september 2016 · it would be great to see you – please let us know if you are coming e:...
TRANSCRIPT
September 2016
Welcome to Children’s Ministry News; the newsletter for all involved in children’s work in our parishes and communities. It is available online or by post - to sign up for it: E: [email protected] or T: 01727 818160.
You can also find it on the Children’s pages of the Diocesan website: www.stalbans.anglican.org/schools/children-s-work and via a link on our Facebook page: Children’s Ministry St Albans Diocese.
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For all the Saints As autumn and “back to school” approach, I’m sure some of you are already thinking about the many festivals coming up between now and Christmas. While All Saints’ Day isn’t the biggest or splashiest, many churches are starting to rediscover its importance. With 2000 years of Christianity, there are so many opportunities to be inspired by the diverse variety of women and men who have followed Jesus – missionaries, prophets, artists, mystics, musicians, activists, thinkers, and more. Coming as it does in the same weekend as All Souls, this festival also gives us the chance to reflect on how our beloved dead have become part of the communion of saints, and look forward to the time when we too will join the saints and all we love who have gone before us in God’s Kingdom. Here are a few resources that have crossed my desk recently, which might be helpful in commemorating All Saints and All Souls. Meet The Saints (free, but you have to register with the website to download it): http://www.forwardmovement.org/Products/2396/meet-the-saintsbr-downloadable-facilitators-guide--family-storybook.aspx
Scripture Union has a new book called “Diary of a Disciple,” told from Luke’s point of view, coming out in September: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/3720240.id#.V6hsiqaV_cs
Margaret McAllister, who wrote the brilliant “Women of the Bible”, has come out with a second book, this time about saints. Similar to her first book, this one is a series of first-person stories, beautifully illustrated, which can be read aloud in about 10 minutes. Perfect for Messy Church, Sunday School, or collective worship (though in collective worship, you may want to scan the illustrations and put them in a PowerPoint, as there’s no Big Book format available). http://www.lionhudson.com/page/detail/Stories-of-the-Saints/?K=9780745964454
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I’ll also be doing some blog posts about All-Age Worship for All Saints – do keep checking the blog at https://stalbanscme.com/ and follow our Facebook page to get notified of new posts. Peace,
Margaret p.s. After some technical problems, the Going for Growth website has been relaunched. This is a great central clearinghouse for some of the best resources for ministry with children – if you’re not signed up for their newsletter, you can do so here: http://www.going4growth.com/home
PPoocckkeett MMoonneeyy PPrraaiissee
Make your own Stained Glass Windows. There are lots of ways to make stained glass windows – the usual one involves cutting out black paper and sticking coloured tissue to the back. But younger children may struggle with cutting out shapes from the middle of a piece of paper, and it’s difficult to do complex patterns this way. Children who may want to do pictures, and not just colours, may be frustrated. So after some trial and error, I’ve found a different – and cheap! – way. You will need:
Waxed paper (a large roll is about £3.50 from craft shops or Amazon)
Coloured Sharpies (£8 from Rymans for a set of 21) Bin bags or plastic aprons (£2 for a roll of bin bags) as the markers are permanent.
You can also print out images of different kinds of stained glass windows, for inspiration. Unlike regular markers, the Sharpie pens don’t smear on the waxed paper, and the waxed paper is translucent when hung from a window. If you want to make frames out of card, that will make them look a bit more polished and add only a pound or two to the overall cost.
In this edition of Children’s Ministry News:
Pocket Money Praise Creation Time - Going for Growth Education Sunday 11 September Networking and Social for Children’s Workers Talking Advent and Christmas ROOTS - Children’s Harvest Song Scripture Union Light Party Pack Messy News All-Age Worship Hand in Hand Conference 2017 Resources Events, Conferences and Training.
