Archive of children's work news

This page contains news in brief of resources, events and important information regarding children's work which has been circulated by the children's work adviser. This is the dumping ground for old info, but much of use is here.

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Maybe a little late - maybe not...

Before you consign all your cards to the recycling bin (or file this idea for next year!), here are some other ways that they could be used:

Younger children

Sort the cards to show which tell the Christmas story we hear in the Bible and which tell the story we hear in the world.
Use the cards to sequence the Christmas story.
Talk about some of the symbols we see in the cards and what they mean - dove, light, star etc
Laminate cards and turn them into simple jigsaw puzzles that could be used in the crèche whilst telling the story shown on the card.

Older children

Sort the cards according to the Christmas stories told in different gospels. Why did the gospel writers include (or exclude) certain things?
Look at the cards and a Bible and work out what is actually biblical, and what is added.
Compare similar scenes and discuss why the artist might have chosen to include what s/he did.
Look at cards which show the Christmas story from the perspective of a different culture. What does this help us understand about the Christmas story?
Design a Christmas card together. What words might you include inside it?

Compass

You may have picked up the news coverage of a campaign (supported by the Children’s Society and the ABC among others) to protect children from marketing which treats them as consumers from an early age. Read more, including the full report here: http://www.compassonline.org.uk/campaigns.asp

Families

Scripture Union have another subsection to their website – this time relating to nurturing faith in families, parenting and so forth. www.scriptureunion.org.uk/families

And a laugh

If you’ve not seen this… http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/content.asp?id=30729&cachefixer= It may give you some ideas if you are having a Christingle service in Epiphany or Candlemas (as some do…)

Christmas site

After Christmas...

On the basis that I'm never going to get everything done for Christmas, I'm skipping straight past it!!!! Her are some resources to take you into 20076;
Hay & Stardust
by Ruth Burgess
pub. Wild Goose Publications
ISBN: 1-905010-00-1 £14.99
Here's a collection of resources for worship and meditation to take you from Christmas through to Candlemas. Poems, sketches, liturgies, prayers and music. Designed mainly for an adult 'audience', it has several pieces which children and young people would savour. There's also a Christmas Baptismal song to the tune of Infant Lowly....
Here's a link to some ideas which the Diocese of Connecticut has for celebrating Epiphany with children: http://www.ctdiocese.org/newsletters/Epiphany06.pdf

Images to challenge your church about children

Charter for Children in the Church - CD Rom * £4.50 Publisher: United Reformed Church A CD Rom of the images in the Charter for Children calendar for use in material for groups, service papers, magazines etc.

How honest are we with our children?

Thoughful article on life-to-life sharing with childrenhttp://tahilla.typepad.com/children_matter/2006/09/what_will_you_s.html

The Advent Calendar

I've just been given this book - and on dipping in am impressed. But if I wait until I've read it to recommend it to you it will be too late! By Steven Croft, pub. Darton, Longman & Todd, it has echoes of Jostein Gaarder's Christmas Mysteries, in that an Advent Calendar takes people back through the ages to the first Christmas. Touch of Da Vinci Code riddles etc etc. Steven is the Archbishops' Missioner. There is also a supporting website: http://www.advent-calendar.co.uk/

This Time of Year

I gave this Children's Ministry CD a bit of a luke-warm review from the samples on the web site. They've sent me a copy (anyone like to borrow it?) and the songs have grown on me a little. If you haven't already fixed on the songs you'll use with children over the next few weeks, then it is well worth a listen. And I was serious about lending it...

Lausanne

If you haven't come across the Lausanne 2004 papers before, here's the link to them. It was a gathering of mainly evangelical folk concerned with children's ministry in its widest context. The document makes for interesting reading. http://www.forum2004children.com/

Yet another course in March...

Celebrating Children Course 26 - 30th March 2007 Moorlands Bible College
This residential course is based on the book Celebrating Children. A couple of Children's Advisers attended the first one held earlier this year - and other people I have spoken to recommend it highly! If you want more information or if you are interested in attending contact: enquiries@moorlands.ac.uk

Growing Together

Ely Diocese have sent me details of a training day convenient for the northern part of the diocese and the M11 corridor:

GROWING TOGETHER Adults and Children learning and training together Children are very much part of the church of today and not just the church tomorrow. This is a day that brings together children themselves and the adults working with them, to learn, have fun and worship. There will be some joint workshops, some seminars and workshops for adults alone and a children’s only programme in the morning. Saturday 20th January 2007 9.50 - 3.30pm (Registration 9.15am) at MILTON CofE primary school, Humphries way, Milton CB4 7DL. Contact me and I will send the booking form.

Seasonal from BRF

NEW IDEAS

There is also an outline for a short presentation which could be part of a service or used in a children's session, entitled The Light that lasts forever In addition there's a story for Epiphany—yes, there's life after Christmas!—called The Christmas Tree’s Tale

There is already a lot of useful Christmas to Epiphany material available in the Christian Year section of ideas pages.

Bit of fun - or maybe useful to pass on to families?

A couple of computer-based nativity animations:

www.cwanetwork.org.uk/assets/Christmas_TUS_SS_setup.exe

http://www.cwanetwork.org.uk/assets/antnativity.zip

Puppets

It's just possible someone may be looking for a present for a children's worker... How about puppets? Try these links for well-priced puppets and a reduced book about puppet ministry. (If anyone fancies the AS puppets, the chap is on a stall in Milton Keynes Christmas Market until the week after next. I will probably be going shopping there, and am happy to negotiate about acting as a buyer and getting the puppets to you in the New Year, to save postage...

http://www.aspuppets.co.uk/

http://shop.childrensministry.co.uk/index.php?cPath=28

http://shop.childrensministry.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=22_33&products_id=77

Blog

Over the past 5 years I have tried various ways to encourage discussion and sharing of ideas. I'm having another go! Blogging is very fashionable - and so we have set up a CatchFire blog! I and several other writers will be regularly blogging about children's work: why not visit regularly and contribute your comments? Something to do as the holiday drags on instead of watching another old film... http://catchfireblog.blogspot.com/

Internet safety

A new official web site made news last week by publishing details of wanted paedophiles. However the site has much more than that: including very good advice on helping children use the web safely, and a quick system for reporting any suspicious internet activity. I strongly advise children's leaders and parents to make use of it.http://www.ceop.gov.uk/

Sweet story

Over the years I've heard various talks given using the names of confectionary (and the items themselves) as a kind of visual aid/gimmick. I've never been convinced that this is good for young children (as the concept is highly abstract and depends on quite sophisticated verbal skills) but most of us have found ourselves in need of a different way to "do" Christmas for a wide age-range so here are two versions: http://www.eliab.com/Stories/Childrens_Stories/Sweet_Christmas/sweet_christmas.html (US) and this (UK - adapted from J John).

Weekend conferences

I recently mentioned the Children's Ministry annual weekend in January - 26-28. (They've sent me a CD and a DVD to review: next week...) But I seem to have missed it off the Latest News page. It is a good place to catch some very good workshops (around 60 in total) if you choose wisely. Some will love the buzz of a big event and the style of worship - others may not. Find out more here

For a different type of conference, but also from an evangelical perspective: Childrens Ministry Training Conference, London School of Theology 30 March 1 April 2007 Speakers: Sharon Prior, Robert and Rosemary Willoughby For further information, contact: Doreen Rosser open@lst.ac.uk or www.lst.ac.uk/whatson

Here are a couple of Advent sites you might find useful.

http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?loc_id=9,612,44&act=nav_loc

http://www.cptryon.org/prayer/adx/adwreath.html

A German site (but in English) with some pointers towards telling Bible stories.

http://www.hosentaschenbibel.de/hosentaschenbibel/01Seiten/Englisch/supports.htm

From REACH

Read how Jonathan Kimber started 30 minute church and how it attracts new families.
The church must go to the children tells of how a parish with two ancient churches decided that they should all worship together in the modern hall once a month. Ten years later, the main service is held in the hall each week and the congregation is too big to fit in either of the old churches.

All age sketches...

...for the Christian Year. BRF. Always difficult to evaluate drama scripts off the page - but this is certainly a thorough colection which looks like it will assist in finding something for an all-age service or similar at various points throughout the year.

Parabulz

The former language teacher in me dislikes deliberate mis-spellings (although I always enjoyed Molesworth books... Down with Skool etc...), but this set of re-tellings of parables for 8-11s or so is competent and well illustrated - and as a real bonus includes some parables from the OT and some of the less-obviously child-friendly stories of Jesus, rather than just sticking to the better known few. SU.

Multi-sensory parables

Another title in SU's excellent Multi-sensory series. Although these are not aimed at children, the use of the senses, and the creative suggestions lend many of the ideas to adapting either for all-age worship/learning or for a children's group activity. 15 of Jesus's parables covered.

Wastewatchers

SU holiday club material for 2007 by Ro Willoughby. I am still awaiting a copy of the DVD. The programme is based on Gen 1-3 and parts of John's gospel and focuses on God's transformative plans, with the thematic flavour of environmental awareness (including suggested projects. When I get the DVD and the accompanying take-home booklet - the Little Green Pages, I'll review them too. All the normal resources - drama scripts etc, plus this year under 5s ideas on their web site. In terms of pages

Living Church

BRF - resources for activities when school groups make a curriculum visit to your church, including material for the school to use in preparing for and following up the visit. Covers 12 key apects of church life and includes scripts, activity sheets and plenty of advice for both church and school for making the most of such visits. Aimed at years 2-6

Christ the Lord - out of Egypt

I'm reading this book by Ann Rice at present - a paperback edition has just been published. If you want a book to help you reflect on the miracle of the incarnation - God as a real child, then you might like to read it too. You may (like me) be a little disappointed to find a couple of the ancient but questionable apocryphal tales used (clay birds brought to life and a playmate accidentally killed, and then raised) but there is much to recommend. Rice is much better known as a horror writer, and I found this book, with her others, in the horror section at Waterstones. There's a sermon illustration there...

Methodist resources

Some good new stuff is highlighted in this month's news from our Methodist colleagues - notable some helpful research they have done, and new spirituality-based resource Companions in Christ, of which the first (of four) is now available for Advent to Epiphany. More at http://www.methodistchildren.org.uk/adults/november_2006.htm

Pastoral care

Advance notice of a date for next year (especially useful for those for whom Cambridge is accessible: there are other venues but this is the only one close to our diocese):

Building Strong Towers. An evening for all who live and work with children. Based on the new story book ‘The Strong Tower’ (previously reviewed in the news email), the book presents Bible stories of characters who experienced difficulties at times in their lives. Four different training workshops designed to help you walk alongside children who face a tough time.

How to tell Bible stories creatively and with interaction
How to specifically use the book and it’s supporting notes to support children
How to support children who are bullied/ and life in school
How to support children in families

Cost £10:00 per person. By four tickets and get one free. I will circulate booking details when I get them

20th March 2007 Cambridge: St Bede’s inter church School

New Christmas songs

Looking for new seasonal songs? Try http://shop.childrensministry.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=694 There's a listen before you buy (30 seconds of every track). Didn't thrill me, but perfectly useable songs: and the male vocalist sounds uncannily like Cliff Richard - an opinion shared by a colleague who didn't know what I was listening to in the office! Includes 3 trad carols.

Takeaway 2007

There has been a training day for some years in Havering - but it is now firmly for children's leaders as well as youth leaders, with a full set of workshop options for both groups. 24 Feb at Immanuel Church Centre: £7.50 (£6 if you book before 29 Jan.) Workshop leaders for children's workers are Kath Copsey (of CURBS - and working part-time in the diocese), Alison Seaman (the diocese's RE adviser and freelance Godly Play trainer) and me - so we seem to have rather taken over! Book or request more details with Richard Shaw - 01708 730032

Kingsway offer

This publisher is offering 20% discount on orders placed on line. One use per email address. Visit http://www.equippingthechurch.co.uk/ select your purchases, and at the checkout enter the promotional code 74704 to get the discount. This is quite legit - the flyer they sent me asks me to pass it on to friends.

Children's Ministry Conference

This annual big event in Eastbourne is 26-28 Jan. From my conversations with people, some swear by it and others swear at or about it - but there are always a number of excellent seminar speakers so if you choose with care, and like (or don't mind) a big event and the loud contemporary worship songs which feature in the main sessions it can be a good way to be resourced and refreshed.

Advent

Well this coming Sunday is, I believe, the 4th before Advent (although I'm not very good at lectionaries...) so: http://www.ctdiocese.org/newsletters/Advent2006.pdf This link has some excellent ideas for reclaiming Advent - maybe some of the family-centred ones could be offered to your parish magazine for the December edition?

BRF

I make no apology for mentioning the excellent BRF web site - as several readers have fed back how useful they have found it. You can sign up for a monthly email from them and you won't miss what's new. This month's email includes:

New Ideas
This month we focus on Christmas and Advent with children:
Joy to the world: some ideas for how to ‘go global’ with your festival activities this year
Make an Indian Star: a craft idea linked to ‘Joy to the World’
The Story of the Other Wise Man: a piece that could be used as part of an all-age nativity service
The Christmas Big Picture: a fun art activity that will help children talk about the Christmas story
Here are two ideas that you could use in sessions in t! he four weeks before Christmas:
Christmas 1: Mary meets an angel
Christmas 2: Mary and Joseph’s journey

Your own journey with Jesus

Advent is also a time when Christians set time aside for their personal discipleship. As a children’s leader, you may well miss out on input if you’re busy with Sunday groups or preparations during the week. If you’d like to try an online discipleship course, done inthe comfort of your own home in your own time, with no pressure to go faster than you want to, Foundations21 could be for you. With a wealth of pictures, activities, fascinating insights and different learning approaches, Foundations21 from BRF is a groundbreaking approach to discipleship. It’s fun, it’s mind-blowingly full of information and ideas and it will take you deeper in your journey with God. Ideal for gently ‘feeding’ members of your team, this could be something to ask your church council for as a Christmas present. Just £7.99 for trial membership that lasts 45 days or £85.00 for a full year’s subscription.

Advent resource books for children’s leaders
Sharing life through Advent by Jenny Hyson contains a wealth of material for children’s groups, school assemblies, family times at home as well as reflections for your personal spiritual growth throughout Advent, following the three year lectionary cycle of Bible readings. Normally £11.99, we are offering this at a special price for our e-news readers of £8.99.

FEATURE ARTICLE
This month’s special feature article is about that nail-chewing question of worship with all ages present.

Protection of vulnerable adults

This is not really children's work - but several people have asked me whether the diocese has a policy on this related matter. Well the C of E as a whole now has advice from the House of Bishops! See http://www.cofe.anglican.org/news/pr11106.html

Ross Falconer It is impossible

I came across this poem in a speech by another diocese's bishop. No name no pack drill... Thought for today...

It is impossible
for anyone to enter
our small world.
The adults don't
understand us
they think
we're childish.
No one can get in
our world.
It has a wall twenty feet high
and adults
have only ten feet ladders.

Question and answer page

I'm trying to kickstart a new section on the diocesan web site - where questions can be asked about children's work. I will post answers from myself or others. I've started it with a spoof question (with a real answer!) about resources. If no-one wants to use such a facility it will not survive, but I'd like to try it to see. www.chelmsford.anglican.org/index.php?id=232 If you have a question, please use the form on the page.

New liturgical materials

Read about three new books of worship material at www.cofe.anglican.org/news/pr10506.html One is particularly for all-age worship: Together for a Season has all-age material for Advent, Christmas and Epiphany. "A practical resource book packed with creative ideas, Together for a Season brings to life these seasonal liturgies to help adults and children worship together. Ideas include using space, props, lighting, music and symbols to provide multi-sensory and interactive worship appealing to all ages. An accompanying free CD-ROM includes handouts for group activities, images, outline service templates and illustrations."

Museum of childhood

I'm impressed by helpful material for all of us committed to understanding children better on the V&A website at http://www.vam.ac.uk/moc/index.html

Let the children come to communion

I gave this book a mention last week based on a skim - but have now read it! The anecdotal sections (interviews, and the author's first hand experience of introducing the admission of children to communion in two parishes (one a cathedral...) are very worthwhile additions to the drier review of the issues and history. Recommended.

Alice Smith

I mentioned recently Alice's arrival as Bradwell youth adviser. She has now set up a mailing list for youth issues for those in her area. You, or others, can subscribe at https://www.mailermailer.com/x?oid=32612x

Let the children come to communion

SPCK Stephen Lake. This new book covers in digestible form the history of the admission of children to communion, children in the bible, the current state of play in the Church of England on this issue, personal reflections from some key people, together with stories and advice from the writer's experience in parish ministry and now as sub-dean of St Albans.

REACH

Margaret Withers, my predecessor and until recently the national officer for evangelism among children has joined the BRF Barnabas team, and her mailing to Resource Evangelism Among Children has gone electronic. Sign up at www.brf.org.uk/mailings/manageemail.asp

Bob Hartman

Workshop for children’s workers with Bob Hartman Tuesday 31st October 06 at 8pm – 9.30pm Fane hall (next to St Nicholas Church) Kelvedon Hatch. The Benefice of St Paul’s Bentley Common, Kelvedon Hatch and Navestock are excited to announce that one of the best Children’s Christian Storytelling/Authors is coming to Brentwood.There is no charge for this workshop although donations would be gratefully received. To book your place and for more information please contact Revd Ellen Goldsmith on Tel: 01277 220428 or visit http://www.lionhudson.com/ for more information on Bob Hartman.

Halloween

You may have seen the initiative headed up by the Bishop of Bolton. If you are planning an alternative to Halloween, but the operative phrase really is "are planning", you may like to see a group of ideas which circulated on another list I get. Email me and I'll send them.

Bishop's certificate courses

Another reminder that although the Wanstead and Dunmow courses are underway, there is still time to begin the course at Maldon, and we'd love those for whom that is a convenient location to take up this opportunity. Details here.

Class 9 and the Genesis time machine

Mike Coles BRF. I'm very dubious about this book: whatever view you take of the literalness of Gen 1-3, unless you agree exactly with this author's take on it, you probably won't want to use or recommend this. This book imagines a time-travelling school trip to the creation of the world: the class is a nice, culturally and religiously mixed group (the author teaches RE in East London), but to present one interpretation using words like "Now we know what really happened," goes way beyond the text of scripture.

My First Bible

This BRF offering for very young children has excellent illustrations and a well-written text. The material - presented as discrete stories for reading, although some longer narratives form a short series - covers Genesis to early Acts. Worth recommending to families.

Bible Turn and Learn

This book featurea number of bible narratives, each on one page. Key parts of the illustrations are on card wheels which must be turned so that the right picture appears. Quite fiddly for the very young, and probably not overy stimulating for older readers and the style is quite dated visually. Some may love it though.

One Way UK

One of the best sources of resources for puppets and related supplies - including training. www.onewayuk.com or email mailto:www.onewayuk.com

Crusaders

One of the longest established cross denominational support organisations (and shortly I believe to change their name) now offer a subscription based support/resource package for work with 7s and up. See more at www.crusaders.org.uk/energize/

Go Teach or Click?

If you are looking for curriculum material written from a specifically conservative evangelical viewpoint: www.goteach.org.uk/ or www.thegoodbook.co.uk (for Click) both fall into this category.

Projected Games

If you're exploring using digital projection, you may be interested in www.projectedgames.com

Time to sow

A fairly local small firm selling various craft materials or made to order puppets (how about a Goliath with a detachable head?!) or costumes for puppets you already have, and kites with slogans for publicity. www.timetosow.com .

English Church Attendance Survey

39% of churches had no-one attending under 11. Just one headline from this research. Find out more here

Veggie Tales

This video series (animated fruit and veg - bible stories if you didn't know) now available again and new titles too. Try www.authenticmedia.co.uk or your local Christian bookshop.

Christian Software

I have usually recommended Sunrise Software, now part of Wesley Owen, but the above URL should also take you to Authentic Software who have special offers. (I see from the small print that they are owned by STL, who also happen to own Wesley Owen, so there may be less competition here than it appears...

Better than Halloween

New book from CHP by Nick Harding. Resources for non-halloween events for children. With CDRom to make some of the resources more easily adaptable. Recommended.

God made snot

I was a bit sniffy (sorry!) about this title from SU - but a personal recommendation from one of the children's committee sent me back to it. And it would be ideal reading for kids who either giggle a lot at body parts, or show a real interest in biology (honest!) And it brings God in very clearly and naturally.

Basement Project

Self-harm is a serious problem and research shows that an alarming proportion of children and young people are affected. Colchester youth adviser Ray Gibbs recommends booklets published by this project. Find them at http://basementproject.co.uk/

Stories for Interactive assembles

Could also be useful in other settings, although the settings of many stories are school. Each story is a re-fleshing of one of Jesus' parables with suggestions for follow up ideas for varied learning styles. BRF Nigel Bishop.

More than a calendar

It's the time of year when people may be looking either for an Advent calendar, or a 2007 one. SU have published one of each. The Advent calendar has stickers and ideas for activities to prepare for Christmas in the family. More ambitiously the Family Activity Organiser 2007 (joint with TEAR Fund) aims to be a family organiser (calendar with 5 columns: one each provided your family fits!) together with ideas for bulding spiritual reflection into family life (and specific links to relief/development issues and suggestions for linking it back into church as well as family life. Well worth recommending to families.

Publishers

I'm aware that I often mention certain publishers (who send me stuff , or send information.) I want to mention, over the next few weeks, some others - perhaps more specialist:

Pauline books and media. RC. Books, video and DVD including bible stories and saints. Excellent for visuals: posters, cards etc www.pauline-uk.org
Redemptorist Their range includes liturgical materials (some based on CW despite their RC basis) including pewsheets for children in colour. www.rpbooks.co.uk

Convention on the Rights of the Child

The Government must submit its next progress report to the UN on the implementation of the Convention by July 2007 and wants to engage children and young people in monitoring and reporting on their rights. Is there a group of children and young people you know who would like to take part in a "dialogue group", or contribute to the process? The sessions will take place between October and December 2006. Details from http://www.crae.org.uk/ there are also excellent pages on the Convention at http://www.unicef.org.uk/

RSS

If you don't know what RSS is please ignore this paragraph. If you do use RSS for keeping abreast of news, please let me know if you'd like a RSS feed of new additions to the children's work section of our web site. If the demand is there, we can now do it! And talking of the web site, you can now go straight to the children's work section by using www.chelmsford.anglican.org/children

Useful web links

http://www.visualimpactresources.com/ For digital visual aids.

http://www.rscm.com/education For details of RSCM Short Choral Courses for 2007. There are several open to young people from the age of 10.

http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/80256FA1003E05C1/httpPublicPages/1BD1217982CC3CEA802571EF004142F0?opendocument A thought-provoking article from the Church Times

http://www.lightamillioncandles.com/ An internet petition seeking to have real controls on child pornography

http://www.flamefamily.co.uk/families_faith/index.html The web site of the Family Life and Marriage Education network of the C of E with useful material on parenting.

http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/downloads/BibleSunday06.pdf The CW lectionary suggests a different date for Bible Sunday to the traditional Advent one. Whenever you keep it, if you do, this link is to material for an all-age service.

http://www.en-form.supanet.com/scrapstores.htm Details of scrapstores, some of which are local to us.

http://www.sttims.org/family/tips.shtml This church website has some useful tips about being with children in worship. They're all fairly obvious, but often don't get explained to people.

http://kid-at-art.com/ This site has a whole range of arts and crafts to be made using recycled materials.

http://nsw.uca.org.au/boe/children/documents/welcome2worship/childrenandtheirchurch.pdf The Uniting Church in Australia has an idea for a pilgrimage for children around the church to help them learn about what happens, and why, and how they are part of it. It might be something you could adapt for your own church.

http://www.episcopalchurch.org/50534_50553_ENG_HTM.htm?menupage=50552 This might be a useful site to know about for parishes which use he lectionary week by week. Session plans for younger children, older children and adults.

Next Generation

This is the title of Scripture Union's residential training weekend in November. Workshops are themed according to your interest or experience. If you'd like more details (the weekend in the south - High Leigh is 3-5 November) then either ring 01908 856198 or email trainman@scriptureunion.org Online details can be found at: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/

Bishop's Cert

Last chance to book for Wanstead (starts Saturday) and Dunmow (starts Weds week). Still around a month before Maldon starts - but please don't wait too long if you are thinking of booking. If you have booked - you will receive a letter very shortly with directions, times etc. Wanstead is in the post, Dunmow will go tomorrow - Maldon thereafter.

Top Tips

I have heard that bookings are very low for this evening on 18 October. Please consider booking: find out more here

Play funding

It is not too late in some areas to apply for the funding I mentioned last month: if you are interested please contact me fast for details. This applies to Essex only I'm afraid.

Child Protection Training

Jean Halliday has organised training events as follows

Date	Venue		Time
14^th October		St Augustine of Canterbury Rush Green Road/Birbeck Road Romford RM7 0QP	9.30 (for 10.00 start) – 3.30
21^st October		St Leonards High Street Southminister CM0 7	9.30 (for 10.00 start) – 3.30
4^th November		St John & St Matthew South End Road/St Matthew’s Close South Hornchurch RM13 7XT	9.30 (for 10.00 start) – 3.30
4^th November		All Saints Main Road Dovercourt Harwich CO12 4HT	9.30 (for 10.00 start) – 3.30
11^th November		St Thomas Church Centre St Thomas Road Brentwood CM14 4DB	9.30 (for 10.00 start) – 3.30
18^th November		St Mary the Virgin Elephant Green Newport	9.30 (for 10.00 start) – 3.30
20^th January 2007		St Peters Claughton Way Hutton CM13 1JS Brentwood (Deanery only)	9.30 (for 10.00 start) – 3.30

BBC Radio 4

If you have not heard any of the new 30 part series on the history of childhood - good food for thought - the programmes can be heard again, and other resources found, at http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/history/childhood//

Bishop's Certificate

It is not too late to book for one of the three venues for this new set of courses - the groups are still quite small, but I'd appreciate hearing very soon. (Actually last year most bookings came in during the second half of September - after the "closing" date - and I imagine we may see something similar this year.) I've sent the details previously: they are on the web site. At this stage a phone call or email is best - with the paperwork following.

