Church News Volume 2, Issue 8

Dear friends,

We have been very busy in the churches of the Benefice recently. Apart from all the Holy Week and Easter services which have on the whole been well attended, for the second year running we have organised a children's activity club on the first four mornings of Holy Week. Children from ages 4 years and upward attended. The HOT CROSS BUN CLUB this year attracted 50 children. Activities on different days, based around some of the themes of Holy Week and Easter, included: marbling eggs, making Roman Army helmets, baking Hot Cross Buns, banner and poster making, with plenty of cutting, sticking and painting. A large Easter garden was made by children and this, together with the posters and banners can be seen in All Saints' Church, Wickhambrook.

This work with children belongs to all the churches of the Benefice even though based in the church Hall at Wickhambrook. All parishes were represented by children and the volunteer adult helpers.

A monthly JAM CLUB meets at Wickhambrook church Hall on the first Sunday of the month for similar activities, from 9.15am to 10.45am. The last two meetings have seen 17 children attending and having fun whilst at the same time being introduced to some of the themes of the Church and Church's year. It is to our young people that the Church must reach out in this age I believe, if the Church has to have a future. We have to show the youngsters that the Church has a message, it is one that is relevant to them and to the world in which we live, and to break away from the prevailing image of the Church (often well deserved I'm afraid to say!) that the Church is obsessed with the past in its buildings, language and services. Our work with the children, and through them their parents, is a priority for all of our churches.

Thank you to all those who have offered words of support and encouragement. Thank you to those who have volunteered to help with this work. Can you?

Revd Ian M. Finn

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