Oaks and Acorns

netmums.com

2007-01-14T05:48:00.000-08:00

Very good website I have just found - great for Food Ideas for the busy amongst us - spread the word!!!

Journeys

2007-01-06T03:46:00.000-08:00

If you are looking to find out more about our faith, these evening give real life stories and discussions with coffee and cake - you would be given a warm welcome.

22nd January
Is there a spiritual side to life?

29th January
If God and heaven exist what are they like?

5th February
Does this faith thing work in real life?

12th February
Does God have real power to changes things?

19th February
Crossing the line - what's it like?

The evening start at 7:45pm and are on the 1st floor, Cable House (next door to the Church) Hall Street, Chelmsford, CM2 0HG

Book your place on: 01245 358855

Feedback

2007-01-06T03:40:00.000-08:00

If you have any feedback on anything conncerned with Oaks and Acorns, please see any of our staff - they should all be in burgundy polo shirts with their names on if you are unfamiliar with them - they will be pleased to help out wherever possible.

Dates for your Diary

2007-01-06T03:37:00.000-08:00

As we only run during Term Time, please note there will be NO Oaks and Acorns on the following mornings:

Monday 12th February
Monday 2nd April, 9th April and 16th April

Please note we can only accomadate children of 5 years and under, if you have older children who are off school on an Oaks morning they cannot attend.

Adults Meal Out

2007-01-06T02:59:00.000-08:00

This was mentioned last term but we have revised the date to Monday 29th January.

Time: 8:00pm
Venue: The Garden Chienese Restaurant, Baddow Road
Menu - Buffet - Hopefully

This evening is open to all staff and Mums, Carers, Grandparents - basically adults who attend Oaks and Acorns. We opted for such a meal so that we can have some fun and hopefully finish some sentences. We also opt for just after Christmas as December is so busy and it is a good reason for a cheer up in January. Please let us know as soon as possibkle if you can come so we can book a table.

Photos

2007-01-06T02:56:00.000-08:00

We do take photos of the children at events such as the Assault Course or Christmas Party. Thses are for use purley within the Church and the Group and will not be posted on the Blog.

If you have any problems with photos being taken of your children, please let any of the staff know so that we can take appropraite action.

If you would like any copies of the photis, please let us know and we will happilly arrange this for you.

Our beliefs

2007-01-06T02:53:00.000-08:00

We are run with a Christian ethos and beliefs. We are supported by the Church and it’s leadership. One of our aims is to show you the love of God in a practical way each week. We also pray generally for the group and it’s attendees on a regular basis, if there is something particular you would like us to remember in prayer, please see either Elsie or Joyce or fill in one of our prayer request forms. We would love to share our faith with you or answer any questions you may have.

You are also all warmly invited to any of the services here at the Elim Christian Centre – our Sunday Services are as follows:
First Morning Service 09:15 am - 10:30 am
Discoverers (Ages 0 - 11): 09:15 am - 10:30 am
Coffee 10:30 am - 11:15 am
Second Morning Service 11:15 am - 12:30 pm
Discoverers (Ages 0 - 11): 11:15 am - 12:30 pm
Deep Impact Youth Church (Ages 11 - 18) : 11:15 am - 12:30 pm
Evening Service : 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

For more info see http://www.elim.org/

Assault Course - 19th February

2007-01-06T02:41:00.000-08:00

We will be holding an Assault Course for the little ones on February 19th (first mrning back after Half Term). This will be to raise money for our supported Charities and is generally great fun. The kids will each receive a certificate and a reward for their efforts - whilst we encourage them to do as much as possible, the joining in is the most important thing.

We attach a sponsorship for for this event and would ask you to start asking Grannies, Uncles, Neighbours etc to help us support others through this event.

If you get to the morning any haven't managed to get any sposnors, don't worry, your children can still join in but we would ask you to make a donation of your choice to the charity jar we will have available - obviously cheques are accepted from the millionaires amongst you :)

Fund Raising & Recipes

2007-01-06T02:30:00.000-08:00

We will br raising funds this term for the two Charities we are supporting this year. This will be firstly The Smiles Foundation - a charity which supports many projects which we have been involved with, particularly in Romania. The second charity will be The Js Foundation - a local based charity trying to raise funds for a specific young people based Hospice facility. If you would like to discuss either of these Charities, Jenny is our expert on The Smiles Foundation whilst Diana is our expert on The Js Foundation.

We will be collecting small change again, please bring this along with you - remeber your small change can make a big difference.

We also tried to do a recipe book last year but as yet there were nott too many Delia Smith's out there - please can you let us have your favourite recipes and we will try to pull all these together.

Children Learn what they Live

2007-01-06T02:26:00.000-08:00

"Children Learn What They Live"
by Dorothy Law Nolte

If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.

If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.

If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.

If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.

If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.

If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.

If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.

If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.

