Now we can’t meet together for Sunday School, Children’s Church, Kids’ Club, Boys’ Brigade, Girls’ Brigade, our church halls have fallen silent. Bereft of the bustle, lacking the laughter of all those little people who are such an important part of our church family, it doesn’t feel so wonderful.
So, in these days of distancing how might we keep connection with children and their families? How might we ensure that children’s ministry continues?
Here are some ideas gathered from around PCI congregations and some places to find resources to share.
Read a Bible story and post it
Video members of your team or congregation who will be familiar to children in your church read a Bible story and say why they like it. Post it online to your church website or Facebook page.
Do Sunday School online
Do children’s ministry live on a Sunday morning. Examples from around PCI include Aghadowey, Bushvale, Woodlands and Waringstown congregations. Check out what they are doing and carefully tailor what is achievable in your situation and that you know you will be able to sustain.
School’s out
It isn’t just children’s ministry in church that has been interrupted, what congregations do in day schools has also come to a halt. Belmont congregation are hosting a school assembly once a week to which children can tune in. Why not check with your local school what might be possible?
Easter’s coming
It might be difficult to get into gear at the minute to deliver anything while so much is going on in everybody’s life. But Easter is coming up fast and we wouldn’t want children to miss out on the story that is central to their journey of faith. The link here offers a free Easter activity guide telling and explaining the Easter story to pre-schoolers. How about sending the link to the families of the youngest members of your congregation in time for the run up to Easter?
Resourcing families together at home
This Facebook group has been set up to provide some Biblical ideas and resources that congregations could send to families to be able to do Sunday school in their homes. Check it out and pick one thing to share with your church families as they live under lockdown.
Finally, build whatever you are doing slowly. In these unusual days for children, parents and families, little things can make a big impact. Better to do one thing regularly and well, than try to do too much, overload people, or run out of steam.
These blogs are written as part of the online initiative These Three Remain to help resource congregations and individuals and families in their faith journeys during the Coronavirus crisis.