<typohead type=2>A celebration of children</typohead>

"Love and reconciliation are cornerstones for families to function and for communities to flourish" enthused Henare O'Keefe, guest speaker at the National Children's Day service at St Stephen's Presbyterian Church, Onekawa, Napier on 28 October 2001.

" His message enthralled the congregation of children and adults and caught their attention through his down-to-earth delivery, good humour and everyday New Zealand experience ... ," said Marion Fell, Christian Education Co-ordinator.

Principals of local schools had advertised the event and a group of musicians from Wycliffe Intermediate School participated.

"One young lady, supported by family members, opened our service by committing herself to baptism for which our minister Keith Fuller officiated. Her considered decision at this early time in her [tertiary] educational studies set the tone for this special service," reported Mrs Fell.

The St Stephen's Christian Education Team had wanted to celebrate children and foster congregational links with children in the community. They invited Henare O'Keefe because he is an ambassador for the "Books in Homes" project. He told of how awards are given in schools to adults "caught reading to their children or grandchildren."

The congregation was delighted that included in the 12 whanau who joined the service were Mere Raukawa-Tait, CEO Women's Refuge, and Dinah Williams, a Hastings District Councillor.

But that is not the end of this story.

On 9 December during a family service this congregation presented boxes of gifts to Swinburn House, a local day care centre for disadvantaged children. Each of the 50 gifts, named and specially chosen for each child, contained a book and chocolate - a tangible link between celebrating children, providing books in homes, and Christian caring and outreach into the local community.

<typohead type=2>A celebration with children</typohead>

In that same Advent service the whole congregation - all ages - celebrated the birth of Jesus. Yet this was no traditional nativity play. It was One Nitwit News organised by the Christian Education Team but incorporating the entire congregation as the story was reported and acted around and through all present.

This service too began with a baptism but this time of a tiny baby who later had an important role in the manger. She received not only her baptismal record but also a certificate to note her special starring role on this day.

Learning about and from children

For a different kind of special event Auckland children produced art on the theme Hope for a Better World. On 30 September their work was on display in the Aotea Chapel.

A powhiri was followed by children's activities, adult workshops, and an intergenerational service - all organised by the Ecumenical Vigils group. The sub-title of the forum: 'Children: Our Litmus Test for Social Well-being' defined the aims. Workshops helped participants explore issues of poverty, housing, health and abuse as they affect children.

"We were seeking to draw the attention of the churches to issues and policies impacting on children, the most vulnerable in our society and to encourage churches to find ways of responding and creating positive social change," said Stuart Vogel, one of the organisers.

If you have a story to share about your ministry with children and families, please let me know. Thank you.

Mary Petersen, National Co-ordinator Ministry with Children and Families, Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand.45 Motuhoa Road, Tairua 2853. email: mjpetersen(at)xtra.co.nz