26 November 2011
BIG Ministries were very pleased to be invited back to Swan Bank in Stoke to run an advent celebration afternoon. This was to be BIG Ministries’ first event based around the theme of advent… We had waited for this day… We were prepared…
Starting at 1pm, we split everyone into two groups with half of them doing craft (making fireworks) and the other half playing ‘construction’ games. Whilst all this was going on, Damian used all of his brain power to attempt to get the laptop working again… which had somehow broken at the precise moment that we wanted to use it. Even using all of his brain power he didn’t get it to work… so we used a different laptop, which just about solved the problem. [Whilst writing this blog in the office, Steve fixed the laptop. Woo.]
After some fun with games and craft, we then went into a half an hour up-front program that included games, puppets and songs and a story about ‘The 3 not-so-wise men’ who were to late to see Jesus due to a barrage of distractions. Then it was time for a quick break before an hour long family advent party…
[Insert mental image of BIG Ministries team now eat paninis, jacket potatoes, crisps, cakes, flap jacks etc... Yum.]
It was now time for the hour long family advent party. We basically took a look at the reason behind advent – you know, about the waiting and preparing for Christmas… and then we also took a look at how we wait and prepare for Jesus’ return and that He hasn’t left us on our own until that day (Ps… because He sent us His Holy Spirit).
We had a lot of fun, made a lot of noise, and learnt that advent isn’t just about eating chocolates from an advent calendar… and also, as Howie discovered, eating all of the chocolates in your calendar as quick as possible, doesn’t make Christmas happen any quicker…
Thanks again to the people at Swan Bank for having us and feeding us and encouraging us…
(One last thing) I’m just going to finish this little blog with a note to say that BIG Ministries will be running a day event at Swan Bank on 19 May 2012. The day will include activities/workshops for children, parents and children’s workers, ending with a BIG Party including live music and games and too much fun to behold… It promises to be a great day. More details to follow soon…
Blog written by: Baz
Comedy Moment: Baz praying, ‘Dear Lord baby Jesus… in your manger…’ etc etc… It was meant as a link to the fact that Jesus didn’t remain a baby and he came to do a job… Damian did interrupt Baz and explain that. It was all planned. Actually, I think it was more of an awkward moment than a comedy moment.
Exciting Moment: Celebrating all that Jesus has done for us and continues to do…
Team: Baz, Damian, Lou, Pete, Hannah
