ONE

BIG

FAMILY

Our Living Statement...

Strathearn United Church is a loving Christian community living by faith and action, communicating through worship, education, fellowship and outreach, greeting the future with hope.

Children/Youth Christian Development - Project Background and Status

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October 25, 2018 – Comprehensive proposal regarding space and program options for children (3 to 12) presented to and approved by the Board.

 

February 10, 2019 – Board hosted, congregational potluck lunch, following which the proposal was provided to all in attendance, Ruth shared information concerning background, context and current realities.  Included, were the following key considerations:

 

• Creating welcoming and accessible spaces for children and families, encouraging more integration of children with the rest of the congregation;

• Developing flexible, adaptable themes and materials that encourage and support children’s faith development, while recognizing the realities of today’s society;

• Making changes that communicate that we are comfortable with being flexible to meet the needs of today’s families;

• Recognizing that this will not be a “Magic Bullet”; need to avoid the expectation that “If we build it, they will come.”

• Need to be realistic about our energy and our limitations

• Will not happen overnight – need to be planned and intentional

• A shift in the environment within Sunday services, where there may be more movement between Sanctuary and children’s spaces, as we develop a culture that integrates children within the congregation and the worship experience.

 

Questions, discussion and comment/feedback were then encouraged and facilitated.  There was a clear majority support to proceed as proposed, with a couple of concerns/sensitivities to address.

 

February 21, 2019 – Ruth provided a Project Plan (action steps, timing) to the Board, which was accepted.

 

Accomplished to date:

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NEW!!! COME CHECK IT OUT!!

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This re-designed space in St. Stephen’s Chapel welcomes children and encourages fun while being a part of the congregation and the worship service.  Allowing little ones some freedom within the sanctuary, they can remain easily accessible to their parents.

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Family Room (formerly “Babyfold”)

• Removed all items attached to the walls

• Removed change table (wall mounted change table installed in large washroom)

• Sorted and reduced toys (many sold at Rummage Sale)

• Prepared room for painting (removed furniture, curtains, rods, filled holes/prepped walls

• Emptied closet and determined alternative storage of contents

• Selected paint colour(s)

• Ceiling professionally painted (following research and contracting)

 

Walls painted over the summer - thanks Jim!

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Parent/Nursery Room

• Determined alternative storage space for GANG materials and successfully negotiated agreement with that group

• GANG items removed following their recent Fabric Frenzy event

• Prepared room for painting

• Ceiling professionally painted

 

Walls painted over the summer - thanks Jim!

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Program Materials

 

• Using resources, including past years of curriculum materials, activity books, minister’s resources and internet searches, initial materials were prepared for ages 5 to 8 and 9+.  These were made available over a couple of recent Sundays.

• Further plans and ideas will be discussed with Rev. Sandy, in the very near future, with a view to connecting, where possible, the youth materials to the Sunday sermon message.

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Consistent with the way this Strathearn church family operates, people have stepped up and are getting things done, as evidenced by what has been accomplished to date.  Heartfelt thanks to all who contribute their time, talents and efforts to this project,

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There is still much to figure out and accomplish.  We have every faith that we’ll get there, given time and ongoing commitment.  Keep us in your prayers!

BE inspired