This was a new venture by our church children’s worker and she needed someone to help – if it was to run. I thought I could probably cope with small children – Reception to year 3 – for about an hour on a Monday evening…..
So what happens? We arrive about half an hour early and set up the tables and put out the Lego. There seem to be 3 large crates of Lego and trays to put them in for ease of access!
I make 2 jugs of squash and get out a plate of biscuits for the children. Also some coffee and hot water for tea and mugs etc and put a cake on a plate with a knife. That is then taken downstairs to the café where the parents can stay if they wish.
The children arrive and initially are free to make what they want. When they have arrived the children are called together and Debbie (children’s worker) sets an initial task, related to the Bible story. For example: make a vehicle to go along a road for the Good Samaritan or the tallest tower for The Wise and Foolish Builders. The timer is set and after the time allocated (5 or 10 minutes usually) we look at what they have made.
Then it is time for the Bible story – a video of the story done with Lego. Debbie says these have to be pre-viewed as some are not suitable for the age group. I did like the Vikings who were the thieves whom the traveller met on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho!
The children are then set another task related to the story. For example: an underwater scene for Jesus Walking on Water or food for a picnic for the Feeding of the Five Thousand.
We look at these after the allocated time, then Debbie explains a bit and shows how it applies, we might pray or maybe sing a song. “Jesus is my Superhero” is a bit of an annoying ear-worm….
The children are then collected by parents, the Lego is collected up and put away, the cups and mugs are washed up and we go home!
So? Well, it is a bit different from my usual activities! But I do get some chance to play with Lego….
The aim of the club is to share Bible stories with children who don’t regularly attend church and how we can apply them to our lives. Also to build community and friendships among the younger children who attend the church.