You will hear more about Kids Friendly throughout the year. Kids Friendly is the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand 's response to AC Neilson research "Attracting New Zealanders to spiritual life". It recognizes the vital contribution children and families make to healthy congregations; and it seeks to assist churches intentionally minister to children (0-12 years) and families by providing resources, advice, encouragement, training and coaching.
November 2011
The Kids Friendly Review Team Checking In
We have resumed monthly meetings as members were away in September. Meanwhile Susan Connell attended the August Wellington Presbytery Resource evening at Jill Kayser’s, national KF coach, sessions ”Children and Family-Connecting With” and “Serving Children and Families in the Community”. On 24th August Susan met with Jill Kayser to share progress and guidance. Relevant answers to our questions about how to get closer to being a church branded as “Kids Friendly”, 2012, were:
- KF church branding can be obtained with an intern minister if the person is KF, understands and applies the principles. It can also be done with a strong ministry team.
- Not all boxes of the review have to be ticked. However each of the 10 KF Ideals (posted in church foyer and hall) must have something happening in them. The ideals include community outreach to Christian and non-Christian children.
- St Ronan’s must produce its own set of Safety and Protection policies and procedures, in particular for children. This has been set down by legislation and the Presbyterian General Assembly 2004. St Ronan’s needs to complete this task with documentation now.
June 2011 Update
We are very fortunate in having a dedicated team who whose heart knows that growing children's faith in action is the way forward. We also know the good fortune of having a congregation that is open and encouraging to have St Ronan's move with the times and wishes to nurture and mentor the children's faith through positive relationships and actions.
We continue the review of valuing and inviting children's contributions:
- Children share their work;
- Children's activities and participation are displayed;
- Children's attendance is acknowledged and rewarded.
We invite everyone to make suggestions to enhance and expand the good work that is already being done.
Phil Benge is exploring ways to easily display and store children's images on the church's big screen. Designated bulletin boards will soon show changes in sharing children's work.
Colin Dalziel as Parish Council representative is negotiating funding to purchase Christian book prizes, other incentives and basic stationery supplies. The recently purchased reference books have been well used in Power Hour.
KFR Team: Peter McKenzie, Phil Benge, Colin Dalziel, Susan Connell
June 2010 Update
We would appreciate someone coming forward to be involved with us on a very important mission for St Ronan's. Who wants to make St Ronan's a better place?
Currently we are working on the VISION and MISSION STATEMENTS. We want to know: What do we want children to experience at our church?; How do we want our Kids Friendly church to feel, sound, look?; and, What is the strategic plan to provide intentional children's ministry to children of our church and our community?
Contact Phil Benge or Susan Connell if you can help or have some ideas.