www.methodistchildren.org.uk
 

Welcome to the January 2006 Children's Workers' newsletter.

Happy New Year and best wishes for all your work in 2006!

Prayer Handbook

The preparations for the Methodist Prayer Handbook for 2006/07 are well under way and we have been contacted by the Editor to see if we could assist in ensuring that prayers by all ages are represented in this important book. We have been asked to gather together prayers and drawings to accompany them to send to the Editor for consideration. The deadlines are quite tight and we need prayers and drawings sent to us by 17th February 2006. The maximum length for a prayer is 120 words and the drawings should be as bold as possible. The theme of the Prayer Handbook will be around 'Redemption', particularly the abolition of slavery. Perhaps some good themes for the children to think about would be freedom, gifts we are given, and forgiveness, but prayers on any themes will be considered.
It's very exciting that we are being included in the Handbook in this way so we would really encourage as many of you as are able to work with your children and send us prayers and drawings. Send any material to us at children@methodistchildren.org.uk  or MethodistChildren, Methodist Church House, 25 Marylebone Road, London, NW1 5JR.

 

CORE is coming.....

2006 is a headline year for anyone working in Children's Ministry because of a stunning new training publication that will be released in September. CORE has been put together by CGMC (The Consultative Group for Ministry Among Children www.cgmcontheweb.com)  and is a truly ecumenical piece of work that has brought together writers from all over the UK and Ireland. CORE will be published by BRF (www.brf.org.uk) and there is already an exciting set of events being prepared to launch the new material. We can give you advance notice to keep the weekend of the 8th to 10th September free for what is going to be the ultimate Training Conference!

 

Rainbow & Fun '06

The new edition of Rainbow is currently being mailed. It features good news from Russia, China, and Bangladesh as well as some fantastic photos from JMA members. Rainbow will also be available to download from the JMA section of the website. To receive printed copies for anyone in your Church contact us, we would be delighted to add you to the mailing list.
FUN is also available and has a slightly new look, apart from containing the follow-up notes for Rainbow it contains much of interest to anyone working with children in the Church. Again if you would like the printed copy of this we will be happy to add you on to the mailing list.
We have made real progress in updating the JMA database but if your Church is still not receiving Rainbow and FUN then please get in touch with us at children@methodistchurch.org.uk  and we can sort this out. There is a form on the back page of FUN that you can use to send us the correct information.

 

Questions for 9-13's workers

In our last newsletter we reported that Penny Fuller had started with MethodistChildren as the 9-13 project worker. She has wasted no time in launching herself into this important area of work and is keen to start conversations with workers from all around the Connexion. To kick this off here is are some prompts that will hopefully start one of these chats - if any of the following is relevant to you then please get in touch with Penny now at fullerp@methodistchurch.org.uk or post your thoughts on the Bulletin Boards.

  • Are there any specific projects for 9-13s at local churches, circuits or  at district level you know about ?
  • Do you know of churches who are working ecumenically with 9-13s or are you involved in work ecumenically with 9-13s ?
  • Does your church or circuit  have any links with local schools or local authority backed projects ?
  • Do you have any ideas, plans or thoughts about working with the 9-13 in your area ?
  • Have you run any events or workshops for the 9 -13s or for volunteers working with this age range ?
  • Do you know of or do you have any events planned, where there would be an opportunity for me to chat with people working with 9-13s ?
  • Could you arrange an opportunity for me to meet with leaders or a group of 9-13s in your church, circuit or district ?
  • Does your circuit have any circuit gatherings, projects or events held for the 9-13s ?
  • Do you use ‘Roots’ ? I am looking for feedback on this resource. Would you be prepared to complete a questionnaire for me ?

Let me know about your experiences, visions, work  with the 9-13s
 

Joseph's in town

Hard to believe but it is time to start planning for your Holiday Club 2006! And to make that process easier Scripture Union have already published their new material for this year. 'Pyramid Rock' tells the story of Joseph for 5 - 11 year olds. As ever the programme is accompanied by a five episode DVD (£14.99), this time using the animated talents of the people who gave us the Testament series of films. The Resource Book (£8.99) is bigger than previous ones and is packed full of drama, craft, games, teaching, and guidelines for those just starting out on running a Holiday Club. The children can also have a 'Joseph's Jotter' containing activities and all the Bible text for the programme to take home.
Previous Holiday Clubs such as Landlubbers, Xpedition Force, and Seaside Rock are all still available from www.scriptureunion.org.uk 

   

Children Matter!

We don't need to persuade you of that but have you visited the Children Matter! Website? It is packed full of up to date information relating to children in church as well as in the community. Their regular e-news updates are informative and offer much for you to follow up on. Visit the site and find out just how much Children do matter! 
Children Matter! website is on http://tahilla.typepad.com/children_matter/ 

 

District Contacts

We have always done our best to create strong networks throughout the Circuits and Districts for those working in children's ministry. In the mists of history we had a Children Secretary and a JMA Secretary for each and every District. As you can imagine this is not the case now and we want to restructure this network. We are hoping that each District will send at least one person to a meeting of 'District Children's Contacts' for  MethodistChildren in Methodist Church House on Saturday 11th March. We will work together to build a strong network throughout the country. We have mailed the previous contacts from each District and are working hard to make sure every District is represented - ask around to find out who is coming from your District, or contact your TDO.

   

Lifepath

Lifepath is an outreach programme for churches to run in co-operation with local schools. It has been developed by Scripture Union and has been run in a variety of locations around England in the last few years. It takes the interesting approach of utilising a historic church location and exploring the historical story of the person associated with the location. In doing so it offers the children attending the event the chance to explore their own spirituality in their lives today. 
To introduce churches to the whole concept of Lifepath a free DVD has been produced which will be supplemented by a second DVD with an information pack which will be available for sale.
In the accompanying letter the Lifepath Co-ordinator, Piers Lane, says ' Lifepath aims to be biblically based, curriculum linked, age-appropriate, ecumenical and above all, fun and memorable for all involved.'
For further information contact Piers on 01677 427699 or piersl@scriptureunion.org.uk 

 

The Tsunami Anniversary and JMA

During the year since the Tsunami JMA has been helping partner churches in the region through the Fund for World Mission. We have given grants to Indonesia, the Nicobar and Andoman Islands, South India and Sri Lanka, helping with things like houses, schools, and community centres.
A letter we have just received from Car Nicobar (find it on a map!) tells us about this year's carol singing around the island, everyone with new clothes and Christmas joy, but all with some sadness in their hearts for those they lost.
We are just now working with a construction company, the government, the Sri Lanka Methodist Church and MRDF to build 200 new houses. This is just the beginning, they will need our help for some time yet.

 

If you require any further information please contact us on children@methodistchurch.org.uk 

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