StAugustine's-Hamilton_Parish-Pulse-Nr3_Nov-2014

You bet.

Kids at St Augustine’s?

Regular church-goers might notice that there is a prayer request most weeks in the pew bulletin for children to be baptised. It might be less obvious that - again, most weeks - there are baptisms on Sundays at 11am following the regular Eucharist services. Many parents who bring children for baptism have a connection with St Au- gustine’s, usually through other family members who attend or have attended; other family members who have been baptised here; or who themselves have been married here. It is always a joy to welcome these families back to St Augustine’s. Earlier this year, we contacted those who had brought children for baptism over the last five years, offering a “Kids’ Club.” There was an enthusiastic response, and the venture started in July this year. It was preceded by a special service of thanksgiving for baptism in June - a kind of family reunion for our baptism families. Kids’ Club now runs three times per term, in each of the four terms of the school year. It is held on Sundays at 12:30pm. There is play-time for the children together at the start, during which there is an opportunity to chat with parents and talk about Christian faith and family life. This is followed by lunch, provided by the parish. There then follows a very very very very messy craft session, where paint, glitter, play-dough, glue, ribbons, coloured cardboard, and all kinds of “stuff” are used in a kids-focused worship activity. Last term, craft activities were around the theme of “going to church.”

The session concludes with some faith- based story-telling, singing, and prayer. In the coming term, we shall move from the hall precinct into the church for this last part. So Kids’ Club is not just a play-date for children. While we are thrilled that there is now a steady attendance of kids who will hopefully grow up together at St Augustine’s, what we are doing is a different kind of church, which hopefully accommodates busy families. We also hope it offers another way for kids to come to church when they are too young to sit through a Eucharist service. (Our kids range from about 2 to 5 years old, although we are delighted that some infants and older kids also come along.) This initiative has been generously supported by a grant of $500 from GFS Australia (formerly Girls’ Friendly Society), which has enabled the Kids’ Club to run this year without needing to charge fees. Crucially, as with any successful parish activity, it is supported by enthusiastic volunteers. Appreciation is recorded here of the generous dedication and participation of Lisa Bateson, Dawn Johnston, Lyndall Worthington- Wilmer, Coral Wolff, and Rudi Wolff (and for letting their clothes get splattered with paint). Kids’ Club is not just for parishioners. If you or anyone you know might be interested, please do get in touch.

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