Bradwell Youth Adviser

This may not be news to you - but I know how slowly information sometimes spreads. If you are in the Bradwell episcopal area Alice Smith is your adviser for youth (ie secondary age +) and she can be emailed at asmith@chelmsford.anglican.org

Harvest

Find new harvest ideas on BRF's Barnabas site, (Harvest crafts all-age Harvest service other Harvest ideas) a worksheet here http://www.cartoonchurch.com/blog/2006/09/10/harvest-worksheet/ and some material on looking at giving and discipleship at www.givingingrace.org

Funding for play initiatives

Children’s Fund Essex working with The Youth Service

The most common thing that children say when consulted about what they want, is that they want somewhere to go and something to do. Children’s Fund Essex (CFE) has allocated a sum of money to help make children and young people’s ideas a reality. Working with the Youth Service and their Challenge 2000 model of distributing money to young people by young people, CFE is ensuring that younger children aged 5-13 are included in the process.

Children will have the opportunity to bid for money to develop projects or buy equipment that will benefit themselves and other children in their community. The bids will be short listed locally by a panel of independent young people supported by Essex County Council staff.

Contact me for an application form pgodfrey@chelmsford.anglican.org

Bishop's Certificate

We are receiving bookings for the three courses starting in October (module 1 in 3 venues). Closing date (ideally!) is mid September, so please try to book in the next two weeks - even if the form and cheque arrive later. It is a big expansion to go to three venues, and we need to know as early as possible that all three courses are viable. Please check the web site for information, or the recently mailed CatchFire, or phone 01245 294440 and request a booking leaflet.

Catch a vision

From time to time something just leaps up and grabs you. I recently read this:
Every few weeks Sally Sarah and I meet up to pray. It's hardly a revolutionary arrangement... What's perhaps a little unusual about the three of us is that we've known each other since we were in primary school - and have shared our faith together pretty much ever since. We've known each other's lives and travelled through all kinds of events, relationships, doubts, wanderings, growth, fear and belief together...
What a fantastic discipleship resource that little group has been: long outlasting the club or class where it probably started. What about aiming this year, intentionally to encourage the children we work with to pray together and support one another? It might just be a seed that grows for decades. (The story was in a mailing from Lifewords - which used to be the Scripture Gift Mission. I'm very impressed with their updated materials - worth a look especially for 10-12s www.lifewords-global.com)

Fancy yourself as a children's author?

Lion are running a competition: win £1000! Closing date 31st October www.lionhudson.com/alionstale

Church Urban Fund

Any children's or young people's project which is or has been funded by CUF is eligible to make use of some training events funded by the DES, which will help in looking at funding issues or the future. If you are interested, please contact me for details.

New seatbelt laws

New laws regarding seatbelts and children come in on 18 September. The main difference is that there is an age and or height at which a child should change from using a child restraint to using an adult seatbelt. Naturally this should be observed when transporting children: and you should also check the other advice on transport in the diocesan child protection policy.

Admission to communion

Several parishes have asked specifically about the Register which is referred to in the new regulations. The first thing to say is that the old guidelines also required a register to be kept so this isn't (or shouldn't be) new. However the most important thing is to do this in future. There is no specific register book to use: the bishops are content with creative diversity provided that a proper written record is kept. Some are using the baptism register, others are getting a suitable book for this purpose... However the records are kept, they are (like baptism and other registers) legal records in parish keeping and will be included in future quinquennial checks by archdeacons.

Top Tips Training

Wednesday 18th October 2006 7:30 pm until 9:30 pm Registration and refreshments from 7:00 pm St John’s Church Hall, The Green, Havering-atte-Bower, Romford RM4 1PL.
Choice of workshops
a. All age worship
b. Reaching unchurched children
c. Handling difficult behaviour
d. Working with families
More details from Richard Shaw 01708 730022 or download a booking form from http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/downloads/061018training.pdf I am one of the workshop leaders, but don't let that put you off!

New articles

I have spent some time over the summer re-organising the children's work resources on the website. I am especially pleased to have been able to add a number of articles originally published just for the Colchester Area by Annie Coley, the parish development adviser there. Find them at http://www.chelmsford.anglican.org/index.php?id=574 and check out the other resources too. I hope they are now easier to find and browse for what you need.

Kevin Mayhew Sale

You will find the link to Kevin Mayhew on the newly updated links page on the web site - and you may like to check out their summer sale of holiday club resources. Too late for this summer holiday - but it is always a good idea to plan early!

Godly Play training

I like to keep you abreast of training opportunities. Find a list of Godly Play days being run at Trumpington here Trumpington is easily accessible from the M11 only a few miles outside the diocese.

Resources Centre Sale

All the books listed here (too many to include in this email) are now half price. Phone 01245 294405 or call in.

Bishop's Certificate

Module 1 dates and venues have been around now for some weeks: a CatchFire mailing will arrive in parishes soon with, among other things, a big reminder of these. All the info is on the web site at http://www.chelmsford.anglican.org/index.php?id=178: please consider booking and/or encouraging others to book.

Admission to communion

The new procedures will be mailed to incumbents this week. As soon as the mailing is out I will publish the full information on the web site here. I am aware that I had several enquiries about this which had to to be put off - so if you are waiting and aren't the incumbent, I suggest you check the website towards the end of the week. STOP PRESS Now available

Resources

A mix of things I have been sent or had recommended:

Not Sunday Not School! (BRF) Material which has come directly out of work in a rural, multi-parish benefice, organised in 10 seasonal themes plus extras. Includes very practical appendices.
RMEP One parish has strongly recommended books on contemporary saints from this publisher. See or order their catalogue at http://www.rmep.co.uk/
Say and Sing (SU) The latest version of this classic collection of over 200 songs and rhymes for under 5s (now incororated into the Tiddlywinks format.)
Kevin Mayhew I am aware that I point out resources from this publisher less that some others - because they don't send freebies, and their web site is not designed to make it easy to see what's new. (Sometimes it's hard to find something on it you know exists!) It is unique in publishing resources from a very wide range of church traditions. I have found tucked away on its web site some downloadable catalogues - including one called Almost everything we publish for Anglicans! Find them at http://www.kevinmayhew.co.uk/Group/Group.aspx?ID=23269 (but they aren't designed for on-screen reading)or order printed catalogues from http://www.kevinmayhew.co.uk/Group/Group.aspx?id=16182
Listen with the Bible (SU) A good selection of well written and told Bible stories for under 8s on 2 CDs. Ideal for home, car, creche and even (in an emergency perhaps) playing in the place of a live storyteller. Odd that the NT selection completely omits Jesus' birth, death and resurrection. And close inspection reveals that they are the same stories previously on cassette (and in print) as Bellowing Bartimaeus and other stories. Still good though.

From a CPAS mailing

Summer arts and crafts

Here are a few ideas that should encourage your children in their God-given creativity whether that be in their Sunday groups or any additional summertime groups.

Grass-seed Samson You will need: one rinsed small milk carton for each child, potting soil, grass seed, paper, felt tip pens and glue sticks. Give each child a milk carton with the top open so it becomes an open cube. Have the children glue paper around the carton and then draw a Samson face (up to the forehead) on the paper. The top of the carton is the hairline. Fill each carton with potting soil almost to the top. Then sprinkle grass seed on the soil and cover the seed with a thin layer of soil. Put the Samsons in a sunny windowsill and keep them well watered.
After a few days, Samson’s hair will begin to grow! Once it gets a few inches long, the children can cut the hair and you can tell the Bible story!

Spoon puppets You will need: one wooden spoon for each child, glue, foil, marker pens, cotton-wool balls, wool, fabric, ribbons, scissors. Give each child a wooden spoon, tell them to choose a person from the Bible and draw that person’s face on the oval part of the spoon. Dress your person according to what they would have worn. Suggestions: cotton-wool balls or wool for hair and beards, fabric for the clothes, foil for weapons and armour. Once the spoons are made, get the children to use them to retell Bible stories.

Friendship Postcards You will need: postcard-sized index cards, magazines, old greeting cards, scissors, glue sticks. With some of your children on holiday and group attendance sporadic, this is a great craft to keep the children in touch with each other. Have the children cut out of the magazines words or phrases that have friendship themes, such as ‘best friends’, ‘mate’, ‘friends always’. Also, words that make them think of friends, such as ‘fun’, ‘good times’, ‘giggling’. Get the children to glue the phrases on one side of the index card to create a friendship collage card. (They can make more than one card.) Collect the cards when they are complete and when a child is absent, use the blank side of the card to write a note and the child’s address. Attach a postage stamp and post it.

Harvest festival Before we know it, summer will be past and many of us will be preparing for harvest festival celebrations, either in Sunday groups or in pre-schools, nurseries and primary school assemblies.

All About Celebration: Activity Handbook, Edward Fitzgerald, Nursery World/TES, £9.99 A good resource for those in secular under-fives groups. There are some harvest festival ideas in the ‘Autumn Celebrations’ section of this book that are worth doing.

The Seven Days of Creation – Outreach Activities Log on to: www.daniellesplace.com/html/outreachideas.html Some good ideas here for you to adapt and use with your groups. For those of you involved in planning a Harvest Festival Service or event, then an unlikely source full of suggested prayers, readings and orders of service can be found on:

www.arcresources.org.uk
info@arthurrankcentre.org.uk
Tel: 024 7685 3060
www.britishfoodfortnight.co.uk

Childcare Act

I mentioned earlier in the year that the (then)Childcare Bill would replace the Children Act (1989) as far as the registration arrangements which affect certain church activities are concerned. The eagle-eyed may have noticed that it is now an Act. I have enquired, and the changes in registration will not come about until April 2007 - so watch this space for more info as it becomes available. If you run an Easter holiday club, please make a note to keep an eye out for the changes!

Celebrations sorted

This book from SU has worship and learning ideas for major and minor festivals (in the secular rather than technical sense! You'll find Bonfire Night, Remenbrance Sunday and Valentine's Day alongside Christmas and Easter and many more. Well worth having to hand in the parish.

Lion

I recently was searching for some resources published by Monarch: and hadn't realised that they are an imprint of Lion. Within that "family" there are also useful children's work resources under the Candle and Lion Children's imprints. All can be seen on the Lion web site (eg http://www.lion-publishing.co.uk/lionhudson/candle/candleframeset.html) but it's not an easy site simply to browse to see what they have, unfortunately.

Nice summer idea

Or any time really. Alphabetical sayings of Jesus with activities for families http://www.barnabasinchurches.org.uk/pages/2503.htm or groups. Links to some more similar sets too.

I laughed - but you might find it useful...

http://www.peterlawrence.co.uk/5.html is where you will find the deytails of a book called Squidgy Bod goes to church. I dare you.

Bereavement

This is a subject we often only think about once its happened. Here's a useful article to help us think through some of the ways to help a child who is bereaved: http://www.childrensministry.com/Article.asp?ID=836

Bloom Box

I have a resource designed to assist congregational change towards involving and encouraging children in worship. You would need to borrow it for several weeks or longer to make use of it, and I am hoping that parishes who do so will be willing to make a small contribution toward the cost. Find out more about it here: http://www.leaderresources.org/thebloombox

Positive Childhood

15 years ago I bought the best games book I've ever owned whihc introduced me to Mildred Masheder (and the publisher Green Print) This new book, with a foreword by Rowan Williams, is described as a resource book for teachers and parents of primary school age children: it is not Christian, but a valuable introduction to a lot of helpful approaches to all soprt of work with children. Available from the Resource Centre.

Supplies

If you're looking for supplies of creative materials for your holiday club or summer fun days, try out this company:
http://economyofbrighton.co.uk/

Economy of Brighton carry an impressive range of reasonably priced paper, card, paints, crayons, collage materials, modelling clay, foam shapes & more! They offer a quick turnaround, no minimum order, and low delivery charges.

http://www.bakerross.co.uk is another supplier worth looking at, with lots of added extras to sell at fetes, fairs etc.

I owe the following reviews/recommendations to my colleague in London... Thanks Mary.

THE CONFIRMATION EXPERIENCE

by Susan Sayers Pub. Kevin Mayhew £4.99 ISBN (Leader's Book): 1 84417 603 7

This is not your usual confirmation course. Susan's approach is to help young people learn to live the Christian faith rather than just learn about it. The 12 sessions are structured to involve as many of the church community as want to be included so that there is a sense of the candidates being mentored within the community rather than being taught apart from them. It's a way of helping the adults take seriously the promises they made at the baptisms of the candidates!

Each session takes a particular symbol as its theme, and includes worship, sharing of stories, discussion, and suggestions for extension activities. There are also separate 'logbooks' available which the candidates can use, not as homework, but as a way of reflecting on their faith & experience. Because it's designed for all ages to use together, it can also form the basis for adult con! firmation preparation (and an adult 'logbook' is also available).

WORSHIP FEAST

Worship Feast Services ISBN: 0 687 06367 1 (£8.99)
Worship Feast Ideas ISBN: 0 687 06357 4 (£9.99) Pub. Abingdon Press

I don't pretend to understand what 'postmodern' really means. But in the context of these two books, it seems to mean a more reflective approach to worship, using all the senses. The WORSHIP FEAST SERVICES book has some useful preparation material at the beginning, before outlining 50 services on themes as varied as prayer, change, beyond a lame faith, remembering your baptism, hip hop praise and seasonal material. Although it claims to be for youth rather than children, I think there's a lot in here that can be adapted for both younger and older ages.

WORSHIP FEAST IDEAS has lots of suggestions for ideas to be incorporated into regular worship rather than service outlines. Lots of them would be good in all-age worship.

TELLING THE BIBLE

by Bob Hartman pub. Lion Publishing £6.99 ISBN: 0 7459 5124 4

Bob Hartman is an excellent storytelle (as we saw at the Bihg Splash ed.)! This collection of stories from the Bible are presented in a variety of ways with hints as to how to use them. Most of them would be ideal for using in all-age services as they are not so child-focused that adults would not want to listen. As Bob says in the preface, they are told from a personal point of view, so you may not agree with all his opinions or theology, but you can adapt/change/alter them to suit yourself.

THE FAMILY ACTIVITY ORGANISER

pub. Scripture Union £9.99 ISBN: 1 84427 244 3

This is unique! It's a family organiser calendar, produced in conjunction with TEAR Fund. Especially suitable with families with children aged up to 8, each week has space to write what you're doing as a family, + prayer ideas, creative activities, focuses on the wider world through TEAR Fund, puzzles, quizzes and things to look out for in church. A great way of helping families take heir faith into the whole of life, not just Sunday. Colourful & attractive, it's be a great present for baptism families, god-children, even a school classroom!

CP training

Rev Jean Halliday our CP Adviser is running training on the following dates

9 Sept 9.30-3.30 St Andrew Chelmsford

Contact sosei-assibey@chelmsford.anglican.org to book or for more information. (Sade is Jean's administrator...)

Experiential Storytelling

Mark Miller (Zondervan). A book which explores some ways (and reasons) for seeking to build narrative structures into more of what we do - and to do so in open-ended, multi-sensory ways. This is not just about children - indeed much of the experience from which it flows is more youth oriented. Well worth reading (my copy is available for loan.)

Always in Rehearsal

Ritchie (US import available via Amazon US: the book is cheap: the postage less so. The resource centreI want to reflect a bit more on this, so I don't want to lend it just yet...) Subtitled The practice of worship and the presence of children. The guiding metaphor is that worship is always rehearsal/practice rather than performance.
I found that bits of this irritated me because of the assumptions made about the culture of church (which reflects the author's own country and churchmanship) and I wanted to argue with some of his obvious prejudices. (I of course have none...) But this a very challenging read, asking all the right questions about the place of children in the church. It also helpfully gives practical examples of attempting to ensure that all learning preferences are catered for (the second half of the book is shaped by Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences. A good mix of theoretical and really practical - there is a diagram of how to make a banner stand from plastic plumbing fittings, and the music for several songs/liturgical items for example...

World Cup

No sooner is the FA Cup Final decided (what a shame West Ham lost!) than our sights turn towards the World Cup. You won't be able to avoid football fever - so why not get hold of Christian Aid's resources to help you use the theme to explore issues of how we as Christians 'play by the rules'.

http://www.christian-aid.org.uk/learn/schools/livedifferently/index.htm

Follow the link to see how to obtain & download resources which include a 'Playing by the Rules' poster, assembly & RE resources (which could be adapted for church use). You could even challenge the footie addicts in your parish to donate 50p per goal scored throughout the competition to give to Christian Aid.

Tweenagers

St Mary's, Newport would like to be in touch with other parishes to share ideas about work with 11-14s. If you share their interest, have provision for this age, have good ideas or just wish to learn from others too, let me know and I'll put you in touch.

Concert

Wednesday 21st June 2006 7pm in St Nicholas Church, Woodcote Avenue, Elm Park, Hornchurch RM12 4PY a concert given by FISCHY MUSIC.
There is a charge (to help cover costs). £2 for children, £4 for adults (£5 on the night). Tickets can be bought in advance by telephoning 01708 454221 or 01708 741084.
Fischy Music are musicians who write and perform music primarily for children (though I find it is much appreciated by all ages!). They work with schools and churches exploring the subjects of self-esteem, working together and much more. They will be working in an Elm Park primary school during the day before going to St Nicholas' in the evening. Information about them can be found on their website www.fischy.com.

Books

A couple of things I've recently read or skimmed that I'd like to recommend:

So, who is God? (Robert Willoughby. SU) An attempt to put into accessible language responses to 30 real questions about God. Well worth having to help answer them yourself: or as a reference book for older children to look at themselves. I suspect that everyone might find a couple of holes to pick in some of the responses, but a very good attempt from a mainstream evangelical position.
A dog for life (LSMatthews Hodder) Excellent story in itself, and a fantastic opportunity to open up various life issues (such as bereavement, serious illness, prejudice, New Age, vivisection - although not a lot of balance when this last issue pops up!)

BRF

Apologies that last week's mail included non-working links to various pentecost ideas on BRF's site. Use http://www.barnabasinchurches.org.uk/ and click on the Ideas tab. While you're there, you may also be interested in the new REACH tab, which is where Margaret Withers will be publishing information on evangelism among children now that she has retired (well nearly...). The final REACH magazine is already available to read there.

Funding

I discovered a web site run by a group of churches in Newham, and among the info was this forthcoming day on the pros and cons of seeking government funding for projects. It is in Battersea, but may be accessible to those at the London end of the diocese. Run by Shaftesbury. http://www.transformnewham.com/index.pl?z=1&s=22&ym=20065&ev=1849

Spirituality

This looks an interesting publication - lots of food for thought about children and spiritual practices.

http://www.pcusa.org/spiritualformation/hungryhearts/archive/spring04hh.pdf

Some more web sites

These have been in the file for a while: there may be just what you need

http://www.sparc.fsnet.co.uk/nationalscrapstores.htm and
http://www.en-form.supanet.com/scrapstores.htm This will help you locate your nearest Scrap Store - a great way to find craft materials and odds & ends for virtually nothing.

http://www.dltk-bible.com/

A variety of Bible crafts to download.

http://kingskidstuff.home.att.net/

A collection of links to websites on a load of different subjects. But do remember that just because it's free and on the web doesn't necessarily mean it is good and useful!

http://www.methodistyouth.cjb.net/

Click on the Group Games link and you'll find a selection of games, from simple to incredibly messy. Worth remembering for activity & fun days!
http://www.io.com/~lcowper/resources.html
Recommended by Wendy for craft ideas.

Grove Booklets

Two excellent new Grove booklets: one in the Pastoral and the other in the new Youth Series. Although both refer to youth workers, there is nothing which doesn't also apply to children's or community workers etc. Aimed at employed (or very fully committed volunteer) workers and those who supervise them.
Supervising Youth Workers and Sustaining your Spirituality, both by Sally Nash www.grovebooks.co.uk

I'm delighted to say that the Big Splash is now fully booked. It's all systems go now to cope with a complex programme of activities for 500 children in the cathedral, churchyard, chapter house, diocesan office garden et al. Please join me in praying for fine weather, despite the name of the event!

Children and communion

A reminder that new arrangements for the diocese, in line with the new regulations, will be issued shortly. And a last chance to book for a Praxis course 9 May 2006 to think through some of the issues...

Exploring the place of children in the Eucharistic community 10.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m. Bar Hill Church Centre, Cambridge
Colin Buchanan Former Bishop of Woolwich Gill Ambrose Children’s Work Adviser for the Diocese of Ely.

What is the basis of belonging to the eucharistic community? How should that be expressed in practice? What difference does the full participation of children at Holy Communion make to the whole body? In exploring these questions issues relating to the how and when of admitting children to communion will be explored, together with the underlying theology.

Cost: Full £20, Affiliates £16 - includes lunch.

Coffee and registration 10.00 a.m. event begins 10.30 a.m.)

Bookings may also be made directly with Rev’d Canon Genny Tunbridge
Tel 01245 294482 / 294481 Email: precentor@chelmsfordcathedral.org.uk

Pease mark any communication “Praxis East”

BRF

Barnabas website has new stuff, including these ideas for Pentecost (click the Ideas tab...):
Pentecost cross
Pentecost drama games
Pentecost power sketch
Pentecost – seven signs of the Spirit – a reflective story

Big Splash - children's festival

We have now finally closed bookings for the 17th June

Bishop's Certificate

Dates for module 3 are: Course A 20 May and 15 July or course B evenings of 6, 22 June, 11, 17 July. More info at http://www.chelmsford.anglican.org/index.php?id=178

Sea Sunday

As each year Mission to Seafarers has published materials for use on Sea Sunday - or at other times. More at www.missiontoseafarers.org

Take This

A take home sheet for children in church, designed for and by children. I have some samples: or email HexhamPressThis@aol.com

Baptism Cube and My Baptism Book

I mentioned these before - but now I have a freeby from CHP. They are very good. I'm happy to lend mine for evaluation. The cube is ideal for very young children, and the book (also available in hardback) is equally good for helping children understand baptism (their own or others') in church - or as a gift to baptism families for future use. It helpfully recognises that not all Anglican baptisms are of infants... (And for the theologically aware, I know there is no such thing as Anglican baptism, but you know what I mean...)

It's your move

This book designed to give to children who are about to move up to secondary school is on offer: order before 30 April and it costs £11 per pack of ten books (£12 per pack of ten after 30 April). Individual copies cost £2.99 each.
Free Sample! You can request a copy of It’s Your Move! free. Call Joanna Swepston on on 01908 856161 or email mailorder@scriptureunion.org.uk

Funding for play

http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/programmes/childrensplay/childrens_play.htm

The lottery is putting lots of money into play: some of it is available to bid for: thier site says "While we welcome applications from religious organisations, we do not fund religious activities."

Vacancy

Please find below details of a vacancy for a Youth & Children's Ministry Co-ordinator at St Margaret's Barking. They would be grateful if these details could be passed on to anyone you know who might be interested in this post.

Job title:         Youth & Children's Ministry Co-ordinator
Organisation: St Margaret's Barking (see http://www.saintmargarets.org.uk for more details)
Salary:           £20,541 - £23,184 dependent on quals and exp
Closing date: 12th May 2006
Interviews:      23rd May

Urban church with history and vision seeks person who is passionate about young people and able to think strategically.
To:

co-ordinate youth & children's ministry in a church of over 300;
minister in a multi-cultural, urban community;
link up with local Advice Centres and Schools;
contribute to an inter-church programme of youth events.

You will have:

experience of youth work, the issues affecting young people and developing new projects;
a desire to assist in the nurture and development of young people within our church and community;
ideally, an appropriate qualification in youth work or relevant experience.

Contact details:
For more details contact Rev. Canon Gordon Tarry (Vicar), 020 8594 4513, gordontarry@yahoo.co.uk, 20 Sandringham Road, Barking, IG11 9AB.
To apply send a CV and covering letter to above.

BRF web site

No apologies for giving another mention to BRF. Lots of excellent Easter ideas, and a great article by Martyn Payne on the bigger picture on Easter and children and church. http://www.barnabasinchurches.org.uk/ and look under both Articles and Ideas.

Core!

Strange name for a new training resource. We are using some modules from this as part of the diocesan Bishop's Certificate course. However if you run training in your parish, you may wish to know that the material will be published in the autumn and if you'd like to learn more about it (and experience all of the modules: there will be three levels of workshop from "doing" each module, to exploring wider issues) then book yourself into the launch conference. All the details at http://www.cgmcontheweb.com/core.htm The dates are 8-10 September, at Nottingham University. It'll be an opportunity to meet people from round the country and from other denominations who are working with children. Share ideas, get inspired, learn new skills - and enjoy Nottingham's hospitality. The cost is £150, but some bursaries are available.

Children and communion

You may have read that General Synod passed new regulations last month. I have had a few enquiries about it. These are not intended to change the current situation, but they put the matter on a sounder basis in canon law. You will hear more in the coming months, but as advanced notice:

The new regulations come in on June 15. There will therefore be a new diocesan process but until then, please look in the Chelmsford File if you need to know what to do.
Legally permissions under the current guidelines will lapse on June 15. This does NOT mean that anyone already admitted will be excommunicated! But parishes will need new permission to admit anyone new. There will probably be a form for this to simplify the process.

