Tag Archives: Fathers’ Day

Creative Teaching Ideas

Lessons from “Father May I?”

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Father May I?

This is a paternal variation of the classic children’s game: Mother, May I?  Use it for Father’s Day or simply to talk about our relationship with the Heavenly Father.

What to do

If you have played the classic game you know that everyone starts out across the room, at an equal distance from mother.  Whoever is mother calls out a person’s name and asks them to take X number of steps forward. If the person steps forward without saying “Mother May I?” he or she is penalised or sent back to the start. However if he or she remembers to say the magic words, mother will reply with directions to take X number of baby steps, ballerina steps, giant steps, scissor steps, spinning steps, crab steps, etc. The first youth to reach mother wins.

Play a variation of the game, where the children or youth don’t ask mother, but instead ask “Father May I?”

Discussion

  • Who make the decisions in your house? Father or mother?
  • On what basis do parents make their decisions?
  • What are the possible consequences of making decisions on our own with guidance from parents?

Take it to the Next Level

Make it Spiritual

How is this game similar to walking with God? In the Bible, the word “walk” is often used to describe our relationship with the Heavenly Father. We don’t stand still nor does God intend for us to go backwards. Sometimes God may ask us to take baby steps, and other times we may need to take a leap of faith. Just like the game, the outcome is a result of our paying attention to God’s instructions and seeking permission before we move.

Make it Practical
In our relationship with the Heavenly Father, if we move without asking first, we may misstep, go in the wrong directions, or experience other unwanted consequences which take us away from the Father. Instead of moving nearer we end up farther away. We draw closer to God when we learn to listen to Him and seek his permission before we move.  Then the actions we take will bring us closer to Him!

Make it Personal

  • What step is God asking you to take today?
  • Does it feel like a baby or giant step?
  • Are you seeking God’s voice, in the direction you are taking in life?
  • How can you become more attentive to his voice and his guidance?
  • What is an area of your life you need to seek God’s permission and guidance in?

Scripture
My sheep recognize my voice; I know them, and they follow me. – John 10:27 (NIV)

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Game Ideas

Whose Father?

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Description

In this crowdbreaker game, youth are given a list of statements and must find another youth whose dad fits each statement.

Materials

You can print this as a simple list or make a grid of squares and include one statement in each square. If possible think about the father’s of youth in your group and use that as a guideline for characteristics.

Preparation

Be sure to prepare the list in advance.

What to do

  1. Youth mingle about the room trying to must find someone whose dad fulfills each characteristic and have them sign next to the characteristic. Each person can only sign your list once.
  2. First person to get all their squares signed wins.

Some possibilities for characteristics are:

  • Hair color isn’t black
  • Wears specs
  • Travels on business
  • Works as (name a job)
  • Drives a car
  • Wears tennis shoes
  • Favorite hobby is (Name of a hobby)
  • Likes (a specific food)
  • Is tall/short
  • Is on the church council
  • Wears a ring
  • Is between 30-40 yrs old
  • Wears (name an item)
  • Has a brother
  • Has a sister
  • Lives (location)
  • Has been to (place)
  • Wears a gold colored watch
  • Watches soccer on TV
  • Exercizes
  • Drinks Coffee
  • Plays an instrument
  • Plays a sport
  • Likes to fish
  • Has a pet
  • Has a mustache or beard
  • Is bald

Take it to the Next Level

Make it Spiritual
We each know our Father best. We know what he likes, what he does, and common characteristics about him. But we should also know our heavenly Father.

  • What are the things God likes?
  • What are the things that God does?
  • What are some characteristics of God?

Here are some Scriptures that Describe God as a Father. What can you learn about God as Father from each verse?

God as Father
“But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir. – Galatians 4:4-7

“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” – John 1:12

Protector
“Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation.” – Psalm 10:14
“When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.” – Psalm 27:10

Loving
“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” – 1 John 3:1

Compassionate
“As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.” – Psalm 103:13
“The Father of compassion and the God of all comfort” – 2 Corinthians 1:3

Cares for us
“The LORD your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place.” – Deuteronomy 1:31

Gives us gifts
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father, who does not change like shifting shadows.” – James 1:17

“If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” – Matthew 7:11

Disciplines us
“Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good.” Hebrews 12:7,10

Make it Personal

  • What characteristics of God is most meaningful to you? Why?
  • What is the first step in becoming a child of the Father?
  • If you become a child of the Father, then how should you live your life?