If children live with tolerance, they learn patience.

If children live with praise, they learn appreciation.

If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.

If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.

If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.

If children live with sharing, they learn generosity.

If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.

If children live with fairness, they learn justice.

If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect.

If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those about them.

If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.

Note from Rhianne

2007-01-06T02:04:00.000-08:00

Just to update you all on my current situation. The Company I was working for closed and I therefore lost that job mid November. Since then I have been working at Asda but on on a temporary basis - it was fun to see some of you in there - trust you were all jealous of my lovely lime green uniform :)
Anyway, will be starting a new job with effect from the 15th January but this will be full time so I will not be able to be with you for a while. I am hoping to back sometime after Easter this year but I will know more later in the year.
In the meantime, Joyce will be taking over as acting leader for the time being. I will still assist with monthly notes and some of the background work such as waiting lists, etc. If you have any queries, please see Joyce firstly and I am confident she will be able to help you. The team will be a little stretched during this team so please help us to help you, take cups back to the serving hatch when dealt with, pick up biscuits or playdough dropped on the floor and this will really make life a little easier.
I wish you all well - keep smiling and enjoy your morrnings with us.
Rhianne

Date we are back

2007-01-06T02:01:00.000-08:00

We are back as normal (or as normal as we ever are!) on Monday 15th January. We look forward to seeing you back.

Sept Notes

2006-09-07T06:25:00.000-07:00

Hello and Welcome Back to Oaks and Acorns for the Autumn Term.

If you have been with us for a while, most things will be familiar, if not please feel free to ask any of the staff – normally in burgundy polo shirts and we will gladly help wherever we can. We are all a friendly bunch and a cup of tea or coffee – and a chat with staff or other Mums, Dads or Carers who are going through similar situations can be an enormous help. As a group, we would welcome any feedback you have – whether good or bad – we constantly look for ways to improve. Please speak directly to Rhianne or Pat if there is anything you would like to raise.

We are run with a Christian ethos and beliefs. We are supported by the Church and it’s leadership. One of our aims is to show you the love of God in a practical way each week. We also pray generally for the group and it’s attendees on a regular basis, if there is something particular you would like us to remember in prayer, please see either Elsie or Joyce or fill in one of our prayer request forms. We would love to share our faith with you or answer any questions you may have.

You are also all warmly invited to any of the services here at the Elim Christian Centre – our Sunday Services are as follows:

First Morning Service 09:15 am - 10:30 am
Discoverers (Ages 0 - 11): 09:15 am - 10:30 am
Coffee 10:30 am - 11:15 am
Second Morning Service 11:15 am - 12:30 pm
Discoverers (Ages 0 - 11): 11:15 am - 12:30 pm
Deep Impact Youth Church (Ages 11 - 18) : 11:15 am - 12:30 pm
Evening Service : 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

For more info see http://www.elim.org/

We hope you enjoy the changes to the environment that have happened over the summer. Our rooms have been decorated, we have new tables and sofas. The old snooker table has been removed so we have more room to play.

Teddy Bear’s Picnic – last 22nd July
This was a great success, thoroughly enjoyed by all. Special Thanks to Val and her Lifegroup who organised a lovely afternoon for us all. Hopefully, we will have some pictures up on display for you in September, if anybody would like copies, please see Rhianne.

Birthdays
We try to celebrate these on the first session of each month. If your child has a birthday this month, please let us know as you register in so we can be all prepared at Music Time - Thanks

New babies
Welcome to the world to little Erin Bayley and any others that have joined us over the summer months. We pray for you and your families to be blessed with health, wisdom and quiet nights!

Sept 2006 - How the morning runs . . .

2006-09-07T06:22:00.000-07:00

How the morning runs . . .
Just in case you are not sure or need reminding

10:00am – Doors open – Oaks and Acorns ready to go
We would recommend you arrive as early as possible – we have a maximum number of 55 adults and children at which point we have to close the doors.
Please collapse your buggies and store in the main church.
Please register in at the desk in Oaks and Acorns main room as you come in and pay your subs(correct change if possible)

10:00am to 11:00am
Free play – enjoy the playdough, craft, books, dressing up, big toys, baby corner (12 months and under only please), trains, cars and anything else we have out. Have a drink and a biscuit (cakes if we have a special week!). Please keep hot drinks in the lounge where the sofas are. If biscuits get dropped on floor please try to clear up – dustpan & brush are kept behind the counter in the kitchen –or alert a member of staff. It can be a lot harder to clear up once 55 people have trodden it in!!

11:00am to 11:05am
Last orders for drinks or finish up any craft you are working on.

