Tiddlywinks caters for children up to and including seven year olds, and we meet every Sunday except the third one in the month. Although our numbers are very low at present we have a happy time sharing news and stories, followed by relevant craft and games.  As always we could use more helpers, and we would very much like to see more children.

Wendy Bowler, Mary Jensen, Glenys Parratt

TREASURE SEEEKERS

Treasure Seeekers is the branch of Children's Church which aims to provide Christian teaching for the 7-11 year olds in St Mary's congregation.Leaders: Elizabeth Dodd, Chris Figg & myself deliver this with the much appreciated assistance of a small band of helpers.An average attendance at Treasure Seekers is 5-6 boys/ girls in St Mary's Room, where the large floor area accomodates a range of activities for the children.The group meets on the second, fourth and fifth sundays of the month.

The leaders plan our Sunday mornings to include varied ways of delivering the Christian message to the children. Primarily, we want the children to enjoy coming to the sesssions. It is not school and the name Children's Church rather than Sunday School endorses this. So we use games, quizzes, practical activities and crafts along side a Bible Story.Over the last calender year, wwe have read stories of the Prophets from the Old Testament, Miracles from the New Testament and tied in the significant events in the Christian calender.

The Church is a large "family" and we wish the children to feel part of this. We allow time for them to tell their "news" and encourage them to share their outlook on the focus of the session. A quiet time for prayer is included and there is a reward scheme for attendance.

Last Summer Jo Hargrave took four children to the SPLASH day in Chelmsford organised by the Diocese. All enjoyed it.

Trudi Wright