 


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Games and Activities in Celebration of common Holidays.

Creative Holiday Ideas has over 300 pages of ideas to help you plan not only your next Father’s Day event, but also other common holidays. If you’ve ever wondered what you’re going to do for the holidays and how you’re going to do it, this resource is for you.

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Food for Thought

Fathers – Then and Now

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In 1900, if a father put a roof over his family’s head, he was a success.
Today, it takes a roof, deck, pool, and 4-car garage. And that’s just the vacation home

In 1900, fathers passed on clothing to their sons.
Today, kids wouldn’t touch Dad’s clothes if they were sliding naked down an icicle.

In 1900, fathers and sons would have heart-to-heart conversations while fishing in a stream.
Today, fathers pluck the headphones off their sons’ ears and shout, “WHEN YOU HAVE A MINUTE…”

In 1900, a father gave a pencil box for Christmas, and the kid was all smiles.
Today, a father spends $800 at Toys ‘R’ Us, and the kid screams: “I wanted Sega!”

In 1900, a happy meal was when Father shared funny stories around the table.
Today, a happy meal is what Dad buys at McDonald’s.

In 1900, when fathers entered the room, children often rose to attention.
Today, kids glance up and grunt, “Dad, you’re invading my space.”
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Humor

How to Know if You Are Ready to Have Kids

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Mess Test
Smear peanut butter on the sofa and curtains. Place a fish stick behind the couch and leave it there all summer.

Toy Test
Obtain a 55 gallon box of Legos (or you may substitute roofing tacks). Have a friend spread them all over the house. Put on a blindfold. Try to walk to the bathroom or kitchen. Do not scream because this would wake a child at night.

Grocery Store Test
Borrow one or two small animals (goats are best) and take them with you as you shop. Always keep them in sight & pay for anything they eat or damage.

Dressing Test
Obtain one large, unhappy, live octopus. Stuff into a small net bag making sure that all the arms stay inside.

Feeding Test
Obtain a large plastic milk jug. Fill halfway with water. Suspend from the ceiling with a cord. Start the jug swinging. Try to insert spoonfuls of soggy cereal into the mouth of the jug, while pretending to be an airplane. Now dump the contents of the jug on the floor.

Night Test
Prepare by obtaining a small cloth bag & fill it with 8-12 pounds of sand. Soak it in water. At 3:00pm begin to waltz and hum with the bag until 9:00p.m. Lay down your bag and set your alarm for 10:00pm.Get up, pick up your bag, and sing every song you have ever heard. Make up a dozen more and sing these too until 4:00a.m. Set alarm for 5:00. Get up and make breakfast. Keep this up for 5 years. Look cheerful.

Automobile Test
Forget the BMW and buy a station wagon. Buy a chocolate ice cream cone and put it in the glove compartment. Leave it there. Get a dime. Stick it into the cassette player. Take a family size package of chocolate chip cookies. Mash them into the back seat. Run a garden rake along both sides of the car.

Physical Test (Women)
Obtain a large bean bag chair and attach it to the front of your clothes. Leave it there for 9 months. Now remove 10 of the beans. And try not to notice your closet full of clothes. You won’t be wearing them for a while.

Physical Test (Men)
Go to the nearest drug store. Set your wallet on the counter. Ask the clerk to help himself. Now proceed to the nearest food store. Go to the head office and arrange for your paycheck to be directly deposited to the store. Purchase a newspaper. Go home and read it quietly for the last time.

Final Assignment
Find a couple who already has a small child. Lecture them on how they can improve their discipline, patience, tolerance, toilet training and child’s table manners. Suggest many ways they can improve. Emphasize to them that they should never allow their children to run wild. Enjoy this experience. It will be the last time you will have all the answers.

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Fathers Are a Gift from God

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Fathers are a voice of wisdom.

