Twenty-four children aged 3–13, along with 15 parents and carers, gathered in Frankston on Sunday for a Victorian Kids Area Gathering filled with fun, friendship, and connection.
The event celebrated the completion of the recent Of Water and Spirit classes for the nine children who participated in the program, while also providing an opportunity for children from across Victoria to reconnect after forming friendships at Community Camp in March and Victoria Kids Camp in April.
Despite the cold winter weather outside, spirits were high as the children enjoyed a game of tenpin bowling. It was wonderful to see the excitement as they caught up with one another. While a few children were a little slow to warm up, it wasn't long before everyone was smiling, interacting, and simply enjoying being together. As the children became happily absorbed in their games, parents and carers also had the opportunity to catch up, reconnect, and enjoy fellowship with one another.
Frankston Co-Pastor Trudy Land, who helped host the Sunday Of Water and Spirit sessions at the Frankston congregation throughout the program, attended the gathering with her granddaughters. Reflecting on the day and the ongoing children's ministry in Victoria, she shared:
"The Victorian Children's Gatherings continue to be an invaluable part of nurturing our young people in their faith. The recent weekend activity was a wonderful reminder of how important it is for children to meet regularly, strengthening their friendships while deepening their understanding of ministry and the many ways they can serve.
Frankston certainly did its part by delivering the perfect winter day to stay indoors! The children enjoyed a game of tenpin bowling, and watching the many and varied bowling techniques on display kept this pastor thoroughly entertained. It quickly became apparent that there is more than one way to get a bowling ball to the pins—and occasionally into the gutter, or even the next lane!
It was equally encouraging to see parents actively involved, demonstrating their commitment to supporting and mentoring their young people as they continue their journey of faith. Together, we look forward to helping them grow with confidence, purpose, and a lasting connection to their church community. The Frankston congregation looks forward to the role they can play in the growth and development of these future leaders as they develop in faith and fellowship."
"The Victorian Children's Gatherings continue to be an invaluable part of nurturing our young people in their faith. The recent weekend activity was a wonderful reminder of how important it is for children to meet regularly, strengthening their friendships while deepening their understanding of ministry and the many ways they can serve.
Frankston certainly did its part by delivering the perfect winter day to stay indoors! The children enjoyed a game of tenpin bowling, and watching the many and varied bowling techniques on display kept this pastor thoroughly entertained. It quickly became apparent that there is more than one way to get a bowling ball to the pins—and occasionally into the gutter, or even the next lane!
It was equally encouraging to see parents actively involved, demonstrating their commitment to supporting and mentoring their young people as they continue their journey of faith. Together, we look forward to helping them grow with confidence, purpose, and a lasting connection to their church community. The Frankston congregation looks forward to the role they can play in the growth and development of these future leaders as they develop in faith and fellowship."
