Messy Togetherness: Being intergenerational in Messy Church

Author : Martyn Payne and Chris Barnett

£9.99

Why do more and more people advocate the idea that the generations should explore faith together, and what does the Bible have to say about this? How does this fit with our inherited model of age-related groups for learning and discipleship? And is it really practical and possible to have an experience of church where the youngest to the oldest share the same meeting space, service theme and time to worship? Edited by Aike Kennett-Brown, in Messy Togetherness Martyn Payne discusses Messy Church as an intergenerational expression of church and the benefits of this to the church community. He explores current thinking about faith development and give a biblical rationale for the all-age approach, offering practical advice and sharing stories and ideas from across the Messy Church network. Chris Barnett provides a brand-new chapter on being intentionally intergenerational.

This product will be available as soon as it’s published on
23 May 2025

Title	Messy Togetherness: Being intergenerational in Messy Church
Author	Martyn Payne and Chris Barnett
ISBN
Description	Why do more and more people advocate the idea that the generations should explore faith together, and what does the Bible have to say about this? How does this fit with our inherited model of age-related groups for learning and discipleship? And is it really practical and possible to have an experience of church where the youngest to the oldest share the same meeting space, service theme and time to worship? Edited by Aike Kennett-Brown, in Messy Togetherness Martyn Payne discusses Messy Church as an intergenerational expression of church and the benefits of this to the church community. He explores current thinking about faith development and give a biblical rationale for the all-age approach, offering practical advice and sharing stories and ideas from across the Messy Church network. Chris Barnett provides a brand-new chapter on being intentionally intergenerational.
Details	Product code: 9781800390027 Published: 23 May 2025 Format: Paperback Pages: 192 Dimensions: 130mm wide and 198mm high

Author Info
Endorsements

Martyn Payne worked with BRF Ministries and Messy Church for 15 years before his retirement at the end of 2017. He has a background in Bible storytelling and leading all-age worship, and is passionate about the blessing that comes when generations explore faith together.

Chris Barnett brings to the intergenerational space a wealth of experience, a heart for connecting and a commitment to facilitating learning together.

‘Ministry leaders worldwide desire to facilitate intergenerational faith formation in their ministries, but the question often arising from that desire is: “Where do we begin?” Martin Payne, Chris Barnett and Aike Kennett- Brown help faith communities define and uphold intergenerational values while unleashing a plethora of fresh creativity and resources for making “messy togetherness” a transformative reality.’

Dr Valerie M. Grissom, author of All Ages Becoming, chair of the InterGenerate Team and Presbyterian pastor

‘This book is a gem! Building on the previous edition and incorporating new learning around intergenerational church, Messy Togetherness offers wisdom and theology, born out of experience, which every church com- munity should take note of. Read the book and join the journey!’

The Revd Mary Hawes, children’s spirituality consultant, former Church of England National Children and Youth Adviser

‘An enlightening exploration of why and how being “all age” is the necessary default for all Messy Churches. While intergenerational church is still countercultural in many settings, this book offers updated research and helpful teaching to enable Messy Churches – and all gathered congregations – to consider what it means to truly be an intergenerational church.’ Rachel Gotobed, family ministries outreach mission partner, The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory

‘Whether you’ve only heard about this whole Messy Church thing or you’ve been part of one for a decade, this book is for you. It’s chock full of stories, insights, and practical ideas. What are you waiting for? Read this book and join the Messy revolution!’

David M. Csinos, associate professor of practical theology at Atlantic School of Theology, founder of Faith Forward, and author of A Gospel for All Ages

‘Messy Togetherness gives a wonderful overview of the value of inter-generationality. A must-have book for anyone wishing to grow faith and discipleship in their Messy Church.’

Sandy Brodine, education and strategy coordinator for the Younger Generations Team, Victoria and Tasmania, Uniting Church in Australia

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Get Messy! Volume 3: Growing Christian values

Out of Stock

Each issue contains twelve session outlines for Messy Churches, running through the year from September to August. Everything you need...