11:05 to 11:30
Music Time – this happens in the lounge and everyone joins in! We know you may feel a little silly singing ‘Dingle dangle Scarecrow’ and doing the actions but
1) your kids will love it even more if you do it
2) it is a great stress reliever – honest! (though we don’t recommend doing it whilst driving – okay maybe singing but not with actions!!!
We use Music Time to give you any notices and let you know of anything coming up. We also celebrate birthdays during this time – usually with a card and a treat. Please make sure you let us know if you have a birthday in the current month as and when you register in so we don’t miss anyone out.

11:30am – GoodbyeThat’s All Folks – Unless any of you have a burning desire to stay and clear up!

Sept 2006 - Library Books and First Timers

2006-09-07T06:20:00.000-07:00

Library books
We have a fresh supply of Library books this term. Pat takes extra care to ensure these are appropriate for the children as well as being fun and educational as well. These have a ‘P’ sticker on them – we hope you enjoy introducing your children to the joy of reading. We will also try to incorporate a ‘story time’ into Music Time – please feel free to bring along any favourites for us to share at this time.

First Timers

We are re-starting our waiting list with immediate effect. This is to keep numbers at a workable level – our maximum in any one session is 55 adults and children (not including staff). People often ask how long they will be on the waiting list – unfortunately this a little like asking “How long is a piece of string?”. Initially, we ask you to come for a first visit and to put your name on the list, you will then need to wait for us to allocate you a regular space. We allocate such spaces in chronological order (longest waiting first) once our numbers are under 50 for two consecutive weeks. I believe the shortest wait on record was three weeks and the longest was three months. If you had your name down in last term, you should now be aware that you have a regular space. If you have any queries please see Rhianne or email Rhianne@leecm2.fsnet.co.uk .

Sept 2006 - Pause for Thought . . .

2006-09-07T06:17:00.000-07:00

Beauty Tips
written by Sam Levenson

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.

For poise, walk with the knowledge you'll never walk alone.

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anybody.

Remember, If you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm.

As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.

The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.

It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years -only grows!

Subs
Remains at £1.00 for up to 3 people in a family additional 50p per person thereafter.

Heath and Safety notes
We have attached a copy of the Health and Safety Rules of Oaks and Acorns. Most of these are common sense but please take time, either this morning or at a later point to ensure you are familiar with these.

Sept 2006 - Shoebox Collections

2006-09-07T06:11:00.000-07:00

We will be collecting again this year for Operation Christmas Child – shoebox appeal. Please start bringing in empty shoeboxes as soon as possible – we will also need any leftover Christmas Wrapping Paper you may have under the bed from last year.

Each week from 18th on we will be collecting small change which will go towards the postage costs and then we will have a specific item to bring along each week. We will remind you of this but it should be as follows:

Do Not Include:Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snowglobes or glass containers; aerosol cans

For full information on this Project please see
http://www.samaritanspurse.org/

Sept 2006 Notes - Misc

2006-09-07T06:04:00.000-07:00

Sponsored Trundle
Please note we will be doing this in the Spring Term.

Dates for your Diary

23rd October – No Oaks and Acorns – Half Term
6th November - Photo Morning
11th December (yes we have to think that far!!) Christmas Party

Harvest for the Hungry
The Church is supporting this project – full details at http://www.harvestforthehungry.co.uk/
If you would like to donate, please bring in any of the following sugar, plain flour rice or pasta.

September 2006 - Just for Fun

2006-09-07T04:26:00.000-07:00

Just for Fun

GREAT TRUTHS THAT LITTLE CHILDREN HAVE LEARNED:
1) No matter how hard you try, you can't baptize cats.
2) When your Mum is mad at your Dad, don't let her brush your hair.
3) If your sister hits you, don't hit her back. They always catch the second person.
4) Never ask your 3-year old brother to hold a tomato.
5) You can't trust dogs to watch your food.
6) Don't sneeze when someone is cutting your hair.
7) Never hold a Dust-Buster and a cat at the same time.
8) You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.
9) Don't wear polka-dot underwear under white shorts.
10) The best place to be when you're sad is Grandpa's lap.

GREAT TRUTHS THAT ADULTS HAVE LEARNED:
1) Raising teenagers is like nailing jelly to a tree.
2) Wrinkles don't hurt.
3) Families are like fudge...mostly sweet, with a few nuts.
4) Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground.
5) Laughing is good exercise. It's like jogging on the inside.
6) Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fibre, not the toy.

Thank you for being with us.
Rhianne (Leader)
Joyce, Pat, Elsie, Jenny, Diana, Val Weeks, Val Harding,
Jean and Heidi.

June / July Notes

2006-07-01T12:48:00.000-07:00

Oaks & Acorns
Elim Christian Centre, Hall Street, Chelmsford
Tel: 01245 358855 http://www.elim.org/
www.oaksandacorns.blogspot.com

Hello and Welcome to June/July Oaks & Acorns notes.

We hope you will find time to sit with a cuppa and read on.

Romania Update
Darren (Rhianne’s Husband), Jenny and the team are now back from their Mission Trip to Romania. They saw many sad things but also many things where The Smiles Foundation has really been able to help. . . .

