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General
On this page you will find links to some fantastic general ministry resources and christian organisations that can assist you in many different aspects of your childrens ministry. Check out how they can assist you to change the lives of the children both in the church and from the community or to invest into developing parents. Make sure you bookmark this page!!!!
KIDS HOPE is a World Vision ministry aimed at creating a positive impact in the lives of vulnerable Australian children and their families. It is a mentoring ministry built on a long-term partnership between local churches and primary schools, where a caring adult from the church spends one hour each week with a child.
KIDS HOPEÂ
* Focuses on primary school children because these are the formative years in a child's life. This is the time when self-esteem and values are learned and critical academic skills are acquired.
 *Assists churches to recruit, screen, train, match, supervise and evaluate their members for ongoing mentoring relationships with children who need additional support
 Churches recruit and train mentors, who will spend one hour every week with a child at the school
 Churches identify a prayer partner to support each mentor in their mentoring relationship
Mentors are thoroughly trained with the support of World Vision to understand their role in building caring relationships with children that will enhance their ability to learn and build resilience. Mentors are also required to commit to mentoring a child for at least one academic year. Many are usually prepared to continue beyond the 12 months.
Training Dates:
 
TEAR Australia is a movement of Christians in Australia responding to the needs of poor communities around the world. Our motivation comes from our belief that God loves all people, and in Christ offers them the opportunity of a new life. We believe that God is just, and has particular care for the poor and those who suffer as victims of injustice.
We work in partnership with other Christian groups, including churches, relief and development agencies and community-based organisations, which are working with the poor in their communities. We seek to build effective relationships with these partners, grounded in mutual respect, trust and accountability.
Priority is given to those programs that strive to involve the most marginalized and exploited members of each community, regardless of their religious or political beliefs.
In Australia, we work to inform and empower Christians, in partnership with local churches, to make a Biblically-shaped response to suffering and oppressed communities.
www.tear.org.au
ACCESS ministries is an inter-church body which provides Christian Education and Chaplaincy in State Schools in Victoria, under the provision of the Education Act 1958 (revised 1998). It provides this service in partnership with Christian churches.
ACCESS ministries seeks to make a positive and significant contribution towards the health and wellbeing of students in state schools in Victoria, Australia along with their families, teachers and principals, through its education and pastoral care programs
*Â Christian Education (CRE)
*Â Chaplaincy
Training Dates: http://vic.kidsvision.org.au/cms/uploads/downloads/documents/Access%20ministries%20training%202009.doc
Since 1993, Focus on the Family Australia have been helping to strengthen families and communities through its radio programs, preventative education programs, the provision of counselling and referral, as well as providing a full range of resources for families.
Starting Points parenting program.
It aims to give a sense of hope and excitement to your role as parents. Developed by Focus on the Family Australia, this informative program is designed to support parents and caregivers in providing for the best possible outcomes in their children. The facilitator driven program uses a DVD as part of the presentation. This springboards into discussion and activities for a delightfully interactive approach. There has never been a time when the challenge of parenting has been greater and this program is designed to help parents focus on a good and positive family life by equipping them with effective skills for caring for children in their early years.
See next menu for training details.
Toolbox parenting groups are a unique and fresh approach to parent education. In an informal, relaxed and friendly environment participants are equipped with practical skills and strategies that can be immediately put to use. Over six sessions, key parenting principles are explored and participants are encouraged in their parenting.
Toolbox groups can either meet in someone's home, a church room, or a school classroom. The parents are provided with a comprehensive manual, experts on DVD and lively interaction through discussion. The information presented by a facilitator is relevant and insightful.
Toolbox groups are available in three age groups Early Years (0-6), Middle Years (6-12) and Teenage Years (12+).
 As a Church Resource:
Parents are currently paying around $70 per single - $100 per couple for this six week course. Some organisations have arranged funding to subsidise those with less financial resources.
mainly music
My dream for mainly music is that it becomes known as a place of connection.
I want you to be able to connect with your young one. The session is designed to be interactive between you and your child.
I'd love to know that you've connected with others who are at a same life stage. Whether you're parenting for the first time or whether the number of your children fill a mini van, connecting with adults in your week is pretty important. Being able to finish a conversation - or even a sentence! Knowing you're not alone in this role of 'parent'.
I'd love to be sure that your child connects with the music. While we don't claim to be music teachers, LOTS of educational concepts are happening in the session. Numeracy and literacy skills. Gross and fine motor skill development. Concepts, imagination, following instructions and lots more.
And finally, I'd love you to connect with the local church who make this happen. Churches are more than a place of spiritual nurture; they're a place of community and friendship. Many churches can provide practical assistance - like marriage ceremonies and baby dedications as well as a place for you and your family to explore God. They provide help through the tough times - like conducting funerals, counselling, or food parcels.
It's my dream that these points of connection for families with young children become available all over Australia and in the future, all around the world. Enjoy!
Jo Hood, Director Johood@mainlymusic.org.au
 www.mainlymusic.org.au (ph) 03 9720 3310 or 0400 56 00 58