Out of Stock

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As Christians, we believe that God calls us to meet with Jesus and allow him to change our lives. God is committed to us and, when we choose to follow him, we too must be committed - to God and to one another. Often our choice challenges us to make a change which is well worth making, so don't miss out: step aboard as we sail away on The Adventure Cruise!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Adventure Cruise\u003c\/em\u003e contains all the essential ingredients for a successful, easy-to-run midweek or holiday club programme, including:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSongs: Songs that we learn as children stay with us right through our lives. They are a wonderful way of planting biblical truths in a fun way. Children love helping with actions for songs, so why not ask for volunteers to join those who are leading the actions, to demonstrate them for the rest of the children.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOpening talks: A short talk to introduce the theme.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTheme illustrations and challenges: A fun way of getting children involved in the upfront times, plus a creative way to illustrate the theme.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Watt family serial drama: The Watt family find themselves battling against pirates on a modern cruise liner. Yes, pirates still exist - but they are not exciting heroes, just a bunch of crooks. The Watt family save the day on the adventure cruise of a lifetime. The daily instalments can be performed by a drama group, listened to on CD (visit www. johnhardwick.org.uk) or read as an adventure story. 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Pull up the anchor and get ready to sail as \u003cem\u003eThe Adventure Cruise\u003c\/em\u003e launches into a programme of fun-filled activities for 5-11s. Cruise six 'C's and meet people along the way whose lives changed course when they met Jesus. Discover their stories through the six 'C's of choice, courage, call, change, commitment and challenge, and find out how we too can get on board with Jesus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach of the six themes is unpacked through an exciting mix of songs; up-front talks and theme illustrations; team challenges; daily dramas with the ever-popular Watt family; crafts; games; puppet sketches; dramatised Bible stories; quizzes and funsheets, all provided off-the-peg and ready to roll. There are also hints and tips for setting up your club, suggested programme outlines, creative prayer activities, downloadable MP3s of all the songs; templates for posters, badges, invitations and registration sheets; and ideas for an extra event.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for 5-11s in midweek and holiday clubs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eFrom the Introduction\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePull up the anchor and get ready to sail as \u003cem\u003eThe Adventure Cruise\u003c\/em\u003e launches into a programme of simple, fun-to-do activities. We'll be cruising the six 'C's, meeting people along the way who have had a life-changing encounter with Jesus. First of all there is the 'C' of Choice, then Courage, Call, Change, Commitment and Challenge. Just like the people we meet in the Bible stories about Jesus, we have choices to make, many of which will involve a great deal of courage. As Christians, we believe that God calls us to meet with Jesus and allow him to change our lives. God is committed to us and, when we choose to follow him, we too must be committed - to God and to one another. Often our choice challenges us to make a change which is well worth making, so don't miss out: step aboard as we sail away on The Adventure Cruise!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Adventure Cruise\u003c\/em\u003e contains all the essential ingredients for a successful, easy-to-run midweek or holiday club programme, including:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSongs: Songs that we learn as children stay with us right through our lives. They are a wonderful way of planting biblical truths in a fun way. Children love helping with actions for songs, so why not ask for volunteers to join those who are leading the actions, to demonstrate them for the rest of the children.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOpening talks: A short talk to introduce the theme.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTheme illustrations and challenges: A fun way of getting children involved in the upfront times, plus a creative way to illustrate the theme.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Watt family serial drama: The Watt family find themselves battling against pirates on a modern cruise liner. Yes, pirates still exist - but they are not exciting heroes, just a bunch of crooks. The Watt family save the day on the adventure cruise of a lifetime. The daily instalments can be performed by a drama group, listened to on CD (visit www. johnhardwick.org.uk) or read as an adventure story. The Watt family serial drama helps set the scene and leaves the children on a cliff hanger each time, ensuring that they are keen to return to hear the next episode.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCrafts: A range of simple crafts ideas that fit with the theme of the programme.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGames: Team games for the children to enjoy. Also good for spending excess energy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePuppet sketches: A fun way to introduce and reinforce the theme for the day.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eQuick quiz questions: An ideal way to recap and reinforce in a fun way what the children have learnt. Also a way of earning points for the teams or tokens to spend.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBible story narrations: Many children attending a holiday or midweek club know few stories from the Bible, so this is a wonderful opportunity to teach them. There are profound lessons to be learned from the amazing stories, so please never feel that we have outgrown them.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrayers: A quiet way to explore the theme.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTime fillers: Ideas for expanding the programme as required.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTemplates: Simple ideas for creating the publicity and administration items for your club.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBadges, invitation cards, registration form and presentation poster.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhotocopy permission is given on all scripts and music notation for the theme songs and memory verses, as well as the templates for the crafts, publicity, and administration forms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe songs within The Adventure Cruise Midweek and Holiday Club Programme are available on a CD directly from \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/johnhardwick.org.uk\/\"\u003eJohn Hardwick's website\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJohn works under the banner of Counties and Children Worldwide to present the Christian message in an exciting way, which will appeal to children of all ages.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe is an all-age worship leader at Spring Harvest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom \u003cem\u003eChurch Times\u003c\/em\u003e - 2 August 2013\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Adventure Cruise\u003c\/em\u003e offers resources for a nautically themed holiday club or midweek programme. Unlike the other books reviewed here, it does not cater for all ages, but is entirely for children. Besides giving useful advice for those running a club for the first time, John Hardwick offers a wide range of resources, including dramas, crafts, games, and teaching. There is a good structure, but choices need to be made, demanding a significant degree of engagement with the material. The BRF has a track record of producing good holiday-club resources. \u003cem\u003eThe Adventure Cruise\u003c\/em\u003e is no exception.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Revd Dana Delap\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}

