Stour Valley Benefice received a total of £500 from the growth fund to enable their Children in Church summer project.
The initial Summer project was extremely well attended with 27 children and 14 adults, with there being some adaptation to cater to the younger than expected age group. The format of welcome, story, song, games, snack, crafts, prayer and worked well and was enjoyed by the children.
A prayer tree with leaf prayers was made as part of the Story of Creation craft and remains in the church. This has been a talking point for many, not only those who attended on the day, but also the regular congregation who are encouraged by the signs left by the children’s activities. Some of the children’s craft is bringing the church to life in a new way.
Many of the mothers (mostly non church attendees) were encouraged by the welcome and mentioned how well run it was and how joyful. Some parents also commented that it had made them think more deeply about how God could create something ‘for the healing of the nations’ and how relevant that was to the current situation, and this was not what they had expected from a children’s activity afternoon.
The Benefice instituted a new children’s activity session in Stoke By Clare church (currently called 3rd Sunday at 3). The first foray was on September 15, with further Sundays being scheduled to the rest of the year. The funding was also going to provide suitable toys and engagement for children who do attend church, and this has been very successful with a refresh of church related toys and activities which are being used by the youngsters.