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We’ve already mentioned about the relaunch of the Going for Growth website: http://www.going4growth.com One of their ‘themed’ links is for Creation Time – this is the name which has been given to the five Sundays from 1st September to the 2nd Sunday in October. Using the Lectionary readings, it is an opportunity to focus on creation and re-consider our responsibilities for the stewardship of the earth. http://www.going4growth.com/growth_through_the_year/creation-time
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For well over 100 years there has been an annual recognition of Education Sunday in England and Wales. It is a national day of prayer and celebration for everyone in the world of education. The theme is devised by an ecumenical steering group representing different Christian denominations and organisations. For some years it has been celebrated on the ninth Sunday before Easter, however for 2016, after extensive consultation, the date has been moved to coincide with the start of the school year. Resources include National Prayer Points, Lectionary Reading, Hymns and Songs, Collective Worship Resource for KS1 & 2, and are intended to be used as a springboard for a variety of events on or around Education Sunday. http://www.cte.org.uk/Groups/278468/Home/Resources/Education_Sunday/Education_Sunday_2016/Education_Sunday_2016.aspx _______________________________________________________________________________
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Come have some tea and cake, share ideas and the inevitable frustrations, and get to know each other. We’ll be at Charlie’s Coffee and Company from 2pm on 15th September for those of you who are free during the day, and at a pub (to be confirmed) from 6pm on 18th October for those for whom the evening is better. Charlie’s is very close to St Albans City rail station, for those of you who aren’t local. Charlie’s Coffee and Company, 87 London Rd, St Albans AL1 1LN
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Are you looking for Advent and Christmas inspiration? Facing your first December in charge of a whole church and feeling overwhelmed? Bursting with a great discovery that you want to share with others? Wondering how – or if – to do a Carol Service or a Nativity Play? Come and share Advent and Christmas ideas with Margaret and the Revd Canon Tim Lomax (Diocesan Director of Mission) in a relaxed setting. Wednesday 28 September, 4–6pm @ Costa, St Georges Square, Luton LU1 2TL It would be great to see you – please let us know if you are coming E: [email protected] or T: 01727 818160 _______________________________________________________________________________
RROOOOTTSS -- CChhiillddrreenn’’ss HHaarrvveesstt SSoonngg ‘‘CCoommee aanndd tthhaannkk GGoodd’’
Sing to the tune of 'London's burning'
Come and thank God, come and thank God, for the harvest, for the harvest. Praise him, praise him. Give him glory, give him glory.
Once the group has got used to singing the song, why not sing it as a round? It can be sung in up to four parts, and singing in rounds can make a great sound. It's also a lovely way of bringing a group together.
Adding some very simple actions, which the children can work out themselves, can be fun - especially if you do then sing in rounds!
Why not use this simple tune as a gathering song for each of the sessions?
Only the second line needs to be changed. Examples of these include; for each other . . . he has found us . . . for his justice . . . learn to trust him . . . he has called us.
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Does your church wonder what to do for children at Halloween each year?
Do you want help in answering the questions they ask about it? Do you need some inspired ideas for Light Parties that don’t involve lots of preparation?
The Light Party Pack has got lots of ideas and suggestions as to how you can turn the modern version of Halloween into something that brings children closer to knowing Jesus as the Light of the World. After all, the origins of Halloween come from All Hallows Eve, a Christian tradition of remembering those who gave up everything to follow Jesus! To order your free Light Party Pack go to: www.scriptureunion.org.uk/LightParty/Pre-registerforyour2016LightPartyPack/3614769.id
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Talking Messy Church please note changes to dates & venues! Have you started down the Messy road, or thinking of beginning the journey? Talking Messy Church is a chance to talk about Messy Church (your hopes, plans, joys and frustrations) over coffee – to chat about how it can start, how it might develop as church where you are, and ways in which it can nurture disciples of Christ. Alongside the Revd Canon Tim Lomax (Diocesan Director of Mission) and Margaret Pritchard Houston (Children’s Mission Enabler), this will be an informal opportunity to discuss your experiences and plans whilst learning from others about this exciting aspect of church growth amongst children and families. We’d love you to come and meet with us over coffee:
Monday 5 September, 5pm – 6.30pm Costa, St John’s Centre, Rope Walk, Bedford MK42 0XE
Tuesday 1 November, 11am – 12.30pm Costa, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar EN6 1BJ
Please let us know if you are coming along - T: 01727 818148 E: [email protected] BRF Hertfordshire Messy Meet-Up Messy Church are holding a ‘Messy Meet-Up’ on Saturday 8 October, from 10am – 1pm at the
Focolare Centre, Welwyn Garden City. Open to Hertfordshire Messy Churches, and those thinking of starting. There will be time to share stories and encourage each other, with input from Martyn Payne of the BRF Messy Church team on Messy Storytelling and being All-age in Messy Church. Let the team know you’re coming – email [email protected] or tel: 07766 647206.
