Trafford Hall was the venue for an AwayDay attended by over 60 members from the four churches in Kirkby.  Back home Sunday services were cancelled in all but St Chad’s and the Awayday began and ended with short services in the Trafford Hall Ballroom.

Upstairs the children mapped Kirkby and thought about what was good and bad about church.

Downstairs the adults’ debate was facilitated by the Team Consultant, Harry Bundred.  Church members described what they thought about Kirkby, what they suspected Kirkby thought about their churches then started to dream how the church could represent itself better.

The discussion will carry on back home too.  Members of all our churches are invited to a follow-up meeting: 7.30pm on 10th October at St Mark’s. This will be where we start to work out not just what we think but what we are going to do about it.

You can view the Flip Chart pages here.

The Band play and children sing.

Two events this Christmas had St Chad’s packed to the rafters.

On Sunday 12th December the Band of the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment led an evening of Christmas Music and Carol Singing along with members of the Performance Studios Choir and Children from Kirkby Church of England School.  About £600 was raised for the Duke Of Lancaster’s Regiment Charity to support war wounded soldiers and the evening was full of fun and sparkle.

On the following Tuesday Kirkby CE School brought their Nativity into the Church to tell and celebrate the Christmas story – a reminder of the way heaven touched the world in the birth of Jesus Christ.

Children from Kirkby Church of England School singing at their 2010 Nativity in St Chad's Church.

The club in full swing (well at least for some of us!)

St. Andrew’s held their sixth children’s Holiday Club during the last week of July which was attended by 26 local children and upto 17 leaders over the 5 evenings. “Monsters Stink” used clips from the Monsters Inc film and looked at some of the fears that children face such as bullying, getting lost, feeling alone, being let down by friends etc.

Paige and Charley working around the tables

Every evening was fast moving involving singing, craft activities, games refreshments a puppet show and the famous Monsters Stink Challenge. We also learned about how certain characters from the bible such as David, Daniel and even Jesus himself reacted to fear.

Who's the mummy?

After a day’s rest on saturday many of the children and their parents attended a special church service on Sunday after which cakes were served and a number of games and activities took place in the church grounds.

Although totally exhausting a great week was had by both children and leaders and we will meet again when our Kids Club starts back for the new term on September 19th

Bert and Lucy converse with the children

St. Andrew’s Kids Club on 15th November witnessed the debut of Bert and Lucy, latex puppets who helped the children learn what it means to be a junior hero and have faith in God. The 7 foot high puppet theatre has been created from scratch by Bernie Riley, husband of Kids Club leader Irene. Future meetings will see more adventures with Bert and Lucy and maybe other characters too.

St. Andrew’s Kids Club is open to any children between 5 and 11. We meet on 3rd Sunday of every month 3-4:30 with the sessions being fast moving and interactive. Although Christian Truths are communicated to the children the sessions are more Saturday morning TV style than traditional church and both kids and leaders have a great time. For more information or to join ring Andy on 548 7969.

Spot the puppets!

James finds 2 new friends