The Adventure Cruise Midweek and Holiday Club Programme: A ready to roll five-day holiday club or 12-week midweek club plan

Out of Stock

Exciting programme suggestions for use with both holiday clubs and midweek clubs. Pull up the anchor and get ready to sail...

Out of Stock

{"id":14961544462716,"title":"Not Sunday, Not School Bible Heroes! A once-a-month children's programme for small churches","handle":"not-sunday-not-school-bible-heroes-a-once-a-month-childrens-programme-for-small-churches-1","description":"\u003cp\u003eIdeal for church-based children's leaders working with 3-11s. \u003cem\u003eNot Sunday, Not School Bible Heroes!\u003c\/em\u003e contains eleven off-the-peg themed activity programmes and a five-session holiday club based around the lives of Old and New Testament Bible heroes, both well-known and less familiar. The material builds on the success of Not Sunday, Not School! and Through the Year with Jesus! by offering a further year's worth of programme ideas to facilitate children's work in small churches and rural communities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach two-hour programme offers material for a range of practical activities including storytelling, games, art and craft, drama, discussions, music, cookery and Bible teaching, plus ideas for an act of worship following a workshop session. These activities are designed to explore the stories of God working through people throughout history, including considering how we ourselves might fit in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe programmes are introduced with helpful hints on how to run an effective children's programme outside of Sunday worship, including information on planning and preparation, using the Bible, creative and reflective storytelling and a concluding act of worship.\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2025-01-14T14:39:17+00:00","created_at":"2025-01-14T14:37:50+00:00","vendor":"BRFonline","type":"Paperback","tags":["Children and family ministry"],"price":999,"price_min":999,"price_max":999,"available":false,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":54875881931132,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857461506","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":false,"name":"Not Sunday, Not School Bible Heroes! A once-a-month children's programme for small churches - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":999,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857461506","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857461506-l.jpg?v=1589991434"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857461506-l.jpg?v=1589991434","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":"Not Sunday Not School Bible Heroes!","id":3259457732747,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.658,"height":676,"width":445,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857461506-l.jpg?v=1589991434"},"aspect_ratio":0.658,"height":676,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857461506-l.jpg?v=1589991434","width":445}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eIdeal for church-based children's leaders working with 3-11s. \u003cem\u003eNot Sunday, Not School Bible Heroes!\u003c\/em\u003e contains eleven off-the-peg themed activity programmes and a five-session holiday club based around the lives of Old and New Testament Bible heroes, both well-known and less familiar. The material builds on the success of Not Sunday, Not School! and Through the Year with Jesus! by offering a further year's worth of programme ideas to facilitate children's work in small churches and rural communities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach two-hour programme offers material for a range of practical activities including storytelling, games, art and craft, drama, discussions, music, cookery and Bible teaching, plus ideas for an act of worship following a workshop session. These activities are designed to explore the stories of God working through people throughout history, including considering how we ourselves might fit in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe programmes are introduced with helpful hints on how to run an effective children's programme outside of Sunday worship, including information on planning and preparation, using the Bible, creative and reflective storytelling and a concluding act of worship.\u003c\/p\u003e"}

