Young Families Ministry - Louise Moran

Over the last year, St John's has seen a small rise in the number of families with young children who are part of our fellowship in one way or another. This has been partly due to babies being born, partly due to new parents filtering in, and partly as a result of the 'Oh God' course last year, which led on to a housegroup where several mums found support and answers to their questions.

We have aimed to support these families in several ways. The main one noticed by our Sunday morning congregation is probably the new Under 5s Sunday School group. We now meet in the meeting room between 10am and 10.45am and have a story, a craft and usually an activity as well as an interactive prayer time. If you are interested in learning more about this group, do speak to Louise Moran!

This has led to a more positive attitude towards the very small people in our church. Whereas before they were the noisy group in the corner of church, they are now being kept engaged and hopefully feel like a part of our church, while learning a little at their own level.

In addition, we have a yahoo group where people with young families can chat, ask questions, find out what is going on at St Johns etc, to allow those who cannot always make a Sunday morning to keep in contact. We also try to arrange one church-based and one social activity each month that the young families are invited to. This is very tricky - the idea of a mums' or dads' housegroup appeals in theory but is impossible in practise due to childcare arrangements etc - but by sending out invitations every few weeks, at least people are aware that they are included and have the option of support if and when they need it.

We currently have just under 20 families with children below school age, who have regular contact with us, as well as visitors etc. My aim for the next year is to set up a 'Dads' night out' every few months for the men, and get the mums together more often, as we are the people who should be bringing God to a new generation, but in reality, are often too frazzled to find Him ourselves. Your prayers for the young families, and your interest in our under 5s and how they can be more part of our worship, are hugely appreciated as we continue

Godzone - Jackie Parsonage

GodZone meets regularly on Sunday morning at the new time of 10.00. Due to the changes in Junior Church, Godzone is benefiting from more people on the rota, sharing out the role.

I have also enjoyed and been personally grateful to have a co leader again on a Sunday Morning. We continue to use and adapt Scripture Union's Grid material.

We continue when possible to do a trip down to the hospital to do pushing and shoving. Though it is likely that this will not be continuing. I hope that we can arrange an outing at some point this year.

Your continued prayer would be valued especially for the young people at this age, when they often experience a lot of changes and pressures outside of church.