Children, Youth & Families
Thank you so much for joining us at Aberystwyth once again; we're so very glad you've come, especially if this is your first time. "Croeso," as they say around here.
Since every child is made in the image of God, we at Aber believe that all are valued members of our community. We work hard to welcome everyone, working alongside parents to alleviate fears and ensure the right support is in place for each child. We will already have been in touch with those who have identified additional needs and will work with ministry team leaders to make this week as safe and special as possible.
There is a programme of family events running alongside the children's morning meetings, and you are very welcome to attend. Come along and get to know those your children have been befriending. Of course, your children are also very welcome to attend the main conference meetings with you. If they'd prefer a little more freedom to move around, the Round Studio is available for you, where you'll find a warm and welcoming haven with a live audio and video feed, as well as some quiet toys should you need them.
The children's groups meet in the nearby Students' Union, on the concourse below the Great Hall. Tiny Tots will continue in its usual venue, the Dance Studio, at the bottom of the stairs outside the Great Hall.
Here are some of those who'll be involved in the Family & Children's Ministry this week. Please do pray for them.
Tiny Tots
(6 months to 4 years)
Tuesday to Friday at 10:15AM in the Dance Studio.
Joanna Evans, the Tiny Tots ministry lead, is an experienced teacher. Her team of happy helpers look forward to welcoming your very youngest. They'll have lots of fun, playing and learning simple Bible truths through stories and songs.
Mini Marvels
(4 to 7 years)
Tuesday to Friday at 10:15AM in The Students’ Union
Beth Petersen is so excited to welcome everyone to Mini Marvels! Whether this is your first time with us or your little ones have been before, there'll be friends to make, fun to be had, prizes to win, and time spent learning from God's Word together!
Holiday Heroes
(7 to 11 years)
Tuesday to Friday at 10:15AM in The Students’ Union
Hannah Mitchell leads a fantastic team of Holiday Heroes and looks forward to welcoming your loved ones! The sessions will be full of fun and challenges, but most importantly they'll be diving into the Bible as they explore themes similar to those we'll encounter in the morning meetings.
JAber
(11 to 15 years)
Tuesday to Friday at 10:15AM in The Students’ Union
This year, Alun Johnson and Mark Jenkins are the ministry leads at JAber. Their teams will challenge your children to get stuck into God's Word and discover what it really means to live for Him through engaging Bible teaching, small-group discussions, and thrilling challenges. JAber After Hours also takes places on Tuesday to Thursday, 8.30 pm - 9:45 pm in the Students’ Union.
If you prefer, children are welcome to attend the conference meetings with you, and if you want space for younger children to roam then the overflow (in the Round Studio) has a video relay for all the meetings in the Great Hall. Live audio and video from all the meetings in the Great Hall will also be streamed at www.emw.org.uk/aberlive (WiFi is free for guests in University accommodation).
If any group needs to contact a parent during the Bible Reading they will do this via the main screen in the Great Hall so please sit where you can clearly see the screen.
Additional Needs Ministry Lead
If you'd like to find out more, James and Martha Sercombe are the Family & Children's Ministry Leads, and Martha also coordinates the Additional Needs Ministry.
Safeguarding
If you do have any questions, do approach the leaders in your children’s ministry team in the first instance.
If you have any questions regarding safeguarding, your Safeguarding officers during this week are: Hannah Mitchell and Alun Johnson.
The staff member responsible for Safeguarding is Steffan Job and can be contacted through via the main desk.
For further information about safeguarding and the EMW please see our website - https://www.emw.org.uk/about/safeguarding/
What else is happening?
There's plenty for all the family to enjoy at Aberystwyth.
Sunday Our Family Service will be held in the Great Hall at 10:30 am.
Monday - Join us for the Family Picnic at Castle Gardens, next to the children's playground at St Michael's Church, at 12:00 pm. This is a great opportunity to meet others at the start of the week.
Tuesday - The infamous Family Sandcastle Competition is back! Join us at 2:00 pm on the Blue Flag beach at Borth (SY24 5LG). We will circulate a location pin via the conference website nearer the time so you'll know exactly where to meet.
Wednesday - At 2:00 pm, our legendary Family Fun Afternoon promises games and activities for all ages. Meet on the grassy area beside the Great Hall. If it's raining, we'll gather in our fabulous marquee next to the Students' Union.
Friday - Our annual Thanksgiving Service takes place at 9:00 am in the Great Hall and is open to everyone. Be encouraged as you hear what your children have been learning and enjoying at Tiny Tots, Mini Marvels, Holiday Heroes, and JAber.You’d be very welcome to join with us at any of these activities, but there is no expectation that you will.
This week together is a rare treat, and with time so precious, while some choose to make friends and attend, others perhaps will drive to a sandy beach or go for a walk, swim, or even perish the thought, go shopping. Do what you want to! We at Aber are hoping and praying you go home refreshed by the Word.
If you're looking for other activities to enjoy during the week, visit visitwales.com and look up Borth Beach, Ynyslas Visitor Centre, and Bwlch Nant yr Arian Visitor Centre, all of which are great family outings. You could even take the train from Aberystwyth to Borth, with children travelling free when booked via the Trainline app.
