Mother’s Union

For our first meeting back last month after the summer break we had asked Tom Tame, our Youth Pioneer, if he would speak to us about the children’s Holiday Club, led by him and organised by Chard Churches Together at Holyrood School. Unfortunately he was unable to come at the last minute, but as Rita Bagg, Liz Jones and Monica Mason came, they agreed to share their experiences, having all helped at the club during that week.

The staff met several times to plan the event, which ran from 10am to 1.30pm for children aged 4½ – 5 years up to year 5, about 10 years, with 20 minute sessions. The theme was Space Heroes, with Tom leading, dressed as Captain Awesome. The staff wore black T-shirts with a ‘Staff’ print and name badges. The sessions involved  drama, led byn Rev. Ann, who was excellent as The Witty Woman, crafts led by Rev. Georgina, when they also made swords for the fight later on, sports and games.

The children were given a Bible verse to learn each day, which our team said the learned very well. They made and displayed pictures about these on the trees outside.

Refreshments were provided, including lunch and a BBQ on the last day. The churches’ response to requests for food and drink was excellent.

It all came together at the end of the week with everyone taking part in  a drama, including a sword fight and slap-stick with foam, etc.

About 60 children registered but not all came every day. The adult staff and teenage helpers were CRB checked by Peter Stefanovic when security was paramount. Entry was free, with donation pots around which, hopefully, helped with costs. The biggest expense was the hire of the school.

The children seemed to thoroughly  enjoy the club and there was a very good response and feed back from the parents.

The team said the experience was enjoyable but quite exhausting, Thank you to all who took part.

Out next meeting is on Tuesday 4th October at 2.30pm when Rev. Georgina will talk about her Sabbatical experience earlier this year.

Chris Mahoney, our Diocesan Literature and Media Officer, will be bringing a large display of cards, books and other items, including a whole range of Christmas goods, so please come to take advantage of this opportunity. Our friends from Furnham branch will be joining us.

Best wishes to Beryl, our indoor member.

Best wishes,  Heather

 

 

Christian Meditation

Christian Meditation

At St. Mary’s

Every Thursday at 7pm in St. Mary’s Church

Our meetings are open to all

You do not need to be a member of St. Mary’s Church and there is no membership fee.

The meditation begins with a short reading followed by twenty minutes of silent contemplative prayer, also known as meditation.

If you would like to join us please let me know in order that I may keep you updated regarding venue.  If you have no experience of Christian meditation or you would like to discuss anything about this please feel free to contact me.

Meanwhile I look forward to welcoming you at our meetings.

 

Update from Lord’s Larder

The Lords larder is happy to accept gifts from the Harvest, if churches
would like to donate to us.

All kinds and also toothpaste and toiletries. However please no Baked
Beans, Tinned tomatoes or Pasta.

Thanks.

Maurice Banfield Lords Larder team member.

Chard Scoot and Skate Jam raises money for local skate park

This August young people in Chard worked with a team of volunteers from local churches to put together a Scoot and Skate Jam to raise money to repair the skate park. Not only did they have lots of fun, but they also managed to raise more than £400.

The event came about as a result of pioneering work undertaken by the team in Chard who are working to build relationships with young people in their own contexts and environments. 

Bath and Wells Youth Pioneer in Chard, Tom Tame said, “Over the past year, we have been running weekly detached youth work sessions at the skatepark, which has led to the young people wanting to do something for their local park that involves the community and raises money to improve the skate park. 

“The hope is that this will lead to more events at the skatepark in the future, resulting in deeper relationships being developed and presenting new opportunities for the community in Chard forming at the skate park to explore faith together in fresh and exciting ways.”

  

With the sun shining, a host of activities for everyone to do, and lots of support from the local community, the day was a great success, There was a BBQ, tuck shop, bike servicing and more. Local skate organisations such as Wave Games in Taunton and South West Skate Ramps came along to help judge the competitions for scooters and skaters, they also provided prizes for the winners and supplied additional skate ramps for use on the day. 

At the end of the day the young people had raised £450 which will go towards funding the necessary repairs to make the park safer and accessible for all ages and skill levels. 

Tom praised the young people for their hard work and determination, “It shows how much the young people are invested in making the skate park a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.”