Ministry among Children helps churches in Chester Diocese to include, nurture and reach out to children aged 0–11.
We provide:
training for children’s leaders and anyone concerned with children in the church – in a range of formats from a year-long course to DIY training ideas
consultancy for parishes reviewing and developing ministry with children and help with specific issues such as children and Holy Communion, evangelism with children or all-age worship
support for employed children’s workers and advice for parishes wanting to employ a worker
opportunities to network or be put in touch with churches using different patterns of children's ministry
a resource library for churches in the diocese.
The events page will lead you to details of all future training sessions and children’s events.
Messy Church Forum 9.45am to 12.30pm (drinks from 9.30am). Saturday 21 November 2009 - Helsby Community Centre A morning for those running a Messy Church or who have tried out this approach in their own setting. Bring your team to:
exchange experiences
get ideas and advice
pray and be encouraged
plan for development and discipleship
There is no charge but you need to book, giving your name, contact details, number of places required and, if you wish, what needs or issues you would most like the morning to help with. A leaflet with directions for the venue is available on the website. Bookings and enquiries to Sandra James.
Growing Children Growing Children is a new resource for Chester Diocese, providing tools to help churches develop their ministry among children. It enables the whole congregation to look at central issues about children and Christian faith. It also provides tools for reviewing children’s ministry and planning how to reach, nurture and include children. The printed version has been sent to parishes and is also available for download from the Growing Children page. Over the coming weeks we will be adding further tools and resources to the site and the facility to download individual sections and activities.
Holiday Club Registration Some holiday clubs and after-school clubs which care for children under eight for more than two hours in a day need to fill in an exemption form to ensure that they do not have to register with Ofsted. We have received a summary explaining the rules with details of how to get an exemption form. To download a copy click here.
Year of the Child 2009 2009 has been adopted in the Church of England and other denominations as Year of the Child. There is no big central programme: the year simply gives an opportunity to review ministry with children and young people (0-18), to celebrate their place and contribution and to be challenged to develop and do something new.
Click here for our sheet of ideas for praying with and for children and young people through 2009.
Through 2009 we also aim to help churches and schools to work effectively and creatively together. Click here for a page of ideas which will grow through the year.
If you are in Chester Diocese and plan to do anything special for the Year of the Child 2009 we’d be glad to hear about it. For a logo, introductory leaflet and ideas from dioceses and denominations, visit www.yearofthechild2009.co.uk.
Messy Church Forum