|
|
 |
February 2006 ETC Corner
Show God's Love On Valentine's Day
God's love, which is so precious to us, is described as everlasting and faithful. He shows love to His children as a kind Father who meets our needs. Read on for some excellent suggestions on how to show His kind of love to a world that craves it.
"Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world. " (James 1:27 MSG)
What comes to mind when you think of Valentine's Day? Romantic dinners, roses and young couples in love? Although this may be how many people celebrate the holiday, it's also the perfect opportunity to reach out to our communities and show God's love in a tangible way.
With a little planning, a small act of kindness can make a big impact. Here are some Valentine's Day outreach ideas that can be done by families, a Bible study group, youth group, a Girl or Boy Scout troop, etc.
Make a special visit to nursing home residents or shut-ins who are unable to attend church services.
It's a good idea to call ahead of time and schedule your visit so they are prepared to receive your group. Be sure to ask if there are any dietary restrictions. Many elderly people will not be able to eat sugary foods.
Have the children from your church or small group make homemade Valentine cards and help deliver them.
Bring roses or other flowers. Purchase in bulk at a warehouse-type store.
Bake cookies and other goodies to deliver. Bring sugar-free treats if dietary restrictions are in effect.
Mow the grass or clean up the yard for an elderly neighbor.
Take homemade cookies to your neighbors.
Make or purchase valentine cards to deliver to people in prison.
Sign them and add and appropriate Bible verses or a note reminding them that God loves them. Check with your church to see if they have a prison ministry outreach.
Deliver Valentine's Day stuffed animals to the children at a crisis center or homeless shelter.
Hand out candy Valentines to families at your community or church food bank.
The Basic Valentine
Nothing says "love" like an old-fashioned homemade Valentine! If you have children at home, they'll love creating their own special cards to give to classmates.
Supplies:
Paper- Use red, pink or white construction paper, or get creative and use paper lace doilies, fabric, foil, wrapping paper or "stained glass" (see below)
Scissors - Regular or ones with a decorative edge like the ones used for scrapbooking
Glue- Regular white glue or a good glue stick
Markers- To write your message or decorate
Assemble Your Valentine
1. Fold the pa ically and cut out half a heart. You may want to practice with plain paper or cardboard, and when you get the perfect shape, you can use it as a template.
2. Make two hearts, one slightly larger than the other.
3. Write your message on the smaller one and glue it inside the larger one.
Choose Optional Added Decorations:
Splatter paint:
Put a heart shape over your card. Use an old toothbrush and watercolor paints to splatter contrasting color paints on the card, then remove the shape and let dry.
Add a sucker or attach other candy to the card:
You can use the candy as part of the decoration as well. For example, use chocolate kisses as part of a flower or individually wrapped Lifesavers to make a design. To attach a sucker, simply cut two slits in the heart and insert the stick.
Use photographs, pictures from magazines or old greeting cards to decorate your cards.
Utilize any stamps or stamping markers you may have on hand.
Sprinkle glitter or use glitter gel pens on the card for added sparkle.
Decorate with lace or ribbon.
Include a coupon for a hug, kiss, back rub etc.
"Stained Glass":
Press crayon shavings between two sheets of wax paper with a warm iron. Once it's cool, cut out your "stained glass" into heart shapes. Use them by themselves by writing your message on the heart with a permanent marker or add them to paper cards.
|
|
|
|
|
|
