7 March 2022
After a delay due to Covid-19, September 2021 finally saw the launch of a new and exciting under 5’s group at St Andrews Church, Basildon.
Joyful Noise provides a safe space for families at no cost, where children can play and adults can come alongside each other, build relationships, meet new people and make friends.
The sessions start with free play, using everyday objects. The snack bar with hot drinks and breakfast snacks, provides reluctant eaters an opportunity to try new things.
Everyone gets involved with ‘tidy up time’ before sitting down for worship with Rev Ted (the prayer bear) through stories, songs and talking to Jesus, using the interactive prayer bag and board - finishing with a loud AMEN!
Nikki Firth, from the Children and Families team at St Andrew’s says:
“Fridays are fast becoming my favourite day of the week, Jesus is doing a new thing and it is so exciting to join in and be a part of what he is doing in this place.
Prayer is at the heart of what we do. The team comes together at the start and end of every session to pray for the families and each other.We have light touch opportunities for families to engage in or ask for prayer. It’s been such a privilege when families have spoken to us about difficulties they are facing or have asked us to pray for them.
“Almost every week one of the adults will ask a question about faith or tell me they want to go to church but can’t. It makes my heart happy to see their faces when I tell them that Joyful Noise is church, it just looks different to what they would expect.”
