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Childrens Work
Children are God’s V.I.P.s
Overall leader: Tim Hubbard 0-3’s Leader: Marion Pearce The crèche and toddler group’s main aim is to provide a safe, secure and peaceful environment for the children during the meeting. Parents and helpers take turns to care for the children. Once a child is happy to be left in crèche without a parent, then parents are able to stay in the main meeting. 3-5’s Leader: Chris Hubbard This is an exciting age group, since the children are beginning to discover God and his world for themselves. During their time in this group, the children learn about God as Creator, Jesus as Saviour, and about God’s love and power in our lives, as well as about prayer. During their time in 3-5's, a number of children make a commitment to Jesus. This may be for the first, second or third time, as children are not particularly bothered by theological issues – they just want to tell Jesus that they love him and want to follow him. We also start to teach the children how to hear God speaking to them, which quite amazing to see. 5-7's Leader: Adrian Colbrook The children in this age range are discovering God and his word for themselves. They enjoy the fun and activities, but also have a childlike faith which often allows them to grasp profound biblical truth that adults sometimes struggle with. 7-11's Leader: Tim Hubbard Children in the 7-11 age group love the noise and activity of some of the slightly wilder games that are played, but are also prepared to ‘have a go’ at spiritual activities, such as prophecy and praying for the sick. 11-14's Leaders: Jeff and Amanda Titmas This group has now grown to the point where we often divide into two ‘cells’. A typical Sunday morning will involve wild and wacky games, and a combination of worship, prayer, teaching and encouragement for the youngsters to share their faith. At this age, they are really young adults, and are beginning to exercise their faith through participating in teaching, leading worship, sharing spiritually with each other or leading one of the younger age groups. Ways you can help Whilst we have a very committed team of children’s workers, more workers are required. Therefore, all parents of children who participate in the activities provided for 0-11’s are required to form part of the team, on a rota basis. This normally works out at one week in every four or five, and parents have the freedom to join the team for whichever age group they wish. However, other people can also join the teams! Many parents of older children or non-parents (including some students) are already involved. Although it may appear daunting to lead a group of children, worksheets for the children and guidance notes for leaders are provided. After a few weeks, even the most timid helper usually settles down and enjoys watching the children develop. This is also a great place for developing your own gifts. If you feel called to be a worship leader or Bible teacher, what better place to exercise and test your gift than with the children? If you want to get involved with the children’s work, why not arrange to join a group one Sunday for a ‘taster’ session, by contacting the relevant team leader?
Child Protection Policy The safety and security of our children is of utmost importance, and therefore all those who work with children and young people are required to comply with OCC’s Child Protection Policy. This sets minimum adult:child ratios and stipulates that an adult and child are never left alone together. It also involves the completion of an OCC Child Protection Policy form, together with a Disclosure Application Form for the Criminal Records Bureau, which requires the production of references and the checking of identity documents.
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