They met a little girl from the Gipsy Village – the camp where she lives suffers from flooding, manure and raw sewage run through the streets because of lack of basic sanitation. She walks barefoot because her family cannot afford shoes...

They met a little girl in the state run Hospital. Facilities are extremely poor and the Hospital would be condemned if it were in the UK. Children’s heads are shaved regardless of whether they are boys or girls to avoid lice. It is difficult to tell whether a child is a boy or a girl.
The children in this ward are abandoned children with nobody to care for them – Darren and the team spend the afternoon playing with them and giving hugs. ..

They meta 78 year old woman. She stands in front of her ‘house’ – most of us have better sheds! There is no state provision for people over 60 so she scrapes by. Smiles provide a monthly food parcel and regular visits. These help but she has no hope and says she is
‘waiting to die’. ..

Shoeboxes are still a much treasured possession among very meagre belongings.

One of the families sponsored through Smiles Foundation – their home has been renovated by Smiles, the two older children are now studying well at School and have been given food and a hope by the Smiles Foundation.

They visited The Children’s Centre built and run by Smiles. Abandoned Children are looked after here from the age of 0-6. By law at 6 years old they have to be placed back in an orphanage – a need Smiles are trying to work on. The playhouse in the picture was bought by Oaks and Acorns here in Chelmsford.

Thank you all for your support to our fund raising efforts – as you know half the proceeds go to The Little Havens Children’s Hospice here in Essex whilst the other half goes to The Smiles Foundation over in Romania.

The need is still great, please help us to support these Charities as much as you can through collecting 2ps, buying cards or just plain giving.

I know this sounds like we keep asking but I urge you to look into these people’s faces and reflect on how much we have.

The following poem was written by an American Pastor’s wife – they have moved out to Romania with their five children to run the Children’s Centre.

Tiny Fingers

Tiny fingers, tiny face –how did you ever end up in such a place?
Beautiful eyes, deep and dark – on what kind of future will you embark?
Who could leave this beautiful one – so tiny, so helpless – who’s life has just began
Did it break your mother’s heart to leave you alone,
Did she think you would be raised in a better home?
You are so small, so frail and so weak you just lie in your bed your days seem so bleak
Does anyone rock you and sing you to sleep?
Does anyone tell you you’re special or kiss your cheek?
Does anyone tell you, you were fearfully and wonderfully made?
And all your days were ordained when earth’s foundation was laid?
You are a creation of the master’s hand – little one, I know your life has a plan
You are so precious in His sight – So sweet little baby, just hold on tight
May the angels surround you and guard you dear one
And I pray someday you’ll know Jesus, God’s only Son
May someone come in and give you a home – so sweet little baby, you won’t be alone

2 Squared
Only 2 weeks to go!!
3rd July- we will be making a giant square on the floor in the main sanctuary and trying to fill it with 2ps. Everything we raise will be split between Little Haven’s Hospice and The Smiles Foundation.

Birthdays
The following little ones celebrate their birthdays
Alex Turhan – 7th July
Jake Adams – 15th July
William Bradshaw – 21st August
Jessica Dearing-Pegg –
27th August

We will try to do Birthdays and Bears on the first Monday of each month – please remind us when you book in if it is your little one’s birthday to ensure they don’t miss out.

Recipes
We are still hoping to produce an Oaks & Acorns Recipe Book but unfortunately have not had much response yet. Please would you let us have your recipes as soon as possible and we will re-visit this project in the Autumn term.

Dates for your Diary
Last Oaks & Acorns this term – Monday 17th July

First Oaks & Acorns back in new Term – Monday 11th September

Goodbyes
Some of our little ones are getting bigger and will be starting School soon – please let us know if your little one will be moving up as we would like to do a proper ‘Goodbye’ before they go – we are planning to do these al together on 17th June so please let us know if you cannot be with us on that morning.

Please remember our summer event . . .

Summer Teddy Bear’s Picnic
Saturday 22nd July
12 noon to 3pm
At
3 All Saints Close,
Springfield, CM1 7HT

This will be a no cost, fun afternoon for you and your family. Tents will be there so even if it is wet we can all meet up and have some fun !!!
The event is open to you and your partner, as well as older siblings and, of course, the guests of honour, our little acorns.

Refreshments and activities will be provided. Please let us know as soon as possible if you can/cannot make it so catering can be arranged accordingly.

This event is kindly being run for us by Val Week’s Lifegroup to positively encourage you all as families and carers and to thank Oaks and Acorns for the work we do in our Community. Should you want any further information on Lifegroups or Church Life, please see any of our staff.

Race for Life Update

Rhianne, Joyce and Pat are pleased to say that we completed the Race for Life at Hylands Park on Sunday 25th June.

We raised over £530 between us and we had a fun but tiring day. Well Done to any of you who joined – we trust you enjoyed it as much as we did.

