Kids have a blast during space themed church club

MORE than thirty children enjoyed a space themed holiday club at Kirkheaton Parish Church last month.

The club was held in the church, which had been decorated with stars, bunting and other spacethemed items.

Led by ‘‘astronauts’’ Karen Atkinson and Andy Wright, youngsters aged from five to 11 years participated in songs led by a music group especially assembled for the event.

Daily activities included Bible stories about the life of the disciple Peter, with Apollo the puppet and a daily drama, written and performed by members of the church’s Re-Gen youth group on the week’s ‘Blast Off ’ theme.

The children also enjoyed jokes, learning memory verses and a challenging daily quiz about outerspace, fiercely contested by three Teams – the Crazy Comets, Shooting Stars and Racing Rockets.

Games, craft activities based on the story of the day, a ‘messy challenge’ and a DVD cartoon about Jesus and Peter, also featured every day.

Children and leaders embraced the space theme of the week by wearing amazing astronaut or aliens outfits they had made.

Young ‘‘astronauts’’ were treated to a disco on the Friday evening and a barbeque held on the parish centre field after a special holiday club service on the Sunday morning.

The church’s new Priest-inCharge, the Rev Ian Jones, was a regular visitor to the club and one of the first to leap onto the bouncy castle at the BBQ.

“I’ve been amazed and delighted by this fantastic holiday club and the huge amount of hard work put in by volunteers to make it happen,” he said.

“We’ve had an incredible week in which the kids have really enjoyed themselves, whilst learning about God’s love for them and their families.”

He said he hoped the kids would continue to join in the fun throughout the year by coming along to services and the youth groups – Krash Kids and Re-Gen held on Friday evenings in the Parish Centre and Sunday Club during the 10.30am morning service.

Karen Atkinson, church reader, local teacher and Street Angel, said; “I know the kids have enjoyed the club because they and their parents have been telling me all week!

“One little boy even asked his mum for God’s phone number so he could have a longer chat with him!”

Karen said the decision to open up the holiday club to families who attend the church’s Bible Breakfast, held every third Saturday, had been a hit, with several parents and carers bringing babies and younger children along.

“I’d like to invite anyone with young children to come along to our next Bible Breakfast on Saturday, August 19 at 9.30am in church. We provide free toast and cereal plus a Bible story and craft activities and we all have great fun,” she said.

For information on Krash Kids, Re-Gen, Bible Breakfast or other activities please phone Claire in the parish office on 01484 531449.