Family Ministry Report
Thank you to all who saved recycled materials for both Roundabout Playgroup and Messy Church crafts. They are much appreciated. The playgroup families enjoyed our “Summer” theme this term, with lots of water-related activities while the hot weather lasted. The milk carton boats were a particular hit. We finished the term with an Easter celebration at both Playgroup and Messy Church, including butterflies, Easter eggs, Hot Cross buns and new life symbols. On Monday after reading the story of The Very Hungry Caterpillar to the Playgroup children, we had an Easter egg hunt in the church, with plastic eggs containing butterflies, Hot Cross buns for morning tea, and mini chocolate eggs as they went home. At our Easter Messy Church last Sunday we gave the families a Holy week Flower, which unfolds to reveal a daily Bible for the week from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, and a little booklet with related activities and ideas for families to celebrate Easter. This will also be offered to Mainly Music families.
This term we have had approximately 40 families on the Playgroup roll, with the majority of them attending regularly and a weekly attendance of between 16-20 families with 30 children most weeks, as many of our families have two pre-schoolers. One Dad commented on how ‘it works like clockwork’ and how the children all know what to do and are very comfortable there.
At Messy Church attendance has been slowly but steadily growing, with 1-2 new families coming nearly every month, and most families attending regularly. Attendances peak at Christmas and Easter. The majority of children are still in the 0-7 age group. There is a wonderful atmosphere of engagement, busyness and enjoyment, and children feeling at home in the church.
To finish this term we are thrilled to announce that at Mainly Music this Friday we had a massive 22 families (38 children) attend, including 4 new families. We had songs and hot cross buns, playtime, and a special morning tea for the parents, grandparents & caregivers who came along. It was a busy but delightful way to end the term.
Marnie Agnew and Rev Cogs on behalf of the Children’s ministry team
Please click this link to learn more about our Family Ministry.