Annual Report 2012 – compressed - York St Church of Christ

YORKIE KIDS REPORTGod has a plan for our kids.And… He wants them to know it!!!What a privilege we have here at York St to be able to participate together with families in providing an environmentwhere kids can grow and develop in their own faith, as valued members of our community. As a community we have aresponsibility to teach our kids, by our words and actions, about the love and wonders of God!We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord,about his power and his mighty wonders. For he issued his laws to Jacob; he gave his instructions to Israel. He commandedour ancestors to teach them to their children, so the next generation might know them - even the children notyet born and they in turn will teach their own children. So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgettinghis glorious miracles and obeying his commands.Psalm 78: 4-7 (NLT)I am sure youare all awareministry hasundergone afair bit ofchange thisyear with theloss of TraceValentine, moving to Queensland with her family, earlierthis year. In the interim Yorkie Kids was very ably led byEileen Bennett. Many thanks to her for her hard workand commitment to maintaining continuity in providing aquality Sunday morning kids program and in helping mesettle in to the new role. Special mention must also bemade to all the Yorkie Kids leaders and helpers whohave faithfully volunteered their time to serve ourchildren and families in this way. I have only been in thisrole for a few weeks but already I am impressed by thededication of all these wonderful, servant heartedpeople; Eunice, Aaron, Maurice, Dan, Brenda, Alice,Toby, Zac, Maddy, Michelle, Emily, Jemma, Aimee,Rachelle, Lydia, Ryan, Simone, Sam, Maxine, Chris,anyone!Yorkie Kids begins with the congregation at the10.30am service. We then move either to the youth hallor, for the Grade 5/6 girls and boys groups, straight totheir small group. In the youth hall we have a time ofworship, where the story or theme is introduced. Thekids then move to their small groups for further learningand building on what took place in the large group.Finally, all primary school groups meet back in the hallto finish off with worship and prayer.This year wehavecontinued touse thecurriculumfrom 252Basics,written by thedifferent virtue each month which helps encourage thekids to put into their lives the lessons we learn. In term 3we focused on the virtues of trust and of individuality.The Bubbles Group (pre-schoolers) have a separateprogram, in the kindergarten, faithfully led by Meg Bondwith help from Caleb Milburn and a great group of youthhelpers... of whom I am still learning their names!Apologies!!!! Michelle McCausland has continued to planthis role in term 4. Many thanks to Michelle for herdedication to this ministry each week and please pray fora replacement for her.Desley Hopkins has continued to lead and coordinate thegroup of parent leaders and youth helpers in the Creche.Thank you to her, to the parents and to all the awesomeyouth helpers!Thanks also to Sarah Bolton and all the MOPS team, andBrenda Peralta, Alisa Walter and the Mainly Music team,for allowing me to step in and work alongside you all. Inmany different and creative ways these wonderful peoplecontribute to serving the wider community with the loveof Jesus. Continue to pray for these ministries,term 4, and for all the opportunities we have of reachingFinally, a big thank you also to Tim, Blake and all thestaff, as well as all of you who have made my family and Ifeel so welcome here at York St. Like you, I look forwardto seeing the completion of the playground and all theopportunities it presents. I am really excited as we lookforward, and work together, to continue the work that hasgone before for the sake of the gospel of our wonderfulLord and Saviour JesusChrist!Colette Harrison12