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AAllll AAggee WWoorrsshhiipp Looking for ideas for running an All-Age Worship session? Then check out our blog, where Margaret gives lots of suggestions, as well as tips on using props, videos, acting out stories etc. https://stalbanscme.com/ On Saturday 28 January 2017, Margaret will be leading a day alongside the Revd Ally Barrett of Westcott House, on Children’s Spirituality and All-Age Worship: Theology and Practice. Details can be found at: http://www.stalbans.anglican.org/ministry/find-a-course/ _______________________________________________________________________________
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The ‘Hand in Hand Conference’ for 2017 will be held from 3 - 5 February 2017 in Eastbourne. This may seem a long way away, but places are limited in 2017, due to building work at the venue. So you'll need to book early! Their early bird discount is available until the end of September. http://www.handinhandconference.com/conferences-training/2017-general-information/
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Barnabas in Schools RE Days ‘Creating Character’ is our new theme, starting in October 2016 and offering two distinct Barnabas RE Days: ‘Friendship, forgiveness and peace’, and ‘Compassion, service and community’. Both use a range of classic Bible stories and interactive activities to get pupils thinking and talking about their personal values. It’ll all be backed up with new online learning resources and an INSET programme for staff. http://www.barnabasinschools.org.uk/creating-character/
The Church and Boys – Making the Connection by Nick Harding Why are men and boys so under-represented in churches? Why do churches find it so difficult to cater for boys? What would help boys in church grow into mature men of faith? This uniquely inspiring book by Nick Harding spells out the problem and encourages churches to see this in missional terms. The main part of the book includes resources, suggestions and ideas to help boys connect better with the church, with the Bible, and with the Christian faith. To be published 23 September. ISBN: 9780857465092 Price £8.99 http://www.brfonline.org.uk/9780857465092/
Seasonal Specials for Children's Ministry by Ann Diaz ‘Seasonal Specials for Children's Ministry’ provides engaging material for ten special events through the year. Each section offers a reflective time, craft, game, snack, drama and community outreach idea, and Easter and Christmas include extra activities to inspire, inform and celebrate. Whatever your form of children's ministry, Seasonal Specials is an essential all-purpose, year-round resource to help children develop in their faith. To be published 23 September. ISBN: 9780857465252 Price £11.99 http://www.brfonline.org.uk/9780857465252/
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September
Monday 5 September: Talking Messy Church Costa, St John’s Centre, Bedford 5pm – 6.30pm Talking Messy Church is a chance to talk about Messy Church (your hopes, plans, joys and frustrations) over coffee – to chat about how it can start, how it might develop as church where you are, and ways in which it can nurture disciples of Christ. Please note change of venue! The venue is Costa, St John’s Centre, Rope Walk, Bedford MK42 0XE. Please let us know if you are planning to be there - email: [email protected] or tel: 01727 818148.
Wednesday 18 September: Tallking Advent & Christmas Costa, St Georges Square, Luton 4pm – 6pm Looking for Advent and Christmas inspiration? Facing your first December in charge of a whole church and feeling overwhelmed? Bursting with a great discovery that you want to share with others? Come and share Advent and Christmas ideas. Please let us know if you are coming. E: [email protected] or T: 01727 818160
Tuesday 20 September: Getting Started event Christ Church, Ware 7.30pm – 9.30pm Is your church, or one near you, thinking of getting started in children's work? Come along to one of our informal "Getting Started" evenings in the autumn, meet others at similar points in ministry, hear what's worked for churches nearby, have a chat with Margaret, enjoy some cake. Let us know if you’re coming - email: [email protected] or tel: 01727 818160. Saturday 24 September: Playtime National Conference Bristol Every toddler group is unique with its own style, personality and purpose – rather like a colourful tapestry that reflects their local community. At the 2016 Playtime Conference you’ll hear lots of helpful advice, gain new insights and have the opportunity to network and encourage each other. http://www.careforthefamily.org.uk/faith-in-the-family/playtime/playtime-conference-2016
Tuesday 27 September: ‘Fuel’ training evening Hitchin, 7.30pm - 9.30pm
Local organisations Phase, Urban Saints and the Forum run a free leaders training evening called ‘Fuel’, twice a year. Fuel training continues to cover a wide range and variety of topics so that youth and children’s leaders feel educated, equipped and sustained in their youth and children's work. Free event, but booking required. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fuel-training-tickets-27092031997
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October Getting Started events in October Is your church, or one near you, thinking of getting started in children's work? Come along to one of our informal "Getting Started" evenings in the autumn, meet others at similar points in ministry, hear what's worked for churches nearby, have a chat with Margaret, and enjoy some cake. Email: [email protected] or tel: 01727 818160.
