October 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: youthoffice@stalbans.anglican.org 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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I’ve been visiting lots of Deanery Chapters recently, and one thing keeps coming up – how can we support children’s ministry when we struggle to get volunteers? The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few… In the old days, of course, many churches were supported by an army of women who didn’t work outside the home, pouring their time and talents into supporting the local church. The church survived on the unpaid labour of women. That’s not viable any more. But churches haven’t suddenly been given the wads of cash needed to hire full-time children’s workers, youth workers, administrators, tech support, and so on, to make up for that lack of free labour. So in an era when people are time-poor, and churches are cash-poor, how can we find and support the people we need to do our children’s work? There are no magical answers, but a few thoughts have come up in discussions. I’d love to hear any more tips that you have.

1. Consider the recruitment of volunteers to be a permanent part of what you do as a children’s worker/priest/volunteer team leader/etc. It’s not something you do just once, when you arrive, and then you’re sorted. It’s something that is ongoing.

2. Figure out ways in which people can support children’s ministry without having to be “good with kids” or needing a DBS check – this scares off some people, and is time-consuming. Maybe someone who’s good at organisation can take charge of sending out Baptism anniversary cards and ensuring baptism families’ contact details are added to the parish database/email list/etc.? Perhaps keen home bakers can provide snacks for children’s programmes. A team of teenagers can set up AV equipment, clean up after an event while they chat to each other, drop leaflets through letterboxes, etc.

3. See if your local secondary school has pupils doing a Duke of Edinburgh Award or similar, who need to do community service. They can help with children’s activities as long as an adult leader is also in the room, or they can provide support like the ones mentioned above.

4. Find out how much ownership your volunteers need or want – some will feel disenfranchised if they don’t get to plan their own sessions and contribute their own ideas, while others will welcome the ease of having their sessions planned for them.

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5. Encourage those who won’t naturally think of themselves as children’s work volunteers – many older people think, “oh, I don’t have young children – I can’t help with Sunday School!”, but often these “church grandparents” are among the closest relationships a child can make at church. An added benefit is that retirees may have more time to contribute to church activities than working parents do.

If you’ve struggled with this – or if you have any wisdom to share – do let me know via email, Twitter (@stalbanscme) or on our Facebook page (Children’s Ministry St Albans Diocese). In the meantime, pray for all the volunteers we do have, including many of YOU, who do such amazing work. You are truly a blessing.

Peace,

Margaret

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This idea is taken from the Revd Ally Barrett. It’s a way of encouraging children to look at the Bible as a whole, and to explore the imagery that comes up again and again throughout the Bible. You will need:

1. Printed photos of Bible stories and generic images e.g. water, trees, a desert, a mountain, fire, etc. I downloaded a bunch from the internet and printed them at the office. This cost maybe £1 in printing costs and paper.

2. String (£2) 3. Clothespins (£3 or less)

Hang the string up across the room and explain that one end is the very beginning, when God made the world, and the other end is the very end, when God’s Kingdom comes. Give children 10 minutes or so to decide where along the string to place each photo. Remind them that there may be pictures that could go in lots of different places. Help them with the chronology if they ask or if they get it wildly off (e.g., putting Christmas right after Adam and Eve), but otherwise let them work it out for themselves.

In this edition of Children’s Ministry News:

Pocket Money Praise A little child will lead them Bible Sunday Keeping children safe online Messy News The Big Draw Halloween Resources Events, Conferences and Training.

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Discuss why they put the photos in the order they did. Look at some of the generic pictures – is there anywhere else the water picture could have gone? Lots of Bible stories have water in them, don’t they… I wonder why. I wonder why you chose to put X as the very first picture. I wonder why you chose to put Y as the very last picture. Are there any pictures you could swap round and still have the story make sense? Note: often, the pictures they put at the end and at the beginning may be similar, and the pictures you choose can help with this – Hubble telescope photos of space can be the Creation or the end of the world. This can start a discussion about how the story could also be a circle, with the end and the beginning touching. You can then ask, “I wonder if God’s time works the same way as our time?”, which can lead to really interesting thoughts and introduce them to the concept of eternity – that God lives outside our time, which is how He’s able to pay attention to all of us at once, and that Heaven isn’t linear – we don’t get there “before” people who haven’t died yet. We’re all there together. A simple £5 activity can lead to some pretty big questions… _______________________________________________________________________________

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The Festival Communion service at Greenbelt 2016 was led from start to finish by children. Here’s part of a blog from the writer of this year’s festival service, Andrew Graystone: ‘The particular gifts that children bring to God’s people are needed now more than ever. Children can encourage and inspire us to recover a sense of joy, playfulness and hope that we so much need. In order to express this we wanted to make a space where it was possible for children to lead and teach us. This was not to be a children’s service, or even an all-age or child-friendly service. It wasn’t even to be a service about children. Rather, it was a service led by children, and as much as is practical led from a child’s perspective, where we worship God together from that viewpoint.’ You can find on their website all the words from the service – free to download and share and use – along with the rest of the story and idea behind the service. http://www.greenbelt.org.uk/communion-service/ _______________________________________________________________________________

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Bible Sunday is back! Each year, churches across the country celebrate the Bible and this year's activities will take place on 23 October (though you can hold Bible Sunday on any date that suits you). The Bible Society has created resources to help, including All-age resources and prayers. https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/get-involved/bible-sunday/

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CEOP's Thinkuknow programme are launching an updated version of their e-learning course Keeping Children Safe Online, developed in partnership with the NSPCC. This course provides a fully up-to-date overview of how children use the internet, and what professionals can do to protect them from harm. It contains information and advice on a whole range of topics, from risks children take online, sexting and cyberbullying, through to online grooming and abuse.

