to have a conversation or answer questions.
• Be reassuring. Children are very egocentric, so hearing about the coronavirus on the news may be enough to make them seriously worry that they’ll catch it. It’s helpful to reassure children about how rare the coronavirus actually is (the flu is much more common) and that kids actually seem to have milder symptoms.
• Focus on what you’re doing to stay safe. An important way to reassure kids is to emphasize the safety precautions that you are taking. Kids feel empowered when they know what to do to keep themselves safe. We know that the coronavirus is transmitted mostly by coughing and touching surfaces and washing our hands properly is one of the most effective ways of protecting ourselves from the virus. If kids ask about face masks, explain that the experts say they aren’t necessary for most people. If kids see people wearing face masks, explain that those people are being extra cautious.
• Stick to routine. “We don’t like uncertainty, so staying rooted in routines and predictability is going to be helpful right now,” advises Dr. Domingues.
• Keep talking. Tell kids that you will continue to keep them updated as you learn more. Let them know that the lines of communication are going to be open.

If you are looking for an immersive Bible experience for children – take a look a this Scripture Union app!

Guardians of Ancora is a world-class digital game – an amazing virtual world that 8- to 11 year-olds can enter, and a place where Bible stories come alive.

For more information and to download this exciting app click here: https://guardiansofancora.com/

The guys at The Bible App for Kids have a fantastic selection of resources for kids to engage with the Bible – including about 50 colouring in sheets! To download the HD versions of these sheets, click here: https://bibleappforkids.com/parents/coloring-sheets

With the recent announcement here in Queensland that schools will be moving to home-based learning for the first 5 weeks of Term 2, it’s time to get ready for the adventure. This is going to be new for many of us, but here are 5 ideas that just might you get into the swing of homeschooling!

1. Get a Few Things Straight

A bit of clarity from the start is sure to help everyone down the track. As Term 2 approaches, sit down and talk with your kids about your expectations of them as at-home students. You also need to hear from them. What do they think about doing school from home? Are there things they’re concerned about? Are there things they’re looking forward to?

2. Become Masters of Time & Space

(No, not quite like Doctor Who)… Time – Get a good daily routine going. Each child’s school may set this up in some way, but if not, help your kids to design a school day that works for them. When does it start and end? What does break time look like? What should be covered during the day? Space – It’s also important that your child has a space set up for effective learning. Does the space provide them with what they need? Does it allow them to focus on their learning without too many at-home distractions?

3. ‘Home-based Schooling’ Does Not Equal ‘Online Learning’

We live in an amazing time where our technology allows us to do incredible things when it comes to online learning. Most, if not all, schools will be running an online learning program to facilitate virtual classroom experiences. BUT, keep in mind there are other ways to learn at home that don’t involve the internet. Can your kids read actual books, create some art, build something, cook something or run around outside as part of their learning program?

4. Get the Balance Right

The current circumstances have put all of our lives out of balance and trying to get some sense of balance back is going to be a daily challenge for everyone. Be mindful that your new at-home student is engaged in that daily re-balancing act but may not always have the awareness or words to describe their experiences. They are the same person with their usual social, emotional and spiritual needs – just living in a world that has turned sideways on them. Keep an eye on them. Do they need some physical activity? Do they need to connect with their friends? Do they need some fresh air?

5. Keep Talking

In the end, if you keep the lines of communication open with your kids, you almost can’t go wrong. Check in on them regularly and create opportunities for them to share how things are going for them. What’s working? What’s not working? What do we need to change to make this crazy new world order work better for us?

All the best with it. We hope you enjoy your home-based schooling adventure and that these 5 ideas help to get you off to a great start.

About the author…

Steve has over 30 years experience in school, community and church-based youth work. He is currently working as the Training & Development Manager at SU QLD, overseeing teams that deliver training and produce resources for SU QLD staff and volunteers. He holds post-graduate qualifications in Social Work, Politics & Government, and Christian Studies.

We loved this Covid-19 time capsule idea from LONG Creations! What a great, engaging activity that will have an impact in the future!

Download and print the PDF here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MaM2RBrqyDeyKFCG8impDgfuZ8a2tIZ-/view

We love what the guys at Ten Percent Happier are doing! They’ve released a ‘Coronavirus Sanity Guide’ to help people cope with the stress and anxiety this disease is causing around the world. Check it out at https://www.tenpercent.com/coronavirussanityguide

The Bible Project is a non-profit animation studio that produces short-form, fully animated videos to make the biblical story accessible to everyone, everywhere.

Follow the daily Blog or watch animated videos which explore stories from the Bible and Biblical themes. This is a great resource to use in your personal faith journey and also for those engaging in a spiritual Program. Its all free and available at https://thebibleproject.com/

We thought this was a great little daily checklist to make sure you’re looking after your mental and physical health in quarantine!

We loved this article from Australian eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman about how you can protect your children from online abuse in the midst of Covid-19.

https://lnkd.in/g8Rzu7S

With restrictions now in place for large gatherings to prevent the spread of Covid-19, churches across Australia have had to adopt new technologies – with many moving their services online.

If you’d like to worship and be encouraged from the Word alongside fellow Christians, check out some of the international and QLD-based church livestreams below!

If you’re church is hosting a livestream – please feel free to share a link in the comments of this post to get the word out!

Kids in Italy have been in lockdown for weeks now! We love this video from The Florentine – where they asked some of these kids for their advice on how to get through a lockdown at home!

Click here to watch the full video: https://bit.ly/3e6c1zp

We loved these tips from New Life Christian Church on how to attend church online!

One of our chappies recently shared this awesome Boredom Buster calendar! We think it’s a fantastic calendar of activities to try out over the month of April!