Hello everyone. What can I tell you about the Beginner's Department? Little angels? - well, maybe not always but 'little stars' certainly. The problem is not usually how to get them talking but how to get them to stop! They can be relied upon, at a critical point in the reading of a bible story, to suddenly let you know that they have a new hamster or that Daddy has painted their bedroom pink. Don't get the wrong idea though, they do listen and they do give fantastic feedback.

Like the Junior Department we use Scripture Union material; ours is called 'Bubbles'. Last term we looked at the Creation (as far as the animals went, the children gave God particular admiration for creating dinosaurs and dragons), and then we, of course, covered the birth of Jesus. This term we have studied Noah and the Ark and are now exploring prayer - 'talking with God!'

The leaders in Beginner's are myself (Sarah), Carol, Claire and Helena. One of us usually leads the group for a few weeks and then we swap over. We also have welcome help from one of the young people each week on a rota basis.

It has been wonderful to see the growth of this department, and subsequently of the whole of Junior Church, which certainly looks set to continue with our current baby boom! It is such a delight to listen to the little gems that come out of their mouths, and such a privilege to see them grow in the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ.

Thank you mums, dads and grandparents for lending them to us for an hour each Sunday; but don't forget, be sure not to tell them anything you would prefer to keep private - they will surely pass it on!!