Equipping faith partnerships

by Jodi Brook

A big part of the work of Grow Ministries is to develop resources that support families and congregations in their ministry to children and young people.

As the end of the year approaches and we look forward to a new one, we would like to share with you two of our updated resources. These aim to equip congregations as they develop partnerships with parents and carers, and together nurture faith.

UPDATED – FAITH TRAIL BEGINNING SCHOOL MARKER

Designed to encourage conversation with parents and children about starting school, this resource provides an opportunity to share the excitement and fears around beginning school, as well as empowering families to integrate sharing of highs and lows and prayer into their daily routine. This trail marker is intended for children who are starting school or who are in their first year of primary school.

Pastor Andrew Brook from St John’s Lutheran Church Unley in suburban Adelaide explains the impact that a trail marker event has had on a family in the community.

‘Each year St John’s holds the Faith Trail event ‘Blessing of the Backpacks’ at the beginning of the school year. We invite school families from the nearby Concordia-St John’s Campus to join us.

‘Last year a new school family came. Their five-year-old son proudly came forward to be blessed with his parents. This was not just the beginning of his school journey, but also their faith journey. They started coming to worship regularly and got to know us and the God we worship. The mother said she felt a sense of peace when gathered with us. COVID-19 hit, and we didn’t hold public worship for four months. But when we returned to face-to-face gathering, so did they, and then they attended an Alpha course.

‘This September the family was baptised – mum, dad and two boys. It all started with an invitation to a blessing, asking God to be a part of their son’s life as he started school.

‘From a little thing God was able to grow the big thing of faith in him and a new community of love and support. And with that St John’s has received all the blessings that this family have to give. Praise God!’

UPDATED – CHILDREN’S ADDRESSES 

This resource offers all you need to provide an engaging children’s address during your worship time. There are Bible readings, visual ideas and other helpful tips to ensure the gospel message is shared.

‘I’m loving the Grow Ministries Children’s Addresses and use them as a base for my children’s talks from time to time. We are encouraging others to be involved in this ministry and I’m looking forward to sharing this resource with our volunteers.’
– Sharon Green, Child, Youth and Family Ministry Director, St Petri Lutheran Church, Nuriootpa SA

Jodi Brook is Director of Grow Ministries.