“You have been a Star at Playgroup 2022” was the farewell gift to the team and children at St Barnabas Playgroup this year.
We give thanks to Helen Wakefield for her amazing leadership of this wonderful ministry to our community and church families. Helen co-ordinates with the Ministry of Education and Treasurer Sarah Hadfield. As Co-ordinator she does planning, all the administration, photo records and all activities from set up to pack up. She is the Welcomer and ‘Baby Whisperer’ all the families love.
Helen has been supported by her weekly team: Greg Brown – Set up furniture and Trolley resource deliverer and pack up, Angela Brown – Planning, set up and ”Knock, Knock. What’s in the box?” Bible story and activity time, Pastoral and pack up, Gillian Perano – hospitality, pastoral care and pack up, Mark Clare – pastoral and fun friend and pack up helper, Jo Cotton – relief leader extraordinaire, Lynette – photocopy genius and amazing pack up helper. Madeleine Price resigned from Hospitality help through the year – thank you, Madeleine.
The Tui Room proved to be a warm welcoming atmosphere with reduced room for resources but plenty of fun still.
A highlight of the year was a visit from Stewart from Ministry Of Education with play and survival ideas for parents with new babies and exploring play items including cane baskets, wooden items, plastic chains, bowls, sensory items and everyday items to stimulate creative play for all ages.
The return to the Hall with all the Playgroup and Mainly Music combined resources was aided by Greg Brown’s amazing organisational skills. We are truly thankful.
We look forward to 2023 St Barnabas Playgroup in the Hall and rediscovering many of our treasured resources that have been in storage – including Playdough, Dress ups and using our new storage and Book Shelves systems.
Prayerful thanks for all who welcome the children in our ministries and Community. We are blessed by their joy and openness to receiving the Good News of Jesus.
Angela Brown for St Barnabas Playgroup team.
By Angela Brown
