We blessed our children with bubbles at our Back to School service at lifestreams last Sunday - read on to find out why!

Our Back to School service starts off the school year, acknowledges this milestone of both anticipation and anxiety in many children's lives, and assures them of our prayers and God's presence with them as they head into the school year. Barbara Neville retold with the help of some impromptu actors, the story of Jesus visiting the temple with his parents when he was 12, and getting lost and then found again. We heard that then "Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favour" (Luke 2:52)

We prayed a blessing on all our children, and on our children's ministries at St Barnabas from mainly music and Playgroup for pre-schoolers, through Kidzone, Fridayzone and Messy Church for school-age, and Youth Group and The Revs for our high schoolers. It was great to have James (JC) one of our 24/7 youth workers at Boys' High present as we prayed for this ministry of support in our local school. 

And why Bubbles? Well, bubbles float on the air and then disappear, reminding us that God's Spirit is present with us even when not visible. And they're fun! Our children also received a backpack tag each with a verse of scripture or inspiration on to give them encouragement.

If you would be interested in any of our children and youth ministries for your family, contact our Parish Office 03 351 7064 office@stbarnabas.org.nz or check out our website www.stbarnabas.org.nz to find out more.