Where did I leave my sheep?

Sheep have also been spotted in Wareham! During Advent, 20 shops in town played host to a small wooly friend. The sheep had been knitted by the Mothers Union and came in a variety of styles and sizes.

The shop keepers chose a sheep, gave it a name, labelled it, and found it a suitable place in their shop window. Then the hunt was on. Children from all around the area were challenged to find the sometimes rather hidden sheep and list their names. On Christmas Eve the sheep were collected by a local shepherd and taken to the crib service in Lady St Mary’s church. Good fun was had by all. The shopkeepers seemed to enjoy it as much as the children.

Hilary Bond

Nativity Trail at West Lulworth

All through December, a Nativity Set visited houses in West Lulworth.

Wherever it went a sheep was left behind so that people could follow a trail of sheep to the church for Christmas Day service.

This is what Lotte Wilde thought about its visit to their home:

‘When the Nativity set arrived, we had to arrange it. My brother, Finn and I put the manger in the middle of the stable, Mary and Joseph either side, the wise men on the right and the shepherds on the left and the angels on the top. We chose 'George' the sheep and hung it on our Christmas tree. For the next few days we had people and other children looking through our window to see what our sheep was called! It was a great Christmassy thing to do!

submitted by Janet Hall

Hand in Hand

Please send in your good ideas, photos and experiences to share with others in Purbeck about what went well or not so well over Christmas.

Feel you need a lift for the New Year? Here are some ideas:

A couple of years ago I went to the children's and family ministries Hand-in-Hand Conference in Eastbourne. It was a brilliant weekend with something for everyone in children's, family and young people's ministry. I saw some great talks and found excellent resources and it is great to meet up with so many people who feel passionate about what we do.

There are basic sessions for those starting out; sessions for junior leaders; diving deeper sessions for those who've been involved in children's ministry for a while; sessions exploring all age worship and family friendly church; sessions focused on children with additional needs and their families and more. Also specific sessions and half price for young people. Plus time for worship, prayer and Bible study. Barnabas are exhibiting and being joined by over 50 other ministries and organisations that serve this area of church life. There will be a conference shop where half price deals on hundreds of resources can be found.

Find out more at www.familyministry.co.uk/conferences

If you can’t get to Eastbourne how about a day conference at Exeter on Saturday March 2nd 2013 at Belmont Chapel, Western Way, Exeter? Saturday 2nd March. 9:30-18:30. At Belmont Chapel, Exeter.

A day event for anyone involved in Children and Youth Ministry in the South West. Come and bring your team of volunteers to get inspired, challenged and equipped. This year fully embracing Children and Families Ministry from age 5 upwards.

More information can be found at: http://www.ycwsw.org.uk/

You can also find the event on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/events/119039858256714/

Or book a place on the Children’s and Youth Workers Retreat at Ivy House in Warminster March 4^th-5^th with myself and Joanne Triffett, Project Development Officer from the Mother’s Union, leading. Do email me for more details: barbara.meardon@salisbury.anglican.org