Here are some top tips for a successful family service gathered at the Clergy Conference.

A Storytelling coat (with lots of pockets for props)

Get the children to tell you the story (acting it out)

Have good visual aids

Let the young people organise the service

Using sound to lead into silence (e.g. fading out music)

Dressing up cuddly toys to tell the story

“Tableau Vivant” e.g. nativity scene

Take home baby Jesus during Advent

Keep the liturgy sections short

Involve children in the bits of the liturgy they usually miss when in Sunday School.

Using puppets

Keep service to a strict time limit (38 mins advised!) and follow with lunch

Use of “movement and mystery”

Silent prayer with objects to focus on

Godly Play and ‘wondering’ works

Intentionally involving adults too

Lets children play musical instruments

Children versus adults quiz

Be creative e.g. baking and making.  Have something for the children to take home.

All age intercessions

Have the children design a cover for the Gospel

Explain why we do what we do in church – adults and children can both learn from this

Don’t talk down – trust in what is offered

Don’t put stick insects on an overhead projector as a visual aid!

Don’t deconstruct the children’s story theologically afterwards.

Consider whether a family service suits your congregation – does separate groups of adults and children meet needs better and avoid unhelpful messages?

The Barnabas website is a gold mine of ideas and information. A great place to look for family service ideas.

Scripture Union has a new improved site. If you register you can access lots of free material including weekly “All Age Service Starters” under the “Light” section.

www.talks2children.itsforministry.org – Has little children’s address type snippets – good to build on.

http://inspirationalstories.com You might find a nice tale or two to illustrate a point.

Textweek.com has lots of lectionary based material, including a small children’s section.

Here are a selection of links that contain material designed for use in School Chapliancy Work.

That said, it doesn’t mean it can’t be tailored for use in Church!

Church of Scotland resources for School Chaplains (primary and secondary)

www.assemblies.org.uk

www.barnabasinschools.org.uk

There are a couple of catalogues that are designed mainly for schools but are have a huge range of materials with many bulk buy offers that are cheaper than the high street.  I like having a paper copy for browsing, but it is all on-line too.

Great if you want to revamp a Sunday Club cupboard with quality stuff at a good price.

Hope Education

Early Years Resources

Faith Lens is a weekly bible study/discussion for youth linking a current news story and scripture texts.

From the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

This is a great off the shelf resource that could be easily used by any youth group in Scotland!

I was just looking for some fresh ideas for a Sunday School session and came across structured lectionary based lesson plans from the USA.

Another one to add to the list for when that ‘little bit more’ is required.

Where’s God when I’m S-scared (including the story of Daniel in the Lion’s Den)

Runs for about 30 minutes – a nice change for a Sunday group when shown with some popcorn and followed with some discussion.

Complete Silly Songs Collection – 4 DVD’s

I picked up a fabulous sheep costume (age 3-5) in the Woolworths sale.

Would be great for a nativity play or any lost sheep, Good Shepherd story!

Several people told me about this book and I just had to buy it.

It is a really gentle, non-threatening way of explaining death to young children and can be used within the Christian context.  Recommended!