A TASTER Day was held in Nether Stowey Church Centre on Saturday (July 16) to show the value and enjoyment of working with children, young people and families.

The event held by Quantock Deanery of Churches was aimed at those interested in joining or forming local church initiatives.

Among the activities presented by local church members across the Deanery were Messy Church with children and families at Nether Stowey, Open the Book in local schools in the Watchet and Williton parishes, Easter and Christmas journeys with schoolchildren and the Stogursey Church Holiday Club.

A talk was given about Spree, a South West camp gathering of over 1000 young people with Christian teaching along with fun-packed activities.

Among those who gave presentations were church volunteers from across the deanery parishes. They were involved with activities running over the whole year or for just one or a few days during the school holidays or term time.

All aimed to provide an active, pleasurable and informal experience of faith and the story of Jesus for young people who might not otherwise learn about it.

In the course of the various presentations, puppet shows were led by Robin and Kathryn Popham, Messy Church and Spree.

An ‘Open the Book’ performance telling Bible stories for young children was led by the Rev Clive Gilbert with help from his Watchet and Williton team.

The Rev Nicky Morgan spoke about the holiday club which takes place at the end of July in Stogursey.

Quantock Deanery children and young people’s adviser Patrick Weld led challenges such as spaghetti tower building with marshmallows and spaghetti lengths and a postcard challenge.

All were designed to show the need for teamwork among volunteers with children and young people in settings where everyone can offer different skills and build up their confidence to undertake the work.

Patrick also spoke about other ways in which people can offer their time freely in local schools by hearing children read and offering to accompany teaching staff on away from school trips.

For all work with children, DBS clearance is always required but this does not necessarily have to present as an obstacle.

To find out more about involvement with existing groups – or about setting one – contact the Rev Jon Rose or Patrick Weld.