Beyond the Candle Flame

is a compilation of 30 Bible stories to use with 5-7s. Designed to be used in Circle Time or similar at school, it uses a reflective way of telling the story, encouraging children to close their eyes and use their imaginations as they listen. Ideas for activities to introduce and build on the stories are also given. This could well be adapted for an after-school service, or even used as the basis for an all-age talk. Brian Ogden and Jo Dobbs, pub. Barnabas

Lent on the web

If you're still in need of seasonal ideas, try http://anglicansonline.org/special/lent.html

New support group

I mentioned a new support group within the New Wine network. My sources tell me that the inaugural meeting agreed to be more inclusive than that sounds! If you're heavily involved in children's work, looking for a group to be part of for mutual support, try them for size. Next meeting Thursday 25th May Contact Claire Johnson for more information claire.johnson@new-wine.org

Games from BRF

Lucy Moore has put together some Top Tips for Playing Games with Groups as this month's FEATURE ARTICLE on the BRF site. This complements a new Barnabas book out this month called 100 Bible Games for Everyone by Julia Abrahams. This looks very helpful with helpful indexes. Also on the BRF web site:

Extended schools

There very helpful document below was produced after a national meeting discussing the government's agenda for extended schools. There are real challenges and opportunities for parishes here. Are you in touch with (or part of) local consultation. Does the local CYPSP know the church is engaged with children and could be a strategic partner? Do you know what a CYPSP is? (Children's and young people's strategic partnership.) The best place to start asking questions may be with a lkocal headteacher. This gives a flavour to start with...

NATURAL PARTNERS IN SERVICE AND MISSION: PARISHES AND EXTENDED SCHOOLS - A QUICK GUIDE:
Parishes are looking for new ways of ministering to children, young people, their families and their communities.
Schools are looking for partners in their outreach to (guess whom!) children, young people, their families and their communities.
So there is a natural partnership here in every community ready and waiting.

Extended Schools:

- Are led by schools but not dominated by them.
- Will sometimes use school premises and sometimes those of other partners.
- Are in principle possible in every community.
- Are not just about "child minding" but about fellowship, fun, creativity and growth as rounded human beings.
- Are not just about children (though they are the focus) but about families and communities too.
- Are absolutely open to participation from the churches, as from all the voluntary sector.
- Will depend on local partnerships and leadership for their success.
- Are a route to possible capital and revenue funding to enable good schemes to happen.
- Are an obligation on your Local Authority - which is also obligated to consult you about projects and offer you the chance to get involved.
- Should always have a spiritual element - which we can offer.

So, as part of your new way of being church:

- Talk to your Local Authority and find out how you can get involved.
- Talk to your Diocesan Board of Education - they will be able to help.
- Make sure that any other diocesan bodies (ministry and mission) are in the loop too.
- Talk to your local school (Church School or Community School) and ask how you can help.
- Brief your congregation, especially those who are teachers, school staff, school governors. Get them to encourage the schools they are in contact with to see you as a natural partner.
- Think how your own Sunday and weekday work with young people could benefit from partners.
- Dream up a project of your own and talk to your schools about it.
- See this as real mission, real ministry, real evangelism and don't be shy about saying that.

EXTENDED SCHOOLS ARE AN OPPORTUNITY TO SEE GOD'S LOVE AT WORK IN THE WORLD.

Happy Easter

No I'm not about to take a long holiday: this is the title of a tiny retelling of the Easter narrative for young children (some will know the format exactly if I say Little Fish) SU. Sarah Mayers and Helen Gale. Ideal to put in with an Easter egg or card, or as a gift to families??

Fresh Expressions

This web site continues to document new ways of working and being church - including with children. Try this one,http://www.freshexpressions.org.uk//standard.asp?id=443 and then browse a little.

This Sunday's lectionary

If you are using the story of Noah this week (it's the Old Testament lectionary reading) this suggestion from the Whole People of God might be useful even if the craft idea is a bit late...

The story of focus this Sunday is the story of Noah. We explore the covenant or promise that God made to Noah and all of creation and the symbol of that promise which is the rainbow. Teachers of younger children sometimes find themselves tempted to adapt this story to include all the interesting noises the animals make, and maybe even act out all the animals entering the ark, as children are always interested being animals. Unfortunately this puts the emphasis on the animals rather than on the rainbow. It is the rainbow that should come into our minds when we think of Noah. (I have talked to youth classes and asked them to tell me about Noah. When they begin and end with 2 of every animal in the world getting on and off a big boat and can't remember anything else, I ask if they think that really could happen. Mostly they say no. So I ask what they think that story is really all about then - what is the truth that it is trying to teach us? They don't know. Because the focus was on animals when they learned the story they have totally lost the important meaning of the story.) So please let's resist that temptation and keep the focus on the rainbow. An additional craft idea, that highlights the rainbow, is to make clay or Shrink Art necklaces or pins. Make a batch of play dough and divide it into 5 sections. Color the sections with food colouring-red, orange, yellow, blue and green. Each child takes a bit of each color and rolls it into a "worm." Then the place the "worms" side by side pressing them together and bending them into an arch. You may wish to trim with a sharp knife. Poke a small hole in the top if making into a necklace, and let air dry. Or, let dry and glue on a pinback from a hobby store. An alternative is to bring shrink plastic from a hobby store. Have the children color a rainbow with permanent markers on a small piece of the plastic. Cut it out and shrink it in a toaster oven or regular oven as per the directions. If making a necklace use paper punch to make hole before shrinking.

Billericay Toddler Training

Jane Tolaini is organising training for under 3s work:

Whatever role you play in our under 3s groups there is something here for you and your group!

Saturday 11th March	Child Development
9.30 – 12.30	Serene Brown will be here to talk about the development & growth of under 3s, story telling & learning through play.
Saturday 25th March	Toddler Team building
9.00 – 12.00	Not about training up under 3s lego building teams, but how we can work together to make our under 5s groups even better than they are now! Carol Cockcroft will provide us with some team challenges, so bring along the rest of your under 5s team
Saturday 8th April	Child Protection
9.00 – 12.00	This session will incorporate child protection, risk assessment and health & safety. Jean Halliday (Child Protection Officer for Chelmsford Diocese) will lead us through the morning.
Saturday 29th April	Lost for Words
9.30 – 12.30	Ever wondered what to say when someone asks you what this God stuff is all about or why you go to church? Margaret Fowler will take us through a condensed 'Lost for Words' course to help us share our faith.

All training days will be held at Christ Church Hall, Perry Street, Billericay.

If you are interested in coming along to all or some of the training days or would like further information then give Jane a ring on 01277 632358 or 07946 476140 or email thetolainis@aol.com

Child Protection

If you have read the new diocesan policy recently issued, you may have noticed that one change regards what is called portability of CRB Disclosures. Previously the diocese, based on CRB advice, allowed Disclosures issued, say, for a school to be accepted for parish use. This is no longer the case (CRB has changed its advice: you can read more here http://www.crb.gov.uk/Default.aspx?page=2316 ) It will mean asking some people to fill out the same form yet again: so it's worth knowing why before they ask!

The policy is on the diocesan web site at the moment at http://www.chelmsford.anglican.org/children/childprotectionpolicy.pdf if you want to save a copy.

Big Splash

Later than hoped, booking information is now being posted out to parishes: to incumbents and to CatchFire recipients. The document can also be downloaded from the website here. Please book early!

Takeaway 2006

This cross-denominational, mainly youthwork, training day does have a workshop stream for children's workers. I did it last year, but I highly recommend Cathie Smith who is leading that this time. March 4, £7.50 per person at St John's, Havering Atte Bower. Contact Richard Shaw on 01708 730032

It's your move!

Leaving the relative smallness of primary school and moving up to being the smallest in secondary school is an enormous transition for a child. Scripture Union's 'It's your move!' is designed to help guide children through the change. It's written in a lively, non-preachy style, with plenty of practical tips about what's likely to happen. So far, over 200,000 children have received a copy. Maybe your church could provide copies for the Year 6 pupils in your local school? At just £12 for 10 copies, it's easily affordable and could help allay some of the fears that abound.

Godly Play Basic Study Days 2006

At the Trumpington Godly Play classroom:

Thur 16th Mar
Sat 22nd Apr
Wed 17th May
Sat 10th Jun
Wed 5th Jul
Sat 16th Sep
Wed 4th Oct
Sat 11th Nov

Using Godly Play in preparation for Communion before Confirmation

Wed 26th Apr

All run from 10am-4pm Lunch is included. For details contact gill.ambrose@ely.anglican.org

Lent resources

http://www.surefish.co.uk/faith/church_resources/050106_count_your_blessings.htm This link from Christian Aid has both an adult & child version of a 'Count your Blessings' calendar - a way to raise awareness and money during Lent. How about giving copies to everyone in your congregation?
http://www.ctdiocese.org/newsletters/Lent06.pdf The Diocese of Connecticut has lots of ideas for Lent and Easter in its latest newsletter. Just click on the link above.

Big Bargains

I have to register an interest in a couple of the older books which Scripture Union is selling off to clear space: I wrote one, and was involved in commissioning another... So I'll just quote verbatim:

"Some titles have been reduced to clear space in the warehouse for new stock. This will be your last chance to purchase some high quality classics – while stocks last. If you do not yet have these resources, now is your opportunity to purchase them at bargain prices. Here are just a few which are not to be missed:"

Bringing Children to Faith and Mission Possible £2.99 each
Y God – Discipleship programme for 8-11s Now just £3.49
Going Bananas and Megaquest holiday club programmes Just £2.99 each

The Road to Growth - towards a thriving Church – Bob Jackson

A few extracts which relate to children's work...

The age structure of the congregation

In every diocese there is a concomitant truth to the above, which is that churches are shrinking older and growing younger. This is shown by the fact that shrinking churches are losing children faster than adults, while growing churches are gaining children faster than adults. In total over the last five years the Church of England has been losing adults from usual Sunday attendance at the rate of about 1 percent per annum, but children at about 3 per cent per annum. Yet where churches are growing the number of children is rising faster than the adults.

This general background truth – that growth normally comes through attracting younger adults and children – comes to life during the analysis of the specific changes and factors associated with growth identified by the churches themselves. Many of these involve initiatives with children, young people and families, and these seem to be the key to new growth in many places. It is clear, though, from the growth rates achieved by the three whole groups of churches above (each sample representing 50 – 100 churches) that it is indeed possible in post-modern Britain to attract the young back to the churches, because in these places it is already happening.

Provision for teenagers

How well a church provides for teenagers is both a litmus test of its ability to nurture new adult Christians and a principal determinant of the size of its work with children of all ages. It also helps determine how many adults will attend the church. Churches that make provision for children but not for teenagers (‘because we don’t have any’ or ‘because we don’t have the leaders’) are thereby telling their children that they should leave the church as they enter puberty. The same situation faces the children as it would the adults in a church where people were not allowed to attend the groups and activities once they had retired. Such a church would not have many members over 65.

Better provision for children and families

Churches shrink older and grow younger. Although the overall number of children in church has been going down faster than the number of adults, where churches have found ways to improve their provision for children and families on Sunday mornings they have usually started to grow again. In the St. Asaph survey, for example, 7 churches reported improving their child provision (one or two reopening long closed Sunday schools). Their total attendance rose from 485 to 577, 19 percent. In Kensington, 17 churches reported improving their child provision, or starting or developing family or all age services. Their attendance rose 13 per cent. In Cashel and Ossory, 7 churches reported that they had developed family services or improved their child provision on a Sunday morning. Their collective attendance rose from 522 to 580 between 2002 and 2004, a growth of 11 per cent in a diocese in overall decline.

Evangelical churches have been developing family or all-age services for many years. Some models involve the children leaving part way through, or arriving at the Peace. Others include the children through the whole service. Others have the children entirely separate from the adult congregation, perhaps in different buildings. But high-church Anglicans have been slower to go down this route, perhaps influenced by the ‘Parish Communion Movement’ with its slogan ‘The Lord’s people round the Lord’s table on the Lord’s day’. If all worship must be formal and Eucharistic, it limits the scope for child-friendly, easily accessible worship events. However, it is clear that, around the country, catholic churches with growing congregations today are usually achieving this with family, all age or child-friendly services, often non-Eucharistic. Normally these are not instead of! the main weekly mass, but in addition to it. For some churches the family service will be monthly, and will often attract the largest congregation. But the ideal is to offer weekly worship in the more accessibly style as well as the deeper, traditional one.

Godly Play Introduction

Alison Seaman, our new part-time RE adviser has been running Godly Play introductory days and development days in central London (with her other hat on!) In her latest training programme she has decided to try offering some courses in a second venue, in Eltham. The intro course, coming up in March (Saturday 18 March), is one of these. She writes:
The Bethlehem House of Prayer in Eltham is a lovely little retreat centre just off the High Street and very close to the A2. It would be an easy drive for people from SE London and Kent or over the river in East London and Essex. There is plenty of parking and they will get a good lunch too!!

Please contact

alison.seaman@alibri.co.uk

Fischy Music Concert

At St Andrew's Church, The Drive, Ilford Saturday 25th March 6pm. Featuring local mime artist Ken Wylie
Catchy and Celtic, Wild and Wacky, Poignant and Peaceful
Music with a Christian flavour, especially for children, but loved by everyone
Tickets £4 adults advanced (£5 on the door) £1 for children

For advanced tickets, please send a self addressed envelope with cheque made payable to: St Andrew's Church C/o Fischy Concert, St Andrew's Vicarage, St Andrew's Road, Ilford, Essex, IG1 3PE For further enquiries, please contact St Andrew's Vicarage on 020 8554 3858 or email: rosemaryenever@onetel.com
For further information on fischy music, visit their site www.fischy.com

Directions http://standrewsilford.org/Map.htm

A number of learning opportunities this week: which is very appropriate in the lead up to Education Sunday: we all need to be involved in life-long learning.

Bishop's Certificate

This is a final call (well nearly!) for the course in March covering module 2 of the BC on 4 Thursday evenings starting on 2nd. We can take a maximum of half a dozen more applicants, so please don't delay if you're considering applying. http://www.chelmsford.anglican.org/index.php?id=178

Caroline Fairless

There are still about a dozen places left on the Children at Worship - Congregations in Bloom day in London on 24 March. An excellent chance to think through issues of inclusion, worship and policy. Aimed at leaders in congregations. Excellent use of a bit of CME money! Application form here

CRE

I have a complimentary ticket for CRE Midlands 8-10 Feb in Stoneleigh: first come first served. It doesn't save you all that much as you still need to buy a handbook to find your way around if you're on your own, but...

Bill Wilson

One of the innovative models of children's work - especially in reaching out well beyond the fringes of church - was developed by Bill Wilson in New York and has developed in this country into Kidz Klubs. He is speaking at a conference near Brentwood 23-25th February. This is run by Peniel Church of whom some will have heard and which may put off some, and there are other speakers too. The general style will be brash, US free church...but people have travelled to the US just to hear Bill: and Brentwood is a lot closer! The culture shock may be quite similar though. £99 for 2 and a bit full days from Thursday evening. www.michaelreidministries.org

New Wine retreat

New Wine Kids' Workers' Retreat - 27 and 28 March 2006 High Leigh Conference Centre, Hertfordshire.
The retreat will include bible teaching as well as teaching on managing and leading teams by John Coles, Mark Griffiths & Rex Morton. The cost is £80 inclusive of meals and accommodation. Places can be reserved for £15 per person. For more info phone 020 8567 6717 or email info@new-wine.org

Under 5s conference

One of our readers is in Tunbridge Wells: and if you are willing to travel south of the river (I understand there is a big bridge), they appear to have a good conference coming up on 11th March, 2006 . The day is open to anyone involved with running, helping or supporting groups, either locally or from further away.Claire writes, " Many groups see this as an opportunity for team building - the entire team can come away for a day together, worship together, meet others and be energised and inspired. The programme would also appeal to children’s workers involved with groups for the under fives - midweek or on Sundays."

Key Speakers are:
Sue Price, Director of Children's Ministry at Kingsway and the annual Children's Ministry Conferences in Eastbourne
Julia Plaut Musician and Producer of the popular ‘God's Wonderful World’ and ‘Thank You God for Snails’ CD compilations.
with additional presentations by Jo Gordon and Jo Moore both of whom are involved with leading different Parent Toddler Groups, each with a distinct focus.

Workshop options include:

The Value of Play and Creative Expression for Tots and Adults
More Music and Singing with Under Fives
Saturday Dads – discussions re sessions for Dads and their under 5s
Open forum – running a group – general Q&A (topics to be confirmed)

Tickets are £10 per person including lunch. CLOSING DATE FOR BOOKINGS 3rd March 2006

tel: (01892) 540897 or e-mail claire.wells@lineone.net

Craft sites

From another user: "Have you come across www.mssscrafts.com? This is a site that links Bible stories with crafts and puzzles etc from all over the web - so it is a kind of one-stop shop for Sunday School material. Another useful site for crafts and ideas, that I find very useful and creative is www.daniellesplace.com."

This man called Jesus

Eleanor Jeans BRF £9.99 If you want to attempt something a little ambitious for Easter, 'This man called Jesus' is a play with songs which was developed to use with 7-11s in schools. It could be produced as part of a Holy Week session (but will need plenty of rehearsal beforehand). Alternatively, give it to your local school as a gift - everything links in with the National Curriculum, so even if they don't perform the play, there's lots to explore about Easter.

SUPA (Scripture Union Primary Age) club.

It may be that you or someone you know is also involved in running a Christian Group in a primary school. If that is the case, then Scripture Union also produce some resources for use with these groups. The new CD Rom format of the highly versatile SUPA Club resource is for leaders of lunchtime or after school Christian groups in primary schools, but can be easily adapted for mid week clubs.

Each session stands on its own with a catch up from the week before. It is written in such a way that it assumes the children have little or no Bible knowledge. It is very easy to use, either by down loading materials from a CD Rom or copying it from a paper version. Each session includes time in groups looking at a booklet together, which for this term, follows the story of Gideon. The leaders pack contains games, prayer ideas, memory verses as a pick and mix feature.

SUPA club material is only available from the Field Ministries Department at Scripture Union. The subscription costs only £10 for a year and this includes 4 CD Roms sent out at the end of each term and termly newsletters with ideas for Christmas and Easter.

To request an order form please contact Rose Huish on 01908 856170 or Schools@scriptureunion.org.uk (please include your name and postal address)

POSITIVE PARENTING…….

….have a new website. They offer resources and training and you can now order their stuff on-line. There is also a Contact Us page so you can give them feed-back
http://www.parenting.org.uk/

PLAYING AND PRAYING THROUGH LENT

Encouraging children to think positively about Lent, this new resource book is designed for the home and family to engage children with the issues involved at this special time of year. Packed with activities and with a strong unifying vision, this book enables families to draw on children’s innate playfulness to guide them on their own journeys through Lent. Find out more: http://www.brf.org.uk/gframe.asp?0106:isbn=1841013927

BRF sale includes...

Barnabas Books for Young Readers

Bible Make and Do 1 by Gillian Chapman

Discover fresh ideas for Christmas and Easter preparation, as well as bringing Old and New Testament stories to life. Craft ideas vary from the very simple to the more challenging. Children will experience the thrill of making something wonderful almost ‘out of nothing’.

Bible Make and Do 2 by Gillian Chapman

Each double page spread features a retelling of a Bible story, followed by instructions on how to make a project to bring the story to life. Cutting guides are also included. Discover fresh ideas for Christmas and Easter preparation, as well as bringing Old and New Testament stories to life.

Colours of God by Diana Murrie

This book can help us look and see, perhaps, in a different way. It is an invitation to discover some new exciting ideas about colour, and to think, reflect and wonder afresh at things we knew before.

Easter Experience by Rachel Heathfield (just moved into the diocese I believe!)

The full Easter message for children, in bite-sized units. This book begins with the holiness of God, and moves on to show how, through Jesus, God's love washes away our wrong-doing and replaces it with the joy of forgiveness.

Friends of God by Leena Lane

This colourful activity book based on stories from the Bible is ideal for use with 3 to 7-year olds. Have fun with Noah and Jonah, Moses and David and many more of God’s friends.

God Made a World by Heather Henning and Alison Atkins

This imaginative book introduces the story of creation and teaches children about the amazing variety of the world God has made. With lots of little flaps for little fingers!

Children and communion

http://www.sundaypaperblog.blogspot.com/

Gretchen Wolff-Pritchard has an interesting article on the practice of children receiving communion in her parish which you might like to look at. Very challenging whatever your tradition.

Children's Ministry Sale

Over 30 books reduced: http://shop.childrensministry.co.uk/index.php?cPath=83

Manchester Diocese

Lots of good resources here: especially on the lectionary. http://www.manchester.anglican.org/children.asp?ID=17

Pyramid Rock DVD

I promised a review this week. This DVD to accompany the 2006 holiday club offering from SU uses fully animated video material from Testament - originally broadcast on BBC2. It includes a daily extract of one part of Joseph's story, a separate chapter if you want to show the whole thing in one go, plus two songs (in backing track as well as full versions) which enable you to project the words at the same time as they play. New this year is a training feature designed to allow a team to think together about talking naturally with children about Jesus. This is mainly talking heads with a couple of group exercises, but the heads talk good sense. (As I'd expect: the two main contributors are now advisers in other dioceses.)

Fellowship afloat

Find full details of the 2006 residential programme based at Tollesbury at www.fact.org.uk

Big In Tent

Big In Tent theatre company in partnership with the Church Mission Society are coming to Christ Church, Perry Street, Billericay on February 14th, 2006. There will be a Diwali workshop and drama ( under the title of Setting Captives Free). The workshop will begin at 2pm followed by a performance at 4pm. The cost will be £5 (subidised cost) per child (aged 7-14yrs). There are limited places, so book quickly with Angela Wood 01277655652

Children's Ministry Conference 27-29 January

There are still places on this big Eastbourne shindig which some love and find very helpful. Read more…

Download new songs

http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/light/learnandremember.asp

You might like to check out Scripture Union's new initiative - an opportunity to buy & download songs to sing with your children's groups. The first one is a FREE download - but you can listen to samples of the others before you buy. There'll be more songs added - they are designed to tie in with SU's LIGHT material, but they are much more versatile than that.

Lent Course

The Family Friendly Churches website has produced a 5 week Lent course designed to help churches think through their attitudes towards children and families. If you'd like to see what they're offering (and maybe let other churches know about it) here's the site:

http://www.familyfriendlychurches.org.uk/LentCourse.pdf

Education Sunday

Last but not least: Education Sunday this year is on 12 Feb (not as in the diocesan cycle of prayer...). There are resources for this on the diocesan website at www.chelmsford.anglican.org/index.php?id=199

Bishop's Certificate

Module two of the Bishop's Certificate is available twice this spring: the first course starts on Saturday 14 January. Full details, including other dates, at http://www.chelmsford.anglican.org/children/bookletmodule2web.PDF

CatchFire

The latest has been posted today: deliberately held back to give you something to read after Christmas!

The Big Splash! 17 June

Festival booking packs will be with parishes quite soon... Please use the cards you'll find in your CatchFire envelope to raise interest.

Holiday Club Resources

CatchFire has an excellent article encouraging excellence in holiday clubs. I have just received a review copy of Pyramid Rock from SU - a programme based on Joseph: 5 aspects of God's character - Planner, Helper, Provider, Forgiver, King. The normal, thorough set of activities, scripts etc. (actually the book is thicker than usual: seems mainly to be more detailed planning/preparation help.) I will review the DVD next week.

Childrens Perspectives on Believing and Belonging

NCB Books publication by Greg Smith What role does religion play in children's lives? How do children view their own and other children's religion? How does religion contribute to shaping children's personal identities? Their social and friendship networks.. .. read more..

New Wine

Claire Johnson is starting a group in Essex for children's workers within New Wine flavour churches, which will meet regularly to encourage and support one another, share ideas and resources. Email claire.johnson@new-wine.org

Dates for 2006

In case you need to plan ahead/get resources etc, here are some dates for 2006 that might be helpful: 18 Jan Week for prayer for Christian Unity begins
27 Jan Holocaust Memorial Day
29 Jan Homelessness Sunday
12 Feb Education Sunday
26 Feb Poverty Action Sunday
7 May Vocations Sunday
14 May Christian Aid week begins
4 June Environment Sunday
17 June Big Splash!
9 July Sea Sunday
10 Sept Racial Justice Sunday
21 Sept International Day of prayer for peace
22 Oct One World week begins
19 Nov Prisoners Week begins
3 Dec International Day of Disabled Persons
10 Dec Human Rights Day

FROM OUR METHODIST COLLEAGUES

http://www.methodistchildren.org.uk/ A new site for children and children's workers. And only a few bits are about John Wesley!

Received just before the holidays...: still time to book

For those in the north/west, this day in Ely diocese may be convenient... Children's Worker Training & Resource day 'GROWING TOGETHER' A feature is the opportunity for children & young people of primary school aged up to participate in the day. - This doesn't mean you have to find a child to attend!

WHEN - Saturday 14th January 2006

TIME - 9.50 - 3.30pm (Registration 9.15am)

WHERE - The Meridian School, Comberton CB3 7DD

COST - £10 for adults, £2 for children if booked in advance

£12 for adults, £3 for children if booked at the door

Bring packed lunch - Drinks supplied

Contributors include

Margaret Withers – Archbishop of Canterbury’s Adviser on Evangelism with Children - Rebecca Nye, John Hardwick, Phil Overton, Leslie Hardwick, Steve Whyatt, Gill Ambrose, Chris Westgarth, Puppets!