  • My father used to play with my brother and me in the yard. Mother would come out and say, “You’re tearing up the grass.” “We’re not raising grass,” Dad would reply. “We’re raising boys.” ~Harmon Killebrew
  • Fathers represent another way of looking at life – the possibility of an alternative dialogue. ~Louise J. Kaplan, Oneness and Separateness: From Infant to Individual, 1978
  • When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much he had learned in seven years. ~Author unknown, commonly attributed to Mark Twain

Fathers are examples for youth

  • He didn’t tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it. ~Clarence Budington Kelland
  • I love my father as the stars – he’s a bright shining example and a happy twinkling in my heart. ~Terri Guillemets

Fathers inspire youth to greatness.

  • Love and fear. Everything the father of a family says must inspire one or the other. ~Joseph Joubert
  • The words that a father speaks to his children in the privacy of home are not heard by the world, but, as in whispering-galleries, they are clearly heard at the end and by posterity. ~Jean Paul Richter

A Father’s true wealth is found in his children.

  • A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty. ~Author Unknown
  • Sometimes the poorest man leaves his children the richest inheritance. ~Ruth E. Renkel
  • A father carries pictures where his money used to be. ~Author Unknown
  • Fatherhood is pretending the present you love most is soap-on-a-rope. ~Bill Cosby

Fathers are a gift from God

  • The greatest gift I ever had Came from God; I call him Dad! ~Author Unknown

 

 

Creative Teaching Ideas

Who’s the Father?

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Description
As we celebrate Father’s Day we are reminded that God created us through fathers and that fathers are all around us in creation. Father’s are special, and we often have special names for fathers such as dad, daddy, etc. In the animal kingdom some father’s also have special names. Do you know the special name for each father in the animal kingdom?

alligator ………. bull
ant ……………… gyne
antelope ………. buck
bear ……………. boar
bee …………….. drone
bird (general) .. cock
bison ………….. bull
buffalo ………… bull
camel …………. stallion
cat …………….. tom
cat …………….. gib
cattle ………….. bull
chicken ……….. rooster
crocodile ……… bull
deer ……………. buck
deer ……………. hart
deer ……………. stag
dolphin ……….. bull
donkey ………… jack
duck …………… drake
elephant ……… bull
elk ……………… bull
falcon …………. tercel
ferret …………… Jill
fox ……………… reynard
fox ……………… vix
giraffe …………. bull
gnu …………….. bull
goat ……………. billy
goose ………….. gander
steg ……………. steg
grouse ………… gorcock
guinea pig …… boar
hare …………… buck
hare …………… jack
hawk …………. tiercel
hedgehog ……. boar
hippopotamus.. bull
horse ………….. sire
horse ………….. stallion
horse ………….. stud
impala ………… buck
kangaroo ……… boomer
Lemur …………. dictator
moose ………….. bull
mouse ………….. buck
mule …………….. jack
ox ……………….. steer
panda ………….. boar
pig ………………. barrow
pig ………………. boar
possum …………. jack
porcupine ………. boar
rabbit ……………. buck
rat ……………….. buck
reindeer …………. bull
rhinoceros ……… bull
seal ………………. bull
shark ……………. bull
sheep ……………. ram
sheep ……………. tup
sheep ……………. wether
squirrel …………. buck
swan ……………. cob
turkey …………… gobbler
turkey …………… tom
turkey …………… jack
walrus ………….. bull
wasp ……………. drone
whale …………… bull
wolf …………….. he-wolf
yak ……………… bull
zebra …………… stallion

Icebreaker Game Idea: Who am I and where is my Father
Write the name of each Male (father) and the matching animal on separate index cards or name labels. Shuffle them, and as youth arrive one on the back of each youth so that each person cannot see his own card. The youth must mingle around the room asking each other “yes” or “no” questions about the animal on his or her back in order try to not only identify what is on his or her back, but to also find his or her match. Reduce the number of cards for smaller groups. Duplicate some of the animals for larger groups.

Game Idea: Concentration Card Matching Game
You can place the cards face down so that they cannot be seen in several rows on a table. Do not stack the cards. Youth then turn over any two cards. If a father is matched with the correct animal they can take both cards and then choose two more. If the two cards do not go together they must leave the cards in place and turn them back over. Youth takes turns trying to match cards. This can be done in teams or as individuals. At the end of the game when all the cards have been matched and taken, the youth or team with the most cards wins.

