what resources are there nationally for under 40s ministry?

One of the challenges that faces the church is the so-called generation(s) gap. How does a congregation that has grown together over 30 or so years, raising their families and going through life stages together work out how to connect with younger generations that they wouldn't naturally associate with?
I am one such 20 (nearly 30) something Anglican vicar wondering just that.
I believe that one of the best ways to start is to connect with what is happening outside your immediate area. And one of the simplest ways to do that without even leaving the comfort of your own home is the internet.
In the Anglican tradition in Aotearoa, we have a network called StraNdZ (the acronym that isn't an acronym. If you want the full story, then you'll have to ask me for it!) While people who are church hierarchy groupies might be aware of it, many would still go "Huh?" if you asked them about it.
So here is the web address: http://www.strandz.org.nz/
Start your research here. Believe it or not, those levies that each parish pays help provide some fabulous (underutilised) resources including straNdZ. They are getting in on the committees that decide policy, funding and direction for our church in NZ.  One of the projects in development is a new lectionary based children's ministry programme created by locals.

Blessings and keep up the good ministry and mission!

Rev Annette

it has been a while...

...since I posted. I have been dealing with earthquakes, slow laptops and internet connections as well as preparing for my first parish AGM!
I have published my blog address on  my business cards and gone to the effort to start this (in lew of a website at this time), it really is about time I put something on here.

This week is what is called Holy Week. That is the week leading up to Easter Sunday. It is arguably the biggest event in the church calendar as it remembers the last week of Jesus on earth culminating in his death and then resurrection on Easter Sunday.
Some churches are really busy at this time with extra services during the week, but here at S. Nicholas I have sent parishioners (thats a fancy word for those who go to church at S. Nics) home with a breakdown of short readings, reflection questions and a prayer for each of the days during Holy Week. It is an opportunity to worship in dispersed community. Which is another way of saying that no matter where we are during the week, we are still a church community. So if we are doing the same basic practice (reading, reflection, prayer) but in different places then its a reminder of church not just being what happens on Sunday mornings!

I have also encouraged our parishioners to join in with what other churches are offering this week. It seems a shame to me that we double/triple up on worship services and get only a few people when we could combine or advertise each other's offerings. Especially knowing how much time and preparation goes into these services. (Reading that last bit back, I suspect I might be a closet idealist... )

Blessings

Rev Annette