The fridge door is the message bank of most kitchens, where the whole family communicate about their lives. Therefore, a Lent Calendar ‘countdown’ to Easter seems a good way for families to remember that Lent is more than giving up some food or activity, it is a time of reflection and repentance, a time to study God’s word, live simply and explore Lent traditions that have helped… Continue reading

The Kidsreach Children’s Ministry Conference is coming up on February 18 in Sydney. As David from KidsReach explains: It is a shame that so many do not come to the conference, or if they come they do not bring their whole team! This is especially sad when I hear from so many in kids ministry just do not feel encouraged, or resourced. Here are just a few of the top reasons for going to… Continue reading

Many churches have been experimenting with Messy Church through 2011 and here is a list of some that have a Messy Church Christmas planned: Freshwater Uniting Church Saturday Nov 19 5 – 7pm Advent theme ‘Getting ready to come close to the mystery of Christmas’ Umima Uniting Church A family fun Christmas event on Saturday December 17th at 5pm Oatley Uniting Church Sunday 4 Dec 4 -… Continue reading

Cybersmart is a website which provides activities, resources and practical advice to help young kids, kids, teens and parents safely enjoy the online world. You might think this is just an issue for teens but younger kids are ‘connected’ and making use of online/social media at an increasing rate too! Through the online story books/videos, games and downloadable youtube videos you can… Continue reading

More and more I get requests from parents wanting to know more about my music playgroups and if there are places available. It made me think, what are parents really looking for and why? What I found was that parents want the best for their child/ren (as most parents do); however, they also want to start education early and not just ‘play’. My alert systems went berserk to say the least –… Continue reading

About this time of year schools are already planning for the next intake of kindergarten children, and most schools will have parent information evenings and one or more “orientation” days for the new kindergarten children to have a taste of “big school”. These may already be taking place, but will certainly be taking place soon after the holidays. This is a most opportune time for… Continue reading

The first Sunday in September is Father’s Day! Here are some simple ideas for children to make a small gift for the special men in their lives – maybe their Dad, their Grandpa, an uncle, a brother. Dad’s Survival Kit A fun surprise for a father or grandfather needing a lift! How? Take a clear plastic or cellophane bag and put in: a packet of Smarties a Time Out bar a sherbet lolly or… Continue reading

On Tuesday 7th June, more than 70 people came to share in the Playtime Conference. Key note speaker Mike Frost challenged playgroup leaders to not think of their groups as existing to ‘build up the church’, but instead to proclaim the true mission of the church, to alert people to the reign of God through Christ. Despite competition from some vocal babies, all were inspired by Mike’s stories and… Continue reading

Happy Anniversary to the Uniting Church in Australia – 34 years on June 22nd Older members can remember the momentous event when three separate denominations joined together to form the Uniting Church in 1977. But it is worth taking the time to tell the story to younger generations or new members, so that the joy of that occasion and all that has been achieved is not lost. Here are few… Continue reading

Messy Ministry! A residential in-service for those who work in children, family, youth ministry, also rural ministry and pastors, lay preachers and resource ministers. Monday August 15 – Friday August 19 2011 at the Centre for Ministry, 16 Masons Drive North Parramatta. Keynote speakers Lucy Moore and Duncan Macleod.  Ph: 02 8838 8910 Costs $300 for 5-day program (includes 5 lunches, 3… Continue reading