Each summer 50 children from the local area meet to enjoy a fun-filled week of crafts, games and interaction with a biblical topic at St. Johns Church. Most of the children who attend have no church background and will often only come to activities such as this.

In order for all this to happen we have a group of people praying and planning for the week. They take into consideration the needs of the children and how best to present the Christian message to a non-church culture. There are various meetings held to plan crafts and games and to timetable the whole week.

This year the theme is ‘Good News, Good News!’ based around a magazine publisher, looking for good news to print. Each day the morning begins with briefing volunteers of the days’ event and addressing any concerns. Last year we learnt a new song and Angie did a great job of teaching and getting us energised for the day. The next, and one of the most important aspects of our day, is to pray and ask God to be with the children and each of us.

Leaders then go to their group corners, doors are opened and enthusiastic children flood in. We have a quick group activity until all the children are in and then a welcome from the designated leader for the day, our theme song for the week, a sketch and then games and crafts.

Towards lunchtime the children are gathered together for a 30-minute God slot. This involves one leader presenting a Christian message, having time to discuss it and then prayers. Then it’s lunchtime and off to different pre-planned activities. Each day after the children have gone, we again meet up to share and address any concerns and pray together.

This year, as we are celebrating the good news of creation and we will be taking the children to Horton Farm. We will end the week by inviting the parents in for a buffet lunch and then with the children leading, we will present what we have been doing for the week.

Holiday Clubs are not just for the children but for us Christians to be challenged in how to present the Gospel in a meaningful way, for us to work closer together as a team and to have fun. We are always on the look out for new people to join our team. If you are inspired why not join in?

Caroline Merrick