Workshops include:

Children and evangelism, Schools ministry, Drama, Storytelling, Music and Song, Puppets, Theology of Childhood,Theme Games, Theme Crafts, (0-5s & 5-11s) Celebrating Faith at Home, Godly Play

Bookings Pam Lyon, 12 Harding Way, Histon, Cambridge, CB4 9JH, 01223 234687 pamela.lyon@homecall.co.uk

More details Steve Whyatt, 01223 519489 stevew@scriptureunion.org.uk

Server change

It has been necessary to switch the mailing list used to send this info to subscribers onto the diocesan website. If you previously received the weekly or monthly email and it has now stopped arriving, please email

Children at Worship, Congregations in Bloom

for this conference.

Bishop's certificate in children's ministry

Module 2 is being offered twice in the spring. New course members will be welcome. (The modules can be taken in any order.) Please visit http://www.chelmsford.anglican.org/index.php?id=178 for full details. Course A is 14th January and 11 February (two Saturday "double" sessions) and course B is March 2, 9, 16, 23 (4 evening sessions).

On line Advent calendars

You may wish to encourage children to use one or more of these: some have a giving focus... most are American: and most start on Dec 1st (I know!), so you aren't too late...

http://www.edow.org/spirituality/advent/index.html
http://www.witherspoonsociety.org/advent_calendar.htm
http://www.smmp.com/Advent/Advent.htm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/programmes/advent/calendar/index.shtml
http://www.tearfund.org/Extra/Be+an+angel/Online+advent+calendar.htm
http://www.pcusa.org/2005advent/
http://www.gracecathedral.org/church/xmas2005.shtml

Liturgy and children's evangelism

This is a thoughtful article/story of one parish's combination of Compline and a meal as a model of evangelism among urban children. See what you think. http://sundaypaperblog.blogspot.com/2005/09/article-on-light-and-peace-in-sewanee.html

Child Protection

Please note that CRB checks for volunteer children's workers should be processed by Jean Halliday, and no longer Steven Webb. Full contact details here: http://www.chelmsford.anglican.org/index.php?id=115 (including the phone number and registered body number you need to start the CRB process by phone. This is the quickest way to do it.) And look out for the new diocesan child protection policy in January: it will be available on the web site and on CDRom to save a few trees: it is a lot of reading, but very important.

Scripts, songs, video, books

You can find some useful seasonal resources here: http://www.familyworship.org.uk/seasons/christmas/
and here: http://www.barnabasinchurches.org.uk/gframe.asp?1105:id=1664

The Lion, the W....

From the BBC web site: an excellent article ** The secret of the wardrobe **

It took CS Lewis just three months to write the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Despite a major critic - JRR Tolkien - it became one of the all time great fantasy novels. Why? http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/1/hi/magazine/4447090.stm

Children at Risk

There is a 5 day course on this topic 14-18 August in Glasgow. Details from www.icc.ac.uk

Mothering Sunday

Not very seasonal, but a new Grove booklet of this title looks at what is often an occasion for all-age worship, and also often an awkward or even painful one. Worth reading www.grovebooks.co.uk

New CD

Reach Up! Scripture Union have brought out a new set of songs. As with all song collections, reactions are subjective: I like some of them, but not others! The particular aspect of this CD is that the songs are labelled C or NC: NC means non-confessional and indicates songs which don't make specifically Christian faith statements and which can therefore be used in all schools and in other, perhaps evangelistic, settings. Production values are very good and the box includes a second CD with backing tracks and words/music files of all 14 songs for printing.

Show me the way to Amarillo - I bet you're starting to hum it right now... Believe it or not, Lucy Moore has written Christian words to the tune so that it could be used at a Christingle Service. Check it out at: http://www.barnabasinchurches.org.uk/gframe.asp?1105:id=2068

And there are lots more ideas in the Advent and Christmas part of their Ideas section too

Funding

BBC Children in Need welcomes applications for good quality, carefully planned, projects which show a clear focus on children in order to change their lives for the better. These applications can be from: Self-help groups; Voluntary organisations; or Registered charities. Applicants should be properly constituted, non-profit organisations. The children they help are aged 18 years and under, and live in the United Kingdom. You should only apply for a grant if it will benefit children who are disadvantaged by: any kind of disability; behavioural or psychological problems; living in poverty or situations of deprivation; illness, distress, abuse or neglect. If you require an Application Form; Guidelines, or advice on completing the application form contact: BBC Children in Need Appeal, PO Box 76 London W3 6FS pudsey@bbc.co.uk tel: 020 8576 7788. The next closing dates are 30th November 2005 and 30th March 2006

The press has been full of the proposed "national curriculum for babies". I offer no comment, but I have read the bill and there seems little if any understanding of the range of community-based care activites which are part of many parish ministries. Since the Children Act (1989) in principle any taking care of under 8s has been subject to registration and the definition of childcare in this bill ("Childcare” means any form of care for a child and includes education for a child, and any other supervised activity for a child...) is if anything wider. I have now had a reply and there will be similar exemptions from registration to the current ones. These will be made by order, and drafts will only be published later in the parliamentary process.

The current exemptions (as a reminder!) are anything under 2 hours per day and, if more than 2 hours, up to 5 exemption days per year. You do not currently need to inform anyone if you are under the 2 hour limit, but the exemption day provision still requires you to inform OFSTED in good time. So if you are planning holiday club for next year, please add this to your to do list.

Day conference

Caroline Fairless is coming to the UK next year and will be leading a day conference in London on 24 March on including children in worship. If you would like a booking form, please let me know or email mary.hawes@london.anglican.org direct. You can read something of Caroline's vision on her website: http://childrenatworship.org

Godly Play training

There are still places left on the 3 Day Teacher Accreditation Course Non residential... at Trumpington Cambridge 19-21 January 2006 contact pet.ros@btopenworld.com for booking forms and further information.

Thought for...

I tend to think of John H Westerhoff III as a dry faith development theorist but this quotation is very practical:

We need to tell and retell the biblical story – the stories of faith together.

We need to celebrate our faith and our lives

We need to pray together.

We need to listen and talk to each other.

We need to perform faithful acts of service and witness together.

(Westerhoff Bringing up children in the Christian faith)

Pray for schools

15th November 2005 is the annual 'Pray for Schools Day'. If you would like to pray specifically that day for your local schools, you can find out more information here: http://www.prayday.org/

Creative all-age learning and worship

If you want a story perhaps to inspite you to think what you might do, try this: The God of Surprises from a church in Milton Keynes.

Web site

Progress is being made on the diocesan web site: and we are now able to begin to rebuild the children's work and other education pages. www.chelmsford.childrensministry.info/tempsite will stay live for a while yet, but you may like to look again at www.chelmsford.anglican.org and use the menu to find us

As of October 2005 the diocese has a full time child protection adviser Rev Jean Halliday. The diocesan policies are under urgent review by Jean and a new version will be published shortly: probably in January 2006. Pro tem previously issued advice and guidance should be followed.

What does she offer?

Expert and confidential advice to parishes about policy and practice
Casework where abuse is disclosed or alleged
Training
Support when issues arise

What about CRB?

At the moment please contact Steven Webb, Diocesan CEO, for all enquiries relating to CRB applications . 01245 294400 or swebb@chelmsford.anglican.org
The diocese is a registered body with CRB and applications relating to work in parishes can be initiated by phoning CRB on 0870 9090844 and quoting the diocese's number: 20849100005
Completed forms for volunteers should be sent to Steven Webb for countersignature. Forms for employed children's workers should be sent to Paul Godfrey with a cheque for the CRB fee of £34 made out to CDBF.

How do we make contact?

Phone Jean Halliday on 01245 294457 or 07903 831965
Or email jhalliday@chelmsford.anglican.org
Or write to 53 New St Chelmsford CM1 1AT

Half-term for some: light parties, bonfires, planning for Christmas...?

New elsewhere on the web site

5 ideas for using Cribs and 5 Advent countdowns (yes one is the crown! I still don't know why some people use 3 purple and a pink candle - I expect I soon will) All courtesy of Mary Hawes in London who is cheerfully free-handed with what she produces. Find them linked here: http://www.chelmsford.childrensministry.info/tempsite/articlesindex.html

I've also added a few new published resources to the Christmas list at http://www.chelmsford.childrensministry.info/tempsite/articles/xmas.html

And for a thoughtful take on Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince, see this article by Anne Richards of the Mission and Public Affairs Division at Church House. Please don't read it if you don't want to know how the book ends before you've finished it yourself! http://www.chelmsford.childrensministry.info/tempsite/articles/hphbp.html

Leading children course

St John's College Nottingham has one of very few distance learning courses on children's work: and it's a good one. It now has a new leader (my colleague in Southwell) and slightly revamped content. More details at http://www.stjohns-nottm.ac.uk/html/extension_studies/course_details/faith_for_life/f4l-lc.shtml It can be a stand-alone module or part of a bigger course of study.

BRF new ideas

I know I keep mentioning the BRF site: but I just looked again and there are 0ver 20 new articles in their Getting Going series, including a whole new section on reflective storytelling (Godly Play style). Check these: they can all be found linked at http://www.barnabasinchurches.org.uk/ (Click the Ideas tab)

Remembrance Sunday: Making Peace

Noughts and crosses prayer

Suffering world

Getting Going with Advent

Annunciation assembly/all-age spot

Annunciation for 7-11s
Advent ideas from Barnabas books

The cross and the crib
Ideas for an Advent fun day
Introducing Advent
A letter cross
St Andrew's cross

Getting Going with Sharing the Good News
The Message of a Ruler
The Message of a Pair of Scissors
The Message of a Calculator
The Message of a Eraser Getting Going with Reflective Storytelling
Barnabas the Encourager
The Boy Prophet
The Burning Bush
John’s Final Work
The Lonely Place
Prayer is a golden gift from God
The Prodigal
The Prophet and the Kings
What does it mean to be a child of God?

Child's-eye view

I was sent a "letter" with a child's-eye view of church. I think I've seen it before - and I think it's from a book but it may be a variation on a theme. If anyone can identify it, I'll attribute it properly. Read it here: http://www.chelmsford.childrensministry.info/tempsite/articles/childseye.html

I promised some book reviews this week. I'm grateful to Scripture Union for complimentary copies of the following...

Top Tips Series

A new series of short (32 A5 pages), cheap how to books. The four I've been sent are all by real experts (two are children's advisers in other dioceses) and are a good mixture of food for thought and highly practical advice. Handling Difficult Behaviour, Welcoming Special Children, Reaching Unchurched Children and All-age Worship. I recommend these highly.

A-Z of Ministry to Children

Australian import and written by two guys very much from an older generation - and it shows in the feel of the visuals and in some of the cultural references. There are assumptions which are peculiar to certain ways of doing things which are uncommon here, or limited to certain flavours of church. BUT there is a lot of good practical advice on everything from building a puppet theatre to relating to children. I'd give it a good thorough browse though before buying, to check there was enough that I really needed help with before buying it. If you want to borrow the complimentary copy to see, just ask.

Multi-sensory Series

Multi-sensory Prayer and Multi-sensory Church were great - with plenty of ideas which could be used across ages. The three new titles - Scripture, Seasons, and Together are more adult focussed (Seasons and Together are really books of house-group outlines with a multi-sensory approach, although both have some ideas which might work with children's groups or in all-age worship.) Multi-sensory Scripture is the one I'd buy from these three: among the 50 ideas there are certainly a number which would work well with children or in all-age worship.

I notice from SU's website that they are offering multi-buy savings on various series, including the two mentioned here.

Rotation Workshops

http://www.rotation.org

It's some time since I mentioned this site. Rotation Workshops are a way of organising Sunday groups. The idea is that one story or theme is used for a number of weeks - but each week there are a variety of workshops on offer and the children rotate around them. If you look at the site you'll find a fuller explanation - but also hundreds of ideas for workshops which are useful in all sorts of settings.

Godly Play

We had an excellent day in Basildon on Saturday looking at this approach. If you'd like an introduction there is a helpful summary here: http://www.churchofoursaviour.org/navpages/children.html (scroll right down) And if you have time to skim read as you scroll, you may find yourself inspired, depressed or provoked to imitation (!) of what this US parish offers to children and how it presents its coherent programme.

Mary Hawes of London diocese who ran the day for us with her husband Richard, is offering development days next year in London. They are aimed at Godly Play practitioners who want to extend and improve their skills.

Lent, Holy Week & Easter (19th January 2006) This will cover the presentations for The Circle of the Church Year,
The Mystery of Easter & The Faces of Easter Godly Play & the Eucharist (29th June 2006) This will cover the presentations for The Good Shepherd & World Communion, Holy Baptism, The Synagogue & the Upper Room, Circle of the Holy Eucharist
Advent, Christmas & Epiphany (10th October 2006) This will cover the presentations for The Holy Family, Advent, The Mystery of Christmas, Epiphany

If anyone would like a copy of the booking forms, please let Mary know mary.hawes@london.anglican.org and she'll send an electronic copy.

Nativity sets

If you're looking for a new Nativity set, have a look at this site. http://hometown.aol.co.uk/nativityuk/myhomepage/business.html

Christmas resources from BRF

WALKING WITH JESUS THROUGH ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS MURRAY MCBRIDE An all-age resource for exploring the story of the first Christmas by following, literally, in the footsteps of the people who were there. Complete with Bible verses, suggestions for using the resource in many different ways and photocopiable 'Maporama' and activity sheets, this is an Advent book for the whole church family to enjoy! To find out more: http://www.brf.org.uk/gframe.asp?m0905:isbn=1841013609

STORY PLAYS FOR CHRISTMAS VICKI HOWIE If you've been roped into the nativity play AGAIN this year, then don't despair. Vicki Howie, best-selling author of plays for all occasions and ages, comes to the rescue with these story plays for Christmas - complete with activities and story versions to help children understand the issues dealt with in each of the three plays. For more information: http://www.brf.org.uk/gframe.asp?m0905:isbn=1841014001

A conversation this week made clear that the recent CatchFire hasn't necessarily reached everyone who gets this email. You can read it at http://www.chelmsford.childrensministry.info/tempsite/documents/catchfire5.PDF and find out, among other things, about the Big Splash: next June's diocesan children's festival. Please consider making June 17 2006 a key part of your programme for next year!

Web sites - slanted towards Advent and Christmas

A few sites for you to check out for some new ideas:
http://www.egadideas.com/ideas.asp A mixed bag of craft ideas, games etc from America.
http://puzzlemaker.school.discovery.com/index.html This site lets you make puzzles, wordsearches etc. Great for introducing a theme, extra sheets for early arrivals, parish magazines etc!
http://www.mssscrafts.com/ Links to a whole load of activity sheets, colouring pictures etc.
www.childrenssociety.org.uk/christingle/2005/ Christingle site
www.highhopes.com/3dstar.html How to make Moravian 3d stars
http://northpole.net/world.htm
http://christmas.com/worldview Two sites with information about Christmas around the world
www.rockies.net/~spirit/sermons/christmaspage.html A whole host of information, liturgies, ideas, crafts, activities etc
www.ottawa.anglican.ca/advent.shtml Advent with Canadian Anglicans! (They still think it's 2003/4, but the ideas are good!)
www.holidays.net/christmas/ Lots more Christmassy stuff! www.rca.org/worship/material/advent/makingtree.php Details of how to make a Jesse Tree, with downloadable symbols!
www.christiancrafters.com/ Lots of craft ideas, including Chrisom Snowflakes

Praxis courses in 2006

Praxis is a national network of people offering training in liturgy and worship. They are offering two courses next spring which relate to children and young people. You might like to think about reserving the dates in good time. The second one is particularly accessible for us: Bar Hill is very easy to get to via the M11. More information on the Praxis website www.praxisworship.org.uk

When the school goes to church (and the church goes to school)
9th March 10-3 Birmingham Cathedral led by Diana Murrie, CofE National Children’s Officer Open to clergy, teachers, youth and children’s workers and anyone who is interested, this workshop will explore some of the theory and good practice in the area of ‘worship on the school-church interface. £12.

Children and Communion: exploring the place of children in the Eucharistic community
9th May 10-4 at Bar Hill Church led by Colin Buchanan, formerly Bishop of Woolwich and Gill Ambrose What is the basis of belonging to the Eucharistic community? How should this be expressed in practice? What difference does the full participation of children at Holy Communion make to the whole body? £20 inc lunch

The Spirit of the Child

Rebecca Nye & David Hay's seminal book is being reprinted in a revised edition in January by Jessica Kingsley. It is well worth reading if you want to understand the sort of concerns and spiritual interests young children have - whether or not they're in church. Details here: http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/1-84310-371-0

Playleader

I have often recommended Playleader magazine for under 5s. It has now difinitely ceased publication. (A recent edition is on our website as a pdf. See the www.chelmsford.childrensministry.info/tempsite - and there are a few new articles there too!)

CPAS training evening

I have received very belated details of an event in Colchester (at St John's) on 31 October. There are 3 age streams (under 8s, 9-13 and 14-18) They have sent me two booking forms, but I suggest interested parties should email thehub@cpas.org.uk ASAP for more details.

Children's Ministry weekend

The annual CM training weekend is 27-29 January next year, and I have been sent a booking form. Again I suggest those interested will be better off looking at www.childrensministry.co.uk for themselves.

SU weekend

And to complete the trio of big, broadly evangelical providers of such things: a reminder that SU's annual Swanwick training weekend is 11 November this year. Details at http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/downloads/051111swanwick.pdf

Faith Chests

http://www.youthandfamilyinstitute.org/resources/faithchest.asp The idea of Faith Chests was introduced to me earlier this week. The idea is that a child is given a chest at their baptism - somewhere to keep their baptism candle, keepsakes of the day etc. But each year, the church sends a new something for the chest for the family to use to talk about faith. It requires quite a commitment but it's a great way of keeping in touch & offering practical resources to a family that grow with them.

Funding sources

This ones a bit controversial but here goes The Big Lottery Fund has confirmed new programme for 2006-2009, which includes grants for healthy living, the environment, children's play, community learning as well as the existing Young People's Fund. Full details are available at www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/assets/new_programmes.pdf

Futurebuilders - get your application in now!
If you are a voluntary or community organisation looking for finance to help you expand your services to the public, then Futurebuilders could be the right fund for you. All applications are via the web where there also is information on how to apply. They are keen to get more applications from smaller organisations and those within the BME sector, and to help in this they have produced two special leaflets aimed at those sectors. These can be also downloaded from the website: www.futurebuilders-england.org.uk Enquiry line: 0191 261 5200.

Awards for All - aimed at local communities
Awards for All fund projects that enable people to take part in art, sport, heritage and community activities, as well as projects that promote education, the environment and health in the local community. Many Barnet groups have been helped with costs for an event, publicity or other activity, so don't hesitate - apply now! You do not have to be a registered charity and you will be told if you are successful or not within 8 weeks. The application form is short and simple and grants range from £500 and £5,000. To get an application pack call 0845 600 2040 (textphone 0845 755 6656) or see www.awardsforall.org.uk/england/ for more information and/or to download a pack.

Cadbury Schweppes Foundation - education and employment
Makes grants of up to £70,000 focusing on areas of ‘deprivation’, in particular those projects working with ‘at risk’ or ‘socially excluded’ clients. For more information contact: CTB Community Affairs, PO Box 12, Bourneville Lane, Birmingham B30 2LU. You can also download a self-assessment form and booklet from: www.cadburyschweppes.com

Community Champions Fund - improving the local community
Offers grants of up to £2,000 to support community projects which increase the skills of individuals and aim to improve the involvement of communities in regeneration. For more information see: www.dfes.gov.uk/communitychampions/index.cfm

Children, Young People and Families Grant Programme - supporting the ‘Every Child Matters’ programme
Five former government grant schemes for voluntary organisations working with children, young people and families have been brought together into a streamlined funding programme. The Children, Young People and Families Grant Programme is a national strategic fund available to voluntary organisations whose work supports the Every Child Matters: Change for Children programme. See www.everychildmatters.gov.uk/news/?asset=News&id=30573 for news item www.everychildmatters.gov.uk/strategy/voluntaryandcommunity/cypfgrant/ for details (applications by 11th November), or start at www.everychildmatters.gov.uk/strategy/voluntaryandcommunity/ for further background on the government perspective.

Christmas planning

http://www.spirit-net.ca/sermons/christmaspage.html If you want to spend time looking for ideas etc for Christmas, this web site is a good starting point. It has everything from services, activities for children, legends, meditations, on-line advent calendars.... It's frequently updated, so bookmark it & keep coming back. It also has links to an Easter site (if you REALLY want to do advance planning!).

More Christmas

A resource from CURBS: UNWRAPPING CHRISTMAS Price: £6 ~ challenging us to look again at the real meaning of Christmas ~

A pick and mix resource pack of all-age materials for Christmas, challenging us to think again about what we do at Christmas and about its real meaning.
Can be used in church services, home groups, children’s groups, neighbourhood parties, meals, with under 5s
Simple-to-use photocopiable resources, full directions, activities requiring minimum preparation

Bits and bobs

http://www.angelfire.com/trek/annegordon/

This web site, from an Anglican priest, contains some good stuff about children's spirituality, the church year, prayer ideas, storytelling tips, collective worship, church visits & more!!! Well worth taking the time to explore.

Crib weekend

Pat Prestney has emailed me with details of how they are using the first weekend of December for a whole range of events to draw in the community. If you're interested in some ideas, email me.

CRB

You may have heard that Persona who were to act for us in processing CRB applications have gone into liquidation. Please contact the diocesan office (Steven Webb or his PA Sue Kent) if you need to make an application, but under no circumstances begin, or continue with, a Persona form

Child Protection Adviser

The very good news is that Reverend Jean Halliday will be joining the Diocesan Staff on 3rd October 2005 as our new Child Protection Adviser. Not only is Jean an active member of our diocese she is also very experienced in Child Protection issues. She will be based in the diocesan office.

Bishop's Certificate

This course is now definitely full: I will be confirming or otherwise in the next few days as we may need to hold some applications over to the next course. If your application was received (or advised by phone or email) before the deadline, there is no problem, but I may have to exclude some which arrived while I was away unless I can arrange a bigger venue and team. It is likely we will offer module one again in the spring if we have to disappoint many this time.

Godly Play intro: last call

There is still room on the Godly Play day on 15 October in Pitsea. Email or phone to book a place.

BRF website

I continue to be impressed by the new ideas added to BRF's website. Try http://www.barnabasinchurches.org.uk/pages/f483s.htm but browse thoroughly and keep scrolling: they go on adding

CatchFire will just have arrived in your parish: please look out for it. Included with it is a booking leaflet for the first module of the Bishop's Certificate (see below). Welcome to a number of new subscribers. Please do make this a two-way service by getting in touch with me if I can help in any way.

Bishop's Certificate course starting 12 October

Today is the advised closing date and this course is nearly full (including those who have notified me by phone or email that a form is on its way.) Best to phone or email straightaway if you wish to be sure of one of the remaining places. Don't forget that we intend this course to be offered at least once each year, so it's not the end of the world to miss the boat... If there is sufficient demand I will look at offering Module 1 again in the spring, as well as Module 2. Please check the link at www.chelmsford.childrensministry.info/tempsite for more details.

Godly Play Day 15 October St Gabriel's, Pitsea

There are also a few places left on this one day introduction to Godly Play led by Mary Hawes of London Diocese, an accredited GP trainer, which was advertised before the summer. £5 per person or £20 for 5 from the same parish/group. First come first served. See a brief explanation of Godly Play at www.chelmsford.childrensministry.info/tempsite/articlesindex.html

Website

If you've visited the diocesan website recently (when it's available - today it isn't...) you may have noticed that the new look is not yet matched by new content and the articles and so forth on children's work have gone completely... I have taken the opportunity to beef up my temporary site as it looks like it may be needed for a tad longer yet. The articles are not all there yet, but many are and I'm doing more at odd times while watching telly... I've re-organised them so that there is one page from which all the resource lists, articles and training papers are linked. A new contact emailed me: "I've spent most of the day surfing the net - can't get enough of this information!! It's great!!" I can't not pass on a puff like that... and no money changed hands. www.chelmsford.childrensministry.info/tempsite

Christmas

Our local council have announced a special parking deal for the Christmas shopping period - September to December - so it MUST be OK for me to mention Christmas Resources. Here are two from BRF:
Story Plays for Christmas Vickie Howie
Three brand new short plays for Christmas(aimed at 7-11s), written by Vickie Howie. Each play takes a different slant on the Christmas story - one involves a young boy and his dog encountering Christmas in an unexpected way (and includes an idea for using Christingle); the second uses some of the traditional readings from the service of Nine Lessons & Carols, and has planet Earth excited about Isaiah's vision; the third has Mary & Joseph retelling the story of Jesus' birth to him & his cousin John when they are young boys. Each of the plays has drama games and bible background to introduce it, ideas for staging & props, and a story version of the play so that the children become familiar with the story line before they act it out.

Walking with Jesus through Advent and Christmas Murrie McBride
Here's a book with a difference! It will take you on a spiritual journey in the shoes of those involved in the first difference. But the journey can be undertaken as a weekly project in groups, a family project each day or as a daily devotion for an individual. There's an enormous map of Samaria to photocopy that could hang on a church or home wall as a visual guide; illustrations to colour in; weekly activity sessions that could be used with children's groups in Advent; daily sessions & mini-maps to use at home.

