Children's Activities

F.O.G. Club is a happy place. We have continued this year with a programme of teaching and learning through reference to the Scriptures, discussion, prayer, drama, singing, games, art and craft and the occasional video. We try where possible to stay in line with the rest of the church, matching our work to the Gospel according to particular Sundays. Sometimes bits and pieces get taken home; sometimes banners or posters go on display – masterpieces for the   F.O.G. Club notice board in church!  It is gratifying to see that the older children are now not too shy to read aloud in public, and that even older ones are expert acolytes, servers or crucifers.

A little bit of tweaking here and there has allowed us to continue to fly the F.O.G.  Club flag despite our shrunken premises. We soldier on with our  little troops  and  Mark and Giselle,  our friends from afar,  continue to benefit from our giving through the Philippine Community Fund.

A highlight of the year was the “Christmas Experience”. A day course in Barnwood was a really valuable (and fun!) time for several of us. Designed by the Diocese this project furnished us with a super springboard for three Sunday mornings, exploring different facets of the Christmas story in a novel and interactive way. The story from Advent to Epiphany (with real live incense) engaged the children in a visual and hands-on way and was stimulating and moving too for the many mums and dads who were there. Angel-bearing cards with peace messages were freely distributed amongst the congregation back at church and so the message was seen to be spreading.  Christmas culminated as ever in the Crib Service, known to all of Cirencester, attracting people from far and wide, so they know what the season is really about.

Seemingly hot on its heels a joyful Mothering Sunday service managed to mingle millions of Little Angels, F.O.G. Club, older teenagers and even (hoorah!) choristers in a lively act of worship, with plenty of chances for the tinies to get off their wriggling bottoms. It is glorious and so very special to have them all at the altar to witness the preparation of the Eucharist.

The Rev’d Sandra Millar, inspired and inspirational, is our charismatic and “nearly” new Diocesan children’s officer, full of life and laughter. A Saturday with her in Watermoor Church Hall in February left everyone in her orbit enthused and  reinvigorated. It will be a treat to welcome her for April’s All Age service.

To backtrack to Christmas – as usual our party was great fun with lots of food and frolics and this year it was full of surprises too. How could so many secrets be kept for so long? The outgoing “old guard” was celebrated in quite some style and presented with personal “dossiers” artistically decorated, and filled with farewell messages, photos, drawings, paintings and cards. We were given lovely presents, flowers and a bottle of bubbly to boot! Thanks unbounded go to everyone who had a hand in all of this……we were overwhelmed…….

The children continue to be cared for by new leaders – old hands actually – who have been part of this club for many years and so mercifully fit the flavour already. Let us all pray in earnest for them and the youngsters  in their care.                                                                                   Mo Shepherd