Game Idea: Matching Fathers Concentration Card Game
As a variation you can get photos of fathers and the youth. Paste or print each one on a card. Play it in the same way as the game above except the youth must also match father and child together.

Game Idea: “Battle” also known as “slap”
Shuffle and deal the cards into two equal piles. Divide the youth into two teams. Each team chooses a person to turn over cards. Each team turns over a card at the same time as the other team. When the two cards go together the first person to slap the top of the discards in the center gets all those cards. If they slap the stack and the cards do not match, the other team gets all the cards. The team can shout directions for its player and help them to determine when to slap the deck. Once the deck has been slapped, the next person from each team turns over the cards. The game is over when one team obtains all the cards in this manner.

Father – Child Game Idea
Have each child bring a stuffed animal. Put all the stuffed animals in a pile. Then one by one each father is blindfolded and must find his child’s stuffed animal without looking!

Game Idea: “Name That Animal”
In this variation, youth get to see animal listed on the card, but must make the sound of the animal to find their match. Have dictionaries available as some youth will not know what their animal is. Make sure that there are not duplicate names of fathers as some of the names of the males are the same for different animals.

Game Idea: Which one is my daddy?
Blindfold youth the youth and line up the fathers in a row of chairs. Each youth must find his or her father using only touch. You could guide them to touch the father’s face, or the fathers could hold out their arms, or you could use a hand, a foot, or a leg for identification. You could also do it the other way around so that fathers are blindfolder and must identify their children by touch. The story of jacob and Esau in the Genesis 25 of the Bible would be a great follow up as Isaac wasn’t able to identify which son was which.

Take it to the Next Level
Each animal in this list has a special name for its father. Your parents gave each of you a special name as well. And God knows each one of you by name. Just as the parents take care of their babies, your father takes care of you. Take some time to thank your father for taking care of you.

  • What are some of the unique characteristics of your father?
  • What are some of the things that would help you identify your father if you could not see?
  • What are some of the phrases and words your father often uses?
  • What are some ways that your father takes care of you?
  • What are some things that you treasure about your father?
  • In what ways has your father blessed you?

You can then ask the same questions, but in regard to our heavenly father.

 


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Games and Activities in Celebration of common Holidays.

Creative Holiday Ideas has over 300 pages of ideas to help you plan your next Father’s Day as well as other familiar holidays. If you’ve ever wondered what you’re going to do in celebration of the holidays and how you’re going to do it, this resource is for you.

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Parents Ministry

Responsibilities of Fathers

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Scripture has many passages on the family relationship, and of fathers and children.  Here are a few of the responsibilities of fathers mentioned in the Bible:

  • Provide for his family (Matthew 7:9-1; 1 Timothy 5:8)
  • Instruct his children (Proverbs 1:8)
  • Exhort, encourage and implore children (1 Thessalonians 2:11)
  • Punish unruly children (Deuteronomy 21:18-21)
  • Raise the children in the discipline and nurture of the Lord without provoking them or exasperating them causing them to lose heart (Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21)
  • Discipline his children (Hebrews 12:7)
  • Love his wife (Ephesians 5:25,28,33)


Get Creative Youth Ideas: "Holiday Collection" ebook Holiday Collection
Games and Activities in Celebration of common Holidays.

Creative Holiday Ideas has over 300 pages of ideas to help you plan your next Father’s Day as well as other familiar holidays. If you’ve ever wondered what you’re going to do in celebration of the holidays and how you’re going to do it, this resource is for you.

=> Tell me more about the Holiday Collection

Teaching Illustrations

Thank You God for My Dad

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Dear God,

Thanks for giving me a daddy. You knew just what I’d need! In case you need to make daddies for other kids, I thought you might like to know what I like best about the one you sent me:

A good dad …

  1. knows everything (like how to tie shoes and drive a car)
  2. is really smart (he even knows where the wind goes after it blows through the trees)
  3. has a forgiving heart (for when I mess up)
  4. is loaded with patience, patience, patience (he probably won’t need it, but just in case…)
  5. has a comfy lap and a big laugh (you understand about that, don’t you?)
  6. tells me all about you and your son.