Advance notice

Diocesan Children's work advisers are very pleased that the Revd. Caroline Fairless (author of Children at Worship: Congregations in Bloom ) has accepted our invitation to the UK next year. As well as our conference she will have two speaking engagements, of which one will be in London, in or near Pimlico, on Friday 24th March. The cost is likely to be £20 (including lunch) and the times 10ish - 3ish. It has yet to be finalised.

Caroline has an exciting vision and practical experience of incorporating children into the whole worshipping community - her ideas go far beyond limiting inclusive worship to a children's talk & activity. They could change the whole culture of the church. Places at the day will be limited, so if you would like to be put on the list for the final details & booking form, please let Mary Hawes know at: mary.hawes@london.anglican.org

The day is particularly aimed at clergy & those who are able to influence change in worship within parishes. More than one person from a church would be welcome.

Bishop's Certificate in Children's Ministry

You can find full details here: www.chelmsford.childrensministry.info/tempsite . We still have places on this inaugural course, so please consider if it is right for you or others in your parish. We won't be too strict with the 12 September closing date, but it would be good to have either the booking form or a firm expression of intent by then.

Celebrating Children Training

If you are looking for more in-depth training and can set aside a week then this course being run for the first time in this country w/b 26 February 2006 in South Woodford. More information from Christian Child Care Forum www.christianchildcareforum.org.uk This course will be accredited at NVQ level 3.

Caring Magazine

CCPAS who advise churches on child protection issues have a regular magazine mailing. It usually contains sveral helpful articles: more information (and details of their resources)at www.ccpas.co.uk

CPAS

Confusingly similar initials! CPAS have updated their website, and in particular reorganised their childrens/youth support around The Hub. Affiliated parishes will have heard, but others may like to see what's what at www.cpas.org.uk

Christingle

I know, I know. But the Children's Society now have completely new revamped Christingle web pages: click www.christingle.org to have a look. If you visit the downloadable resources section you'll see lots of the things I and some other diocesan colleagues have developed for this year, and the service and adaptations are documents that can be edited easily to allow people to customise to fit their needs.

Methodist news

The Methodist Church has just launched a new web site with areas for
children and children's leaders. Check it out at: http://www.methodistchildren.org.uk/

The web links section will point you to all sorts of other interesting sites too. Good stuff.

Searchlights

Searchlights is the new range of Sunday group material from the publishers Kevin Mayhew (whose website has very little info on this new series - if you can find it at all!). As with the Living Stones series from the same publisher (by Susan Sayers) there are age-group books for 3-5s, 6-10s & 11+, ands a 'Complete Resource Book' which contains all the material from the other books (except worksheets) along with suggestions for worship. Searchlights follows the Common Worship Lectionary, and each week there are suggestions for activities, an idea for prayer, teaching material and a photocopiable worksheet. There are also suggestions for songs, and a separate CD set with the songs on can also be purchased.
Having looked through it, a valued colleague writes: "I think that each book tends towards the lower end of the age group (and the 11+ seems to be more geared towards 9 year olds). The suggested activities are often games, which, although fun, don't seem to contribute much else to the session. Sometimes the ideas for the week seem quite 'thin', and if your session lasts longer than about 20 minutes, you are likely to need supplementary material."

More on Scoubidous

From the London diocese children's work dicussion list: "Scoubies have been the in thing arround the East End where I work for several months now. When they first became popular we decided to use them to our advantage. It is very easy to turn the basic round or square knot into Christian symbols such as a cross or fish and our kids and young teens are walking around with crosses hanging off their bags and making them for friends.

If you want to get more complicated in your designs check out this website http://www.crazeuk.com/funkydesign.htm for some ideas."

Assembly material Here's an assembly book that looks as though it might be worth adding to your collection Off the Peg Assemblies Chris Stafford Kevin Mayhew

£15.99 The 30 different assemblies have a biblical basis, links with life, prayers and song suggestions. The preparation needed is not onerous and is clearly laid out at the start. Some of the talks are a bit ‘cheesy', but they'll keep children's attention (and could be adapted for children's/all age services too). The assemblies are divided into 4 themes – biblical characters, the life of Christ, the Lord's Prayer and the Environment.

Children's Ministry (part of Kingsway publishing) has an updated website (aka a shop!) But you will find articles, training opportunities as well as their range of books (and puppets.) Link

Mission Computers used to publish The Book and Who What Where. These were directories of resources for schools and for youth/children's work. The Book (for schools mainly) has been replaced by a website www.smsc.org.uk . Or look at www.miscom.co.uk for more details. SMSC? Spiritual, moral, social, cultural...

I came across an innovative project in a neighbouring diocese to develop a rural, historic church building to enable an after-school club as well as Sunday children's work. Read more here.

Ten golden rules for churches with very few children. An article from Margaret Withers in REACH: a taster of a book from CHP coming out in the autumn. These pieces of advice seem spot on to me. Click.

Ten years on from the International year of the family, Churches Together for Families has a range of resources to highlight family issues at www.churchesandfamilies.org

Adassa's World

Adassa's World From SU a book reflecting a Black Christian experience. A selection of illustrated short stories about 5 year old Adassa. Each story ends with a prayer as Adassa thanks God for all the wonderful things in her world: stories set in a British Afro-Caribbean home and church to read aloud to young children, showing how God is in their everyday lives. £4.99

I have details of a URC evening on using new technology in worship and with young people at Wesley Methodist Church Leigh on Sea 23 September. Cost £2. More from eastern.ylto@urc.org.uk

A brave attempt at building a site for children to explore themselves. Try it yourself to see if you want to encourage your children to use it. www.hikidz.org

For those of you engaged in, or considering engaging in, churchbuilding-based projects which require funding, you may be interested in the following.A colleague recently attended a Church Buildings Strategy Meeting, under the auspices of the Cathedrals and Church Buildings Division, in Church House. It included a presentation by Dr Sharon Goddard who is the Heritage Lottery Fund Education Policy Adviser. This is a summary of what she said:link Or look here http://www.hlf.org.uk

All-age Eucharist. A colleague elsewhere put together some notes for developing all-age eucharists, especially in the catholic tradition. Find them here.

Some people have been enquiring about developing Godly Play. I have just come across this information about resources to help work out how to adapt to your situation (and perhaps how to make resources more cheaply...) It is from Rebecca Nye (and was on the godly play email list. Join it at www.godlyplay.org.uk (Click Community) "Vol 5 is already in print and is very useful - but alas does not have templates. But I too heard rumours about a later vol having templates in due course. (Vol 5 is a series of short pieces by Godly Play trainers.) on a variety of useful topics - Godly PLay and special needs, Godly Play and older kids/ how to GP on a very tight budget, how to work with antagonistic congregations, issues about adapting GP for your tradition/country, and a very good peice about what wondering really might be!)
And - re: templates - these ARE kind of already available through www.godlyplay.com in the USA - they sell quite a few lessons in 'kit' form which means either just on card or a paint your own version which really reduces the cost. I've recently bought some like that. From these you could mount them yourselves on to something more solid (wood or foamcore) so that children can really use them in their play - try to avoid simply putting paper /flimsy versions out for the children to work with, cos they will
obviously get dog eared very quickly and that's another unwanted spiritual lesson in itself."

The Children Bill......has passed the Committee Stage in the House of Lords. The full text is available on http://www.parliament.uk/ but there is a more accessible briefing to be found at www.ten.info - look under children and young people and legislation

Crusaders have a new integrated resource (designed, in their words, to disciple a generation not jjust an age-group): Energize. Find out more about what it has to offer MORE INFORMATION

re:source website has recently added Current Outlines on God and Football and the Summer. Hook into your boys' interests... They are more youth than children, but you could adapt.

If anyone is interested in becoming a writer for Roots , Pam Macnaughton, the editor of Roots Children and Young People , would be very pleased to hear. She can be contacted at cypeditor@rootsontheweb.com Roots is one of the curriculum resources you should look at if you are reviewing your materials. Link

I've updated the links page with various sites mentioned here in recent months.

BRF's web site is highly to be recommended. Here are three goodies from it:

if you are still on a last minute lookout for some ideas for PENTECOST - either all-age or for your children's group - check out the free material in the Ideas section of their website. http://www.brf.org.uk/gframe.asp?B0504:id=483
easy-to-use ideas on prayer and for Father's Day. http://www.brf.org.uk/gframe.asp?B0504:id=1133,1134,1135,1136
new publication this month especially for teachers and concerns the issues involved with bereavement in schools. SAYING GOODBYE TO GREG http://www.brf.org.uk/gframe.asp?B0504:isbn=1841012106

More bits and bobs from the bag of stuff I brought back from CRE

Looking for an overseas mission/relief project which children will identify with? Try Toybox. www.toybox.org
We recently mentioned the Duggie Dug Dug event at St Chad's - see below. Jim Bailey does the same sort of thing: now offers dance workshops as well. See more at www.jimbailey.org The site, among other things, enables you to listen to his songs before you decide if they might suit you. (These guys are all about my age - at least Doug doesn't dye his hair. Perhaps I'm just jealous...)
CPO have packs of publicity and support material for a range of holiday clubs - not just the SU ones they have supported for some years. They also have packages for Grand Prix and Mission Miracle Maker (CWR - I don't know these) and Champions (BRF- I have a copy). There are also a couple of poster/flyer sets unrelated to specific programmes. www.cpo-online.org

The roadshows introduced a new model for local training events. Read more about the Three Course Special here

A colleague was trawling the internet for Ascension assembly ideas and came across this site which looks useful: http://www.catholic-ew.org.uk/liturgy/SOS/index.html It's from the RC church and offers some good, downloadable sheets about children and worship at different times of the year. They are PDF files, and have info about how to plan worship, as well as what it's all about.

26 May is a day course for clergy and other licensed ministers (part of the CME programme) on communicating with children. It is a practical, skills based day thinking about such contexts as assemblies and all-age worship - and so far only two people have booked, so it may well be cancelled. Unless... you or others you know book in very soon! I'd much rather run it than not, so over to you!

Viva Network (an umbrella group for Christian childcare organisations) have designated Saturday 5 th June as this year's worldwide day of prayer for children at risk. If you or your church would like to take part, visit Viva's website where you will find some excellent resources based around the Lord's Prayer to help you plan. http://viva.org/wwdp

If you’re interested to see what the National Society’s project on Godly Play in schools came up with, the website material is now up and running at www.natsoc.org.uk

I went to the Christian Resources Exhibition yesterday with a view to picking up things of use to us all. Here's a brief summary of some things which you might find useful to know. Contact me for more info.

kids@essence (CPAS/Kingsway) 6 sessions based around helping children to explore spirituality from where they are. Session outline: Coming in..Give out..Make ..Game ..Make ..Story ..Make ..Think & do ..My story ..Discussion ..Talk2God Series outline: Who am I? Where do I live? Who is my hero? Is anyone listening? Who do I trust? Where am I going? Looks really good to me.
Crusaders are launching a new integrated approach to seeking to nurture a generation rather than an age-group ie a thought through approach to trying to work with children right through to adulthood. Look out for Energize in September.
Do you remember the days when flannel-graph was considered hi-tech? ‘ Let the Children Come to me' is an updated version of it! With 5 laminated background panels and over 100 laminated figures, you just need a bit of blu-tack to retell 32 scenes from the life of Jesus. The accompanying book has outlines for the sessions, but you (& the children) could make up your own! Simple, visual and lots of potential for interaction. Pauline Books & Media, £20
Redemptorist Publications 0800 783941. RC publisher, but with a catalogue which includes other people's stuff (without indicating the publisher though.) So I don't know if these are published by them or what: but my eye was taken by:
- Daring to be different (Being a faith family in a secular world)
- Storycards
- Let's go to Pentecost Family prayer from Easter to Pentecost
Churches Purchasing Scheme. I notice in their catalogue plenty of play equipment (including 10% off all prices in the Newitts sports catalogue), parachutes, huge floaty balls... The kind of things which make a big impact at a special event. www.cpsonline.co.uk
Salvation Army produce a free Christian comic Kids Alive. You pay for postage only. For more info: kidsalive@salvationarmy.org.uk
Rainbow Ministries supply all sorts of audio-visual stuff - including bible story artwork for printing acetates etc. www.rainbowministries.co.uk
Children's Ministry curriculum materials are being revamped in the autumn: clearer age-groups, more leader info and a CDRom with images for projection, all-age outlines, preparation helps www.childrensministry.co.uk
Care For the Family. Good stuff for helping churches with parenting support (supporting single parents, bereaved parents...) www.care-for-the-family.org.uk
Puppets. Try One Way UK (www.onewayuk.com) who have a training day somewhere in Herts on 26 May or Puppets by Post (www.puppetsbypost.com)
If you're looking for a big creative toy you could do much worse than Maxamec a kind of huge plastic Meccano. I really wanted to play with it! www.maxamec.com
Campaigners is a cross-denominational uniformed organisation, with programmes for 4-6, 6-10 and 10+ www.campaigners.org.uk

If summer means outdoor games, you may be looking for big, bright equipment. Boing seem to have been taken over by Airquee. See www.airquee.co.uk

I've received details of the Children are Unbeatable Alliance. I guess there will be different views over smacking (although not, I hope, in relation to our children's activities!) but info is available from info@endcorporalpunishment.org

I've often mentioned CURBS (and some will have met Kath Copsey at the roadshow in Leyton). They have a spring offer on their packs: buy one, get one free.Offer ends 30th June. info@curbsproject.org.uk or www.curbsproject.org.uk

Easy Ways to Seasonal Fun for the very young Vickie Howie (BRF) 12 seasonal sessions for 3-5s. Excellent. Main festivals plus a couple of extra summer ideas.

BRF's website has an excellent children's worksection - Barnabas and since the beginning of the year the Barnabas Ministry Team has been sending out a regular monthly e-mail up-date with information of what's new from the publishing side for churches and schools, the new material on the growing web-site and also events. Sign up for the email on the site. www.brf.org.uk

Once again I've received details of the Church Army children's musical Gospel Rocky. They are looking for theatre venues where a church or group of churches is keen to put on the show. Very professional show: email me for more info including a DVD.

I mentioned Working with 8-10s (Saunders and Porritt SU) without having seen it. I've now read it and recommend it as thorough, professional (in the best way) and helpful for those working with this age-group.

New Orange Tiddlywinks book now added to this series for under 5s work.

Paul Carr has asked me to mention again the Family Praise Party & Training Seminar at Saint Chad's in Chadwell Heath run by Doug Horley and his team on Saturday 29th May at 6.30pm. "This is a wonderful opportunity to see one of the most innovative and exciting children’s ministry leaders in the UK today. Family Praise Parties are a fast moving mixture of action songs, dance tracks, tricks, illusions, puppets, juggling and praise and worship. They make for a colourful and exciting celebration that your kids (and grown ups) will talk about for years!" Tickets, £5.00 for adults and £2.00 for children, are available from Pauline in the church office: 020 8597 8076. There is also a training seminar for all those involved in Children's Ministry - Sunday School, Holiday Clubs etc.in the afternoon from 2.00pm to 4.00pm. Places are limited and so, if you are interested, please book your places ASAP. Revd Paul A. Carr revpaulcarr@onetel.net.uk

CPAS have some all-age talk outlines on their web site (mostly Easter stuff, so sorry for the timing, but there is an Ascension meditation, and it is worth coming back to as they add to it. http://www.cpas.org.uk/resources/downloads.htm

Grow with the bible is a joint effort by various publishers. There will be a consultation day in London in November resourced and facilitated by Michael Moynagh and it will have three tracks Adult, Youth, Children.. They are proposing to invite people to the day who are doing interesting, engaging and effective things with the Bible from all of these age ranges. They want to invite people who are involved in grass roots ministry, actually achieving something significant in their ministry in relation to the theme, and who therefore should be able to contribute meaningfully to the debate. If you feel that's you - let me know. Don't be shy! Or email gwbrosser@aol.com for more info.

New book - The Lord's Prayer Unplugged Lucy Moore (BRF) Each phrase of the prayer is explored through creative ideas - offering a wealth of thematic gems for teachers to pick and choose to suit their situation. As ever: available from the Resources Centre.

Local network fund (0845 1130 161 or 01245 355947) may be able to give grants to church based activities in Essex, Southend or Thurrock for under 19s, aiming to give disadvantaged people experiences they would otherwise miss (but not specifically promoting religious beliefs.)

For information about legal maters relating to children, a good place to start is http://www2.essex.ac.uk/clc/ the site of the Children's Legal Centre at Essex University.

Many will be familiar with CMS's excellent resource pack ‘The Christ we share'. It has 32 images of Christ, along with a booklet of background information and ideas as to how the resource might be used. The good news is that you can now get the pack with a CD rom containing all the images as well as music! If you have the pack already, the CD Rom is just £5 + p&p. I think the pack including the CD is about £20. It remains a bargain as it is so versatile and can be used with all age groups. Further details from CMS: Church Mission Society 020 7928 8681

Ci2EYE Christian Initiatives in Early Years Education Saturday 26th June 2004 10.00 – 12.00 London Diocesan House. Ci2EYE is an initiative to support Christians working in early years education, including nursery, pre-school, playgroup, reception, child minding and toddler groups. This meeting is an opportunity for London Christians who are working with under 5s in a variety of settings to get together, discuss good practice and share concerns. There will be the chance to hear more about the vision behind Ci2EYE, pray together, and discuss the possibility of a London Support Network. Contact: Mary Hawes (London Diocesan Children’s Adviser) To learn more about Ci2EYE, visit their web site at: http://www.ci2eye.co.uk/

This site has loads of stuff about under 5s - and it is also offering a range of leaflets on how babies and toddlers develop and learn; one on helping children with their behaviour and one on handling under 5s questions. http://www.early-education.org.uk

The Diocese of Blackburn has a wealth of ideas for collective worship in primary schools – but you could easily adapt them for Sunday groups or all-age worship. Check out their site: http://www.blackburn.anglican.org/education

There are two excellent creative Easter ideas in CPAS latest CY magazine: Walkabout (ideas for walking to different places and experiencing the various parts of the Easter events in a suitable environment - natural or created) and Still Life (with the children create installations in your church building representing stages in the story. Invite the whole congregation to visit them.) For more details, click here.

The Liturgy of the Word with Children Katie Thompson Kevin Mayhew £29.99 ISBN:1-84417-188-4 This book has three year's worth of Lectionary-based material to use with children. Focussing on the Gospel of the day, it places children's work in the context of worship. It comes from a Roman Catholic background, and may be rather formal for some people, and the questions it uses tend to be ‘closed' rather than ‘open'. Having said that, it's well worth looking at – and has a CD of Gospel acclamations to nursery rhyme tunes.

When Goodbye is forever Lion £4.99 ISBN: 0-7459-4879-0 Death is never easy, and it can be very hard to find the right words to help a young child. This small, colourful book is written in simple language, talking about the sad goodbyes and the forever goodbyes in terms a child can understand. This is worth getting.

Where is Jesus? (SU) A colourful, lift-the-flap book for under 5s, that will help explain the Easter story to very young children. It follows Jesus from Palm Sunday through to Easter Sunday. £3.99:

An Alien for Easter (SU) Noughty the Alien returns to earth and wonders why we have strange things like hot-cross buns and Easter eggs. His friend Sophie, uses these to explain what Easter is really all about. A fun story for 5-8 year olds with a serious message. £3.99

It's Your Move! and Get Ready Go! (Scripture Union) These two books are designed to help children during the important stages of their education to give away to those making the transition into primary school for the first time or from primary to secondary education.

It's Your Move! £2.99 each or £12.00 for a pack of 10. However, £10.00 for a pack of ten if ordered before 30 April 2004.

Get Ready Go! (contains a book for parents and one for children) £4.50 each or £25.00 for a pack of 10. However, if you order before 30 April 2004, only £20.00 for a pack of ten . For more details or to place your order click here

Useful web sites http://thebillabong.info/index.html This site comes from a rural church in Australia . Part of the Uniting church, it has lectionary based links to worship ideas, downloadable activity, colouring and puzzle sheets, and links to many other sites. Lots of good, usable material here.

http://www.thesource4ym.com/ The Source is full of inventive ideas to use with youth groups in both a church & non-church context. The games section is well worth a browse f you've got a fun day or holiday club coming up.

The Children's Society is campaigning at the moment on behalf of runaway children and young people, to try to improve local authority provision for these highly vulnerable people. Is there some way you can help? Briefing paper here.

Some interesting articles on being all-age church here and here.

I have received for review:

Children's Praise and Worship 4 CD. professional arrangements of 12 songs, recent and quite elderly (eg Father I place into your hands, I'm special...) includes backing tracks if you have no musicians. Email me for full list of tracks.

Guide to working with under 5s (Sue Price) Another in this series of short (95pp) accessible guides. Covers lots of ground, but for more in depth stuff you may then need to go on to, say, Under 5's and Their Families by Judith Wigley (now quite old as books go but I still find it very helpful). A more recent resource is from BRF - Bible Fun for the Very Young by Viki Howie.

I see from CCPAS that they are running one of their child abuse and the church seminars in Forest Gate on June 20th. 0845 120 4550

kids@essence is an exciting new resource from CPAS which starts (like the adult Essence course) with experience and spirituality. Not published until April: more then, but let me know if this excites you, and I will see if we can help each other explore this.

You might be interested to read the latest Joseph Rowntree Foundation report on families and divorce. http://www.jrf.org.uk/knowledge/findings/foundations/314.asp

Scripture Union are relaunching their weekly curriculum (previously SALT) as --- Light! More at http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/light/ including details of events to introduce the new stuff.

I have more details now of the CPAS conference on being an all-age church. Body Beautiful 21-23 September at Swanwick £115-135 (10% discount for bookings before July.) 01926 458418 jwigman@cpas.org.uk or cpas.org.uk/bodybeautiful

I've just read a couple of recently mentioned new resources. So...

Rumours of the King (trilogy). I've read the second of these and can't wait to go back to the first and to get the Empty Dragon when it comes out this month. Strongly recommend for older children into fantasy fiction. Broadly based on Mark's gospel.
God Stuff booklets (www.duggiedugdug.co.uk) You will want to check these out if you are looking for activity-style booklets, reasonably cheap (with quantity discount) on various topics. I received for review one on prayer and one on becoming a Christian. The cartoon story in Prayer is a bit simplistic, but the rest of the booklet does look at (among other things) God being God so we can't twist his arm to do what we want.

Just out from SU Pretty much everything you need to know about... Working with 8-10 year olds. Not seen yet but knowing one of the authors I'm confident to recommend. I'm sure the title oversells it just a little bit though!

Margaret Withers sends out a mailing as national officer for evangelism among children - REACH. This issue has a number of excellent articles which I will add to the web site. This week I've added one on the need for spiritual sustenance for children's workers by Father Philip North and one by Margaret on creative prayer with children.

If you have difficulties understanding the Disclosure process this flowchart may help. (Click link in the LH frame) For our purposes the Registered Body is the diocese, although the identity and document checks are carried out by the parish's appointed person. As you all know!

Some people have been enthused by Godly Play workshops at the roadshows. 3 Day Godly Play Teacher Accreditation Training is available as previously advised. (Click here) Places are left as follows:

June 28-30 Sheffield 4 places left
Sept 23-25 Cambridge 2places left non residential...participants will need to arrange own B+B
Oct 6-8 Scotland 4 places left
Nov 9-12 Worcester 6 places left

I'm grateful to Peter and Carole Davison for letting me know of a site they maintain which includes practical ideas for children's work - and what to do as a parent if your parish doesn't provide for children. Carole is a Reader at St George's East Ham. http://www.davison.actinet.net/children.html

If you have links with a school, or want to start an after-school group, this material from Scripture Union might be of help:SUPA Clubs (Scripture Union Primary Age) clubs meet at lunchtimes or after school and are led by teachers, parents, children's worker, other school staff or volunteers. The meetings are based around a resource book called JAFFA (Jesus A Friend For All). For £10 a year you get:

A JAFFA resource book with 32 meeting outlines
A termly newsletter with additional outlines, extra craft ideas, Top Tips

To subscribe to SUPA clubs contact Field Ministries at Scripture Union ( schools@scriptureunion.org.uk ) or 01908 856170

The Anglican Church in Australia has provided some excellent resources for congregations and families about Lent, Holy Week and Easter. Here's the site: http://cecm.victas.uca.org.au/index.cgi?tid=34
American Easter ideas for your Church www.grouppublishing.com/easterresources.asp

New Holiday Club Resource - Kim's Quest A "diverse 5-day holiday club curriculum, with teaching materials, crafts, outside games, daily programme outlines, budgeting guides, handouts, all-age worship format, video recommendations. Each day continues the story of Kim and her friends Melanie and Jamie as they seek to follow the instructions of the angel Asil - a quest from the creator." Mark Griffiths ISBN 1 85424648 8

CPAS are running a conference on helping churches be all-age communities 21-23 September 2004 at Swanwick. www.cpas.org.uk Discussion forum on this subject at www.cpas.org.uk/forum You'll have to register to use it.

Excellent article on leading worship with children in this issue of Reader magazine by my Southwark colleague. If you know a reader, beg their copy and circulate it among those who lead worship in your parish. Please!

CRB have announced an increase in the Enhanced Disclosure fee for employees to £33 from April. Volunteer checks still free.

SU's Xpedition Force holiday club. I now have a review copy. Theme is a mountain expedition with lots of ideas to build this into your venue (including smoke-machine mist. I seem to remember that from MegaQuest...) Content is Jesus' journey through Holy Week, so a good Easter resource. A special edition of Matthew's gospel (CEV) is available and, as ever, a video, this time on DVD. (VHS only available by mailorder. DVD has some extras, as does the web site

Bar'n'bus - the ecumenical project in south and east Essex has sent me an update. This includes details of a weekend 2-4 July in Upminster. The Sunday is particularly for school years 3-6. Looks like an exciting addition to a parish programme. Solid. 01268 530531or solid@vizaviz.org

Lent Project Calendar. Courtesy of my London colleague Mary Hawes. A way to raise money and to raise some issues in Lent. Download here.

