The Church of Ireland Diocese of Connor

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Parenting message was ‘challenging and relevant’

Wednesday January 27th 2016

Rachel Turner speaking in Ballymoney Parish.

Ballymoney Parish hosted two sessions with Rachel Turner, Family Life Pastor at St Paul’s Church, Hammersmith, and author of a number of books on parenting.

The Rev Brian Howe and his wife Pam heard Rachel speak at New Wine in Sligo and were so impressed by what she had to say that they were determined to bring her along to Ballymoney Parish to give others the opportunity to hear her and benefit from her teaching.

On January 22 and 23 Rachel shared insights and information from her latest book Parenting Children for a life of Confidence.  Her style of delivery is humorous, engaging and very easy to listen to. She speaks with great insight – telling personal stories of her own family life with her young son as well as stories from her work with children and young people.

The sessions were divided into two parts. The first was aimed at parents; sharing how to help their child grow in confidence in their life and in their faith. The second was aimed at children’s leaders and looked at praying with children, how to help them encounter God through prayer and how to carry out prayer ministry with kids.

Rachel has developed a step-by-step model to help leaders feel confident about providing prayer ministry for children. She brought the group through the process, explaining, modelling and then letting people have a go in groups of three. For more information about this visit Rachel’s website www.shackattheback.com

The hospitality provided by Ballymoney Parish was enjoyed by all, particularly the gorgeous buns as well as a great lunch with sandwiches and more traybakes.

Jill Hamilton, Connor Children’s Project Officer, attended the Saturday session. She said: “If you didn’t get a chance to come to hear Rachel Turner this time, keep in mind that she really is worth listening to and take the opportunity to hear her the next time!

“Whether you are a parent yourself or work with children and young people, her message is equally challenging and relevant.  She will inspire anyone who has a heart for seeing children and young people grow in their faith. Not only that but she encourages and challenges us as adults as well.

“All of us who were present felt that Rachel’s message was as relevant for us as adults as it was for children and it was such a worthwhile experience being there.”

Rachel has worked in churches for more than 10 years as a Children’s, Youth and Family Pastor. She consults, speaks at conferences and runs training days for parents, children and youth workers around the UK and Europe. She is the author of Parenting Children for a Life of Faith (2010), Parenting Children for a Life of Purpose (2014), and Parenting Children for a Life of Confidence (2015).

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