Saturday 1 October, 10.30am – 12.30pm at St Peter’s Church, Mill End Tuesday 4 October, 7.30pm – 9.30pm at St Andrew’s Church, Bedford.
Saturday 8 October: Church – School Links Flitwick, 9.15am – 3.30pm The relationship between the local church and the school can be key both for the ethos of the school and for the mission of the church. This event will enable you to foster a more fruitful and creative partnership. The day will begin with a keynote talk from the Revd Mary Hawes, National Children’s Work Adviser, on how children develop spiritually in religious thinking. Other presentations will cover partnerships between the parish and school, Collective Worship, engaging with children in church, and Open the Book. The event is free but places are limited and booking is essential. To book your place contact Jaspreet - email: [email protected] or tel: 01727 818151. Saturday 8 October: Puppetry Workshop All Nations Church North, Bedford 10am – 4pm Led by One Way UK, this is a practical hands on day where there will be plenty of opportunities to develop your skills and be inspired with new ideas! This exciting puppet training day is designed to give you hands on experience within the following areas: basic and advanced puppet manipulation skills, solo and theatre style puppetry, how to start a puppet ministry (including finances, equipment, recruiting etc), props and scenery, choreography, putting a song together and much more! Cost: £15 per person if booked 10 days prior to event, or £20 thereafter. http://www.onewayuk.com/event.php?id=87654526 Saturday 8 October: Hertfordshire Messy Meet-Up Welwyn Garden City, 10am – 1pm Messy Church are holding a ‘Messy Meet-Up’ on Saturday 8 October, from 10am – 1pm at the Focolare Centre, Welwyn Garden City. Open to Hertfordshire Messy Churches, and those thinking of starting. There will be time to share stories and encourage each other, with input from Martyn Payne of the BRF Messy Church team on Messy Storytelling and being All-age in Messy Church. Let the team know you’re coming – email [email protected] or tel: 07766 647206.
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Tuesday 11 October: Boost conference - Building Emotional & Spiritual wellbeing in Children, Young People and Leaders London 9.45am – 4.40pm Boost is a one-day conference for those working with, or supervising those who work with, under 18's, either part-time/full-time or as a volunteer. As well as a choice of seminars, there’ll be two keynote speeches and a session on ‘Do Christians laugh? Rediscovering the spiritual discipline of giggling’. Early bird offer of £25 for the whole day, lunch included (after 9 Sept cost will be £30). http://separtnership.org.uk/boost/ Thursday 13 October: Godly Play sessions High St Methodist Church, Harpenden The Revd John Fellows will be leading two different sessions, for people to come along and find out about Godly Play for school, church & home:
Introduction to Godly Play, 4.30pm – 6pm Using Godly Play Creatively: inc. for prayer and engaging with Scripture, 7pm – 9pm.
To book your free place email: [email protected] or tel: 01582 764738.