My creative colleague in Manchester Steve Dixon has some excellent ideas for use in an Easter Communion Service. Just follow this link:

http://www.manchester.anglican.org/children/pdf/Easter_Communion.pdf

Some sites for you to explore with Lent and Easter ideas:

http://www.archspm.org/family/lr_res_ap_least.html This site has ideas from the Roman Catholic church for observing Lent. The recipe for Easter Cookies looks good (and gives a way of talking through the Good Friday/Easter Sunday events with children).

http://frpat.com/stations.htm This site has the Stations of the Cross, with illustrations and prayers written by children.

http://www.spirit-net.ca/sermons/easterpage.html This site has links to dozens of differing sites with everything from worship ideas to crafts to colouring pictures to music to……….

Claire Johnson from Colchester is one of the writing team for Kevin Mayhew's new curriculum resource Powersource. She will be happy to respond to enquiries about it. claire_johnson@btopenworld.com

Useful sites: This one has a whole host of ideas, though some are rather schmaltzy! Still, it's worth a look: http://www.daniellesplace.com/html/bible_lessons.html

Here's a gem of a web site from Australia , with liturgies & talks for every Sunday of the year! http://www.liturgiesonline.com.au/

17 Kid-Friendly Services (You'll need to register)
www.childrensministry.com/Ideas_for_lessons/service_ideas/serviceideas.asp

If you want a report on Pottering About 2, it's here

Godly Play 3 Day Intensive Courses: designed to help develop your practice and understanding of the art of Godly Play. Each day explores one of the primary religious genres of Godly Play : sacred stories, parables and liturgical lessons.

The training follows an action/reflection model of learning. Through these experiences we also explore the foundations of Godly Play's approach to children's faith.
The courses are jointly led by Dr Rebecca Nye and Revd Peter Privett and are residential, include full board and an extensive participant folder.
COST: £300 inclusive of full board and 3 nights accommodation
VENUE: Courses are offered in high quality retreat houses around the UK, please see booking form for details and dates.

Resource news:

Doug Horley's 'God Stuff' - a video featuring 6 puppet sketches on 'Becoming a Christian', 'Prayer', 'God's cool book' etc - + A5 booklets for the children with stickers, leaders guide etc. (5-11's). More details at www.duggiedugdug.co.uk
GOD'S PEOPLE AT WORSHIP TOGETHER This is the latest offering from Susan Sayers (pub. Kevin Mayhew, £12.99). If your only experience of Susan's work is the Living Stones material, you will find this somewhat different! The first section has some good theological and practical material about worshipping together. The second section takes each week of the liturgical year and – rather than replicating the hundreds of books that already give all-age talks/prayers/songs – gives lots of ideas for worship and prayer focus, using colour, symbol, sound and images, all contributing towards the service focus and mood.
BUMPER BOOK OF ASSEMBLIES This is a compilation of two of Michael Forster's previous books. It brings them together as a collection of 50 assembly outlines, with a retold Bible story, prayer ideas, song suggestions and drama for each one. It doesn't assume that you will have lots of preparation time with the class or school beforehand, so it's easy to use! As with most resources, the Bumper Book of Assemblies could be used in other ways too – as the basis for after-school services or all-age worship. Published by Kevin Mayhew, £19.99
PROTECTING GOD'S CHILDREN (GS Misc 725) The House of Bishops have just published the 3rd edition of their Child Protection Policy. This is the document on which all church and Diocesan policies should be based and ours will be updated. If you would like to look at the document yourself, it's published by Church House Publishing and costs £5.95
All Age Plus (allageplus@aol.com) have some new service outlines:

Pretzels - Food for Lent This service is designed for the beginning of Lent. £1 + 50p p&p
Mothering Sunday (1) - Mother Church. £1 + 50p p&p
Mothering Sunday (2) The starting point of this non-eucharistic All Age Service of the Word is the everyday mothering by our human parents. The visual impact of this service is based on the contents of a series of shopping bags. There is an activity within the service that produces a bag shaped card to take home. £1 + 50p p&p
Palm Sunday (1) This non-eucharistic All Age Service of the Word explores the nature of secular kingship, and contrasts it with the Kingship which belongs to Jesus £2 + p&p
Palm Sunday (2) A traditional Palm Sunday procession begins this All Age Service with Holy Communion, and a simple drama of Maundy Thursday leads into the celebration of the Eucharist. There is also a shortened reading of the Passion narrative. £1 + 50p p&p
They are also working on two All Age Services for Good Friday, which will be ready for the beginning of March.

Two useful new resources from BRF:

Champions. A holiday club on an olympic theme. Teaching material from the life of Jesus from the Temple at 12 years old through to the ascension. Songs, games, puppet sketch scripts, crafts - all ready to use as-is or adapt.
Launchpad. 17 child-centred service outlines for all-age worship. Again use as-is or (usually better!) adapt to fit your parish. Includes several specially written songs.

Sr Penny Horseman of the Colchester area team is recruiting again for the Church Army summer outreach in Clacton and St Osyth. The team will include people working with children: a great opportunity to contribute and to learn new things. phorseman@chelmsford.anglican.org

I have received the residential holidays brochure from CPAS which reminds me that there are several organisations which offer specifically Christian residential programmes for groups or individuals. CPAS holidays can be found at www.ventures-online.com Others (SU, Fellowship Afloat see links page).

www.rotation.org/ This is an excellent resource-sharing site. Although it is based on a specific variant of the US style of Sunday school, the materials and ideas posted are widely useful. Worth visiting regularly.

Another uniformed possibility. Gordon Anderson has written to me positively about his experience in another parish with another uniformed group called "The Royal Rangers".

"It grew out of the AOG in America but is now taking on in this country and not just near American bases. They have done a lot of work in the last few years on Anglicising the material. It's main draw to us was that it had all the benefits of scouting groups (camping, national group camps, badges and achievement awards, etc.) but in addition has a very clear spiritual element running through it. I found the web address below which is a Pentecostal church in Bedford which says a little more about it and has telephone numbers for more info. http://fp.bedfordpentecostal.f9.co.uk/royal.htm "

Firestarters is a national project to encourage the nation to pray into childhood. A day offering a range of prayer ideas for key churches and cathedrals across the nation is being made available. If you used the prayer ideas at our Cathedral day in October you will know the kind of thing. The resources can be used flexibly, with people of all ages taking part in some of the prayer activities on offer for the whole day or just a few minutes. Some activities can be done alone, others with a group. All are aimed to help focus on childhood.

Firestarters Pack to enable local churches to use this idea can be downloaded here.

http://www.jigsawclubs.net/ is a resource site for holiday and other mid week clubs. Steve Westrop of Stanford-le-hope is one of the people behind it. Worth looking at.

Susan Sayers book on the subject of Lent resources has loads of ideas for all-age activities, church open-days, Passover celebration, prayers through Lent, prayer trails and telling the Good Friday story. Well worth the money! Lent for the whole church community by Susan Sayers Kevin Mayhew, ISBN: 1-84417-179-5 price £10.99

Holiday Clubs Looking even further ahead – Scripture Union have just published their latest Holiday Club resource – Xpedition Force. It's a 5-day adventure in Matthew's gospel from Palm Sunday through to the Resurrection. As usual, lots of practical tips, good ideas, activities, songs etc. CPO have a whole range of merchandise to back it up (T-shirts, publicity flyers, invitations, tumblers…!), and there's also a video/DVD. I'm still hoping for a review copy...

Xpedition Force Scripture Union, ISBN: 1085999-685X, price £8.99 (video/DVD - £19.99 from SU mail order only)

Before you throw your old Christmas cards away, try this idea as a possible craft activity for next year. It seems fairly complicated, but the nimble fingered among you might enjoy it:

Card Stars http://www.christiancrafters.com/craft_card_stars.html

Good resources for Christingle on the Children's Society website - much better than when I looked last year - include OHP masters to build an overlay Christingle. I've lifted the graphics and put in PowerPoint with choice of snowy backgrounds.Mess free self assembly Christingle for the dreaded "what does it mean" talk! Can also be used to display words to carols etc as in the sample. Download here.

Continuing with books kindly supplied by Scripture Union for review:

Two new Tiddlywinks books for pre-school groups: The Big Purple Book (£8.99) and My Little Purple Book . If you have used the red, green, blue and yellow books you'll know what to expect. If you haven't:

The Big Purple Book contains:

- Information on setting up and running a pre-school group, child protection, spiritual development of children and additional resources for the age group.
- 25 multi-purpose outlines for use in a variety of preschool settings. Each outline contains the following components: ideas for ~ play, games, craft (making), story, song, rhyme, prayer plus tips and ideas for use with adult carers.
- 25 photocopiable take-home activity pages, one for each outline.
- A feature on how to run a family fun event based on the story of Jonah.
- Ideas for welcome and home times.
- Photocopiable posters, inside the covers.

The themes in this book are:

- Jesus loves me (ten ‘top' stories about Jesus)
- God loves it when… I make music, sing, dance, look at books, play
- Friends and followers (exciting stories from Acts)
- Materials and technology

My Little Purple Book is designed to be used in a one-to-one situation, most likely an adult carer at home with an individual child. It covers the same themes and Bible stories as The Big Purple Book and features:

50 First Steps in Bible Reading pages linked to themes in The Big Purple Book , and numbered so they can be used daily if required.

Extra activity pages of fun things to make and do.

A child character – Lily– who helps children explore the Bible passages and themes.

A feature for adults on ‘Dealing with anger'.

An Alien for Christmas (for readers) Come and See Christmas (for very young children). Both these books explore what Christmas is about in an age-appropriate way and would make good presents. Why not encourage parents to ensure there is at least one present under the tree which points in some way to what the celebration is about?
Hand in Hand. Like the Alien above this book is by Brian Ogden (Maximus Mouse) who used to advise on children's work in this diocese. This book of prayers for children (with an appendix of 5 prayers to help parents pray for their child, by Christine Wright) is sub-titled "talking to God as a friend" and it is very attractive and the language is spot on. I wept as I used the prayer for a child's journey of faith for my brood(16, 18 and 20!). I mean that as a recommendation!

Families in Focus (Essex) support families with disability or special needs. If you need more information to pass on to families you know, email infocus-@fish.co.uk or check www.familiesinfocusessex.org

CRB Disclosures. I'm aware of several parishes which have accepted Disclosures issued to other bodies. This procedure is fine provided the following points are taken into account.

How recent it is. Disclosures are only (like MOT tests) reliable on the day the check is made. Clearly we have to make a judgement here. CRB itself recommends that Disclosures older than 3 months are not accepted by another body.
That it is at the right level ie, for children's work, Enhanced
That the box "This post involves work with children" was ticked. If not certain lists to do with suitability to work with children will not have been checked.
That no "soft" information was supplied to the other body. In rare cases a clear Disclosure will be issued but the registered body will be informed of something which is being kept secret from the applicant, eg that he/she is under investigation. The other body is not allowed to tell you that information, but you can ask "Was there any reason why you would not have been able to appoint this person to this kind of work?" and if the answer does not fully reassure you, make a new check.

Gill Hartley is of course the responsible person in the diocese for advising on these procedures. CRB have also recently announced that name changes (eg because of adoption) before the age of ten need not be declared in section 3 as 10 is the age of criminal responsibility.

I recommended the CD Great Big God last year as a good mix of styles (my current favourite, used at all-age services several times is You call me to be yours, a lovely quiet, thoughtful celtic-feel song well suited to simple actions), and with a helpful CDRom of the music etc. I visited a parish last Sunday where they used songs from Great Big God 2: tiny little me. I don't know if it's as good as the first, but will happily pass on user's views. God you're so cool! may not be your idea of liturgy, but the language resonates with real life and I rather enjoyed it. More here.

I'm always glad to pass on creative ideas, so here from Penny Hall inspired by an idea brought back from London diocese day by her daughter... "We're going on a bear hunt" adapted for the wise men...! I love the star trek bit.

I wasn't overly impressed by It's Christmas (see last week), but someone (who will remain anonymous to save her marriage) is. I'm happy to pass it on (and one of the songs is one of the two I said stood out for me...):

...we are using "Don't talk about shopping talk about Jesus" and also "It's Christmastime it's Christmastime" from the cd. The church kids aged 3-12 for nativity are really enjoying them. I did the Christmastime song in assembly at the school last week and they loved it, especially the kids from church. I will do the other one this week at school. It is very catchy and you will be surprised who is caught humming it at odd times. My husband is forever telling me off for always singing it, then I find him singing it when he thinks he is alone, and he is 62! so there.

For those who can easily get to the A14 or M11, this training day advertised by my colleague in Ely may be the thing:

Saturday 10th January 2004 9.30am - 3.30pm Histon Baptist Church Cost £10

A day of workshops & resources including:

All age worship
Church based children's work
Holiday clubs
Presenting the Bible with children
Reaching & teaching with Puppets
Sharing and celebrating Christian faith at home
School / church links
Using PowerPoint with Children
Working with special needs

For a flier / booking form Carol Kitson - 01954 231588 - carolkitson@lineone.net
For further details Steve Whyatt - 01223 519489 stevew@scriptureunion.org.uk

I'm grateful this week to SU - another publisher who has sent books for review. I will spread them over the next few mailings. This week:

Christmas wrapped up. Lots of varied resources - from craft, game and puzzle ideas to full service outlines (nativity, christingle...) Well worth having for reference year on year.
Kids' Culture Nick Harding. I mentioned this when it came out without seeing it. It is even better than I guessed. Based on informal surveys of 1000 children it looks at The Real World of...Danger, School, Relationships, Home, Media, Image, Church. The last chapter is espcially challenging. Read a couple of paragraphs here.

Various links. You know children are important, but maybe not everyone in your parish agrees. Want a good article as a discussion starter at PCC? Try: http://www.counterculture.org.uk/family/children.htm

The church's work with children includes the many individual Christians whose job takes them into children's lives. Are we encouraging childcare as a vocation? Practical info on training to work in child care at: http://www.childcarecareers.gov.uk/

Need a different kind of visual? Bible scenes in Lego do? Find them here:

http://www.thereverend.com/brick_testament/ Warning: the obsessive (nutcase?) who does these seems not very positive towards the scriptural story at times, so choose carefully!

I'm grateful to the publisher Children's Ministry for supplying copies of some resources for review: this week's news fills you in on these:

Children's Ministry Guide to... This is a series of short (90pp), low priced paperbacks each dealing with one aspect of children's work. I have received ...Building a team and ...Fun and games for active learning. Both are helpful summaries and would be useful for helping new leaders or helpers think through what they have let themselves in for. Other titles include ...Dealing with disruptive children ...Storytelling ...Using dance and drama ...Tailored teaching for 5-9s
100/50... This series does what the title says, and each would make a useful addition to the stand-by resources you need for when inspiration, or your regular resource material fails. Obviously some ideas are better than others and no book like this will be 100% what you're looking for every time - but having a few such titles around is a life saver at times. I have been sent 100 fun ways to teach the bible to children. It is a mix of story ideas and memory verse style activites classified by age. Other titles include ... children's talks ... worship activities ...children's club activities ...musical activities ...craft ideas ...family activities ...prayer ideas and three collections of stories
Children's Praise and worship 3 (CD) Personal taste intrudes so easily in reviewing songs. The idea of producing a song book (250 songs for Children's Praise and worship) and CD's with vocal and backing tracks for 12 songs on each is a good one. For my taste the arrangements are intrusively quirky at times (especially a "swing" version of What a friend we have in Jesus) but if you need backing tracks to accompany singing, these are worth looking at
Similar in style (and also with backing tracks) is It's Christmas! New children's praise songs. I was disappointed in this at first listen. We desperately need some new seasonal songs worth adding to the repertoire (I'm fed up with the Calypso Carol after singing it for nearly 40 years!) but I'll be surprised if any of these make it, but a couple of them are worth trying out I think. Among the cliched tunes and rhymes stood out for me "(Don't talk about tinsel) Talk about Jesus" and the final track "Emmanuel".If you want to borrow the CD, just ask - first come first served. Of course adult taste is often a poor predictor of whether songs appeal to children, so don't let me put you off!

Some parishes may not be aware that Asheldham (nr Southminster) Youth Church is a residential centre in the diocese which can accommodate 28 young people and 8 leaders. Details from Brian Jiggins 01621 743536

CPAS have a new resources catalogue and a separate leaflet which gives details of their Under Construction materials which have now been complemented by Kids Plus which is designed for non-Sunday groups - after school, evenings or holidays. 01926 458400 or link

All Age Plus, mentioned last week, have sent me their email catalogue. It was a huge file and I have taken out the graphics to make a much smaller download. If anyone would like it please email me.

New links added to links page:

Guide to grants available: www.governmentfunding.org.uk

Two sites with advice on safe use of the internet which you may like to pass on to parents. http://www.childnet-int.org http://chatdanger.com

I promised to post some wisdom gleaned from the recent Praxis all-age day run by All Age Plus. Click here for 10 principles and 4 threads...

Godly Play One Day Basic Study Days 2004 Trumpington
Saturday 24th January
Tuesday 24th February
Saturday 13th March
Monday 26th April
Saturday 15th May
Thursday 24th June

Cost £20 for a single individual, £15 for more than one person from the
same organisation. Contact Gill Ambrose Ely Diocesan Children's Work Adviser
gill.ambrose@ely.anglican.org 01223 511717

http://www.spirit-net.ca/sermons/christmaspage.html Does what it says on the tin.

Re.Source@Christmas , is produced by CPO (Christian Publicity Organisation). The CD features a number of excellent contemporary Christmas songs, including "Peace Child", alongside a new song, "It's a boy", sung by Cliff Richard. The CD also features animated movies to some of the songs that can be played on a PC and displayed via a data projector. Then there are drama scripts, quizzes, multimedia content (including some nativity images), Christmas clip art, sermon outlines & stories, and links to useful web sites.

I happened (honestly - I was checking some old videos to see if they were still useful...) to catch CBeebies the other afternoon. A programme called Tikkabilla. The story was the Flood - Noah (a kind man, which not everyone was...) told his wife and family there was going to be a flood and so he decided to make an ark and take all the animals. No mention of God at all. Pick the theology out of that!

Received this feedback to ideas for All Saints Tide: We had a praise party at our church school, Bentley St Paul's with Ishmael as the special guest. It was brilliant. We had about 120 primary school age children, and Ishmael taught them songs and told them bible stories and what fun it was and could be, being a christian. We then gave the children a meal. They were exhausted but really enjoyed themselves.
Ishmael said how much he enjoyed it as many of the children knew some of the songs, having been to Spring Harvest when he was there, and also I have taught them several during the weekly assemblies I do with them.We also use them in Junior Church.
We are disappointed that our request for planning permission for a temporary building for our youth work has been refused. We have over 100 children on our books and we do not have the facilities to have separate classes.The teenagers meet in the vergers home, and the 8-11's in the vestry or in a gazebo in the better weather. We usually only get about 50 children most weeks so just manage to get them in. Has anyone got any creative suggestions for this?

Next big event to support work in the diocese is the Roadshow: Missing Children? Eight dates and venues in Feb/Mar. Flyer here .

Eight dates and venues.	Saturday morning or mid-week evening.
7 February 2004 Christ Church, Colchester	6 March 2004 St Paul, Harlow
11 February 2004 St Paul, Braintree	16 March 2004 Emmanuel, Billericay
28 February 2004 Stansted, St John	20 March 2004 St Margaret, Leigh-on-Sea
3 March 2004 St Luke, Cranham Park	27 March 2004 Corner Stone, Leyton

The Christmas resources page has been updated to include new books and CDs. Find it here.

Two websites for drama scripts - one US and one NZ If you're trying to find some scripts for Christmas (or any other time) here are a couple of sites that might be worth looking at. I can't vouch for all the material, but there's plenty of it!!
www.dramatix.org
www.dramashare.org

Want a reason why play is important in children's ministry? Try this:

What is “Imaginative Spiritual Play”?

Pretending to be Peter Pan, Cinderella, Mum or Dad, children try a new life on for size. For a moment, they fly. They find a way, against all odds, to sneak out to the ball. They get to boss someone around for a while. Through play, the act of living life in the imagination, a child discovers experiences some worth keeping as part of their everyday selves, and others, not as fun as they look. “Just playing” may be the building of a person.

When children engage with the life of the church and the stories of the scriptures through this kind of imaginative play, they do no less than take their very first steps into faith. A two year old offers you a cup of “Jesus”. A 4 year old baptizes her stuffed animals. A seven year old stands up to giants as David. For a moment, they walk in the shoes of the saints. They try on the life of belief...and perhaps they discover God.

Research suggests that church-based uniformed groups reach families who wouldn't touch "Sunday school" with a barge pole. It may be something you need within your parish's "offer". If so there are several possibilities. The Church Lads' and Church Girls' Brigade (shame about the name!) is seeking to update its image, and has an active new development officer. There are two parishes in the diocese with CLCGB groups. www.clcgb.org.uk

If you're interested in some facts and figures about the realities of children's lives today, we've just added three reports to the site - one from NSPCC and two from the National Office for Statistics. Find them here.

WHCM has counselling services for all age groups in Basildon (Bridge 01268 822800), Chelmsford (Sycamore 01245 359353), East London (Forrest House 020 7473 4060)

I've received notice of pre Christmas sales (including some very good resource and story books) online at Wesley Owen and Scripture Union.

At the cathedral Father Robin led us in the Lord's Prayer with actions. Here they are:

Our Father	right hand stretch upwards
Who art in heaven	other hand stretch upwards
Hallowed be thy name	both hands upon heart
Thy kingdom come	hands either side of head, fingers stretching upwards to make a crown
Thy will be done	open hands outwards
On earth	one hand touches the ground
As it is in heaven	both hands stretch to heaven
Give us this day our daily bread	mimic eating, using left hand as a plate
And forgive us our trespasses	clench right fist and beat breast
As we forgive those who trespass against us	pretend to hug someone
lead us not into temptation	hold right arm out straight as if being led
but deliver us from evil	strike right arm away with left hand, as if breaking free
for thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever	hold both arms downwards and gradually raise them on high
Amen	clap hands high above head

There is a different version here with pictures!

Someone kindly lent me a tape of Rowan Williams' Channel 4 discussion on children from a few weeks ago. Thought provoking in places - I can lend the tape. Extract: "...some religious language ... wants to operate at the ideas level: the control level... One of the hard tasks for religious people working with children is to see how you can bring in that, in a wide sense, sensual, material element into the process of growth ... into the knowledge of God." The whole thing is worth watching.

There is another youth adviser on the Bradwell area team as of yesterday, for issues with 11s up: Sister Kathleen Cake CA Tel: 01268 683201

For those comfortable with a New Wine ethos, Leading a 21 st Century Kids Ministry – 30-31 March 2004 John Coles and Rex Morton will be leading the main teaching sessions on leadership. There will be worship and time to share and pray in small groups. The cost is £65 inclusive of all meals and accommodation. Places are limited – reserve a place for only £10, or book online at www.new-wine.org

New links

http://www.letmedraw4u.co.nr/ Christian cartoons for free: and the artist offers to draw to order given sufficient notice.

www.theacademyuk.com Details of good, academic courses in aspects of youth and children's work at CCU in Chichester. Mostly series of Saturday lectures/seminars

Printforce publish a series of handbooks which are ideal for programme ideas (games, songs, crafts, drama...) Mostly secular although the current list includes one on prayer and one on parables. I particularly like the idea of Panic Ideas - a book to carry with you at all times with things you can do on the spot when you need a "filler". List/order form from 01722 743295

New Christmas songs: 'It’s Christmas! New Children's Praise Songs' is now available online www.ishmael.org.uk. 12 songs written by different writers, and featuring Noel Richards on vocals. It claims to have different styles of music to suit ALL tastes, but don't expect much organ is my guess!

I have been particularly asked about the songs used by Xtol. They recommend www.worshiptoday.com for arrangements. They used several songs by Doug Horley (I think he has a deft touch with non-churchy words which say a lot - and he's balding with a grey crew cut and fancies himself as Jimi Hendrix so I warm to him...) Doug's website is www.duggiedugdug.co.uk (Yes I'm afraid so!) The songs used have all been in Spring Harvest Kids' Praise so try http://www.springharvest.org/resources/Spring_Harvest_For_Children_3.html

CURBS resources were mentioned recently but I forgot to mention that they offer training. This is a key resource organisation based in our area, so do consider using them. Link to their website or s ee what I said last time.

All-age worship. I went to an excellent day organised by Praxis and run by All Age Plus (they are the former children's work adviser and an actively retired clergyman in Wakefield diocese.) They are thoughtful and practical. If you'd like to find out about their resources email allageplus@aol.com

Big Vision is an exciting project in Waltham Forest to ensure that every child and young person in the borough will hear the gospel and see it lived out in at least one person within the next five years. If you live there and haven't heard about it, or if you'd like to hear about it in order to see if something similar might be right in your area, I'll pass on emails to the right people if you contact me.

Joyful Noise Christian Education ISBN: 1-904024-39-4, £6.40 For many children's groups, music (or lack of it) is a challenge! Joyful Noise is a book which sets out to help leaders experience music in different ways, develop confidence in using music with groups of children and give practical ideas to try out. It won't solve all your problems, but if you use it together with your other leaders, you might gain the confidence to extend your musical range!