Not Sunday, Not School Bible Heroes! A once-a-month children's programme for small churches

Out of Stock

Ideal for church-based children's leaders working with 3-11s. Not Sunday, Not School Bible Heroes! contains eleven off-the-peg themed activity programmes...

Out of Stock

{"id":14961536827772,"title":"Messy Family Fun: A holiday club for all the family","handle":"messy-family-fun-a-holiday-club-for-all-the-family-1","description":"\u003cp\u003e'Nothing else we've tried has had anything like the same impact' Fun, low-cost holiday time for your Messy Church families that strengthens their relationships with each other - and yours with them!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMessy Family Fun\u003c\/em\u003e gives you everything you need to run a holiday club programme for children and adults together. It includes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMessy Family Fun Club: five three-hour session plans (including meal time) designed to be run on consecutive days\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMessy Church Fun Day: outline for a one-day taster or community event to attract new families\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBackground, rationale and principles for the five-day model, plus stories of similar initiatives and follow-up ideas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComprehensive downloadable support material\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","published_at":"2025-01-14T14:34:31+00:00","created_at":"2025-01-14T14:33:52+00:00","vendor":"Lucy Moore","type":"Paperback","tags":["Children and family ministry","Messy Church books"],"price":999,"price_min":999,"price_max":999,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":54875872985468,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857463050","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Messy Family Fun: A holiday club for all the family - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":999,"weight":305,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857463050","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857463050-l_603bfdce-46dc-445d-9402-0979667f1503.jpg?v=1550674964","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD3050.jpg?v=1591979337"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857463050-l_603bfdce-46dc-445d-9402-0979667f1503.jpg?v=1550674964","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3259460714635,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.699,"height":698,"width":488,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857463050-l_603bfdce-46dc-445d-9402-0979667f1503.jpg?v=1550674964"},"aspect_ratio":0.699,"height":698,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857463050-l_603bfdce-46dc-445d-9402-0979667f1503.jpg?v=1550674964","width":488},{"alt":null,"id":9585736351896,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.698,"height":650,"width":454,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD3050.jpg?v=1591979337"},"aspect_ratio":0.698,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD3050.jpg?v=1591979337","width":454}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e'Nothing else we've tried has had anything like the same impact' Fun, low-cost holiday time for your Messy Church families that strengthens their relationships with each other - and yours with them!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMessy Family Fun\u003c\/em\u003e gives you everything you need to run a holiday club programme for children and adults together. It includes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMessy Family Fun Club: five three-hour session plans (including meal time) designed to be run on consecutive days\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMessy Church Fun Day: outline for a one-day taster or community event to attract new families\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBackground, rationale and principles for the five-day model, plus stories of similar initiatives and follow-up ideas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComprehensive downloadable support material\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e"}

Messy Family Fun: A holiday club for all the family

£9.99

'Nothing else we've tried has had anything like the same impact' Fun, low-cost holiday time for your Messy Church families that...