Your friend,

A Kid

P.S. I almost left out the best part! A good dad has real strong arms (to catch me when I fall. He says you’re just like that, too.)

[Source: Max Lucado, What Makes a Good Dad]


Get Creative Youth Ideas: "Holiday Collection" ebook Holiday Collection
Games and Activities in Celebration of common Holidays.

Creative Holiday Ideas has over 300 pages of ideas to help you plan your next Father’s Day as well as other familiar holidays. If you’ve ever wondered what you’re going to do in celebration of the holidays and how you’re going to do it, this resource is for you.

=> Tell me more about the Holiday Collection

Teaching Illustrations

Dad Is

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A dad is a person
who is loving and kind,
And often he knows
what you have on your mind.

He’s someone who listens,
suggests, and defends ~
A dad can be one
of your very best friends!

He’s proud of your triumphs,
but when things go wrong,
A dad can be patient
and helpful and strong.

In all that you do,
a dad’s love plays a part ~
There’s always a place for him
deep in your heart ~

And each year that passes,
you’re even more glad,
More grateful and proud
just to call him your dad!

Thank you, Dad…
for listening and caring,
for giving and sharing,
but, especially, for just being you!

Author Unknown


Get Creative Youth Ideas: "Holiday Collection" ebook Holiday Collection
Games and Activities in Celebration of common Holidays.

Creative Holiday Ideas has over 300 pages of ideas to help you plan not only your next Father’s Day, but also other common Holidays. If you’ve ever wondered what you’re going to do for all these holidays and how you’re going to do it, this resource is for you.

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Parents Ministry

How to Get Along with Your Parents

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How to Get along better with your parents
  • Avoid raising your voice with your parents at any time.
    One sure way to start a real argument with misunderstandings and hurt feelings is to raise your voice during a discussion. (See Proverbs 15:1)
  • Let God change your parent’s minds; that’s His job, not yours.
    It is often difficult when your parents refuse to give you permission to do something you really want to do. Take their answer as coming from God Himself and go to Him in prayer about the situation. As you know, God is very powerful and He can work to change your parents’ minds.
  • Astound your parents with the over-obeying method.
    It will help your parents know that you are maturing and can handle responsibilities on your own. The next time Dad asks you to wash the car, mow the lawn as well. Or, the next time Mom asks you to do the dishes, maybe clean up the living room as well. Not only will this blow your parents’ minds, but, after a few attempts at this method (done sincerely by you, not as a way to manipulate your parents) you will begin to see it pay off!
  • Encourage your parents. 
    Sometimes parents become confused and hesitant also. They need encouragement too!
  • Set a good example for your parents by staying away from alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs.
    Parents tend to copy the languages, styles, and tastes of the young as it is the only reasonable substitute for finding the fountain of youth. The example you set is very important.
  • Be concerned about the outside activities of your parents. 
    Insist that they bring their friends home so you can meet them. Be sure they get to bed at a reasonable hour, especially on weeknights. Wouldn’t want them to burn themselves out, would you? Also makes things more enjoyable in the morning if everyone has had a good night’s sleep.
  • Carefully watch your parent’s activities in the home.
    The effects of television on adults is not the greatest these days. Daytime soap operas are much too strong for the average mother, and fathers may not be able to take all the violence and sex on nighttime shows, especially after a hard days work.
  • Don’t be too strict with your parents. 
    Allow them to have some access to the phone, the stereo, or the car. Otherwise they might get jealous and take it out on you.
  • Let them have their way sometimes, especially with the little things.
    If you show you are willing to give in some of the time, they are more likely to cooperate when it is some big deal to you.
  • At least once a week do something nice for your parents.
    The key is to do something before being asked. You will be surprised at the results.
  • Never, never, never do anything to betray their trust in you or make them question your honesty.
    When your parents lose faith in you and it is your fault, you have lost big time.
  • Love them as if you were loving Christ–your home will never be the same!


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Games and Activities in Celebration of common Holidays.

Creative Holiday Ideas has over 300 pages of ideas to help you plan your next Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and many other common celebrations. If you’ve ever wondered what you’re going to do for all the next holiday and how you’re going to do it, this resource is for you.

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