It really is a beautiful little ecosystem of genuine connection, support and gospel sharing…
It’s with great joy that we’re jumping back into playtime ministry this term across both of our locations. Corrimal on Tuesdays and Wollongong on Thursdays. By engaging our community through the provision of a weekly playtime for children from birth to 5 years and their parents and carers we hope to plant seeds of the gospel. There are many opportunities for this over morning tea and a cuppa, through conversations, and via the stories, songs and craft that form the children’s program.
Over the last year and a bit I’ve witnessed mothers tirelessly serving their peers and coming alongside other young mums in raising their children and supporting each other in the precious time of motherhood. I’ve seen and spoken to grandparents who bring their grandkids along, providing valuable intergenerational wisdom and encouragement that comes with many years of seeing the seasons of life and growth and also learning from the young parents, how things have changed for raising kids in today’s world. I’ve observed children coming alongside children, showing hospitality and inviting them into play (often as modelled by their parent/ carer), offering help or toys, modelling actions or teaching words of songs. Families come along from English for Life lessons, connections with church families that they’ve met through sport, school or the local park. It really is a beautiful little ecosystem of genuine connection, support and gospel sharing, not out of compulsion but honest care from having gotten to know each other so deeply each week.
I really don’t need to convince you of the value of this ministry, God already knows it and so do we! But I would love to encourage you to be praying that many might hear of and grow in Christ through it. That the Christians involved would be sustained by the Holy Spirit as they rely on Him to change hearts. There are also a couple of ways you can support this ministry practically. If you love to bake, why not drop off something for morning tea the night before or morning of, at either location. If you love to chat with and encourage parents and carers, either consider joining us on team or come along one week to hang out! If you have a passion for frontline mission and sharing the gospel amongst the broader community, come along and try some skills. If you know someone who fits any of the above descriptions why not give them a tap on the shoulder and a gentle shove to consider serving. We’d love to have you, your neighbours, your grandchildren, nieces and nephews, your yoga instructor and their kids or your barber and their kids join us! See you there.
Corrimal – Tuesdays 9:30-11
Wollongong – Thursdays 9:30-11
Meaghan Gates | Children’s Minister
