Barb Totterdell May 19th 2019 ~ Happenings in Our Church

I’ve been so encouraged by a number of things happening recently within our church and beyond, particularly with regard to ministry with young people. Here are just some of the things that are encouraging me.

Partners in Prayer

It is fantastic that there are almost 60 people in our congregation praying specifically for one of our young people. There is no question that this will be significant in the lives of our young people and in the life of our congregation.

CRUWest Partnership Dinner

Last Monday night, seven people from St Philips attended the CRUWest Partnership dinner. It was excellent to hear about the impact of CRUWest’s camps, school groups, Interschool meetings and training. We heard a testimony from a local independent school student who committed her life to Jesus on the Spring Leadership Camp last year, that Kieran and a number of our teenagers attended. She is now looking to start a Christian group at her school.

Family Gatherings

Families, and others who are interested in journeying alongside families, continue to gather over lunch on the first Sunday of each month. It’s a good time of connection and growing in relationship. At the family gathering this month, we used a resource of FaithTalk With Children cards which opened up interesting conversations between people about life and faith. I was encouraged last Sunday to see one of our teenagers and a 1-y-o interacting, proceeding from the deepened connection at the Family Gathering the previous week.

Youth Group

As many of you will be aware, a couple of weeks ago we had our first youth group night which included Year 5s and 6s. It was an excellent night. I was particularly encouraged by the number of young people who invited friends along, and also the desire of our young people to engage with the Bible.

SU Camps

As the SU camps opened for the next school holidays, parents and young people discussed which camps they might register for.  There is eager anticipation amongst these young people of times of fun, faith and friendship during the July school holidays.

North Cottesloe Primary School

Each week six people from our congregation are present within North Cottesloe Primary School, working alongside children there in various ways. Their presence is deeply appreciated by the school. I am also about to start a lunchtime board games group which has been requested by the school.

New City Catechism

We continue to use the New City Catechism as the framework of our learning times for our young people on Sunday mornings. I’ve loved watching our kids drawing on previous questions as we discuss what we are learning. That’s the kind of foundation we are aiming to give them.

I give thanks to God for what He is doing in our midst, through us and in the schools in our area. Thanks for your part in it.

Blessings,
Barb