Gift Ideas For Relational Giving
Here are a few ideas to get your own creative juices flowing.
The gift of time –
Create a fun certificate stating the gift of time you want to give, for example, help with a project around the house or help with errands. Bring coffee, tea of lunch and flowers when you come, be intentional about really connecting while you’re together!
Here are some ideas for spending time together:
• Wrap popcorn, gourmet root-beer and a classic DVD for a movie night with a friend
• Host a Hockey Night in Canada party and make homemade pizza
• Wrap 2 copies of a used classic book to read with a friend
• Bundle up, grab a hot chocolate and take a walk through the Christmas lights in Victoria Park with friends or family
Give creative coupons:
• Babysitting for a worn out sister-in-law, sibling or neighbour
• Yard work for an elderly person in you life
• Massage for that person who has been working a bit too hard lately
• Road trip to go on an out-of-town adventure with your child
• Car maintenance to change the oil in a friend’s car (if you know now)
• House project to help build a shed, clean the garage, closets etc.
Give a certificate for a day together doing something that person is passionate about:
• A new bat and a trip to the batting cages
• A new guitar strap and trip to the guitar center to play guitars together
• A day trip with your cameras for the photographer friend
• A day hike together, you bring the lunch
Things to make with the kids:
• Simple scrapbook with pictures of time with the person you’re giving it to
• A home “published” story, written and illustrated by the kids, the time you spend with the kids creating it is priceless
• A DVD of your life these days for long distance friends and family
Ask yourself: “What can I DO?” And give of yourself!
“What do they like to do?” Make time to do it with them.
A side note:
This isn’t about creating a bunch of new rules to be legalistic about for Christmas. It’s ok to spend some money (in fact sometimes creating something cool can be much more expensive – so be aware of that) don’t create a whole separate set of pressures, worry and guilt by feeling like you can’t spend a dime. Just step out of the consumerism, be thoughtful and enjoy the celebration!
Don’t forget to visit www.rethinkingchristmas.com for ideas from people around the world.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
The Game of LIFE: RISK
CONNECTION GROUP QUESTIONS
RISK: Playing to Win
Sunday November 30, 2008
Opening:
What is the riskiest thing you’ve ever done? It could be anything- jumping out of a plane, or joining a Connection Group! Share with each other some of your greatest, riskiest, adventures!
Digging Deeper
The bible is stuffed full of stories about God calling people to take a risk, and people responding. You can first share some of your favorite bible stories of risk. Or jump right into this story…
Read Luke 5:1-11
Put this story into context. What has happened leading up to this? Review what brings Jesus and these fishermen to this point.
After reviewing the story, discuss the implications of what unfolds: what would have happened if Simon didn’t throw down his net? Why is he frightened after the miraculous catch? What does it mean that he left everything? What does it mean to really follow Jesus now?
Now, what does this all imply for our lives? Have you ever missed an opportunity to take a risk for God? Have you ever tried to put off obeying God? Is Jesus asking you to obey him now?
What would “throwing down your net” mean for you? How can you obey Jesus in a simple and obvious way? How might that begin to change your life?
Looking to the theme of risk- do you desire a life of comfort and safety, or a life of risk? Do the two ever cross paths? What is actually riskier- following Jesus, or following your own will?
What does Jesus mean when he tells all the disciples in Matthew 10:39, “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”?
Closing:
Challenge one another to he risky wonderful life of following Jesus. What is one risk you can take tonight? What is a risk you can take this week? Pray about it, and pray for one another.
RISK: Playing to Win
Sunday November 30, 2008
Opening:
What is the riskiest thing you’ve ever done? It could be anything- jumping out of a plane, or joining a Connection Group! Share with each other some of your greatest, riskiest, adventures!
Digging Deeper
The bible is stuffed full of stories about God calling people to take a risk, and people responding. You can first share some of your favorite bible stories of risk. Or jump right into this story…
Read Luke 5:1-11
Put this story into context. What has happened leading up to this? Review what brings Jesus and these fishermen to this point.
After reviewing the story, discuss the implications of what unfolds: what would have happened if Simon didn’t throw down his net? Why is he frightened after the miraculous catch? What does it mean that he left everything? What does it mean to really follow Jesus now?
Now, what does this all imply for our lives? Have you ever missed an opportunity to take a risk for God? Have you ever tried to put off obeying God? Is Jesus asking you to obey him now?
What would “throwing down your net” mean for you? How can you obey Jesus in a simple and obvious way? How might that begin to change your life?
Looking to the theme of risk- do you desire a life of comfort and safety, or a life of risk? Do the two ever cross paths? What is actually riskier- following Jesus, or following your own will?
What does Jesus mean when he tells all the disciples in Matthew 10:39, “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”?
Closing:
Challenge one another to he risky wonderful life of following Jesus. What is one risk you can take tonight? What is a risk you can take this week? Pray about it, and pray for one another.
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