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{"id":14961403494780,"title":"Few Children Great Opportunities: 12 stand-alone sessions for mixed-age church-based groups","handle":"few-children-great-opportunities-12-stand-alone-sessions-for-mixed-age-church-based-groups-1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFew Children, Great Opportunities\u003c\/em\u003e contains 12 ready-to-use thematic sessions exploring the character of God through the model we see in Jesus. The programme is ideal for church-based children's work where there are small numbers of children and an age range from 3 to 11 years. Because a small number of children with a mixed age range also defines many families, the material can be adapted for home use by families who want to spend time growing in faith together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sessions are non-sequential and can be used in any order whilst still building on each other. The material seeks to engage head, heart and hands by giving several ways to tell a Bible story using different learning styles; offering a variety of activities that help children to engage with the story; and including original songs, rhymes and chants as well as non-musical ways to worship God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe format has the flexibility to be used in church-based groups lasting between 20 and 60 minutes or within a midweek club. Each session is structured in the same way and includes a story book activity to provide continuity, cohesion and recall, and a family follow-up sheet with ideas to encourage families to think about each characteristic at home together during the week.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 12 characters of God explored in the programme include: love; faithfulness; patience; power; goodness; self-control; peace; trustworthiness; kindness; truthful; gentleness and joy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for small church-based children's groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGetting the best out of the material\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGod is love\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTheme: We can spread Jesus' love\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGod is faithful\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTheme: We can keep faithful to God's word\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGod is patient\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTheme: Learning to be patient, like Jesus\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGod is powerful\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTheme: Discovering God's power at work in u\u003c\/em\u003es\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGod is good\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTheme: Showing God's goodness to those who are unwell\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGod is self-controlled\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTheme: Managing our lives in God's best ways\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGod is peace\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTheme: Being a peacemaker, like Jesus\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGod is trustworthy\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTheme: Trusting God with everything in life\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGod is kind\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTheme: We can show God's kindness to those in need\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGod is truth\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTheme: Living a truthful life with God\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGod is gentle\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTheme: Showing God's gentleness\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGod is joyful\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTheme: Sharing God's joy\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eFrom the Introduction\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEach session is themed, and it doesn't matter in which order the sessions are used. In your initial preparation you may wish to discuss with your church leader the preaching programme for the coming few months and see if any of the sessions are more appropriate for particular weeks. Once prepared, however, a facilitator can hold a session over and use it at any later date if no children turn up.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEach session is flexible and can be easily adapted to the time available, whether 20 minutes or over an hour. If you only have a short session time, the material can be shaped into two or more sessions so that you are not wasting material.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEmphasis is given to forming and growing a relationship with God and the people around us, and learning to serve God and each other.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMuch of the preparation for the session by the facilitator will consist of reading the Bible references, thinking through their own responses and becoming familiar with the options and ideas suggested.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe activities suggested, together with various options, can be customised to the numbers and ages of the group, even adapting at the point of delivery. It may sometimes happen that all the items prepared do not get used on a particular day. This shouldn't be regarded as a waste of time or effort, as these items can often be used or adapted on another occasion, and will save preparation time later on.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEach session includes ideas for home follow-up that can be suggested to parents, but the whole session can also be adapted to be used at home by families who want to set aside a time to connect with God and each other. See the section headed 'Using the material at home'.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePositive attention is given to developing an awareness of the mystery and wonder of God and finding meaningful ways together to celebrate him and express love for him.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEveryone is encouraged to discover God's character through the actions or teaching of Jesus, find out how people have responded to God in the past (both people in the Bible and in more recent history), discover people and organisations today who are responding to God through love and action and consider their own response.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is a treasure trove for all who struggle to provide meaningful times for small and fluctuating groups.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Catherine Kite, Faith Support Officer, Mothers' Union\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinistry Today - Summer 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is simply outstanding. It looks thin for the price, but it is packed full. Strictly speaking, this is a Sunday School book, but there is much that can be very easily adapted for the All Age Context.