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Good morning!
The summer is an interesting time for those involved in Children's ministry. For some it is a busier than usual time, filled with holiday clubs, regular lunch clubs to support hungry families and other opportunities, many informal, to meet with families outside, taking advantage of good weather and a more relaxed schedule as schools have broken up. For others it is a time of change and busy-ness for other reasons; trying to provide child-friendly activities for Sunday services during the summer holidays whilst helpers are away; planning ahead to the Autumn and finding new helpers and leaders to support activities; and taking stock of the physical resources to help accomplish this ministry-sorting, cleaning and organising.
We have been through such a time of loss, uncertainty and disruption in this last year and a half and looking ahead, unfortunately this pattern looks set to continue, with increased demands on those working with families. It can be tempting when we are tired or fed up to simply say, 'That'll do!'
But in Colossians 3:23-24 Paul gently challenges the believers
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
As servants of God we aim to reflect God's likeness in everything we are, do and say-and ideally these three components are consistent! I notice it says-work at it with all your heart-its about loving those we are serving. So please take the opportunity to reveal God's love to families-whether you are meeting directly with them or preparing for the future-and aim to serve God with all your heart.
Read on for resources to use for outside with children and also take a look at some of the opportunities you might like to consider for your ongoing professional development.
PS: Resources below are denoted in green if they have been offered previously-new resources are in white.
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