Children and Families - new groups and services
“Are we nearly there yet?”, “Can I have a biscuit?”, “Why?” I wonder how many times parents and carers have heard these questions, especially in the past 6 months! After the long days of children being home from school a turning point has come, as we move into a new season with new questions of, “Will you get out of bed, it’s a school day?”, “Where is my school tie?” and “Have you got your mask?”
Children are now back to a new style of school; our toddler group is back in a new format of being outside at the Dell Centre and we are so encouraged that the first two sessions were fully booked in less than 24 hours! It’s great that we have been able to provide something safe for this age group and to chat to parents and carers from a distance.
Family Kids Church (which is like a mini Holiday Club) has also launched for those in Reception to Year 6, a chance for families to grow in faith together as we play games, make craft, dance around in worship and go deeper into the Bible. For further information about our current provision for children and families or to book a place at one of the above events, please visit sgsgashtead.org.uk/kids.
As you go into this new season, I wonder spiritually where you and your children are at? Sometimes we can feel close to God and sometimes we can feel at a distance, especially when we can’t come to church every Sunday. Since lockdown, my 2½ year old son’s speech has developed and I now encourage him to say prayers at bed time “Ethan, what would you like to say thank-you to God for?”. Often his response is “Holly the dog, Mr Piggie and the ducks”. Another night his response was “the curtains, the door and the chest of drawers”.
It might seem something unimportant to thank God for but it is giving him the opportunity to grow his relationship with God. I encourage you in this new season to go deeper into your Bible as a family and give your children the opportunity to say “thank God for the curtains”.
As we do Faith at home, discover God’s presence together in the place you spend most of your time. Your home offers the space to make mistakes and ask honest questions. If you would like to go deeper with your family, the Church of England offers resources on their website; Faith at Home.
Jaynie Kendall, Leader of Children’s and Families Ministry