Approach:
The vision for Harry and Friends Puppet Ministry began with the provision of two basic puppets and a simple theatre. The decision was made not to purchase commercially available puppets but to make our own. This had the advantage of the invention of tailor made characters which could truly be called individuals. The theatre was designed to suit these characters, especially their size, which is much larger than normal puppets.
Following the provision of two initial puppets and associated equipment, a number of infant/primary schools were contacted in writing to ask if they would like to receive our puppet ministry. This resulted in a number of repeat visits to schools.
Development of the Ministry:
After a period of about 18 months, it was apparent that the puppets were becoming quite well known locally, as indeed was Auntie Barbara, the ‘human’ character in the ministry. With this in mind we decided to try a number of ‘Celebration’ events in a church i.e., Christmas, Easter, Summer and Autumn Celebrations. The schools who knew us were asked to advertise these events by giving each child a purpose designed invite.
These events were quite a success, and we found that many parents, as well as children, came and enjoyed the Celebrations. Easter Celebrations were particularly successful, with the church being completely full.
Following these successes we decided to try a monthly ‘Family Time’ service whilst retaining the Christmas and Easter celebrations. This task was approached in the following way:
At a Pentecost ecumenical ‘Party in the Park’ event, held in Dartford town centre, we gave puppet presentations every half hour. At the same time, children were invited to take part in a Harry and Friends colouring competition for which prizes would be awarded to the winners. The object of the colouring competition was to obtain names and addresses of people who were interested in our Family Time services. All who entered the competition received personal invites to the first Family Time service. People were also invited via the schools we had contact with. At the first Family Time service the list of people was added to by asking people to complete name and address cards. This has continued ever since, and our list has grown to about sixty people, many of whom are not involved with any other church. As a result of these services, we were able to run a ‘Y Course’ with a number of non-church people.
Style of ‘Family Time’ Service:
Every Family Time service starts with singing led by Auntie Barbara and Charlie the monkey. All songs sung during the service (and there are normally quite a few), are from disks played through our portable sound system. After about five to ten minutes of singing, dancing and streamer waving, the service is introduced by a church member. This sets the theme, with perhaps a couple of worship songs and a short prayer.
The puppets and Auntie Barbara then present the main part of the service which is always bible based. This includes the presentation of the subject matter (using humour where possible and appropriate), the bible reading (from modern translations), and more singing led by the puppets. This is often followed by a prayer (not too long, and usually very simple). After this we often have a ‘Story Time’ where children join us at the front of the church, or interplay with another puppet on the theme of the service. A further song may follow and the whole service concludes with a short prayer thanking God for our time together and asking for His blessing.
The various elements of the service are fairly short and to the point, and the whole thing moves quite quickly. We try to give variety with plenty of movement and freedom for children to move around the building. Parents join in as well—they seem to like the relaxed, friendly and low key nature of the service. Our aim is to give a good and joyful experience of ‘church’ and worry about the deeper ‘theology’ later, when questions begin to be asked.
Requirements for ‘Family Time’ service:
In addition to the puppet team, a number of enthusiastic volunteers of any age from the congregation are required to carry out very simple tasks. The tasks are:
- Befrienders—two or three people to talk to people and to ask if they would like to receive invites to future services and to record names and addresses.
- A Service Leader—to introduce the service in a simple and pleasant way and to relax the visitors. To introduce songs and to encourage singing, and to say very simple prayers (this role is usually shared with Auntie Barbara).
- A couple of people to organise and serve refreshment at the end of the service—nothing complicated. As our services are held at 4.30 pm we have a light buffet suitable for both adults and children.
- Administrator—a person with a computer who can maintain a database of families and who can prepare and send out colourful invitations about two weeks before the service.
- A congregation who will pray for the events and for the people who come.
Prayer:
There is a commitment to pray for the specific prayer requests of those who come to the Family Time services. At a Family Time service where prayer was the theme, a prayer box was introduced where people can place their prayer requests written on small printed cards. Appropriate details from these cards are included on weekly prayer sheets (having regard for confidentiality and sensitivity). Prayers are offered for these people at the normal Sunday service and the prayer sheet is then placed in a book kept on the communion table. During every Sunday and midweek service the leader lays hands on the book and prays a general prayer for all named in the book. Each name remains in the book for three months unless we are informed that the prayer has been answered. The prayer box and book do not of course preclude personal prayer for individuals who request it.
Revd. Ted Landon
27 Watling Street
Dartford
Kent
DA1 1RP
Tel. 01322 288545
Email: tlandon@fish.co.uk
