11
Regular church-goers might notice
that there is a prayer request most
weeks in the pew bulletin for children
to be baptised. It might be less obvious
that - again, most weeks - there are
baptisms on Sundays at 11am following
the regular Eucharist services.
Many parents who bring children for
baptism have a connection with St Au-
gustine’s, usually through other family
members who attend or have attended;
other family members who have been
baptised here; or who themselves
have been married here. It is always
a joy to welcome these families back to
St Augustine’s.
Earlier this year, we contacted those
who had brought children for baptism
over the last five years, offering a
“Kids’ Club.” There was an enthusiastic
response, and the venture started in
July this year. It was preceded by
a special service of thanksgiving for
baptism in June - a kind of family
reunion for our baptism families.
Kids’ Club now runs three times per
term, in each of the four terms of the
school year. It is held on Sundays at
12:30pm. There is play-time for the
children together at the start, during
which there is an opportunity to chat
with parents and talk about Christian
faith and family life. This is followed by
lunch, provided by the parish.
There then follows a very very very very
messy craft session, where paint, glitter,
play-dough, glue, ribbons, coloured
cardboard, and all kinds of “stuff” are
used in a kids-focused worship activity.
Last term, craft activities were around
the theme of “going to church.”
The session concludes with some faith-
based story-telling, singing, and prayer.
In the coming term, we shall move from
the hall precinct into the church for this
last part.
So Kids’ Club is not just a play-date for
children. While we are thrilled that
there is now a steady attendance of kids
who will hopefully grow up together
at St Augustine’s, what we are doing
is a different kind of church, which
hopefully accommodates busy families.
We also hope it offers another way for
kids to come to church when they are
too young to sit through a Eucharist
service. (Our kids range from about
2 to 5 years old, although we are
delighted that some infants and older
kids also come along.)
This initiative has been generously
supported by a grant of $500 from
GFS Australia (formerly Girls’ Friendly
Society), which has enabled the Kids’
Club to run this year without needing
to charge fees.
Crucially, as with any successful parish
activity, it is supported by enthusiastic
volunteers. Appreciation is recorded
here of the generous dedication and
participation of Lisa Bateson, Dawn
Johnston, Lyndall Worthington-
Wilmer, Coral Wolff, and Rudi Wolff
(and for letting their clothes get
splattered with paint).
Kids’ Club is not just for parishioners.
If you or anyone you know might be
interested, please do get in touch.
Kids at St Augustine’s?
You bet.