The course takes approximately 4 hours - learners can complete it at their own pace whenever and wherever they want. The updated course costs £30 and all proceeds go to the NSPCC. To register your interest visit: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/kcso

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Talking Messy Church Tuesday 1 November, 11am – 12.30pm Costa, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar EN6 1BJ 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. Please let us know if you are coming - T: 01727 818148 E: bcs@stalbans.anglican.org 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 paul.johnston317@gmail.com or tel: 07766 647206.

Messy Twinning One of the happy results of the Messy Church Conference was that more Messy twinnings were set up. Messy Churches on both sides of the globe are linking up to share friendships, suggestions and encouragements. This is a great idea, as most of us can use a reminder to be outward-looking, globally aware churches. The Messy Church team has written a guide (with a little help from their Messy friends) to help you consider the positives of Messy Twinning, which includes some helpful tips and hints. http://messychurch.org.uk/resource/messy-twinning

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Messy Mini Book – Christmas Family Time An affirming Christmas gift for Messy Churches to give to their Messy families to use at home over the Christmas holiday period. This minibook aims to transfer the core values of Messy Church to the home and family context, encouraging families to talk together, be creative, be hospitable, be Christ-centred and celebratory, and including activities for all ages. Cost £1.99. ISBN: 9780857465214 http://www.brfonline.org.uk/9780857465214 _______________________________________________________________________________

TThhee BBiigg DDrraaww TTuueessddaayy 2255 OOccttoobbeerr Be a part of the nation Big Draw Campaign and get creative at the Cathedral! Budding artists, young and old, are invited to explore the Cathedral and create their very own masterpieces inspired by the theme of this year's Big Draw - Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths. We will supply the equipment and ideas while you draw. This is a free drop-in event for all the family and will run from 10.30am until 3pm. Suitable for all ages. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

https://www.stalbanscathedral.org/whatson/family/the-big-draw _______________________________________________________________________________

HHaalllloowweeeenn Roots on the Web Children are fascinated by darkness. Traditionally, Christians have avoided celebrating Halloween and presented light parties as an alternative. But are we missing a trick? As Christians, we shouldn't be afraid to acknowledge darkness and evil. At Halloween we have a unique opportunity to explore fear and death from a Christian perspective. Why not organise a Halloween party at your church? Shining in the darkness: ideas for a church Halloween party, written by Lucy Carman, explores the themes of facing fears, life and death and light in the darkness. Choose ideas to suit the ages of your children and young people and the time available. The message is that we don't have to avoid darkness or death but, through the light and life that God brings in Jesus, we can face it head on with confidence. https://www.rootsontheweb.com/media/15099/cyp85-shining-in-the-darkness.pdf

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Barnabas for Churches Barnabas have some great alternatives to the traditional Halloween party. There’s ‘Light and Dark’ - a session for use anytime as an exploration of the theme of light, and particularly for Halloween, All Saints, Advent or Candlemas. http://www.barnabasinchurches.org.uk/halloween-light-and-dark/ Also have a look at ‘Undefeated Light’ which picks up on the theme that God promises us 'undefeated light' as a gift we can receive through Jesus. With suggestions for some games and storytelling, craft and worship, it’s useful for an end-of-October meeting. http://www.barnabasinchurches.org.uk/undefeated-light/ Share a Little Light – the Christenings Project Some parents aren’t sure quite what to feel about Hallowe’en – is it just harmless fun, or are there aspects of it that don’t fit in with how we want to see the world? The christening service is very honest about the reality of good and evil, and Halloween can be a good time to talk about those things and how the love of Jesus can be a ‘light in the darkness’ for everyone. ‘Share a Little Light’ is part of the Christenings project, helping churches engage with those families they have contact with through Christenings. With examples of activities and a prayer, it’s well worth a look. https://churchofenglandchristenings.org/after-a-christening/share-a-little-light/

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All-Age Worship by Lucy Moore This book is for those who sense that worshipping God together is

probably a good thing, but are nervous of trying to lead their church towards that vision. It acknowledges that we don't live in a perfect world - or church - and that no one has all the answers. It also argues that you are the expert for the ways in which your church can best worship God, and helps you start to find those ways and adapt them for your local setting. Fully revised and updated, All-Age Worship is due to be published on 21 October, cost £8.99 ISBN: 9780857465221. http://www.brfonline.org.uk/9780857465221/