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe premise of this book is a situation all too familiar in many churches: a single Sunday School class with few members across a wide age-range, several of whom are not present every week. It's difficult to maintain continuity and dispiriting. This book contains 12 stand-alone sessions, which are designed so they can effectively be split into two or four sessions each, depending on the length of time available on the Sunday. In theory, you could have a year's worth of sessions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat's great about this book is that the authors create an age-appropriate 'liturgical' routine which includes opening and adding to special group scrapbook each week. So there's a skilfully developed combination of the familiar and the new. This gives continuity whether or not children have missed a week. In the All Age context, this could be adapted to a monthly service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso brilliant is that they offer explicit instructions, telling you what to say and teaching you how to listen. Of course, this can be adapted. You don't have to follow it precisely, but the effect is like a very good recipe book. You can tell these recipes will work, but they can also mined for ideas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter is headed with the theme, passage, Bible verse, linked stories from news and culture and theme. The sessions are clearly and helpfully divided into 'Way in', 'learn from Jesus', 'Tell... Consider... Explore... ... the Story', 'Praise', 'Explore other people's stories', 'Respond', 'Review', 'Way out', 'Follow up'. In fact, if you only took a few of these headings and regularly framed All Age Worship according to them, the book would have been money very well spent. 5\/5.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Dormandy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Country Way - June to September 2013\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany rural churches struggle to run meaningful children's groups, but resources are now becoming available that give real help - with material that is suitable for small numbers, a wide age-range and limited resources (especially in terms of leaders); \u003cem\u003eFew Children, Great Opportunities\u003c\/em\u003e is one of these.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sessions are designed for church-based groups, but are equally suited to those that meet in homes or even for individual families. Each is based around one facet of God's character (e.g. peace, truth, love) and how this is relevant for a child's daily life. Although there are connections between the different sessions, they can be used in any order. All follow a similar pattern, and have at their core a short passage of Scripture around which the rest of the activities revolve. They include the careful use of stories and linked activities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery helpful guidelines are provided at the start on how to make the best use of the material, and the material is designed flexibly so that each session can be adapted to cover more than one week. The additional resources required are few and relatively simple, but will require access to the internet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile not rural in content, this is another useful tool for small rural churches in their ministry to children.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Simon Martin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book was advertised in the January 2013 newsletter. It contains 12 stand-alone sessions for mixed age children's groups, each exploring a characteristic of God. It is published by Bible Reading Fellowship and costs 8.99. I began reading the opening pages of this book with some apprehension as some books seem to expect more time, or artistic ability, than I can offer. However I was encouraged by the tone and attitude towards children that came from the pages. There is a gentleness and yet an undercurrent of excitement about exploring who is God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI used the first session on a Sunday when I ended up with seven children ranging from a 3-year old with limited English to an articulate girl of 13, including a couple of very shy children and a noisy boy. As preparation I had already read the session and picked out what I would do in the 30 mins available. All of the resources needed I already had either at home or at church. Before the group started I quickly made up an example of the simple craft. It was accessible to all ages, though some needed more support but some of the older children were happy to help. The oldest children were up for joining in the fun and the youngest followed their lead.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey all seemed to get a sense of wonder from placing a drop of diluted food colouring onto paper towel and seeing how far it spread, like God's love spreading out. The small numbers enabled us to do this one at a time which allowed anticipation and each child to have their moment of full attention. They enjoy trying to fit under a duvet cover to represent being surrounded by God's love. The cups with hearts on were ideal for our worship time. Overall I found the material interactive and inclusive with some different ways of conveying God's love and our connection to it. I would need to work on ways to ensure the oldest ones have opportunities to learn and stretch themselves. As it stands I would say that 11 is really the upper age limit for this material. However by using a couple of leaders it would be simple to have deeper discussion with older ones as part of it. I was certainly grateful for the material which was ideal for a broad range of children, both in terms of age and temperament.