This year Pentecost falls on May 19, 2013 and there are many ways children, as experts in enjoying birthday parties,  can lead the adults in celebrating the ‘birthday’ of the church.  Here are some suggestions for ways for children to creatively explore Pentecost, for a children’s talk as part of worship and a link to the SA Synod’s All-Age Worship resource for Pentecost which includes… Continue reading

Happy Anniversary to the Uniting Church in Australia – 35 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

Bible Society Australia is offering a limited number of FREE Bibles, NT, Gospels of Mark to Christian Religious Education Teachers / SRE / RE teachers & Chaplains for use in Australian Public Schools. Here is the link with more information about the ‘Bibles for Schools Project’, Including the application form teachers will need to fill in and get back to Bible Society Australia… Continue reading

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

There is a new simpler Working With Children Check (WWCC) coming in 2013!  However the start date has just been POSTPONED to allow more time for organisations to understand the new system before it comes into place. A new start date will be announced in the coming weeks.

In the new system, volunteers and employees apply for their… Continue reading

For a mid-week or Sunday program with children, use the opportunity of Book Week 18 – 24 August 2012 to celebrate God’s Big Book – the Bible! Some Bible games, puzzles, crafts and stories could include children remembering their favourite parts of the Bible, their favourite characters and making their own picture book.  Last year there were celebrations as the anniversary of 400 years was… Continue reading

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

Getting ready to begin programs with children means this is a busy time of the year! But while you are sorting crayons, counting numbers of children, looking at the curriculum, checking books and organising teachers and leaders don’t forget to claim some space in a worship service at your church to bless the work you are doing and ‘commission’ the leaders. This is a great opportunity to highlight… Continue reading

Christmas is such a busy time for families and it is good to encourage them to stop and reflect even for a few moments on the Christmas message of love, peace, hope and joy to the world. As a quiet space in a Messy Church experience, or as an option for parents at playgroup, this invitation to light a candle and say a prayer helps people to feel more peaceful. Feel free to adapt this to your… 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