Many thanks to those who have sponsored us – your generosity is most appreciated.

Photos
We may be taking photos of Oaks and Acorns over the next few months. If you have specific reasons why you do not want you or your children included in these, please let us know.

Maximum Numbers
Please note that we do have a maximum of 55 attendees at Oaks and Acorns – once we are at this level we declare ourselves officially ‘full’ and can allow no more through the doors.
We hate having to turn any away but the safety of the children is our prime concern. We recommend you arrive as early as possible to ensure you can get in – our doors open at 10:00am.

Contacts
Our Church receptionists – can always pass messages on to Rhianne should the need arise:
Elim Christian Centre
01245 358855

Should you need to contact Rhianne or Joyce direct
01245 255761 (Home)

Or Rhianne@leecm2.fsnet.co.uk

Prayers
We regularly pray for the group and it’s attendees – please let us know should you have a specific need you would like us to remember.

Cards
Please check out the Greetings cards – handmade by Pat – they are really lovely and a bargain at just £1.50. Remember – half the proceeds go to our supported Charities.

Thank you for being with us.
Rhianne (Leader)
Elsie, Joyce, Pat, Jenny, Diana, Val Weeks, Val Harding,
Jean and Heidi.

March 2006 Notes

2006-03-02T15:12:00.000-08:00

MONTHLY NOTES MARCH & APRIL 2006

Dates for your Diary
Whilst we are here for all of March, please note we will be closed for the Easter break in April
No Oaks & Acorns on;-
3rd April
10th April
17th April
Back 24th April
No Oaks & Acorns on
1st May

Birthdays
The following little ones celebrate their birthdays in March & April.
Lena Leinemann – 14th March
Thomas (Johnson) – 23rd March
Isobel Jeffrey – 25th March
Zachery Marsh – 5th April
James Bishop – 12th April
Naimah Ahmed – 14th April
Happy Birthday from all at Oaks and Acorns.

We will try to do Birthdays and Bears on the first Monday of each month – please remind us when you book in if it is your little one’s birthday to ensure they don’t miss out.

Easter Egg Hunt
We will be running our own Easter Egg Hunt on Monday 27th March.
Entry will be £1.00 – the children will need to find as many Egg pictures as they can in our Nursery playground (weather permitting) – once they have collected them they will win a chocolate egg. All proceeds raised from the morning will go to this year’s supported charities.

Unattended Children
We would respectfully remind you that you should always be in the same room at Oaks and Acorns as your child/children. Whilst staff can watch particular children if you need the loo or there is an emergency, we cannot do this as a matter of course – thank you for your co-operation.

Subs
We are changing the structure for Subs with effect from April.
The cost of £1.00 per session will cover a Family/Group of 1 adult and up to 2 children, an additional 50p will then be charged for each additional child or adult.
For Example, Mum & 2 Children = £1.00 per session
Or
Dad & 2 Children & Grandma = £1.50
Or
Carer & 4 Children =
£2.00

The subs are used to help towards our costs.
The use of the Church facilities are all provided free by Elim Christian Centre. We also use part of our subs to support our Charities. We hope this will be a fairer system for all going forward, if you have any queries, please see Rhianne.

Fun 4 All
The Church is running a Fun, Family Games night on
Saturday March 18th from 6:00pm to 8:15pm.
Cost will be £10.00 for a Family ticket of up to 6 people – this will include a Fish & Chip supper.
Tickets are going quickly and places are limited, so please see Rhianne soon if you would like to book..

Maximum Numbers
Please note that we do have a Maximum of 55 attendees at Oaks and Acorns – once we are at this level we declare ourselves officially ‘full’ and can allow no more through the doors.
We hate having to turn any away but the safety of the children is our prime concern. We recommend you arrive as early as possible to ensure you can get in – our doors open at 10:00am.

Mother’s Day
Don’t forget those special women in your life. We have a selection of Mother’s Day cards available, as well as others for many occasions – all are on top of the table in Oasis Lounge for just £1.50 each
(half of proceeds go to our supported Charities)

Mugs & Cups
Would you all please help us out by taking any dirty mugs or cups back to the hatch once finished with– it really makes the sessions run a little smoother.

Easter Services
Details of our Easter Services here at Elim will be available late March.
Details are regularly on the Church website http://www.elim.org/ and we would love to see any of you at any of the Services.

Library Books
Pat has obtained a selection of books from the Library for us – these are all in the Book corner and have a "P"sticker on them. We will change these every few months. We hope you find them a valuable tool in teaching your children to love reading.

Please could you also encourage your children, should they feel hungry to chew on a biscuit from the serving hatch rather than one of the books!!

