Children and Young people

JUNIOR CHURCH VACANCIES!!

Janet

Janet Thain has been a Leader in our Scrambler group for several years now and hasdecided that in July she will step down and become one of our very needed helpers instead. We do thank Janet enormously for her time, guidance and support.

Therefore, if anyone would like to talk to me, or to any of the Junior Church leaders, about becoming a Scrambler leader (children aged 3 - 5) please do. This group is a joy to work with - the children make simple crafts, and explore the stories of Jesus in a very endearing way - full 'training' and support is given wholeheartedly!!

I too am stepping down as Junior Church Co-ordinator in July due to the pressures of PCC Secretary work!! Therefore if anyone would like to talk to me about taking over the role please do - I personally do not do any of the sessions but support and liase and really do the administration side. It's a lovely job to do working with the leaders and Matthew and I would urge anyone thinking of a change of role to think carefully of this one.

Moira Burns

Junior Church Co-ordinator

Where we are..................

The Scramblers are based in the back room of our Hall - a very suitable room for their 'sticky' crafts, Climbers are based in the main Hall due to their numbers - we have up to 15 children in this group - and also because of their varied activities they do need the space. The Youth (who are going to be choosing a new name for themselves I hear) are based in the Sturrock Room - a little more 'grown up' with the wipe boards and carpet!! They are meeting on the 2^nd & 4^th Sundays in the month only to allow time in church too.

Each group is now linked with the Lectionary material that we have in church. However, they look at it in different ways - much more hands on and dare I say fun! Junior Church is not school based and I think this is proven by the numbers of the children that keep coming. The leaders are excellent at going along side the children and listening to them and just guiding them through the material which is up to date and age appropriate. Our Vicar, Matthew, has taken great care in explaining that when the children go out, the Church is just dividing for that time, and it's lovely to see how the children have explored the Gospel when they return. Having the children come out at the end of the service is not to 'show off' what they have been doing - it's a time of blessing their discoveries and personally I love the moment when Matthew prays over them.

My thanks also goes to all the helpers that we have in assisting the groups - without you the groups cannot run due to our health & safety policies. If anyone would like to join this group please do contact me.

We do welcome any new children to any of the groups - try it out and see what you think. For the Scrambler group mums are very welcome to sit in for the first few times. We celebrate every child's birthday with a Christian book which again is well chosen and fun! As with all our congregation, everyone receives a birthday card on their special day too. So, if you know anyone who might like to come along we are meeting on the following dates. Any queries please don't hesitate to contact me.

For younger children, there is a crèche in the Lady Chapel during the 10.15am service, with a selection of toys and books if the child needs a break. Some younger ones however remain in the Church throughout the service, and it is not unusual for one to totter up the aisle closely followed by mum or dad!

Moira Burns, Junior Church Co-ordinator