Ideas and inspiration at Equipped Training Morning

Wednesday April 20th 2016

Connor Children’s Project Development Officer Jill Hamilton addresses children’s leaders at the first Equipped Training session.

Connor Diocese’s second annual Equipped Training morning was held in Antrim Parish Halls on Saturday April 16.

There was a great turnout, and Connor Children’s Project Officer Jill Hamilton thanked all the leaders who came along to make the event such a success.

After coffee and registration everyone took part in a short session looking at resources to help encourage children to worship and a few ideas for teaching memory verses with signing and actions. The leaders also prayed for each other using a balloon prayer.

The Bible Crafts workshop.

After that there was a chance to attend two workshops, with brunch in the middle. “Everyone was ready for the bacon and sausage baps by that stage and they went down a treat!” said Jill.

“This year we had six workshops to choose from and we tried to be very practical about what we offered and gave leaders plenty of ideas to take away with them.

“The bible crafts workshop was really popular and everyone enjoyed the chance to have a go at the crafts. The drama workshop got great reviews from the leaders who attended and everyone participated with all the games that Chris demonstrated and had a laugh along the way.

The Holiday Bible Clubs workshop.

“We also had workshops on how to put on a special service involving children, how to do an object lesson, how to work with the special needs child in your group and how to run a holiday bible club.”

Jill added: “There was a great atmosphere throughout and we all enjoyed being together and learning something new to take back to our churches.”

Some comments made by leaders afterwards

“There were great crafting, music and song ideas relevant to what I do within my church.”
“Well prepared and informed workshops.”
“The drama workshop was particularly good.”
“Very relevant to what I was looking for.”
“Great craft ideas. Easy to use and adapt. Inspired about special services. Please arrange another training for next year.”
“Really enjoyed the morning – delighted that I could bring my children. Pleased it was just a half day – easy to fit into the schedule. Loved, loved, loved the brunch!! Drama workshop was fantastic! Really relevant accessible fun…”
“First time here. Really enjoyed it and the trainers were excellent.”