Children and Families
Susie Schruer is the Children and Families Ministry Enabler in the diocese.
Gerrie Mead The primary role of Susie’s position is to promote ministry to children and families in the Diocese by inspiring, resourcing, equipping and supporting parishes and people involved in such ministry.

This includes:
  • Advocating for children’s ministries at all levels within the Diocese.
  • Establishing and maintaining a database of parishes and people involved in children’s ministry and to connect them to each other through shared communication.
  • Resourcing and equipping people involved in children’s ministry through:
  • Training – both organising local and regional events and also informing people of other events being held by other denominations or dioceses.
  • Sourcing new and relevant teaching material and making it available.
  • Establishing and ensuring the continuation of the use of safe ministry practices.
If you need help, advice or information on: children in church on Sunday, afterschool clubs, holiday programs, Bible in Schools, all-age services, music and movement or kids ‘n’ coffee playgroups, parenting courses and resources, contact Susie at:
cmf@nelsonanglican.org.nz or phone 03 548 3124.
Susie says:

I started teaching Bible in Schools seven years ago and was deeply moved by the need for children to know who Jesus is, how much he loves them and that they can be his friends and love him too. I then started taking part in teaching children at Holy Trinity Richmond on Sundays and subsequently became the Kidschurch team leader there. Motivated by wanting to know more about what I was teaching the children and making up for a deficit in my own knowledge, I began a ‘very slow’ B.Theol at Bishopdale College. Slow because it has to fit around family, Kidschurch and Bible in Schools, and I have in fact put it aside this year to focus on my role in the diocese.

I enjoyed my previous role finding out about all the various forms of children’s and family ministry happening across the diocese, and I now look forward to promoting and supporting this vital ministry and helping everyone to be the best they can, in the place that they are, so that we see God’s kingdom grow.

Children and Family Ministries mission statement:

To inspire, equip, resource and support each parish to develop and sustain engaging children’s and family ministry.

 

Children and Family News (CFM)

 

Some things coming up to make a note of:

Resurgence – the children’s programme will happen in two marquees; one for preschoolers and one for ages 6-11/12. The aim of the program is not only to provide some fun and quality time for the children but also to showcase some of the things that are happening around the diocese in children’s ministry. So please come and have a look at what’s going on. The presenters will be available for questions and discussion after the sessions and for some of lunch time.

Preschoolers

Sunday morning ‘First Steps’ programmeRoz Mundy and Raewyn Parkes, Nativity

Mainly Music                                          Lynda Moses and team, Blenheim South

6 – 11/12

ICONZ for boys                          Ian Hawes, Greymouth

Girls Brigade                                          Glenda Thomson, Richmond

CRE large group program                        Paul Milson, Hope Community Church

Messy Church                                        Susie Schruer and others, Richmond

Afterschool club                         Miranda Warner and team, All Saints

 

Strandz – Julie Hintz will be visiting Nelson for some training and encouragement, Friday 24 – Sunday 26 February. She will be covering ‘developing young leaders’, child safety and creative Easter resources. Times and venues are still being worked on.

 

 Unlimited Children's Ministry Conference 
with Tammy Tolman and Brendon and Cathie Clancy (OKTV and kids' worship)

9-10 March, 2012
At Spreydon Baptist Church, Lyttleton Street, Christchurch

More information as it becomes available.

 

And don’t forget Sunday 4 March is National Children’s Day – it might be a good time to celebrate the children in your church and community. See www.childrensday.org.nz for more information. Also see ‘10 Promises for our children’ by Julie Weslake at www.kidsreach.org.au .

 

Susie Schruer  -      cfm@nelsonanglican.org.nz

Please contact Susie should you have any queries, require any help or wish to share any ideas regarding ministry to children and families.

 

 

 

 

Resources for children
Useful Links
www.strandz.org.nz Anglican Youth, Children and Family Ministries
www.dramashare.org
www.fea.net/bobsnook
www.dramatix.org
www.fools4christ.co.uk
www.sermons4kids.com  
www.max7.org  
 
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