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Linda Hallett, Uckfield URC\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2025-01-14T13:21:42+00:00","created_at":"2025-01-14T13:20:50+00:00","vendor":"Sue Price and Ruth Alliston","type":"Paperback","tags":["Children and family ministry","Glassboxx"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":false,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":54875724054908,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781841018805","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":8945786290276,"product_id":14961403494780,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-02-20T16:11:23+00:00","updated_at":"2020-05-20T17:16:09+01:00","alt":null,"width":476,"height":676,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841018805-l.jpg?v=1589991369","variant_ids":[54875724054908]},"available":false,"name":"Few Children Great Opportunities: 12 stand-alone sessions for mixed-age church-based groups - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":241,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781841018805","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3259468480651,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.704,"height":676,"width":476,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841018805-l.jpg?v=1589991369"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841018805-l.jpg?v=1589991369"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841018805-l.jpg?v=1589991369","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3259468480651,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.704,"height":676,"width":476,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841018805-l.jpg?v=1589991369"},"aspect_ratio":0.704,"height":676,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841018805-l.jpg?v=1589991369","width":476}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFew Children, Great Opportunities\u003c\/em\u003e contains 12 ready-to-use thematic sessions exploring the character of God through the model we see in Jesus. The programme is ideal for church-based children's work where there are small numbers of children and an age range from 3 to 11 years. Because a small number of children with a mixed age range also defines many families, the material can be adapted for home use by families who want to spend time growing in faith together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sessions are non-sequential and can be used in any order whilst still building on each other. The material seeks to engage head, heart and hands by giving several ways to tell a Bible story using different learning styles; offering a variety of activities that help children to engage with the story; and including original songs, rhymes and chants as well as non-musical ways to worship God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe format has the flexibility to be used in church-based groups lasting between 20 and 60 minutes or within a midweek club. Each session is structured in the same way and includes a story book activity to provide continuity, cohesion and recall, and a family follow-up sheet with ideas to encourage families to think about each characteristic at home together during the week.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 12 characters of God explored in the programme include: love; faithfulness; patience; power; goodness; self-control; peace; trustworthiness; kindness; truthful; gentleness and joy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for small church-based children's groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGetting the best out of the material\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGod is love\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTheme: We can spread Jesus' love\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGod is faithful\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTheme: We can keep faithful to God's word\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGod is patient\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTheme: Learning to be patient, like Jesus\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGod is powerful\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTheme: Discovering God's power at work in u\u003c\/em\u003es\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGod is good\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTheme: Showing God's goodness to those who are unwell\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGod is self-controlled\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTheme: Managing our lives in God's best ways\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGod is peace\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTheme: Being a peacemaker, like Jesus\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGod is trustworthy\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTheme: Trusting God with everything in life\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGod is kind\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTheme: We can show God's kindness to those in need\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGod is truth\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTheme: Living a truthful life with God\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGod is gentle\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTheme: Showing God's gentleness\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGod is joyful\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTheme: Sharing God's joy\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eFrom the Introduction\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEach session is themed, and it doesn't matter in which order the sessions are used. In your initial preparation you may wish to discuss with your church leader the preaching programme for the coming few months and see if any of the sessions are more appropriate for particular weeks. Once prepared, however, a facilitator can hold a session over and use it at any later date if no children turn up.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEach session is flexible and can be easily adapted to the time available, whether 20 minutes or over an hour. If you only have a short session time, the material can be shaped into two or more sessions so that you are not wasting material.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEmphasis is given to forming and growing a relationship with God and the people around us, and learning to serve God and each other.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMuch of the preparation for the session by the facilitator will consist of reading the Bible references, thinking through their own responses and becoming familiar with the options and ideas suggested.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe activities suggested, together with various options, can be customised to the numbers and ages of the group, even adapting at the point of delivery. It may sometimes happen that all the items prepared do not get used on a particular day. This shouldn't be regarded as a waste of time or effort, as these items can often be used or adapted on another occasion, and will save preparation time later on.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEach session includes ideas for home follow-up that can be suggested to parents, but the whole session can also be adapted to be used at home by families who want to set aside a time to connect with God and each other. See the section headed 'Using the material at home'.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePositive attention is given to developing an awareness of the mystery and wonder of God and finding meaningful ways together to celebrate him and express love for him.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEveryone is encouraged to discover God's character through the actions or teaching of Jesus, find out how people have responded to God in the past (both people in the Bible and in more recent history), discover people and organisations today who are responding to God through love and action and consider their own response.