Penny Pots
Thank you and Well Done to all those who have already bought in their Small Change. Please keep collecting as this really will make a Big Difference to many people. Please let us know if you need any more pots

Prayer
We regularly Pray for the group and all those who attend or work with us, if you have something specific you would like us to remember, please either speak to any of the staff or fill in one of our Prayer Request slips on the main table.

Happy Birthday Joyce
Joyce will be 70 years young on 2nd April – I am sure you, along with us, wish her well.
Now, rather than doing a re-enactment of Towering Inferno with a cake and Candles – Joyce has decided to celebrate by doing two things;-
1 – A mini Cruise with her two favourite daughters followed by
2 – Entrance to this year’s
Race for Life at Hylands Park on 25th June
http://www.raceforlife.org/
What a way to go!
Myself (Rhianne) and Pat will also be doing the Race for Life with her – we feel it is such a brilliant event and raises money so well for Cancer Research – a cause which I am sure touches many of your lives. We do not wish to distract from our supported Charities this year but we will have our sponsorship forms with us on a regular basis – if you feel inclined to sponsor us and this worthy Charity – please let us know.

Health & Safety reminders
Please ensure Big Push along toys are kept in the Main room and Hot Drinks are kept in the Oasis Lounge wherever possible. Adults – we need your help with this to avoid accidents wherever possible.

Waiting List
Our Waiting List is on average 3 months at the moment – If you have friends who would like to join, please get them to come along for their first taster session as soon as possible.

Accidents
If anyone does have an accident of a serious nature, please see Rhianne or Pat as we need to log this in an accident book. Please note that Rhianne, Pat, Joyce and Jenny are all trained First Aiders should the need arise.

Feedback
Well – I think you deserve a Gold Medal if you have got this far in the notes – they were certainly long this month so Thanks for reading and Well Done!!
As ever if you have any Feedback on the Group or you can see how something could be improved please let us know.

Thank you for being with us.

Rhianne (Leader)
Elsie, Joyce, Pat, Jenny, Diana, Val Weeks, Val Harding,
Jean and Heidi.
A final thought . . .

WITH TOWEL AND BASIN
by Max Lucado

It has been a long day. Jerusalem is packed with Passover guests.

The disciples enter, one by one, and take their places around the table. On the wall hangs a towel, and on the floor sits a pitcher and a basin. Any one of the disciples could volunteer for the job, but not one does.

After a few moments, Jesus stands and removes his outer garment. He wraps a servant's girdle around his waist, takes up the basin, and
kneels before one of the disciples. He unlaces a sandal and gently
lifts the foot and places it in the basin, covers it with water, and
begins to bathe it. One by one, one grimy foot after another, Jesus works his way down the row.

I looked for a Bible translation that reads, "Jesus washed all the
disciples' feet except the feet of Judas," but I couldn't find one.
What a passionate moment when Jesus silently lifts the feet of his
betrayer and washes them in the basin! Within hours the feet of Judas, cleansed by the kindness of the one he will betray, will stand in
Caiaphas's court.

Behold the gift Jesus gives his followers! By morning they will bury their heads in shame and look down at their feet in disgust. And when they do, he wants them to remember how his knees knelt before them and he washed their feet. He wants them to realize those feet are still clean. "You don't understand now what I am doing, but you will understand later" (John13:7).

Remarkable. He forgave their sin before they even committed it. He
offered mercy before they even sought it.
______________________________
From "Just like Jesus"
Copyright 1998, Max Lucado

Oaks & Acorns
Elim Christian Centre, Hall Street, Chelmsford
Tel: 01245 358855 www.elim.org
www.oaksandacorns.blogspot.com

No Oaks 23rd January

2006-01-18T22:52:00.000-08:00

We will not be running Oaks and Acorns nnext Moday 23rd January as we have a funeral at Church. Sadly, one of our Church Members, Neil Cooper passed to be with the Lord last Saturday. Our prayers and support will be with the Family on Monday.
Back as normal on Monday 30th January.
Meal is still on 6:00pm at The Plough on Monday23rd. If you have not yet booked, please contact the Church on 01245 358855.

Notes - January 2006

2006-01-08T11:23:00.000-08:00

Hello and Welcome to the New Year at Oaks and Acorns.
Please take some time to read the notes, this is where we can communicate with you without too much interruption from the kids and you can re-read if they do interrupt!!! Please remember, we are all a part of Oaks and Acorns so if there is anything you would like us to do differently, if you have any ideas or suggestions, please let any of our staff know.

Welcome . . .
to Heidi Miller. Heidi will now be helping out as staff as Bethany and Jessica are growing up and moving into new sessions in playgroup in readiness for school. Heidi – welcome to the team – it is great to have you.

Birthdays
If your little one will be celebrating a birthday in January, please remind us when you sign in soon so we do not miss anyone out.

