Slapstick, praise and cake in Northolt

16/11/09

More than 60 children were joined by local teachers, church members and the Bishop of Willesden for slapstick, exuberant praise, Christian teaching and birthday cake at a special service in Northolt.

They were celebrating the 5th birthday of Kidzone, a midweek after-school Christian community at St Joseph the Worker Parish Church.

Since Kidzone was launched in November 2004 as a different way of doing church for primary school children and their carers, scores of youngsters from Northolt, Hayes and Greenford have enjoyed messy games, food, crafts, imaginative bible stories and energetic worship for 90 minutes on a Tuesday afternoon. Parents and carers get a welcome cuppa and the opportunity to chat and also join in the worship.

Former Kidzone members returned for a celebration party and worship which also saw the Rt Rev Pete Broadbent taking a cameo role in a Camelot themed panto, teaching the Christian faith.

Three clergy, the Revs Betsy Blatchley, Jo Neary and Toby Crowe, who had served in the parish and cut their teeth in ministry leading   Kidzone also returned to take part in the service at which youth and children's worker Chris Hill encouraged the young people to keep their "eyes fixed on Jesus".

Vicar, the Revd Simon Winn said:

"Kidzone is a congregation of its own at St Joseph's through which God has touched many children and their families. We've had baptisms here, shared joys and sorrows together over the years, and had great fun."

 
He paid tribute to the team of volunteers, who like "honorary grandparents" have kept Kidzone running every week in term time.

The Bishop of Willesden said:

"Fiver years of serving local children and parents with a diet of fun, activities and faith is a great thing to celebrate. Well done, Kidzone! Here’s to the next five…"