Two new Tiddlywinks books. The Big Purple Book and My Little Purple Book . Rhymes… and songs… and prayers… and activities… and games… and crafts… Just like the first three: recommended for pre-school groups of all kinds

BRF website has lots of new helpful stuff such as... Introducing Godly Play. What is it? How do I get started? Inspiring Ideas for Children's Workers Getting Going section of ‘off-the-peg’ ideas and resources to use with the children in your church or group, including a new section based on Lucy Moore's book The Gospels Unplugged

GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE FOR PARENT AND TODDLERS. So when someone says, 'Our church/vicar/congregation think we ought to have a Parent and Toddler Group...HELP!, worry not, help IS at hand! It comes in the shape of an A4 soft-backed book which is a joint Mothers' Union, Salvation Army and Care for the Family production. Topics include:

Basic procedures for running a group
Putting into place a Child Protection Policy
Finding new ways of communicating with the group
Creating a safe and secure venue
How to plan a group session
Range of equipment needs

It costs £5.00 and is available from the Mothers' Union - tel.020 7222 5533 or email: enterprises@themothersunion.org

Rainbow Ministries is the place to find what were Children Wolrdwide and Whizz Kids resources including lots of visual aids. A very useful web site at www.rainbowministries.co.uk

Topsy Turvey Christmas Lucy Moore, BRF, £8.99, ISBN: 1084101-340-4 A Christmas musical giving a fresh twist to the Christmas story. It contains EVERYTHING you could possibly want (and there's a CD of songs available, too) - but there's a lot to get through, so if you want to use it with your Sunday group it will mean some hard work. There are 11 scenes, so it's longer than your average drama, but it looks as though it would be great fun.

The Triumph of Goodness Lisa Cherrett BRF. A very positive take on finding biblical themes reflected in the Harry Potter stories.
Sports Value Course Tim Perry, Scripture Union, £6.99, ISBN: 1-85999-648-5 If you've got Tweenagers or older and want to try something different, this might be worth a look. The ten sessions each focus on a different sport (so it's not for the couch potato!), giving coaching tips and active participation. The values of the sports world are then looked at within a biblical framework. Worth considering if you want to run an outreach programme with a difference.
Bible Make & Do 3 and 4 Gillian Chapman, BRF, £5.99, ISBN: 1-84101 344 7 Books 3 & 4 in this brilliant craft based series are now available. Each book tells a Bible story and then brings it to life with a craft activity. Illustrated in full colour they are really attractive - and very practical. In book three make a plagues of Egypt board game, a Goliath paperweight, a nativity crib and a wind roarer - along with several other ideas!
Assemblies through the Year Gordon Lamont, SPCK, £10.99, ISBN: 0-281-05567-X Collected from the www.assemblies.org.uk websites, there are loads of ideas in this book. As well as Christian festivals and Bible stories, there are suggestions fore assemblies on the festivals of world religions. Practical, clear instructions make it a good addition to your assemblies (and all-age worship?) bookshelf.
Messages from Luke Melanie Small, Scripture Union, £7.99, ISBN: 1-85999-715-5 Designed as a book of assembly outlines for Key Stage 2, this would also be useful if you have all-age or children's talks to do on Luke. The assemblies are linked in themes, but could easily be used as 'one offs' as well.

Does Jesus like cake? Susanna Spanring BRF Stories, recipes, group discussion activities (including 8 songs with music) and prayers. For 6-10s

Grandma's Party Meg Harper BRF Practical ways to help children be part of the grieving process whn a loved one dies.

Godly Play as a way to prepare children to receive holy communion. The course advertised for 18th November at Trumpington is now full. They have fixed another date for a second course: Thursday 29th January 2004. New leaflet here.

Dedham Lecture:"The Labour of Love" Education of the young by V Rev Dr Wesley Carr, Dean of Westminster. 30 October 8pm Dedham Parish Church. More details.

If you work with under 5s you may have gathered I think the Playleader email newsletter is worth subscribing to. http://www.playleader.freeuk.com or
email: di.turner@lineOne.net I shall not mention it again for a while - so sign up! Current issue includes:
1. Celebrate Hallowe¹en
2. More Ideas to use in Pre-school settings
3. Answers to Queries: ideas for Harvest & Advent making a story board ordering books
4.Shanghai News
5.News bites
6.Web sites
7.Books

Caring for children - Facing the Unthinkable Bradwell area team have arranged two days in association with CCPAS, Essex Child Protection and the Bishop's Representative for Child Protection.Nov 12 Emmanuel Billericay and Jan 22 St Gabriel's, Pitsea. More from Linda Steward or Barry Johnson I strongly recommend taking up these opportunities.

How about a Simpsons Holiday Club for Hallowe'en? The bones of an idea from Ed Heigham: "Having done the Simpsons for the summer one in Tollesbury I do know that there were several Treehouse of horror episodes and a particularly good one(to Simpsons fans anyway so it was a bit lost on me!) on series 10 called The Simpsons Bible Stories in which they all fall asleep during a sermon and have Biblical nightmares!! If anyone is interested they could check out the episode guide at the Simpsons site . I have several ideas and bits and pieces left over from the Summer H/C. We made a different board game each day so I've got super slug fest racing (the idea of the first shall be last inc. in it) and a dog race game, a Bible books game with Simpsons counters etc and several ideas for decorated cakes and biscuits etc etc. I'm prepared to send photocopies of the material with a needs list for the bits and pieces and where to get hold of them. We are doing Harry Potter( again, after last year's run away success) so I'm up to my neck in Quiddich games!!" Email Ed via this link: Simpsons

Everyone seems to be talking about children. Every child matters is the government Green Paper. It and a summary is available at www.dfes.gov.uk/everychildmatters/ And the Archbishop of Canterbury said interesting things to a Children's Society conference recently:

"We are required to face the fact that, for all our corporate sentimentality about childhood and for all our well-meant protocols about the protection of children, thousands of our children in Britain are invisible and their sufferings unnoticed. Thousands of children have been invisible to us. The Children's Society is committed to seeing children whole, and to enabling all of us to share this seeing," he said. "It is in that sense simply taking its lead from Christ, who, we read, 'took a little child and had him stand among them' - had him stand where he could be seen. What we are told to learn from children, I suspect, is not just the spontaneous joy or trust that we might first think of when told to become like little children, but also a kind of endurance and courage, even wisdom, that breaks the heart because we find it so difficult to believe that such hard things can be learned so early."

Just in case you're still looking for Harvest Material, here's the web address for Ely Diocese Education pages: http://www.ely.anglican.org/education/2003/schools/vellore-harvest/index.html They've got a whole pack of downloadable stuff based on South India

Here's a link to a calendar of Jewish Feasts and the farming year: http://www.sundayschoollessons.com/feasts.htm It would make a good colouring sheet/handout/teaching aid alongside a Harvest lesson.

Snapshots of Christmas Colchester area team have just sent out this set of ideas from parishes. It has a number of children's work ideas: so get it from your incumbent or PCC secretary!

REACH - the mailing from Margaret Withers at Church House has grown to a 16 page magazine with lots of ideas and resources for evangelism among children. email Toni Roast to join the mailing list, or try Church House Gazette where it will be posted. (It isn't there yet...)

CURBS I highly recommend CURBS materials - designed for urban situations but far more widely usable. New packs: Toolkit (a set of principles) Zero to hero (their first pack for 11+) The 3 Parties (5 day holiday club around prodigal son) Be-Attitudes (guess what) Halloween (hmm?) Email info@curbsproject.org.uk web: CURBS New address: 4 Hawksmoor Close, Beckton London E6 5SL

Not too late to book for Pass it on - sharing the gospel story with children. 7/8 November at the Education Centre, Walsingham. Enquiries: ed@olw-shrine.org.uk

New from CHP Lord's Prayer Cube. Ideal for 4-8 year olds. Available at a reduced price for a limited time from the resource centre.

CHILDREN AND HOLY COMMUNION Preparing to welcome children to Holy Communion Diana Murrie and Steve Pearce Kevin Mayhew £9.99 I am delighted that Kevin Mayhew have had the good sense to republish this title. It is a vital resource in the continuing work persuading the church at large to have a different view on when to receive communion. Resources will offer this title at less 25% until the end of September , so rush your orders now. P&P is £1.00

Special Services for Advent and Christmas
By Susan Hardwick, pub. Kevin Mayhew ISBN: 1-84003-961-2 £9.99 This has six services, including a Christingle, a service for teenagers, a day retreat and an all-age service.

Advent for the whole church family
By Susan Sayers pub. Kevin Mayhew ISBN:1-84417-142-6 £7.99 Lots of ideas to help make Advent a real time of spiritual preparation - not just present buying! Reading to accompany the opening of Advent calendars, ideas for church open days, morning & night prayer for Advent, and Away-Day suggestions. Well worth dipping into.

The latest Baker Ross catalogue has some great Christmassy craft materials which would be ideal for Christmas displays or fairs. The costs are very reasonable e.g. if you buy 12 Advent candles, it will only cost 65p per candle. There are also washable Nativity stencils & wooden nativity templates, along with loads of other ideas. Have fun!
Get a catalogue by calling 0870 241 1867 or logging on to:
http://www.bakkerross.co.uk

Special children, Special needs Bass, Simon - £4.95 (Church House Publishing)

provides essential information on how to integrate children with special needs into your church and its children's programmes and activities. This handy guide gives you advice on: cover

The requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995
Special needs etiquette and appropriate language
Child protection and safe recruitment
Specific advice on disabilities and medical conditions
Supporting families of special needs children
Practical issues
Helpful organisations and resources

CPAS mailing for youth/children's leaders. (If you affiliate your children's groups to CPAS someone will get this, and it is worth passing round.) Good stuff this quarter on Hallowe'en alternatives and a thought-provoking article on the invisibility of women in most children's bible story selections. The one exception apparently (I've never seen it) is Little Girls' Bible Story Book for Fathers and Daughters (Baker Books) Snappy title! I'm sure Brian Beattie can get it.

VeggieTales videos: American, high production value cartoons - mostly bible material retold with vegetable characters (better than that sounds!) Recommended by many users and currently £7.99 each from www.wesleyowen.com (Usually £9.99)

More details about October 11 Celebration in the Cathedral . Please join us, and pass the word round to encourage others. Full details soon but for now:

Arrive any time after 1pm for resources, clinic time with various experts, opportunities to pray creatively, a chance to learn some new songs with Xtol. At around 1.30-1.45 we will hear from some of our visitors about what excites them, what's new etc. Then more browsing, praying, "clinic"ing time. 3pm to 4 service of celebration. There will only be limited chat time after the service as we need to clear the cathedral in time for evensong.

'Children in council care are 50 times more likely to end up in prison, 60 times more likely to become homeless and far more likely to become drug addicts or prostitutes...' ( Grove Booklet E 130 ADOPTION: a Challenge to the Church p 12) This quote picked up from a review shouted at me the question: How many parishes are reaching children in council care with what we provide? I have no idea how - but does anyone share my gut reaction that we should be trying? Or have any good ideas to share?

Playleader resources http://www.playleader.freeuk.com The books on the website are a series of 7 small themed booklets . Each booklet has 40 pages and costs £2 inc. p&p.
1.Activities with Under-fives For special occasions and every day.
2.Worship With Parents & Toddlers Ideas to use or adapt.
3.Playgroup Life The value of play, and guidance on legal matters.
4.Toddler Groups Ideas to inspire and encourage leaders.
5.Celebrate Christmas Nativity plays, stories and songs.
6.Supporting Family Life includes articles about parenthood, imagination, aggressiveness & bereavement.
7.Poems, Prayers, Ponderings These are primarily for personal reflection .
Also available, but not on the website:
Ideas for Preschool Groups - A Playleader Anthology
A collection of ideas and activities, including general activities and ways to celebrate Christmas, Easter and Harvest Festival. 60 pages £3.50 inc. p&p
Email to ask to receive free past issues of Playleader magazine (discontinued):
September 2002 . Playleader magazine 53 Some copies. Contents:Harvest, Advent,Christmas .
January 2003. Playleader magazine 54. Numerous copies! Contents: Candlemas, Lent, Easter.
April 2002. Playleader magazine 52. 5 copies. Contents: Ascension, Pentecost.

Diana Turner < di.turner@lineone.net >

Bob: Building on the basics Helping children to grow in faith. Price: £20.00
www.childrensministry.co.uk Five sessions for children aged 7-11 who have recently begun their journey of faith, or who need a refresher course! Designed to be a follow-up series of sessions to ALF (About Life & Faith), but can stand-alone as a course in its own right

If you're involved in leading assemblies for primary schoolchildren, BRF have produced a year's worth of material: Year-Round Assemblies By Brian Ogden and Jo Dobbs Pub BRF ISBN: 1-84101-328-5 £15.99 Each term has a theme, and uses a variety of story-telling ideas. There are suggestions for music & extension activities. How about buying a copy as a back-to-school present for your local school?

Sunday School on a Shoe String By Sandy Svercek Abingdon Press ISBN: 0-687-03073-0 £10.99 Lots of ideas for creating a creative, stimulating environment for learning, without spending a fortune.

Two new books to help understand hows and whys: Kids' culture by Nick Harding (SU) and Don't tell cute stories, change lives by Mark Griffiths (Monarch). I've not had a chance to see either, but both authors have a track record of readability and blunt opinions to go with their experience and would be good reads for new children's workers I guess. Nick is diocesan adviser in Southwell and a Reader and has a good article in The Reader which may well be worth borrowing from your local friendly Reader - or suggest he/she pass it around your clergy and others in the parish.

Looking for a theatre group for a special event for children? Try The Red Balloon Company http://www.saltmine.org/redballoon/rbhome.htm Recommended by several of my colleagues in other dioceses.

Powersource . More details of this new curriculum resource from Kevin Mayhew - including a link to order a sample - can be found at http://www.kevinmayhew.com/powersource/default.htm It attempts to get round the inflexibility of dated and age-streamed materials, so if this is an issue for you, this is worth looking at.

Very useful stuff on including children with various physical and/or learning difficulties , including a suggested "buddy" scheme to support them http://www.throughtheroof.org/Including_Disabled_Children.htm Similar issues addressed at http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/enable/ Inclusion is about more than ramps and toilets!

The Faulkbourne Family Service team has sent me a copy of their Pet Service for September complete with graphics. They are happy for it to be used/adapted by others. Just ask.

I have not always been very impressed with the magazine Families Together (free trial subscription available at www.cfnetwork.org.uk or buy at your local Christian bookshop): often mostly reprinted American extracts, but this issue (Summer 2003) has a couple of excellent articles on fantasy literature and horror films and the other articles are quite helpful too. On the subject of helping any of your children who are keen readers of fantasy books, two vicars are trying to compete with JKR and/or JRRT and get gospel-inspired adventure into this popular genre: Steve Dixon is Manchester diocesan children's officer and the first two parts of a trilogy Rumours of the King are available from Scripture Union. Graham Taylor's Shadowmancer got quite a bit of press coverage over the summer and is in mainstream secular bookshops. There is a short interview with him in Families Together.

Operation Christmas Child is part of the Samaritan's Purse organisation. They ask churches to pack shoeboxes with goodies such as toys, toothpaste, soap etc to be given to needy children elsewhere in the world. And because they want to deliver in time for Christmas, the boxes need to be collected in November. So this might make a great Harvest project for your group or your congregation. Details http://www.samaritanspurse.uk.com/

Children's Ministry weekend conference 23-25 January. Brochure includes a fulsome puff from Margaret Withers my predecessor. I hope to go this year to see for myself. £10 off for on-line bookings: www.childrensministry.co.uk

All Ages Together Resourcing one another as we worship. A conference for clergy, Readers Children's workers and others Tuesday 14th October 2003 Bar Hill Church, Cambridge Canon Betty Pedley, formerly Parish Education Adviser (children) in the Diocese of Wakefield and Revd John Muir, lecturer at Halifax Parish Church.
So often as we worship together, our children, though sitting alongside us, are just kept occupied with something completely unrelated to the liturgy. The cost of the day, including lunch, will be £17.50 (£15.00 for concessions and Praxis affiliates). Contact Revd Brenda Wallace, Secretary, Praxis East. More details at http://www.chelmsford.anglican.org/liturgy/all-ages.html including the Conference Booking Form

Praying with sticky fingers by Helen Albans is a book that the Methodist Church published some years ago as an aid for new parents. It's very practical and offers good ideas for establishing a way of praying with children and engaging with their natural spiritual impulses. At the moment it is on special offer - just £1.50 if you order via this web site: http://www.mph.org.uk/

Hitting the Target Training Weekend Scripture Union the following link is to a downloadable booking form.
http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/downloads/swanwick0311.pdf
In brief: The weekend is the 14-16 November 2003 at the Hayes Conference Centre in Swanwick Derbyshire.. It is for those who wish to evaluate and extend their skill base for working with children and young people. From past experience and knowing some of the team I recommend this.

-October 11 in the Cathedral: Celebration of Children's Ministry. Please put this date on your diary and aim to be with us (if you don't, there won't be much of an us!). We want to celebrate and affirm the sacrificial ministry of many among children, and the delightful ministry of children to us all, and make a public statement about the importance of all this. There will be resource stalls, staff from some national organisations to talk with, lively worship from across traditions and a chance to pray together for the children of the diocese. More details soon.

Here's an idea for those times when you run out of things to do with a group of children! Bible skittles is fun - requires no preparation, no space (!) and no equipment! The children are the skittles. A leader thinks of a letter of the alphabet (e.g. T) and everyone has to think of a person in the Bible whose name begins with that letter. When they've thought of someone, they stand up (another leader could help those who are really stuck by whispering a name to them). The leader has three goes at knocking over the skittles. This is done by calling out a name of someone in the Bible beginning with the stated letter (Titus, Tabitha, Thaddeus). If a child has thought of that person, they sit down. After three goes there will still be children standing up. Ask one of them to say who they thought of. The child says 'Timothy'. Everyone who thought of Timothy gets a point and they sit down.Ask another child who is still standing to say the name they thought of. 'Trevor'. Trevor doesn't appear in the Bible, so gently tell them that's it's a lovely name, but it's not in the Bible, so they have to sit down without a point this time. The next child says, 'Tryphosa'. (Yes - that's the clergy child who has been studying Romans 16:12). Surprisingly, no one else has thought of that name, so that child get 2 points and sits down! Continue until all the children are sitting down. One point each if others have thought of the name; two points if no-one else thought of the name. It's easier to play than it sounds.

Mary Hawes in London Diocese is running a number of workshops and would welcome Chelmsford Londoners (if you see what I mean) if these are convenient for you. Email her mary.hawes@london.anglican.org
Godly Play Taster sessions (£5)
Tues 23 Sept - Diocesan House, 7 - 9.30pm
Thurs 2 Oct - St Mary's, Stoke Newington, 7.30 - 9.15pm
Godly Play - Advent (£5) (This is ONLY for those who have attended a taster session or the day at Trumpington)
Fri 7th November - Diocesan House , 10 - 1pm
Children & Worship (£5)
Sat 4 Oct - St Anne's, Brondesbury - 10 - 1pm
Telling the Story
Open Day at Diocesan House with displays of nurture materials for both adults & children. Informal, drop in when you can between 10.30 - 7pm
Facing the Unthinkable (£13) Child Protection training
Sat 1st November - Diocesan House, 9.15 - 1.30pm
Drugs Awareness Workshop (£5)
Sat 1st Nov - Diocesan House, 10 - 1pm
Advent, Christmas & Epiphany (£5)
Thurs 6 Nov - St Michael's, Tokyington, 7.30 - 9.15pm
Back to Basics (£5)
Sat 22 Nov - St James the Less, Bethnal Green, 10 - 1pm
Challenging Behaviour! Strategies for maintaining discipline in a group
Tues 14 Oct - Diocesan House, 7.30 - 9.15 (£5)

Some books, while you've a chance to read perhaps...

Getting it across 2 by Nick Fawcett, pub. Kevin Mayhew 100 talks for all-age worship! Lots of fresh ideas, based round the church year (but with a good themed index too). At the front, there's some good tips about preparing a talk for all-ages.
Water bugs & Dragonflies by Doris Stickney pub. Continuum This little classic, explaining death to children, has just been reprinted with better pictures & a hard cover. It's useful to have around - you don't need to wait until a bereavement has happened before reading it as a story.
From Wild Goose Growing Up With God. Using stories to explore a child's faith and life, by Nancy Cocks. £9.99.

Can't manage a whole book? Try reflecting on this article by Terry Clutterham (from Christian Family Network newsletter):

Children are astonishing. Their lives are nothing like ours used to be. They know so much about the world, like the details of the effects of the Iraq conflict on Iraqi citizens. They can do so much that we can't, like set the video to record a TV show. They ask difficult questions like: How much do you earn?. They thrive on choice, like vanilla-flavoured cola and curry-flavoured crisps. Their lives are full of activity, co-ordinated by mobile phones, e-mails and instant messaging. They seem so old so young.

Clearly too much knowledge, expertise, freedom, choice and frantic activity is risky for children: after all, they need the time and space to be children. But placing responsibility for their own learning into their hands is nothing new schools do it all the time. Whilst straight telling still has its place in teaching, children are increasingly becoming directors and managers of their own learning process, guided by teachers. It'¹s the shape of things to come, and it's good news for us all.

Why? Because not only can this kind of approach help them develop an appetite for life-long learning but, for children who love God, it can also support life-long discipleship, energising them to discover more about their faith and live it out in awesome, wholehearted ways. More than just receivers of the truth about God, children can become active do-ers of it.

Is that risky? Certainly: they may go further with God than we ever have!

So what does this mean for the Church today? It forces us to rethink our whole approach. Parents, teachers and leaders are desperate for children to learn exactly what they teach them, but let's get real: children don't and they won't. Just because children shout out the "correct" answer doesn't mean they have a clue what it means, or that it will have any lasting effect. Teaching doesn't mean that learning is taking place, and learning doesn't mean that teaching has taken place.

However, all this unpredictability is no excuse for teaching any old thing in any old way. Our task is to enable children to learn actively and accurately what God wants to say to them through the Bible, to handle and work at it themselves, and to live it out creatively. There's the challenge!

Kevin Mayhew have brought out a competitor to the established childrens curriculum Powersource. 2 issues a year Feb-July and Sept-Jan. Sample material available from sales@kevinmayhewltd.com One of its selling features is a "mixed ages" version so that if you run a wide age range group you don't need to buy several age group materials to choose from. First issue due out in November.

If you're looking for puzzles and fillers for the summer months these sites may be useful. I've not checked them out thoroughly, so don't blame me if you don't like them!
http://www.christiancrafters.com/

http://64.176.168.41/search/Children/

http://www.coloring.ws/coloring.html

http://coloring-page.com/bible.html

http://biblefun.terrashare.com/

Parenting help : 'You Want to Run a Parenting Course' held at Moggerhanger Park, Bedfordshire on 16 July and again on 20 September. This has proved popular both with people who have run parenting courses before, but would like to gain more confidence, and newcomers. We can also send a facilitator out to small groups (minimum 6 people). People can call us for costings and details.
Carolyn Cliff, Family Matters Institute Administrator
or more information about FMI's work view
http://www.familymatters.org.uk
Family Matters Institute,The Park, Moggerhanger , Beds MK44 3RW
Telephone 01767 641002 Fax 01767 641515

Details of Autumn Godly Play courses in Cambridge From Rebecca Nye and Gill Ambrose

Godly Play Training Autumn 2003 One Day Basic Study Days
Saturday 20th September 10am-4pm
Wednesday 24th September 10am - 4pm
Saturday 15th November 10am - 4pm
Cost £20 for a single individual, £15 for more than one person from the same organisation.
The cost includes lunch and all handouts and materials.
Three evening basic study sessions (this provides the same as a one day course)
Wednesdays 5th, 12th, 19th November 7.30pm - 9.30pm
Cost £15 for a single individual, £10 for more than one person from the same organisation.
The lower cost reflects the fact that there is obviously no lunch provided.

These courses offers a basic introduction to Godly Play through the opportunity to experience and respond to a number of the stories in a purpose made Godly Play room, and to reflect on that experience.

Furthering your Godly Play - helping you move from vision to practice Wednesday 8th October 7.30pm -9.30pm
A one evening session for those who have attended a basic study day and would like to take further what they have learnt. The session will provide an opportunity to think about what you have done so far and refining your storytelling skills.

Gill Ambrose
Ely Diocesan Children's Work Adviser
gill.ambrose@ely.anglican.org

SPCK are the latest publishers (following Church House and Redemptorist Press) to produce a booklet to help children follow the Common Worship Eucharist service.
The drawings aren't that exciting, and the layout is very wordy. However, it does follow the text quite closely, and gives the CW references (in case you are using one of the 'official' books in your church).

At £2.99, it may be worth having a few copies around, but an adult will need to help a child follow it to work out which of the possibilities are being used that Sunday. The offer of 10 for £28.50 isn't over-generous!

Through the Roof have materials for Disability Sunday including children's material. info@throughtheroof.org or www.throughtheroof.org

Storykeepers

If you know the this video material you may be excited by the Marcus project. Full details at www.storykeepers.com/marcus.html They plan to help churches reach school children with gospel material by giving a Marcus box (Storykeepers video, book and game) to each child in Years 1 & 2 in their local school. The cost is £2 per child to the parish. In reaching the children with a freebie they expect to strengthen links between church and school, and between church and children. For 2003 they’d like to target Greater London as a core but won't turn others away. Paul is meeting with the organiser in July to find out more. If you may be interested, please let him know by then.