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is a treasure trove for all who struggle to provide meaningful times for small and fluctuating groups.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Catherine Kite, Faith Support Officer, Mothers' Union\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinistry Today - Summer 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is simply outstanding. It looks thin for the price, but it is packed full. Strictly speaking, this is a Sunday School book, but there is much that can be very easily adapted for the All Age Context.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe premise of this book is a situation all too familiar in many churches: a single Sunday School class with few members across a wide age-range, several of whom are not present every week. It's difficult to maintain continuity and dispiriting. This book contains 12 stand-alone sessions, which are designed so they can effectively be split into two or four sessions each, depending on the length of time available on the Sunday. In theory, you could have a year's worth of sessions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat's great about this book is that the authors create an age-appropriate 'liturgical' routine which includes opening and adding to special group scrapbook each week. So there's a skilfully developed combination of the familiar and the new. This gives continuity whether or not children have missed a week. In the All Age context, this could be adapted to a monthly service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso brilliant is that they offer explicit instructions, telling you what to say and teaching you how to listen. Of course, this can be adapted. You don't have to follow it precisely, but the effect is like a very good recipe book. You can tell these recipes will work, but they can also mined for ideas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter is headed with the theme, passage, Bible verse, linked stories from news and culture and theme. The sessions are clearly and helpfully divided into 'Way in', 'learn from Jesus', 'Tell... Consider... Explore... ... the Story', 'Praise', 'Explore other people's stories', 'Respond', 'Review', 'Way out', 'Follow up'. In fact, if you only took a few of these headings and regularly framed All Age Worship according to them, the book would have been money very well spent. 5\/5.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Dormandy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Country Way - June to September 2013\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany rural churches struggle to run meaningful children's groups, but resources are now becoming available that give real help - with material that is suitable for small numbers, a wide age-range and limited resources (especially in terms of leaders); \u003cem\u003eFew Children, Great Opportunities\u003c\/em\u003e is one of these.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sessions are designed for church-based groups, but are equally suited to those that meet in homes or even for individual families. Each is based around one facet of God's character (e.g. peace, truth, love) and how this is relevant for a child's daily life. Although there are connections between the different sessions, they can be used in any order. All follow a similar pattern, and have at their core a short passage of Scripture around which the rest of the activities revolve. They include the careful use of stories and linked activities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery helpful guidelines are provided at the start on how to make the best use of the material, and the material is designed flexibly so that each session can be adapted to cover more than one week. The additional resources required are few and relatively simple, but will require access to the internet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile not rural in content, this is another useful tool for small rural churches in their ministry to children.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Simon Martin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book was advertised in the January 2013 newsletter. It contains 12 stand-alone sessions for mixed age children's groups, each exploring a characteristic of God. It is published by Bible Reading Fellowship and costs 8.99. I began reading the opening pages of this book with some apprehension as some books seem to expect more time, or artistic ability, than I can offer. However I was encouraged by the tone and attitude towards children that came from the pages. There is a gentleness and yet an undercurrent of excitement about exploring who is God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI used the first session on a Sunday when I ended up with seven children ranging from a 3-year old with limited English to an articulate girl of 13, including a couple of very shy children and a noisy boy. As preparation I had already read the session and picked out what I would do in the 30 mins available. All of the resources needed I already had either at home or at church. Before the group started I quickly made up an example of the simple craft. It was accessible to all ages, though some needed more support but some of the older children were happy to help. The oldest children were up for joining in the fun and the youngest followed their lead.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey all seemed to get a sense of wonder from placing a drop of diluted food colouring onto paper towel and seeing how far it spread, like God's love spreading out. The small numbers enabled us to do this one at a time which allowed anticipation and each child to have their moment of full attention. They enjoy trying to fit under a duvet cover to represent being surrounded by God's love. The cups with hearts on were ideal for our worship time. Overall I found the material interactive and inclusive with some different ways of conveying God's love and our connection to it. I would need to work on ways to ensure the oldest ones have opportunities to learn and stretch themselves. As it stands I would say that 11 is really the upper age limit for this material. However by using a couple of leaders it would be simple to have deeper discussion with older ones as part of it. I was certainly grateful for the material which was ideal for a broad range of children, both in terms of age and temperament.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Linda Hallett, Uckfield URC\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}

Few Children Great Opportunities: 12 stand-alone sessions for mixed-age church-based groups

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Few Children, Great Opportunities contains 12 ready-to-use thematic sessions exploring the character of God through the model we see in...

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