STAR
Support, Training And Resources
An e-bulletin from the Diocese of Peterborough's
Children's Missioner, Rona Orme
Email: rona.orme@peterborough-diocese.org.uk
Website: www.peterborough-diocese.org.uk/children
Rutland Deanery is holding a training event, open to all, on Saturday 18 September 10.45-3pm on Meeting Families at Christmas in the Church Hall, All Saints, Oakham. I will be leading a session on specific suggestions for Christingles, Crib and Candle Services, and other Christmas ideas that will appeal to children and families. Miles Baker will be focussing more on invitation and welcome in the Advent and Christmas season. Lunch will be provided. Do come along!
In this issue:
Pray for Schools
Parents’ Week 2010
Listen and Draw to the Bible reading
The theology for inter-generational (all ages together) ministry
An easy route to a holiday club
Wish you were here!
Youthwork Summit
Book reviews
Pray for Schools Top
Pray for Schools is an organisation to encourage churches and individuals to pray for their local school(s). Visit www.prayforschools.org to watch an introductory video, and to find out about taking part in Back to School with God on 5 September at 9am.
Parents’ Week 2010 Top
18-24 October will see the 11th annual Parents’ Week. Visit the website of the Family and Parenting Institute www.familyandparenting.org/parentsweek to find out how your church could get involved.
Listen and Draw to the Bible reading Top
For this activity each person will need a sheet of A4 paper and a pencil. Get everyone to fold their paper in half, twice – to make 4 A6 size sections. Beforehand, divide the Bible passage into four parts which make for good stopping points. Start by reading the first section. Then, after a pause say, “Draw!” Everyone then draws what they just heard the first part of the story on one quarter of the paper. Emphasize this is a quick draw activity meant to portray the story and not a work of art. As most people finish their drawing, begin reading the second section of the passage. This sequence continues for the remaining three sections until the entire Bible passage has been read and everyone has completed four drawings.
Adapted from an article by Amy Brown on Ministry-to-Children.com
This activity would be great to offer the weekend of the Big Draw in October www.thebigdraw.org/home/index.aspx and do have a go at the draw and fold over page too: www.drawandfoldover.com/new
The theology for inter-generational ministry Top
What are the Biblical principles and precedents for the nurture of children in faith? This fascinating article may challenge the way you view Sunday Club or all-age services!
http://ministry-to-children.com/intergenerational-ministry-support/
Then read more, in a lighter article, on whether children should be in the main worship or not:
http://formingfaith.wordpress.com/2010/07/09/children-in-worship-or-not/
An easy route to a holiday club Top
Mike Bossingham, of the Family Friendly Churches Trust, offers:
“A Holiday Club, 6 days, usually running from Tuesday to Sunday, including
Sunday worship, is now £695 rather than £795”.
I recommend his work and you can visit his website at: www.familyfriendlychurches.org.uk/NewSite/hclubs.php
Wish you were here! Top
Take a few moments to reflect on your ministry among children over the past school year as you read this lovely, encouraging article by Martin Payne of Barnabas: www.barnabasinchurches.org.uk/5274
Youthwork Summit Top
Those of you who work with tween- and teenagers might want to journey to London for the Youthwork Summit on Saturday 23 October to be refreshed and inspired. Read more at: www.youthworksummit.com
Book reviews Top
Prayers for a Better World by Sophie Piper, published by Lion £5.99
isbn 978 – 7459 6929 9
This is a lovely book to share with god-, grand- or our own children. Beautiful illustrations bring the short prayers to life on the topics of Creation and or Peace and Justice. For example:
We share the earth, we share the sky, we share the shining sea
With those we trust, with those we fear: we are God’s family.
There is a helpful index. But note: Jesus is not named in this book.
Bible Stories for Little Angels by Sarah J Dodd, published by Lion £7.99
isbn 978 0 7459 6209 2
10 Bible stories are re-told for under 6s in this book – 5 from each Testament. They are the right length for a bedtime story and have delightful illustrations.
The Creation Series 8 Book Box Set by Carole Leah
isbn 978 1 84550 554 7 published by Christian Focus Publications £11.99
Described as a Bible-based Reading Project, these 8 well-illustrated books introduce three contemporary children to the Bible account of Creation. The first booklet cover the six days of Creation; booklets 2-7 illustrate the Bible narrative; and booklet 8 covers the Fall, and the role of Jesus ‘to put things right’. They are designed to be read to 3-4 year olds to extend vocabulary, practise observation skills and, if desired, to learn a Bible verse. The set would be an excellent gift for a god- or grandchild, or bought for use in a playschool or nursery class. They have been produced for the UK market so the illustrations and vocabulary are just right. The booklets can be bought separately – but the boxed set makes much more sense. It is good to see material that links Creation with Jesus the Redeemer for this age group.