4 - Footprints

Sundays 10.30 to 11.45
Ages 5 to 8 years
Leaders: Kate Gould, Fiona Jones, Irene Hegg, Neil Pagan, Margaret Kirkham, Pauline Dye.

Sunbeams', Footprints’ and Lazers’

The work amongst the young people in our church has been undergoing some changes over the past couple of years, in order to make the best use of both space available and the people able and willing to carry out this vital work. Naturally, there have been 'teething problems' as with any situation where changes are made. However, we are endeavouring to be positive and learn from these 'hitches' and hopefully come out with an effective, 'smooth-running' team of dedicated helpers. Teamwork is the key, hopefully we will all develop an awareness of the things that need to be done and be willing to fill that need wherever and whenever we can.

We start our Sunday morning sessions by leaving the 10.30 am service during the children's hymn, marching to our instruments, (not always in time or tune! - you may have noticed!). We then meet in the main hall for a song, notices, collection and prayer before splitting into our special groups.

The 'Sunbeams' (0 - 5 year olds) 'decamp' to the choir vestry , 'Footprints' (5 -8 year olds) remain in the main hall where their leaders and helpers teach them about God, Jesus and the Bible through various activities such as stories, craft, play, games etc. The very young pursue more play/craft activities, whilst the school age children complete a 'Bubbles' or 'Splash' activity sheet from the excellent Scripture Union 'light' teaching materials. Often they make something relevant to what they have learnt that day, which they take into church for Canon Chris to show to the congregation.

The 'Lazers' (8 years and above) move into the 'Alice Ryder' Room, where they too learn more about our relationship with God and what it means to be a Christian into today's world. Using 'Xstream' leaflets and Bible cards which, hopefully, encourage the children to talk to their families about what they have learnt that day, plus to help them read their Bibles at home during the week.

Also, we are trying to base some of the children's activities around the church services and festivals. To encourage and get them involved in what is going on at that particular part of the church year, eg. showing their work to the congregation, making banners, streamers, Easter bonnets or dressing up as the 'wisemen'. Thus making them feel more of a part of the church community.

Also, you may have noticed that our pleasant and efficient 'sales staff' are at work on the 'Fair Trade' stall most Sundays after the 10.30 service, made up of mostly 'Lazers', with occasional help from some of the keener 'Footprints' (We have to start them out as ' Business Entrepeneurs' as early as possible!). Ian and Shirley Artus and the children would like to take this opportunity to thank you for regular custom.

We would ask everyone in the congregation at St. Mary's, Davyhulme, to continue to pray for all of the children and their leaders, as this work is so important in the future spiritual development of the children and indeed the church.

Elizabeth Miller, on behalf of the 'Lazers', 'Footprints' and 'Sunbeams' teams.