|
CHRIST CHURCH PADGATE |
||
OUR
CHURCH
INFORMATION
We are
ACTIVITIES OUR
GROUPS CONNECTIONS MISCELLANY Magazine extract Picture Gallery Trivia Useful Links
|
JUNIOR LINK (Sunday School) for young children meet in Christ Church School each Sunday during term times at 10.30 am. New children are always very welcome. There is a Children's service in Church usually on the 2nd Sunday of each month. INSIDE JUNIOR LINK Many of you are familiar with the row of Junior link children as they stand at the front of Church to show what they have been doing earlier in the school. However, what happens “behind the scene” may be more of a mystery! Junior Link is divided into two sections: Infants (who use a classroom) and Juniors (who meet in the hall). Our principal teachers are Megan Lester and Louise Higson – with Becky Byrne’s help for the Infants and Eric Bradbury and myself with the Juniors. Jill Perfect and Barbara Clayton step in if one of our regulars is unavailable – we have to follow strict rules concerning child protection. Infant and Junior age ranges mirror those of the day school. Our prime teaching objective is to give children a simple but strong basis for Christianity focused mainly on the life of Jesus. Infants hear Bible stories about Jesus and how he shows God’s love to everyone. This gives a sound background for the children as they approach junior age when their awareness of the wider world is expanding rapidly and we aim to add a positive Christian perspective to this. Deeper Bible study with our Juniors reveals how Christian values can be applied to their every-day lives. Topics for our lessons are taken from Living Stones resource books by Susan Sayers – Pebbles for Infants and Rocks for Juniors; these are based on the weekly readings from the Revised Common Lectionary on a three year cycle. When the children exhibit their work in Church the theme should be already familiar to the congregation! However we may sometimes substitute an important topic that was missed during holidays or which coincides with Junior Church services on the second Sunday of the month. An element of fun is important in our sessions – usually involving simple games and creative activities. Craft work which is taken home can be an excellent reminder of a particular lesson. We finish each lesson with a prayer which sums up what we have been learning. I use “we” here quite deliberately as teachers learn enormously as well, not only from their Bible reading and preparation, but also from Children’s questions which can be remarkably challenging! Any newcomers will be most welcome – parents should see Megan or myself. Edward Collinson
PLAYTIMERS
WHAT IS “PLAYTIMERS” ? a group for under fives and their carers. WHERE DO THEY MEET ? in Padgate Community Centre. WHEN DO THEY MEET ? on Fridays during term-time between 10a.m. & 1.15a.m. HOW MUCH IS IT ? a donation of £1 per family is appreciated. HOW MANY PEOPLE GO ? numbers vary. Usually 15-20 adults and 20-30 children. DO YOU HAVE TO GO EVERY WEEK ? no. Come when it is convenient. IS THERE A WAITING LIST ? no. WHAT DO YOU DO ? It’s Friday morning, it’s nearly ten, all are welcome at Playtimers again. The toys are out; it’s their favourite day waiting for children to come and play. There are bicycles, prams and dolls galore, the use of a car (if you’re under four!) A railway station where the trains are on time, noisy toys that play tunes and chime.
There are jigsaws and toys you can play in groups. (the Mums all play with the hula-hoops!) We’ve an inflatable shop if you need a meal. Unfortunately none of the food is real! There’s a doll’s house if you need a home and bricks if you want to build your own. A farm where the animals all run free and you won’t get a better cup of tea!
We’ve clay to roll and shape and mould and paint to create your own Van Gogh. There’s always something to make with glue to take home when the mornings through. We finish with a song and prayer to thank God for us being there. A wonderful time is had by all in Padgate Community Centre Hall. Sue Magrath
Page updated 26/08/08 |
