From 26th – 28th August we hosted our annual St Mary’s Holiday Club. The church building was transformed into Mission Control this year as we went on an expedition through Space. We learned all about how big the universe is, but how much bigger God is!
With Commander Nick, Johan Lightyear and their foolhardy Space Rangers, we were navigated through our Bible briefings each morning, preparing us to enter our own deep dives into God’s word.
Alongside our Bible studies, we were also taken to the Cosmic Craft Capsule where we made a plethora of different space themed crafts – including the fan favourite cupcake decorating workshop! To fill our time with even more fun, we travelled to Mars where a friendly group of Martians had organised a sporty competition with lots of games where the winner could earn great prizes, and the not-so-fortunate would be slimed with alien goop!
To start the day each morning we had lots of action songs from the Starry Starry Night band and funny skits from the Space Rangers. While Johan Lightyear struggled to navigate such a big universe, we learned how much bigger our God is and how, still, he cares so greatly for us.
Commander Nick took us through these three ideas:
- God made everything. God cares for you and me.
- SIN means Shove off God, I’m in charge, No to your rules.
- Jesus made himself nothing, becoming a servant who died for us.
Our memory verse for the week was:
“That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:10-11)
I was the leader of the UFOs team; here is my experience of Holiday Club: “Holiday Club is always such a blessing to the entire church family. Whether serving or leading, or getting involved as a kid, you come away feeling so encouraged and edified. I loved the theme this year, especially how it struck up easy conversation with every child because space is just so cool and fascinating. My group was the UFOs, and we had an awesome time exploring God’s word together, trying our hands at winning the sports (though I did get slimed), as well as making cool, creative crafts. We also had great times as a group making up the funniest space jokes possible.
I was so encouraged by the willingness our group had to interact with the Bible studies and ask lots of questions. They also loved getting involved in all the action songs and shouting out our team chant.
Holiday Club never fails to amaze me. Nick and his team always do so well at organising and running such an awesome few days full of fun, smiles, and God.”
Holiday Club 2026 was encouraging as ever; almost 90 kids joined us up in space and had the best time. And the many volunteers served with love, all for the glory of God. Thanks be to God for all that he provided to enable us to run Holiday Club. We were blessed that God gave us great weather for our Sunday Holiday Club all-age service with a barbeque afterwards.
Please be praying that more families will be hearing about this amazing time, wanting to send their little ones along to hear about Jesus and his love.
We’re already looking forward to our Holiday Club 2027 as we go for a trip to the Farmyard. Gear up with your shovels and tractors and be ready to get your hands a little dirty!