Not just Sunday

by Margaret Withers pub NS/CHP. £3.95 This is a PRACTITIONERS handbook/guide from the Archbishop’s Officer for Evangelism among children on all you need to know about setting up, planning and organising mid-week clubs for children. It gives essential advice on sources of funding and training, child protection and other legal issues, recruiting and training leaders, working with your local authority and running a session. Invaluable for those thinking of undertaking this crucial work, but also of value as an evaluation tool to those already involved in this area of work. 100 children’s club activities by Jan Dyer (Children’s Ministry) is a good programme stand-by for this sort of club, for when the ideas dry up for a game, craft, story or a way to introduce prayer.

Every child a chance to choose

by Penny Frank (Children’s Ministry) ( Read a quote ) This is a passionate plea for evangelism among children to be seen as a vital part of children’s work. A free chapter is available at http://www.chancetochoose.com

Touching the Future

by Gill Dallow pub BRF. £7.99 This is an ACADEMIC handbook/guide to all you need to know about children's ministry. Extremely wide-ranging, it covers topics such as biblical and theological reflection, spiritual and faith development, worship and strategies for action. Would be good for readers, clergy and those involved in lay ministry, too. One caveat, several of the books in the comprehensive bibliography are out of print. You may have to hunt for them.

Two new resources to help where children are present at eucharists : MY COMMUNION BOOK - A Child's Guide to Holy Communion. (National Society/Church House Publishing). Written by Diana Murrie, it can be used alongside whatever Common Worship Eucharistic Worship material/format a church is using. It also provides Before and After Worship activities for home use and for Church children's groups. It is primarily designed however, for use by adults and children together in the pew, or for children to use on their own. The intention is to enable children to begin to engage meaningfully with the vocabulary of the liturgy and thus it follows the official sections of the text closely. Price £4.50. The Communion Cube - the learning toy for Communion services, that accompanies My Communion Book. If you’ve seen the story cubes you can buy, you will know what I mean. If not, you’ll have to see it to understand. Great fun, but also an ideal thing to use in the pews. Also recommended: Come and Join the Celebration by John Muir and Betty Pedley National Society £12.95

Family Prayers

by Nick Aiken and Archbishop Rowan William (SPCK) offers a way to bring faith into the routine of home and working life with prayer suggestions for a range of family situations.

Songs

Spring Harvest Kids’ Praise each year is usually a source for at least a couple of useful new songs, but a new approach is represented by Great Stories and Songs (BRF) which includes new songs plus stories, prayers and activities for 8-12s. Musical style is a matter of preference and often that of the adults choosing them rather than the children, if we’re honest. These aren’t much to my taste, which means others will love them! Probably the best one-stop song book for children at the moment is Kidsource (Kevin Mayhew). Among recordings are Dave Godfrey’s Heaven’s No. 1, Capt Alan Price’s Box of Delights and Sing Hymns, a child-friendly modern arrangement of classic hymns.

Get Ready, Go! Gift Pack

This is a useful resource for children about to start full-time education and their parents. The pack (a sturdy, see-through plastic A5 effort) contains 3 books - one for the child, with colour-in/drawing activities, one for the parents aptly titled Get Ready (To Let) Go!, plus a one of their Little Fish Books: About You and Me. Suitable for Church and not-so Church families. I really liked this......price (single copy) £4.50 sets of 10 £25, (£2.50 each)

It's Your Move

is being re-launched. This is a resource for final -term primary school children who are about to move on to secondary education. Suitable (it says) for children from other faith backgrounds. £2.99 (pack of 10 costs £10)....(but you don't get a free Little Fish book!!) Why not offer to provide these for all the leavers in your local primary school, as many churches did last year? Although designed for school and home use, both these publications could be nicely incorporated into parish children's work schemes...........

Maximus and His Mouselings

by Brian Ogden (formerly an adviser in this diocese). This is the final (altogether, .....'ah!') in the Maximus series where we can follow the escapades of Maximus, Caerphilly and their newly arrived 5 Mouselings. Stories are linked to the parables and I know they are widely used, particularly by those from parishes who go into schools to do assemblies.

OFSTED

Registering activities for under 8s which run for more than 2 hours per day on more than 6 days per year is now the responsibility of OFSTED instead of the local authority Social Services. Even if you are running, say, a holiday club for 5 days you should still inform them. For more details see their web site or contact the office.

Pirates

A new holiday club programme on the life of Paul from Kevin Mayhew £14.99. Material for 5 days and three age groups between 5 and 11. If you are looking for material on Paul this is worth comparing with Go for Gold from SU. Depends what you like dressing up as!

Two challenging reads

Perspectives on children and the gospel by Ron Buckland, an Australian evangelical and Children at worship, congregations in bloom by Caroline Fairless, an American catholic. ( Read a quote ) Both will challenge readers whether or not they share the authors’ backgrounds. As with all the books mentioned in CLIC, your best source is Brian Beattie here in the Resources Centre. Paul is also happy to loan books from his shelves, provided they come back!

School Visits to Chelmsford Cathedral

The Cathedral has developed an Education Programme to fit in with the needs of the National Curriculum, especially the RE syllabus. Their team of experienced guides welcome children from all ages and backgrounds. If you would like to know how they can focus a visit to meet the needs of your particular class, please contact the Cathedral Office, Tel 01245 294480

Rural Sunrise

This organisation offers support to small and rural churches, including a children’s specialist, Monica Cook. A brochure is available in the office, or contact 01323 832445 Email: sunrise@ruralmissions.org.uk

Use Edit/Find on this page to search

Launch of New Degree Course in Counselling Children and Young People In February 2003, APU is launching a new course - a BSc (Hons) in Counselling Children and Adolescents. The course is being run in conjunction with Sycamore Counselling and Training, the Chelmsford Centre of WHCM, a major provider of counselling for children and young people in North Essex. For further details contact 01245 359353.

New Wine children's ministry day conference 17 May in Finchley. More details 020 8567 6717 or info@new-wine.org

As the dangers of chat rooms have been news again lately , there's an excellent booklet available free from the Home Office about how to keep children safe on the Internet. A downloadable version can be found at: http://www.wiseuptothenet.co.uk And you can order copies from: 0800 77 1234

Inflatable play equipment. Most churches hire or borrow this kind of thing when needed (eg from a play resource centre) but if you are looking to buy soft play equipment an Essex based firm is selling used inflatables and a marquee 01702 258268 pictures at http://www.seeinflatables.co.uk/index.html I've also received new phone numbers for Boing who make and repair inflatables, including large balls. Catalogue etc from 0117 9550777 boing@andico.co.uk

Another scrapstore in the diocese : Bits ' n Bobs. The Recycling Mob, a scheme being set up under the Social Enterprise heading, run by volunteers, not for profit. It uses recycled materials donated by industry etc . It can be used at very small cost for art and craft. Unit 10, The Enterprise Centre 1-2 Davy Road, Gorse Lane Industrial Area, Clacton CO15 4XD 01255-223222 See full list

Criminal Records Bureau have just announced with immediate effect that sections E and F of the Disclosure application form should not now be completed. They should be left totally blank or the machine which reads the forms will object! The good news is that form are being processed much more quickly now.

77 Talks for Cyberspace Kids . Chris Chesterton, children's adviser in Gloucester. Accompanying website - http://www.77talks.co.uk/ - has photos, cartoons and scripts to print out.

"Carpenter's kids" booklet from Through The Roof: practical advice about supporting families with disabled children. This is an important issue, often only thought about too late when faced with "Help we don't know how to cope with..." Phone 01372 749955

New resources for holiday clubs and similar. BRF: We're going on a Jungle Jamboree by John Hardwick . Standard 5 day package in much the same format as Scripture Union have used in recent years on 5 parables from Luke's gospel. Includes dramas, original songs, activity sheets, craft and games suggestions, puppet scripts and bible narrations. Very thorough. The adventures of the J-team Neil Pugmire. Luke's gospel in 10 units, each with a drama script, talk outline, quiz questions, bible story suggestion, activities crafts and games. Usable in a variety of settings. Kevin Mayhew: Pirates by Peter and Jackie Smith on early part of Paul's life and ministry for 5-11s. Toys in the attic by Janice Hodge for 8-11s. No info given about content. Both these are 5 day packages. SU: Seaside Rock . 5 stories around St Peter. (Rock - get it?) 5 day programme with accompanying video.

Loan copies of many holiday club programmes and videos are available in the resources centre here at the diocesan office. These include a 10 day programme from Willow Creek in the States called Live the Adventure. A very thorough resource which would need some adapting to UK, but has plenty of good ideas. Email resources@chelmsford.anglican.org or phone 01245 294405. I also have copies of some of these resources which I can lend: so if you have difficulty locating something, please contact me.

Residentials for individuals and groups . I have received brochures/flyers from Scripture Union, CPAS, Fellowship Afloat (Tollesbury) and Frontier Centre (Northants). Contact the office if interested or see links to their websites.

The Cathedral are running a Junior Church day conference on 15 March 9.45-3. Speaker: Alison Seaman on children's spirituality plus workshops such as learning at different ages, making music, making stuff and dealing with less co-operative children... Details from Ruth Moody 01245 261700 r.moody@apu.ac.uk

Searching Stories (Christian Education) Study Guide and Workbook. A novel approach to exploring 5 stories from Luke's gospel (you can probably guess which ones: Emmaus Rd, Good Samaritan, 2 sons, Zacchaeus and - the only surprise - the Unjust Judge). The workbook is aimed at children, the study guide relates to it but can also be used as an adult or all-age resource. Uses the storytelling theme and has some quite innovative ideas, although quite a "school" feel to them.

Bible Make and Do Bk 2. (BRF) Full instructions for 10 crafts tied to a bible passage.

New Beginning is a free magazine produced for giving to baptism families. Features photos of some diocesan clergy as it originated here but is now available across the country. Despite the huge amount of advertising which covers the costs, there is very good stuff in it. I have a few copies I can send to those interested. Available in quantity from Varietas 886 Old Kent Rd SE15 1NQ 0207 6395555 varietasmail@varietas.com

The Mothers' Union has launched a Switched On pack to help parents ensure that the media has a positive influence on their children.They are also running a big drive to get parenting groups happening in dioceses. MU members can be trained as facilitators for free, and there is good back up support for them as they set about launching groups. More details from http://www.themothersunion.org.uk or your local MU rep.

A new games resource - especially where you want to avoid something competitive: Everyone's a Winner! Over 200 Co-operative Games for 7-13 year olds. For anyone working with churched or unchurched children and young people. £7.99 (SU). There's nothing wrong with a bit of competition, but some children hate competitive games as they always do badly, and we need to ensure that our activities don't simply reinforce a poor self image or, worse, give the hidden message that we, and God, are only interested in winners.

YFC have launched a follow up to Rock Solid , the outreach material for pre/early teens. This is RS2 and is aimed at nurture/consolidating faith. Details from paul@yfc.co.uk I have just received an unsolicited free copy of this resource, so I can lend it for evaluation.. Email me - link below.

Special Times with God Anne Faulkner (BRF) Resource designed to help children understand the basics of Christian faith, structured around the liturgical year plus other special times: baptism, communion, funerals, marriage, remembrance. Good, sensitive stuff.

Child friendly music for Eucharists . My colleague in St Albans recommends Children at Heart, a CD by Paul Inwood and Calling the Children by Christopher Walker. Both are based on RC liturgies but Andrew (who has been searching out CDs for his resource centre!) says they transfer to Common Worship settings well.

More child friendly music for Eucharists! Loaves and Fishes is an authentically all-age setting for the Eucharist. It recognises the importance of the whole gathered community of faith, and provides music and words which have both simplicity and depth, a vibrant sense of celebration and of wonder and worship. It works well with the completely mixed ages of a church community, simple and accessible so that no one is excluded, but inspiring and nurturing for adults as well as the young and those with learning difficulties. It's a resource that will enable the whole people of God to enjoy the experience of worshipping together, both in churches and schools. It comes complete with a free CD containing both a complete performance and a backing track version, and sheets for congregation, and for recorder. Loaves and Fishes. Text Susan Sayers. Music Colin Mawby . Published by Kevin Mayhew 01449 737978. ISBN1-84003-894-2

If you don't already know of CCPAS who are experts in child protection, it would be a good idea to jot down their phone number against the day you need advice about, say, an allegation of abuse and can't get hold of Gill Hartley. 0845 120 4550 They are very helpful.

Flat Pack Parent . Parenting resource for parents of pre-teens. Could you run it (or something like it) for the parents of those you work with? Details from www.familymatters.org.uk

Magic tricks. If you have never tried conjuring, there is a new Grove booklet (EV56 Gospel Magic by Andrew Thompson) which includes details for doing 6 easy tricks with suggested applications, plus some advice on using tricks. There is something very refreshing about learning a new skill - most adults have forgotten what it feels like, and yet it is a key feature of being a child, and therefore a very good thing for children's workers to rediscover. If you would like to get into doing tricks or already are and need a new source of supplies then http://www.tricksfortruth.com/opening.html will be of use. I think some of the specifically Christian routines are pretty corny, but the prices for basic magic supplies are good, and the guy is very helpful if you need something in a hurry.

Childlink helpline. A listening ear and source of information for Christians working with children - especially with a caring dimension. 0845 601 1134

Gsus Live . A multimedia mobile classroom available to visit schools - free! Pupils can explore hands-on via 16 computers and audio-visuals. You probably got the pun - it is about helping them understand the teachings of Jesus - based on themes of forgiveness, fear and rejection. More info: www.gsuslive.co.uk or email info@gsuslive.co.uk

If you are involved in taking assemblies , you may be on the look out for help for the autumn. Two newish books: The (almost) instant assembly books 1 and 2 (Kevin Mayhew). The authors Chris and Sue Govus are schoolsworkers in Essex based in Thundersley.

The Mothers' Union publishes very useful leaflets: Churches for Children, Children in Church, Children and Spirituality, and Children and Bereavement. GIF versions can be downloaded from their website which give a good idea of how useful they are. www.themothersunion.org Leaflets can be ordered via your MU person: they are FREE!

CURBS project (Children in urban situations) - mentioned here before - has new resource packs out: a 5 day holiday club pack: the 3 Parties and a ten session pack Upside Down Kingdom. Highly recommended - and not just for urban situations. www.curbsproject.org.uk/index.htm

Any takers? A year on from taking up my job here in the diocese I have spent a bit of time clearing out, sorting and otherwise trying to make sense of stuff of varying types accumulated over the ten years I was in my last job. This includes some materials and equipment which I am no longer likely to use much myself, but which could be useful in parishes. Available on loan long or short term or, in the case of craft materials etc free to a good home where they will be used in children's work. Entirely random order!

Puppet theatre. Now on loan long-term to a parish in Barking, but available elsewhere for one-off events etc. by negotiation. Designed originally for sea-side use, covered in deck-chair style canvas: very bright! Punch and Judy (ie "in front of the body") style: curtains lost so need replacing. Built in three sections for easy transport, the bottom two can be used alone for "above the head" style puppetry.
Scrap modelling stuff, including 80 or so CDs, plenty of electrical bits (good for mocking up computers etc) gold coloured plastic foil on large (four foot wide: start item this!) rolls, large cardboard tubes (from carpet rolls). Some coloured paper.
Velcro display boards, three 3'x2', three 4'x2' approx. Black and green. Can go together as a large display. For loan for specific event only.
Card. White good quality card in various sizes. Small number (ie about a dozen each) of pieces up to 5'x3'. Large number of 2'x18"
Scenery. Mostly 8'x4' and heavy to be stable outdoors. Most currently painted up as brick walls to fit Groundbreakers theme (See the photo on www.chelmsford.anglican.org/Children/index.html ). Stored in a garage in Bedford, and I no longer have a trailer or any other way to move it. If you can collect, or will pay for a day's van hire, it's yours!
Small yellow dustbin containing four different coloured hard hats.

Viz-a-viz based in Basildon produce resources and have personnel who can help. Although they have been mainly youth specialists, they do now have a children's focus as well. ALF (About Life and Faith - a kind of children's Alpha) is a well produced video and ideas pack for 7-11s. 6 sessions aimed to sum up the Christian faith and invite a response. info@vizaviz.org

Worth comparing with ALF is Y God? from SU, also an attempt at Alpha for children. (Y My God? is to follow.) Also 6 sessions for 7-11 and aiming to lead towards a response. Starts with questions children ask (based on the author's long experience of what he has been asked in no holds barred question times in schools.) Links with the Y course for adults. www.scriptureunion.org.uk

CPAS have extended their training course Lost for Words (designed to help people talk about their faith) to include separate adult, youth and children's sections. Their current roadshow is not coming to this diocese, alas. www.cpas.org.uk

Country Way - life and faith in rural Britain a quarterly ecumenical magazine features rural children's work throughout the current issue. It has some very good stuff and is well worth getting if you are in a rural parish. If sufficient people order via me I can get it for £2.50 (normally £2.95) but I think postage costs would just about eat up the difference. I certainly recommend this issue, so if you can't get it any other way, let me know and I'll place an order.

NSPCC child protection helpline 0808 800 5000

Two books of theme games tied in to bible themes/content The Game is Up OT and NT from On the Way. Order from Brian Beattie resources@chelmsford.anglican.org

Tiddlywinks - now out. A new resource for pre-school work. Two books (The big red and big blue books) each with 25 outlines and two related children's books (My little red/blue... There was a time when "my little red book" wouldn't have made it past the titles and lists meeting!) Yellow and green books to follow, so this would resource a weekly activity for 2 years or a monthly one for more than 8! www.scriptureunion.org.uk

Baptism policy and practice should be a cornerstone of a parish children's work strategy. CPAS have a new video and booklet resource First Steps to use with parents. www. www.cpas.org.uk

Further to the list of scrapstores (available as a briefing paper) I have discovered another. The Pyramid Centre in Thurrock 01375 387738 tnp@thepyramid00.fsnet.co.uk Heath Rd Chadwell St Mary. They seem very active and as well as scrap materials, new craft materials for sale and hire items (including giant games, floor games, soft play equipment, bouncy castle {check your insurance before you hire} ballpond, fete items, circus/juggling stuff, badge maker and potter's wheel!!) they also run monthly hands on "learn new craft ideas" sessions on Wednesdays 12.30-2.30 (£3 members £5 non-members. Sounds ideal if you're getting short on ideas.)

Storykeepers If you know the this video material you may be excited by the Marcus project. Full details at www.storykeepers.com/marcus.html They plan to help churches reach school children with gospel material by giving a Marcus box (Storykeepers video, book and game) to each child in Years 1 & 2 in their local school. The cost is £2 per child to the parish. In reaching the children with a freebie they expect to strengthen links between church and school, and between church and children. For 2003 they'd like to target Greater London as a core but won't turn others away. Contact Ross Coad on ross@coadmedia.com

Not just Sunday by Margaret Withers pub NS/CHP. £3.95 This is a PRACTITIONERS handbook/guide from the Archbishop's Officer for Evangelism among children on all you need to know about setting up, planning and organising mid-week clubs for children. It gives essential advice on sources of funding and training, child protection and other legal issues, recruiting and training leaders, working with your local authority and running a session. Invaluable for those thinking of undertaking this crucial work, but also of value as an evaluation tool to those already involved in this area of work. 100 children's club activities by Jan Dyer (Children's Ministry) is a good programme stand-by for this sort of club, for when the ideas dry up for a game, craft, story or a way to introduce prayer.

Every child a chance to choose by Penny Frank (Children's Ministry) ( Read a quote ) This is a passionate plea for evangelism among children to be seen as a vital part of children's work. A free chapter is available at http://www.chancetochoose.com

Touching the Future by Gill Dallow pub BRF. £7.99 This is an ACADEMIC handbook/guide to all you need to know about children's ministry. Extremely wide-ranging, it covers topics such as biblical and theological reflection, spiritual and faith development, worship and strategies for action. Would be good for readers, clergy and those involved in lay ministry, too. One caveat, several of the books in the comprehensive bibliography are out of print. You may have to hunt for them.

Two new resources to help where children are present at eucharists : MY COMMUNION BOOK - A Child's Guide to Holy Communion. (National Society/Church House Publishing). Written by Diana Murrie, it can be used alongside whatever Common Worship Eucharistic Worship material/format a church is using. It also provides Before and After Worship activities for home use and for Church children's groups. It is primarily designed however, for use by adults and children together in the pew, or for children to use on their own. The intention is to enable children to begin to engage meaningfully with the vocabulary of the liturgy and thus it follows the official sections of the text closely. Price £4.50. The Communion Cube - the learning toy for Communion services, that accompanies My Communion Book. If you've seen the story cubes you can buy, you will know what I mean. If not, you'll have to see it to understand. Great fun, but also an ideal thing to use in the pews. Also recommended: Come and Join the Celebration by John Muir and Betty Pedley National Society £12.95

Family Prayers by Nick Aiken and Rowan William (SPCK) offers a way to bring faith into the routine of home and working life with prayer suggestions for a range of family situations.

Songs Spring Harvest Kids' Praise each year is usually a source for at least a couple of useful new songs, but a new approach is represented by Great Stories and Songs (BRF) which includes new songs plus stories, prayers and activities for 8-12s. Musical style is a matter of preference and often that of the adults choosing them rather than the children, if we're honest. These aren't much to my taste, which means others will love them! Probably the best one-stop song book for children at the moment is Kidsource (Kevin Mayhew), but ICC have a 3 for the price of 2 deal at the moment (phone 0845 6071672 and quote SM0502) including the Big Book of Kids' Praise (recommended if you haven't bought the little books each year) Among the recordings included are Dave Godfrey's Heaven's No. 1, Capt Alan Price's Box of Delights and Sing Hymns, a child-friendly modern arrangement of classic hymns.

Get Ready, Go! Gift Pack. This is a useful resource for children about to start full-time education and their parents. The pack (a sturdy, see-through plastic A5 effort) contains 3 books - one for the child, with colour-in/drawing activities, one for the parents aptly titled Get Ready (To Let) Go!, plus a one of their Little Fish Books: About You and Me. Suitable for Church and not-so Church families. I really liked this......price (single copy) £4.50 sets of 10 £25, (£2.50 each)

It's Your Move is being re-launched. This is a resource for final -term primary school children who are about to move on to secondary education. Suitable (it says) for children from other faith backgrounds. £2.99 (pack of 10 costs £10)....(but you don't get a free Little Fish book!!) Why not offer to provide these for all the leavers in your local primary school, as many churches did last year? Although designed for school and home use, both these publications could be nicely incorporated into parish children's work schemes...........

Maximus and His Mouselings by Brian Ogden (formerly an adviser in this diocese). This is the final (altogether, .....'ah!') in the Maximus series where we can follow the escapades of Maximus, Caerphilly and their newly arrived 5 Mouselings. Stories are linked to the parables and I know they are widely used, particularly by those from parishes who go into schools to do assemblies.

OFSTED Registering activities for under 8s which run for more than 2 hours per day on more than 6 days per year is now the responsibility of OFSTED instead of the local authority Social Services. Even if you are running, say, a holiday club for 5 days you should still inform them. For more details see the web site listed on page 3, or phone the office.

Pirates A new holiday club programme on the life of Paul from Kevin Mayhew £14.99. Material for 5 days and three age groups between 5 and 11. If you are looking for material on Paul this is worth comparing with Go for Gold from SU. Depends what you like dressing up as!

Two challenging reads Perspectives on children and the gospel by Ron Buckland, an Australian evangelical and Children at worship, congregations in bloom by Caroline Fairless, an American catholic. ( Read a quote ) Both will challenge readers whether or not they share the authors' backgrounds. As with all the books mentioned in CLIC, your best source is Brian Beattie here in the Resources Centre. Paul is also happy to loan books from his shelves, provided they come back!

School Visits to Chelmsford Cathedral The Cathedral has developed an Education Programme to fit in with the needs of the National Curriculum, especially the RE syllabus. Their team of experienced guides welcome children from all ages and backgrounds. If you would like to know how they can focus a visit to meet the needs of your particular class, please contact the Cathedral Office, Tel 01245 294480

Under 5s There is a useful magazine, Playleader, available for Christian based groups. A copy is available from the office. One issue covered recently, and one I have heard raised in this diocese, is the interpretation of OFSTED guidelines on multi-faith worship and teaching. Advice on early years work in the diocese is available from Yvonne Spence who can be contacted through the office also. And don't forget Christine Barton, Edward Bear expert and Reader at St Luke's, Moulsham. She has set up an EB web site at http://edward-bear-club.tripod.com

Rural Sunrise This organisation offers support to small and rural churches, including a children's specialist, Monica Cook. A brochure is available in the office, or contact 01323 832445 Email: sunrise@ruralmissions.org.uk

Ethical children's work? Beg borrow or buy May 2002's Christianity and Renewal magazine for a hard-hitting article on the ethics of what we do. Whatever your tradition, it is challenging. I'd reproduce it, but copyright permission won't be granted by the magazine for 12 months. They archive their articles on the web at http://www.christianityandrenewal.com/ so it will be there.

Network Paul is hoping to develop a strong network of those in the diocese who can offer skills and experience to others, either in advising or helping with training. If you, or someone you know, can offer to be part of this, please contact the office. Paul hopes to set up a local meeting as soon as he knows of several people in the same area. Offering at this stage involves no commitment other than a willingness to talk about what might be possible!

Got any good material? It may well be that you have developed ideas for special events, seasonal materials or other things which would be of use to others. If so, please let Paul have a copy so that we can find ways of sharing the creativity that is around the diocese. Similarly if you have props, costumes or other equipment which you would be willing to lend to others, please let us know so that we can oil the wheels. (Not literally, you understand.)

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