OM Kids ‘n’ Things Team (Laurie McEwen)
12th June 2025
Hi,
On Saturday 14th June, Kids 'n' Things will be heading over to Himley Hall in Dudley, to take part in the Together Festival 2025. Run by Love Black Country, churches from across the Midlands will be meeting to celebrate God and to encourage each other in our service of Him. This is the 3rd festival that Kids 'n' Things have been invited to perform on the stage in the Family Zone. This year, the theme is 'Superheroes' (It wasn't even my idea). Throughout the day, we will be looking at how God helped various people in the Bible, and how he still helps us today. Since January, I have been working with a small team to develop the theme and activities for the day including crafts, games, a treasure hunt, and everything else you can think of. This year, I will be joined by fellow OMers, Teresa and Karina. We will present the story of David and Goliath through the medium of puppets. I have been hard at work putting the 15-minute programme together and practicing with the team.
As always, we would value your prayers for the event. Please pray:
For the set up on Friday and Saturday. That there will be enough people and that everything will be ready in time.
For each of the performers. That they will know God's leading and wisdom as they share.
For all the practical things. Safety for those attending, that all the equipment will work, that there are no major issues.
For each of the 300+ children that we estimate will be there. That they will be excited to learn more about God and will engage with and remember all that they see and hear.
For energy. It's a very busy weekend!
If you are local, and you fancy checking it out for yourself, it's not too late to get tickets using this link: Together Festival 2025 Tickets, Himley Park, Dudley | TryBooking United Kingdom
Thank you for your ongoing support of Kids 'n' Things.
Laurie
4th June 2025
Hi,
On Monday 26th May, Teresa and I headed over to Gwersyllt Congregational Church to set up ready for the 'Lionheart's Detective Mysteries' 3-day holiday club. We arrived safely and were pleased to find that the only thing that we had forgotten was a roll of masking tape [which we bought from the nearby B&Ms].
In total, 37 children signed up for the club, with a few extras turning up on the day. Each day we saw between 35-38 children, which was about right for the space that we have to work with at the church. There children engaged well. Despite the club having a greater number of younger children, each day was fairly calm and the children listened well. There was particular interest in trying to work out the tricks I used to illustrate each day! [No I won't tell you, so don't ask!]
Thank you for your prayers for the club. God is good, and he answered so many prayers last week. Please continue to pray for the church and the children that attended. Pray that they won't forget what they learned, particularly the Bible verses. Pray that the children will have questions and want to find out more about God. Pray that some will want to go to the Sunday School or the 7-11 club on a Wednesday. Remember the church as they follow up with families.
And finally, some pictures!
Enjoy, Laurie
Prayer Update 23rd May 2025
Hi,
On Monday 26th May, Teresa and myself will be heading off to Gwersyllt Congregational Church near Wrexham to run the first Lionheart's Detective Mysteries holiday club. This will be our 4th club at the church and we are looking forward to working with them again.
This year, Lionheart is trying his paw at being a detective as he solves the case of the missing teddy, Mrs Fluffybum. As he investigates the case, he [and the children] will be learning lots about Jesus, who he is and what he has done. On day one, they will learn that everyone is important to Jesus through the story of Jairus' daughter. On day two, Lionheart will discover that life often gets difficult but that Jesus is there to help us, as he was when he healed the paralysed man. The final day focuses on how we get things wrong but that Jesus puts us right through his death.
It has been quite a challenge putting this club together. With the base closed in Halesowen and my equipment spread across four locations, everything has taken longer to put together. [Not to mention the 2 and a half hour round trip to the OM base at the Quinta to do my photocopying!] God, of course, knew all this and has helped me all the way. His timing is always perfect and we are ready to go.
Please join me in praying for the club next week:
Pray for a good journey over to the church, via the Quinta to collect the equipment [it's on the way], pray that we don't forget anything.
Pray that each day will run smoothly and safely. That there won't be anything that takes the focus off God.
Pray for the children, that they will enjoy and engage with the club. Pray that they will experience Jesus and that seeds will be planted.
Pray for Teresa, myself and all the leaders and helpers from the church. Pray that we will have God's wisdom in our words and actions, and energy!
Thank you for your ongoing support. It is so encouraging to know that so many people are praying.
Laurie
24th October 2024 Update
I'm excited to tell you about a number of things that I am involved in over the next few months.
This Sunday (27/10/24), I will be heading up to Emmanuel Church in Northwich to deliver the 'Lionheart's adventures in (K)night school' holiday club. This is the same club that I have been using since summer 23 and is the final time I will be running it. This time around, I will be helped by Emily, a lady from Germany, who has come over to the UK to be part of a number of different ministry opportunities over the next few months. Olivia, my youngest daughter, will also be joining me.
Please pray for our time at the church:
For safety in travelling
For God's wisdom in our words and actions
That the children will experience God through all the elements of the club
That seeds will be planted
During the next 2 months, I will be joining the schools team at my church, New life, Wall Heath, to deliver assemblies on Remembrance and Christmas. We will be going to 4 local schools (Maidensbridge, Blanford Mere, Church of the Ascension, St Mary's) that we regularly have contact with. Please pray for the team. Pray also for the students and teachers who will be in these assemblies, that they will engage with the what is said and done. To grow in their knowledge and understanding of who God is and what He has done.
And finally...
On Sunday 8th December, Emily and myself (and possibly long time supporter of Kids 'n' Things Teresa) will be heading down to the Chinese Church in Coventry to lead our annual youth Christmas service. Please pray for God's leading as I put a programme together (after I'm back from the Lionheart club) that encourages the children to focus on Jesus this Christmas.
Thank you for your ongoing support and prayers,
Laurie
May 2024 Prayer Letter
January 2024 Prayer Letter
For more information about OM and items for prayer, please visit the OM website