Make Sabbath time each week.
Prepare yourself for a day of rest, or at least some time of rest, renewal and recreation.
Take a break from most household chores including homework, keep the television turned off, play games, enjoy nature, entertain informally, take time for faith talk, read Bible Stories, or sing together.
Begin the day with thanks for the opportunities of this day. End the day reflacting on how God has been with you in your day. Share together the times for which you were glad, sad, sorry or concerned. Give thanks for food and time together.
Have visible symbols of prayer in your home:
Create a prayer garden to celebrate God's creation. Spend time alone with God in the garden. Share some of the produce or flowers with others.
Use e-mail to keep connected with friends and family.
Explore web pages such as www.united-church.ca/familyministries.
During the season of Advent use the online Advent daily devotions at www.united-church.ca.
Greet new neighbours with a cup of chocolate kisses.
Plan a street or apartment party.
Help with community services such as a shelter, food bank, soup kitchen or refugee support organization.
These milestones can be special faith markers. Take time on these days to reflect where God has been throughout the past year.
Celebrate your "you-ness" as a wondrous, unique creation of God.
After the holiday put all the cards you received in a basket. At a meal take out one card, read it again, and remember the sender in your thoughts and prayers.
You can also do this with birthday cards, get-well cards, sympathy cards or anniversary cards.
Cherish and remember those whose lives touch yours.
For more ideas, visit www.united-church.ca/familyministries.