What a privilege recently to be a part of Holiday Club at Holmes Chapel. Each day we welcomed up to about 25 children, from the age of 4 upwards. Some children we knew from Explorers, some from Messy Church, a number were our own grandchildren, a number had been last year and others were new to us.
Through the week we explored Luke’s gospel under the title of ‘Diary of a Disciple’. There were stories, sketches, videos, prayers and some very energetic songs with actions.
Games were played enthusiastically especially when the parachute was produced. Of course the children were always ready for a snack and drink mid morning and the adults were supplied with a much needed cuppa!
Three or four crafts were undertaken each day and all hands were needed for the trickier ones. Cooking is always popular and iced fish biscuits with generous helpings of sprinkles were produced and on Wednesday each child was able to take a pizza they had made home to cook for lunch.
There were further activities if children finished their crafts and many enjoyed painting, making bracelets, weaving or playing with Lego.
Our week culminated with worship where parents, grandparents and church family were invited to share in what the children had been doing and of course followed by tea and cake.
What a week of outreach, not only for the children but for their parents and grandparents as the children shared what they had learnt with them. It’s a busy week which takes a lot of preparation but with the dedication of all the helpers and the joy of the children I certainly felt richly blessed.
Christine Donlonl