The best present ever (5-8s) (10 pack) by Gemma Willis; illustrated by Lisa Maltby The Best Present Ever is a missional resource targeted at children

aged 5-8. Developed to support numerous Christmas events, the narrative centres around the story of the nativity and God’s willingness to come down to earth and be with us. Illustrated by Lisa Maltby, this booklet has a friendly and colourful design, helping young children to explore the Christmas story, and consider their own response. 10 pack of A6 booklets, 20 pages, cost £9.99. ISBN: 9781785064661 http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/3720799

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The greatest gift of all time (8-11s) (10 pack) by Catalina Echeverri The Greatest Gift of all Time is a missional resource targeted at children aged 8-11. Developed to support numerous Christmas events, the narrative centres around the story of the nativity and God’s willingness to come down to earth and be with us. Written and illustrated by Catalina Echeverri, this booklet has a contemporary and compelling design, helping children to explore the Christmas story and consider their own response. 10 pack of A6 booklets, 24 pages, cost £9.99. ISBN: 9781785064654 http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/3720800

The Joseph Stories Rainbow robe, jealous brothers and a lying lady - Fiona Veitch Smith brings three

episodes from the story of Joseph to life for 3 - 6s. Cost £5.99 each.

http://spckpublishing.co.uk/product/joseph-and-the-jealous-brothers/ http://spckpublishing.co.uk/product/joseph-and-the-lying-lady/ http://spckpublishing.co.uk/product/joseph-and-the-rainbow-robe/ _______________________________________________________________________________

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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" events, meet others at similar points in ministry, hear what's worked for churches nearby, have a chat with Margaret, and enjoy some cake. Email: youthoffice@stalbans.anglican.org 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: 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 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: £20 per person. http://www.onewayuk.com/event.php?id=87654526

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Saturday 8 October: Hertfordshire Messy Meet-Up Focolare Centre, Welwyn Garden City, 10am – 1pm

Messy Church are holding a ‘Messy Meet-Up’ - open to Herts 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 paul.johnston317@gmail.com or tel: 07766 647206. 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’. 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: john.fellows40@hotmail.co.uk or tel: 01582 764738.

Wednesday 26 October: All Age Worship, All Age Church Westcott House, Cambridge 10am – 4pm

What makes good All-age worship? This study day, led by Westcott's Director of Pastoral Studies, and the Church of England's National Advisor for Children and Youth, is an exploration of the theology and practicalities of planning and delivering transformative worship for all ages, and the implications for the church itself. The day costs £35 inclusive of lunch and refreshments. To book for this event, email events@westcott.cam.ac.uk http://www.westcott.cam.ac.uk/allageworship/

Friday 28 – Saturday 29 October: European Puppet & Creative Arts Ministry Festival Rugby

Join One Way UK as they celebrate 25 years of ministry - their European Puppet and Creative Arts Festival is for everyone, adults and children, who want to learn how to share the Gospel of Christ using their creative skills. With over 70 exciting workshops, two and a half hours of spectacular main stage performances, six competitions, an enormous range of creative arts resources on display and so much more, it's going to be an incredible two days. http://www.onewayuk.com

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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: bcs@stalbans.anglican.org 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 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: youthoffice@stalbans.anglican.org 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: jbiring@stalbans.anglican.org

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2017 24 – 25 February 2017: The Conversation Canterbury The Conversation is coming – a gathering that will create space for cutting-edge, innovative, even risky conversations about children, young people and the church. The Conversation will bring together people who are open to change; to reimagine God’s good news for this generation, who want children and young people to come into a life-enhancing, transforming and life-long encounter with Christ. The Conversation: re-imagining ministry with children and young people through encounter, rhythm and faith. Bookings now being taken. https://theconversationuk.org/

_______________________________________________________________________________ This month includes Baby Loss Awareness Week, from October 9th – 15th, so we pray for:

all parents, siblings, family members, and friends who mourn the loss of a baby

all midwives, doctors, chaplains, and counsellors who work with bereaved parents.

If you, or someone you know, has been affected by the death of a baby, or if you would like to organise a church service during Baby Loss Awareness Week next year, contact your local chapter of SANDS: North Hertfordshire: http://www.northhertssands.co.uk/ Bedfordshire: http://bedssands.blogspot.co.uk/ East Hertfordshire: Phone: 07500 468990, email: sands.east.herts@gmail.com West Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire: http://whbsands.org.uk/ You can also use the helpline, email a SANDS volunteer, and find out more on the national website: http://www.uk-sands.org/ _______________________________________________________________________________

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: cme@stalbans.anglican.org

Julie Cirillo Children’s & Youth Work Administrator E: youthoffice@stalbans.anglican.org

Jeremy Hirst Diocesan Child Protection Adviser E: childprotection@stalbans.anglican.org Diocesan Resources Centre E: resources@stalbans.anglican.org

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

TO BOOK A FREE PLACE CONTACT : REVD JOHN FELLOWS Tel. 01582 764738 Email: john.fellows40@hotmail.co.uk

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