A year's work and planning came together through this event held at the Bethany Christian Centre, Houghton-le-Spring on the last day of September. This was seen by everyone to be ecumenism at its best, as those who engage with children's ministry in a variety of denominations including the United Reformed Church, Methodists, Salvation Army, Baptists and two Anglican dioceses came together to learn and share experiences.
All the 143 delegates were given a range of workshops to engage in during the day which included hands on events and lots of fresh new ideas and strategies. There were also events held by the key note speakers Andy Back, Martyn Payne and Puppet Power for all to savour.
This was dispersed with wonderful refreshments, a huge range of resources, and an opportunity to network with old and new friends. The day opened and closed with reflective and jubilant worship which was led by a worship band; and all that had been experienced during the day was brought together in a sharing manner at the close of worship.
There was a definite buzz surrounding the day and it appears that this sense of belief in children's ministry continues. Many of the comments received have included thanks and prayer for those who planned and organised this event, but also grateful appreciation for what the day has allowed delegates to do as well.
“This event has allowed me the energy to keep working in Junior Church when I was feeling out of ideas and energy thank you” said Methodist delegate. “Thank you for a wonderful day. I have learnt new ideas and really had a chance to enjoy myself with so many like-minded people. when is the next event?”
Synod Children's Committee member Meg Robb adds...
Heart4Children was a tremendous example of how there can be ecumenical working together across the region. No one denomination on its own could have organised such a good event. It was good to share and to have the numbers which allowed the funding for bringing in people with great expertise.
I think at the very least Synod Ecumenical Commitee should endorse such good practice and maybe this is the way forward where Youth Work and other aspects of church life are concerned, too.And members of St Andrew's, Benton (Elsie & Wim Opdenbrouw, Julie Smith and Ivy Freeman) say
We want to let people know how impressed we were by the day and how helpful we found all the talks and workshops. We brought back with us so many treasures to pass on to our children. Not only the children! We shared in morning worship on the Sunday morning with all the congregation some of the exciting things we did.Many thanks to Hannah, Allison, Joy and everyone else for thinking it up in the first place.
