Bishop s Certificate in Children s Ministry Presentation Service Saturday 15th October 2011 3.00pm - 4.00pm Holy Trinity Church, Springfield The Church of England in Essex & East London Diocese of Chelmsford
Inspire Inspire, the Bishop s Certificate in Children s Ministry, is a course designed to support, encourage and develop leaders in children s ministry. The course has 12 sessions and covers issues such as; The World of the Child Children & Spirituality Children, Community & Church Life journeys Creativity & storytelling Messy Church & Godly Play Nurturing creativity for all Understanding child protection Managing behaviour Planning and evaluating work Developing leaders Today, we will be presenting certificates to those who attended the course and commissioning them in this valuable ministry.
Welcome Song - Over all the earth Over all the earth You reign on high Every mountain stream every sunset sky But my one request Lord my only aim Is that You'd reign in me again Lord reign in me Reign in Your power Over all my dreams In my darkest hour You are the Lord of all I am So won't You reign in me again Over every thought Over every word May my life reflect the beauty of my Lord 'Cause You mean more to me than any earthly thing So won't You reign in me again Presentation of Certificates
Song - The splendour of the King The splendour of the King, clothed in majesty Let all the earth rejoice All the earth rejoice He wraps himself in Light, and darkness tries to hide And trembles at His voice Trembles at His voice How great is our God, sing with me How great is our God, and all will see How great, how great is our God Age to age He stands And time is in His hands Beginning and the end Beginning and the end The Godhead Three in One Father Spirit Son The Lion and the Lamb The Lion and the Lamb
Act of Commissioning We make these promises to God our heavenly Father, to the children and young people we work amongst, to our church communities and to ourselves. For all those present - All who follow Jesus are given a share in the work he began. Through his grace we receive gifts and opportunities to demonstrate in words and actions God s love for them and for all his creation. As members together of God s family, the work of the church amongst children is the responsibility of us all. Will you all, as the People of God, support the work amongst children with enthusiasm, prayer, finance and facilities? Will you set apart those who are called to minister to children, offering them encouragement and guidance as they fulfil God s calling on their lives? Will you allow and encourage children to participate fully in the life of the church, offering opportunities for worship and for service which is both accessible and appropriate?
For those receiving their certificates - Those who work with children have a special responsibility and a precious opportunity. It is through our words, our actions and our example that children see the love of God and learn of his kingdom. Will you, as people who have been called to work with children, welcome them, be good friends to them, care for them, listen to them and love them as fellow members of the family of God? Will you share with them your hopes, your joys and your faith, and celebrate together our lives in God s world? Will you devote yourself and your prayers, your time and your energy to your preparation and ministry amongst children so that God will be honoured and glorified? Will you work alongside others in your church with love, support, understanding and forgiveness, pursuing all that makes for peace and develops unity?
Jesus said: As I have loved you, so you must love one another. Fill us with your love, so that we may love others fully and completely. Jesus said: I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. Shine on us, light of the world, so that we may always walk in your path. Jesus said: You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and then you will be my witnesses. Renew us with your Spirit, so that we may always do your work. May the love of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, be with you and with the children in our churches and communities. May we all grow in his love, follow his path, and be filled with his spirit. Amen Prayers Reflections - Ministry amongst children Bishop Stephen Cottrell
Blessing & Dismissal Song - As we go now... As we go now from this moment, as we leave behind our time together. May we walk with one another, may we help each other on the way. As we go now from this moment, as we go into the future together. May we treasure one another, may we realize how precious we are. May we realize how precious we are. May we realize how precious we are. With grateful thanks to; Nick Harding, Children s Work Adviser in Southall Diocese Mary Hawes, National Children s Work Adviser Kate Gowen, leader of Switched On, St Mary s Great Baddow And also to the many supporters and encouragers who help children grow in their faith and love for God Thank you