After reading Lisa Lakey’s blog, 7 Ideas for Engaging with Your Kids This Summer, I began thinking about the plans I’ve made (or not) for spending time with my family this Summer. I live in a cul-de-sac. The advantages of this are that my kids can play and ride their bikes and scooters pretty safely …
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Our Building for Mission project is not just about our church building.  It’s also about seeking God’s will for our future and how He wants us to grow as a church.  This is a journey that will involve the whole church family, so this is a great opportunity to explain to our children what the …
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In the last 48 hours, from my kids, I’ve had two disproportionate hissy fits, one refusal to go to school in trousers that did not have holes in, an ongoing monologue about why we should get rats (already named) as pets, three complaints over lunch or dinner menus, but also more cuddles than I can …
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One Wednesday in December a small group of our Toddlers, and parents, spent a very special half an hour sharing the Christmas story at Field House. We have been visiting each month to sing nursery rhymes and actions songs with the residents and every time we visit the children and the elderly get to know …
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This year we have some changes to youth ministry at St John’s. If you are a parent, young person or team member and haven’t heard about the new events and timings read on below… Pathfinders – This year we are introducing Pathfinder Revolution, which will run twice a term. Revolution is a time for all …
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That is the question we posed at the Toddler end of term service last week. We read the story ‘I Love You to the Moon and Back’ and, after reading Psalm 139 verses 7-10 we decided that God’s love stretches further than the moon and back. God’s love goes with us wherever we go, be …
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Alex Podd reporting back after the recent weekend away… Early in February ‘Authentic’ (school years 10-13) went on their annual weekend away, this year entitled ‘Gamechangers’. Our superhero themed weekend included wide games, bush craft, worship, prayer and teaching. 34 young people attended, which was a fantastic opportunity for our newer cell group leaders (myself …
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  I do love a good conference.  Or training day.  Or general gathering…  In fact any opportunity to get together with peers and explore the issues of the day.  So, it was a pleasure to attend the Birmingham Diocese ‘Growing with God’ conference with a couple of the children’s ministry team last Saturday.  This is …
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St John’s Toddlers had fun last week making Valentine’s Day cards to give to people they love. In the Bible, it says that Jesus came for the homeless and the hopeless, those physically, relationally or emotionally tired or lonely – and those just at their wits end with the demands of looking after their under-fives! …
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As we face the New Year, and all its uncertainties, I have been learning to ‘pitch my tent in the land of hope.’ King David said: I saw God before me for all time. Nothing can shake me; he’s right by my side. I’m glad from the inside out. I have pitched my tent in …
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