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Enter the church after 1.15pm every Monday during term time and you will see a mini United Nations at play. Mothers, some Dads, Grandparents and Carers chat with each other or those who help from S.B.C. Many different languages are represented. Children are often spoken to in their own tongue but are made aware of other languages and that English is the universal medium, an important step to comprehend before they go to Playgroup and beyond. We don't ask what religion the parents follow; again many are represented - but all are equally welcome into Our Father's house.
Babies play with their toys on a carpet area and toddlers whizz around in cars. A slide, see-saw and trampoline are popular for a lot of children. Giant Lego, floor puzzles and kitchen toys are in use in the foyer and the children love the adults to join in their pretend cooking and eating. In a slightly quieter area books are freely available for Mum's and children to share. A table is set up to encourage the creativity of squeezing and cutting playdough, crayoning or fixing stickle-bricks together.
We hardly ever hear crying.
We get to know those who bring the children and we love to talk with them about their families and where they come from. Sometimes they tell us about their worries and we can pray with them.
‘Tidy up time’ is called at 2.10pm and a flurry of activity begins as helpers, Mums and children carry equipment through to the far end of the back hall to be put away.
Long low tables and small chairs are ready for juice and biscuit time. It's so good to see these little ones learn to sit down together and socialise over a snack - even to the extent of soggy biscuit sharing! The grown-ups enjoy tea and biscuits too.
Meanwhile the church area has been cleared and mats are in place, surrounded by adult chairs, so that the Rachel-led singing session can begin. Favourite songs and rhymes are sung with gusto. The finale at 2.45pm is a hymn of praise shared by all - 'Our God is a great big God'. The children love the now familiar words and actions.
Our God IS a great big God and He loves all these little people. Our prayer is that these seeds sown in the children and parent's lives will lead them to love Him too.
Myra Brignell
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