|
Family Experience (Fx)
Every few months, we will share some fun activities for you to do as a family to grow in faith together.
Each Fx is full of fun and is very simple. You'll find conversation starters, service projects, an activity, and more fun surprises! |
April's "Take Away"
In April, we are focusing on our amazing planet and how we can show our love to God by caring for it. We hope your family will enjoy the activities and spending time being grateful for God's creation.
God specifically called each of us to help care for all living things. We all have to do our part to make sure that our planet is the best it can be. We must focus on our daily activities and the things we do, in addition to, expanding our efforts to renew what has already been damaged. Part of that involves learning more about what is going on with the environment, doing what we can personally and sharing what we learn with our friends and family. If we all make some changes and focus on caring for God’s creation, we can Restore Our Earth.
God specifically called each of us to help care for all living things. We all have to do our part to make sure that our planet is the best it can be. We must focus on our daily activities and the things we do, in addition to, expanding our efforts to renew what has already been damaged. Part of that involves learning more about what is going on with the environment, doing what we can personally and sharing what we learn with our friends and family. If we all make some changes and focus on caring for God’s creation, we can Restore Our Earth.
DevotionalIn James 1:17 it says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
God has given each of us so much. He provides for all our needs. In fact, before making humankind, God created a perfect world for us to live in. This world God brought into being provides our air to breathe, water and food through many sources. It also provides us with all kinds of other things to help make our lives even more enjoyable. We have trees to climb and provide shade, flowers and plants to provide beauty all around us, and animals of all kinds to bring companionship, wonder and enjoyment to our lives. When God created humans, he spoke, “Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflecting nature so they can be responsible for the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the cattle, and yes, Earth itself, and every animal that moves on the face of Earth.” (Genesis 1:26-28 The Message) Caring for the Earth and all that is a part of it, is a very important way for us to express our love and appreciation for all God has given us. While it should not be hard to care for the Earth, it can be easy to forget how much our daily activities impact the world around us and accidentally fail to fulfill God’s plan. Each year on April 22, we celebrate Earth Day. This day was originally set aside to help people become aware of the need to care for our environment. It is a great time for us to refocus on caring for what God has created and provided for us. |
|
The theme for Earth Day 2021 is Restore Our Earth. For many reasons – lack of knowledge or awareness, carelessness and maybe a little selfishness – over time humans have done things that left large areas without clean water, food shortages in many parts of the world, unsafe air, animals becoming extinct and so much more. While it should not be hard to care for the Earth, we can easily forget how much our daily activities impact the world around us and then accidentally fail to fulfill God’s plan.
This month, we are focusing on showing and telling how much we love God, and how thankful we are for this big, beautiful, amazing world created for us. In order for God’s gift of this amazing planet to continue to provide, it is up to each of us to take responsibility. Take a look around you, each of the things you see comes from God. In some way, all that we have is God’s gift to us. Let’s make sure we care for this gift and give thanks for it every day.
This month, we are focusing on showing and telling how much we love God, and how thankful we are for this big, beautiful, amazing world created for us. In order for God’s gift of this amazing planet to continue to provide, it is up to each of us to take responsibility. Take a look around you, each of the things you see comes from God. In some way, all that we have is God’s gift to us. Let’s make sure we care for this gift and give thanks for it every day.
Family Activity
|
Take a walk around your neighborhood and look for all the different kinds of plants, animals, insects, and birds. Pay special attention to how the animals find food and water. One of the ways that we can care for animals is by providing food, water, and shelter.
Using a cardboard tube and birdseed, make a bird feeder to hang outside. It’s quick and easy. Begin by punching two holes in the top of your cardboard tube. Punch two holes in the bottom for the skewer, too. Then tie the ends of your yarn piece through the holes to make a hanger. Spread your choice of sticky bird edible material all over the cardboard tube. It can be peanut butter, shortening, or suet. Once you have covered the cardboard tube with your gooey substance, roll the tube in the birdseed until it is covered. Poke a wooden skewer through the holes in the bottom of the tube. Hang your bird feeder and watch for some new friends to show up. You can make it even better by putting out a small shallow bowl of water for them. A pie pan makes a great water bowl and bathtub! |
Family Serve
|
One way that we can serve as a family to take care of the Earth is by
helping keep parks, trails and other outdoor areas clean. Planning a family clean-up day is easy and can be turned into a fun competition. Provide each family member a trash bag and head out to your favorite outdoor area. Set a time limit or establish the boundaries that you are going to work within. For safety, wear gloves, be careful when picking up any metal or glass and stay close together. Have everyone pick up as much trash as they can during the allotted time or until you have the designated area all cleaned up. The person who picked up the most trash is the winner of your family trash challenge. |
Family Mission Project
|
Bring Empty Recyclable Cans and Bottles to the Church April 22 - May 23
Foothills United Methodist Youth (FUMY) is collecting recyclable cans and bottles to raise funds for youth programs including senior high camp. Bring your soda cans and plastic bottles to the church and put them in front of Youth Director Sharon's office (on the King Hall patio). Please make sure your cans and bottles are empty and crushed and in separate bags. You can drop off your donations any time (King Hall patio, Foothills UMC, 4031 Avocado Blvd., La Mesa, CA 91941) Questions? Contact Sharon at youth@foothillsumc.org. |
Conversation Starters
|
Why do we celebrate Earth Day? How does it make a difference to have a special day to celebrate? If you could plant a garden, what would you grow? Why? How can our family help care for the Earth every day? What changes can we make at home to help us care for the earth? What is your favorite animal? If you could create an animal, what would it be like? What are some things we are already doing to care for the Earth? How can we share those with our friends and neighbors? How does learning about other parts of the world help us be good caretakers of our own neighborhood? |