Adults Meal Out
Monday 23rd January 6:00pm
After the business of Christmas, we thought it would be a good time to give ourselves a night off and go out for a meal. We will do this on Monday 23rd January, 6:00pm at The Plough (Harvester) in Springfield Road. Eating at this time means we can get the ’early bird’ discount – a wide choice of menu but very good value.
We would warmly invite you all – if you would like to come, please let Rhianne know as soon as possible, we will pay on the night but we do need to try to reserve seating.

Oaks and Acorns – New Years Resolutions. . .

Keep hot drinks in the lounge area wherever possible to avoid accidents

Keep big push along toys in the main room

Speak to someone you haven’t spoken to before

Smile

Get sticky on the craft table but still let your children’s artistic flair shine through

Collect pennies for those far less fortunate than ourselves – we will continue to support Little Havens and The Smiles Foundation through our Small Change, Big Difference collection. Or buy a card for just £1.50 to remind someone you care.

Never leave your child/children unattended

Collapse buggies wherever possible

Think of something positive we can do at Oaks and Acorns and pass it on!!!

Thank you for being with us.

Rhianne (Leader)
Elsie, Joyce, Pat, Jenny, Diana, Val Weeks, Val Harding, Jean and Heidi.

Thought of the month . . .
from The Goodness of Life
by Ralph Marston
Though there is much to be concerned about, there is far, far more for which to be thankful.
Though life's goodness can at times be overshadowed, it is never outweighed.
For every single act that is senselessly destructive, there are thousands more small, quiet acts of love, kindness and compassion.
For every person who seeks to hurt, there are many, many more who devote their lives to helping and to healing.
Even when the cold winds blowand the world seems to be covered in foggy shadows,the goodness of life lives on.

Open your eyes, open your heart,and you will see that goodness everywhere.
Time and time again when you feared it was gone forever, you found that the goodness of life was really only a moment away.

Oaks & Acorns
Elim Christian Centre, Hall Street, Chelmsford
Tel: 01245 358855 www.elim.org www.oaksandacorns.blogspot.com

HAPPY CHRISTMAS

2005-12-22T05:04:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone - jusyt a quickie to wish you all a Happy Christmas from all at Oaks & Acorns. Hope you all enjoyed the Christmas Party on the 12th - it was exhausting but lots of fun.

Also hope those of you who did get tickets to see Narnia enjoyed it - I paid for us as a family to go last Saturday and I know my Chantal (aged 9) did spend quite a bit hiding behind her jumper - hope yours weren't too distressed. Also hope you noted the similarities between Aslan and what Jesus did for us!

We are back on Monday 9th January 2006 10:00am to 11:30am. Waiting list very low now and we should be able to clear in January - will let you know soon if you can start with us on a regular basis.

Blessings for the season - we hope you have a good time.

Love

Rhi & Oaks & Acorns Team

November Notes

2005-10-31T14:45:00.001-08:00

Hello and Welcome to Oaks and Acorns and another busy month.

Welcome to Diane Bailey who I believe will be joining as our latest member of staff – I trust you will all help to make her feel welcome.

Photo Morning – Monday 7th November 2005
This makes a lovely present for Grandparents, etc at this time of year and is a lovely way to cherish memories of your little ones. Tempest Ltd will be here for the morning. Sets are normally back within about 2 weeks and cost depends on which set you have – full details will be enclosed with your prints.

Birthdays
It is our aim to do birthdays on the first morning of each month and we will now be giving out a ‘Birthday Bear’ to each child on their birthday.
Please can you let us know when you register in that your child will be celebrating their birthday soon so we do not miss anyone out.

Sponsored Assault Course
Well Done to all of you who completed our Assault Course in October – you did so well. Please collect any sponsorship monies and bring them in as soon as possible. All funds raised will go to this year’s supported charities.

Small Change . . . Big Difference
Please remember to keep collecting pennies in pots for our supported Charities – remember . . small change – big difference.

Toy Swap – Monday 21st November
We will be doing a toy’ swap’ on Monday 21st November – please bring along any good quality toys or books – you can then pick up others for a donation to the supported Charities. It could be an ideal way of picking up some bargain Christmas gifts. Items can be collected from the Centre up to 5:45 on the Monday if this would help you out at all – any queries, please ask Rhianne.

Moulsham Street Lighting Up – Saturday 19th November
This is a really lovely day that we, as a Church, love to support. When the fun of the Balloons, Carols, Father Christmas and the lighting up parade finishes in Moulsham Street, we start here at the Centre. We have free drinks, Bouncy Castles and face painting. It really is great fun and we would love to see any of you there.

Christmas Party
Monday 12th December 10:30 to 12:30
Yes, it is nearly that time of year again.
We will be doing things a little differently this year. We know you are all incredibly busy and to this end, we are doing our bit to save you time and effort!!
We will be catering for the event – all you have to bring is yourselves (and your little ones of course!!). We will be having a themed party and will let you know in due course what our theme will be. Cost for the party will be just £2.00 (payable in advance) per family and tickets will be available from 21st November.