November Tuesday 1 November: Talking Messy Church Costa, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar 11am – 12.30pm Have you started down the Messy road, or thinking of beginning the journey? Talking Messy Church is a chance to talk about Messy Church (your hopes, plans, joys and frustrations) over coffee – to chat about how it can start, how it might develop as church where you are, and ways in which it can nurture disciples of Christ. This will be an informal opportunity to discuss your experiences and plans whilst learning from others about this exciting aspect of church growth amongst children and families. The venue is Costa, 57 Darkes Lane, Potters Bar, EN6 1BJ. Car parking on the street is limited, but there’s a Sainsbury’s opposite. Please let us know if you are planning to be there - email: [email protected] or tel: 01727 818148. Thursday 10 November: Celtic worship for today Southwark Cathedral 10.30 am - 3.30 pm A day exploring styles of Celtic Worship and how they may enhance and deepen our worship. Speakers: Canon Aled Edwards and Emily Walker. The cost is £15, £10 for Praxis affiliate members (does not include lunch). http://www.praxisworship.org.uk/events_by_date.html
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Saturday 12 November: Ministry with Under-5s Diocesan Office, St Albans What makes Under-5s different? How can your church engage with them and their families? With workshops on storytelling, baptism, music, and more, a crash course on children’s corners, a chance to observe a sample session of liturgical worship with Under-5s, and a keynote address from Ellie Wilson, Under-5s Adviser to the Diocese of Leeds, this promises to be an inspirational and practical day. A marketplace will be available. The event is free (please bring a packed lunch), but you must book in advance - email Julie at: [email protected] or ring 01727 818160. Thursday 24 November: the Christenings Project Flitwick, 9.15am – 4pm ‘Baptism matters’ is a one day presentation for clergy, readers and others involved in baptism and family ministry. New research and resources around baptism are making an impact on church growth and on this key ministry where we meet families for their first steps on their journey of faith. With input from The Revd Canon Dr Sandra Millar, Head of Projects and Developments for the Church of England. The cost for this event is £10, lunch included (if this cost is prohibitive to anyone please contact Margaret as bursaries are available). To register your interest or reserve your place T: 01727 818151 E: [email protected] _______________________________________________________________________________ We pray for: ◊ all children and staff returning to school in September, especially those starting new
schools or taking on new leadership roles ◊ farmers, as we approach the Harvest – both in our Diocese and around the world ◊ all churches who, this academic year, are beginning a new ministry with children. _______________________________________________________________________________
St Albans Diocese Children’s Work, Holywell Lodge, 41 Holywell Hill, St Albans AL1 1HE Tel: 01727 818160
Margaret Pritchard Houston Diocesan Children’s Mission Enabler E: [email protected] Julie Cirillo Children’s & Youth Work Administrator E: [email protected]
Chris Lees Diocesan Child Protection Adviser E: [email protected] Diocesan Resources Centre E: [email protected]
www.stalbans.anglican.org/schools/children-s-work
www.stalbans.anglican.org/schools/safeguarding https://twitter.com/StAlbansCME
http://stalbanscme.com
https://uk.pinterest.com/margaret_pritch www.facebook.com/pages/Childrens-Ministry-St-Albans-Diocese/310836025679105
TALKING….
Talking Messy Church is a chance to talk about Messy Church (your hopes, plans, joys &
frustrations) over coffee - to chat about how it can start, how it might develop as church
where you are and ways in which it can nurture disciples of Christ. This will be an informal
opportunity to chat about your experiences and plans whilst learning from others about this
exciting growth amongst children and families.
We’d love you to come and meet with us over coffee - and a couple of opportunities for this have been planned:
Monday 5th September 2016: between 5 - 6.30 pm
At Costa, St John’s Centre, Rope Walk, Bedford MK42 0XE
Tuesday 1st November 2016: between 11 - 12.30pm
At Costa, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar EN6 1BJ
It would be great to see you on one of these occasions - for enquiries or to let
us know you are coming, either:
Call the office: 01727 818148
or Email: [email protected]
Have you started down the ‘Messy’ road, or are you thinking of beginning the journey?
TALKING Advent & Christmas
Are you looking for Advent & Christmas inspiration? Facing your first
December in charge of a whole church and feeling overwhelmed? Bursting
with a great discovery that you want to share with others? Wondering how –
or if – to do a Carol Service or a Nativity Play?
Come share Advent and Christmas ideas with
Margaret (Children’s Mission Enabler)
and Tim (Director of Mission) in a relaxed
setting.
Meet with us over coffee, at: Wednesday 28th September 2016: between 4 - 6 pm
At Costa, St George’s Square, Luton LU1 2TL
It would be great to see you - for enquiries or to let us know you are coming, either:
call the office: 01727 818160
or email: [email protected]
Have you started thinking about Advent & Christmas?
TO BOOK A FREE PLACE CONTACT : REVD JOHN FELLOWS Tel. 01582 764738 Email: [email protected]
Come along to any of the following sessions:
Led by Revd John Fellows
Godly Play is for all ages and is an exci�ng, crea�ve way of understanding, sharing and reflec�ng on Chris�an stories.
Full range of Godly Play resources to borrow is available from High Street Methodist Church,
Harpenden, Herts AL5 2RU
For more informa;on about Godly Play visit: www.godlyplay.org.uk
Introduc;on to Godly Play Thursday 13 October
4.30-6.00 pm at High Street Methodist Church,
Harpenden AL5 2RU
Using Godly Play Crea;vely: inc. for prayer and engaging with scripture
Thursday 13 October 7-9 pm
at High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden AL5 2RU
