Back from Eastbourne
Today was a fight through the wind and rain in Eastbourne into the conference centre for Children’s Ministry Conference. It was however a good end to a weekend of children’s songs (this was a culture shock for me), community building (i.e. great coffee and chat), and being reminded of the call we have to impact and make a positive difference in children’s lives. It was my first visit to the conference, but a privilege to be there and learn more about the great work that goes on with children throughout the UK.
There was a new community stream at the conference this year, and schools featured as a big part of that. If primary work is your thing, it might be worth checking out some of the seminar material.
- Ronni Lamont introduced how we can support our local schools as a Christian community and understand the needs of schools.
- Susie Blundell presented a session on how we can engage with PSE. I didn’t manage to make it along to this session, but will be interested to see what this looks like in Primary.
- Andy Saunders looked at how extended schools is opening up a big area for us to be involved as a Christian community, and what that might look like.
- I co-led a session with Ishmael on what makes a great assembly. We went through a recipe for a great assembly and the key ingredients, and had some fun along the way!
- Finally this morning I did a session on RE lessons, and we looked at some creative ways to get children asking questions and engaging with the Christian faith. We looked at making RE a conversation and how it needs to be a two way deal!
See the new look Children’s Ministry site for downloads.
I think my highlight, as ever at these events, was meeting people who are humbly leading incredible work, whether that be large networks or individuals in local church/schools. In both of these categories this weekend I met people who quietly serve and ask for nothing back, and you know it is there that God moves and brings about real change.