Final Thoughts . . .
IF GOD SHOULD GO ON STRIKE.
It's just as well that GOD above has never gone on strike,
Because He thought we'd been unfair or for things He didn't like.
If He had even once sat down and said "I've had enough,
Of those on earth, so this I'll do - I'll make the going tough.
I'll give my order to the sun, cut off the heat supply,
And to the moon give no more light, and run their rivers dry;
Then first to make it really tough, and put the pressure on,
I'll turn off all the oxygen, till every breath is gone."
He'd really be quite justified, if justice is the claim,
For no one has been more abused, or treated with disdain
than God - and yet He carries on, Supplying you and me
with all the favours of his grace and everything is free.
If men may want a better deal, then out on strike they go,
But what a deal we've given God for everything we owe.
We don't care whom we hurt to gain the things we like,
But what a mess we'd all be in if God should go on strike.

Thank you for being with us, we hope to see you again soon.

Rhianne (Leader)
Elsie, Joyce, Pat, Jean, Jenny, Christine, Val H, Val W and Diane
Oaks and Acorns Staff

Assault Course

2005-10-17T11:21:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all those who supported our "Assault Course Morning" - 18 little people went home with a certificate, a "You've done it" sticker, a lollipop AND a medal! Thanks also to all those who helped in tthe set-up and strip down. (Though it was rather nice to note that "hugging a teddy" was part of the "Assault Course"!)

We will let you know how much this morning raised for our Designated Charities this year, The Smiles Foundation (Romania) and the Little Havens Children's Hospice here in Essex

Thank you
from
The Oaks and Acorns Team

October notes

2005-10-13T08:23:00.000-07:00

Oaks & Acorns
Elim Christian Centre, Hall Street, Chelmsford
Tel: 01245 358855 http://www.elim.org/
www.oaksandacorns.blogspot.com

October 2005 Notes

Thought for the Day. . .
My mother said to me, “if you become a soldier you’ll be a general; if you become a monk you’ll end up as the pope.” Instead, I became a painter and wound up as Picasso.
Pablo Picasso

(Love) believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
1 Corinthians 13:7

Sponsored Assault Course
Monday 17th October
Please note this will be more Oaks & Acorns style rather than S.A.S style and should be able to be completed fairly easily by your little ones and without the need for a parachute!!! Funds raised will go towards our supported Charities – please start collecting sponsors today – sponsorship form available at O & A

Cake Mornings
We need some Mums who would be prepared to make some cakes to bring down for us all to enjoy in the morning - to raise funds for our supported Charities – just one cake/traybake – we are not asking for the entire Bakery section of Tesco!! If you could do this, please let Pat or Rhianne know as soon as possible.

Small Change . . . Big Difference
Please don’t forget to collect your pennies and bring them in for this year’s supported Charities.
These are Little Havens Children’s Hospice here in Essex and
The Smiles Foundation in Romania – children’s work. More pots available on registration desk.

Subs
Can we make a polite request to please bring in correct change (£1.00 wherever possible) – Many Thanks

Photo Morning
Up and coming – 7th November – a lovely keepsake of these precious years for you – any queries, please see Rhianne.

Dates for your Diary
No Oaks and Acorns 24h October - Half Term week – back as usual on 31st October.

Card money
Pat has handmade a lovely selection of cards this year. These are available for just £1.50 per card and are out in the Lounge each week – please browse through and pick one (or several) up today – half the proceeds will go to our chosen charities.

Birthdays
It is our aim to do birthdays on the first morning of each month and we will now be giving out a ‘Birthday Bear’ to each child on their birthday.
Please can you let us know when you register in that your child will be celebrating their birthday soon so we do not miss anyone out.

Waiting List
We clear this as soon as possible , just so you aware, this is our policy:
§ First timers are welcome to join us for their initial visit at any point – we will then hold your details on file and let you know as soon as space is available. Unfortunately, we have no way of telling how long you may need to wait as this depends on our numbers week by week. If you would like an update, please check out our blogspot http://www.oaksandacornns.blogspot.com/ .
§ Our numbers have to be below 50 (adults and children) for two consecutive weeks before we allow new people to join, this is done in chronological order.
§ If you have four consecutive unexplained absences, you are at risk of losing your regular space here at Oaks and Acorns.
§ We have a maximum number of 55 (adults and children) at any one session. This is on a first come, first served basis. We start at 10:00am and run until 11:30am. We would recommend you arrive early as this will give you the best chance of getting in. We apologise if we ever have to turn you away. Please be aware that this is for Health and Safety reasons, more than 55 people can greatly increase the risk of accidents.
If you have any queries, please speak to Rhianne.

Thank you for being with us, we hope to see you again soon.

Rhianne (Leader)
Elsie, Joyce, Pat, Jean, Jenny, Christine, Val H and Val W
Oaks and Acorns Staff

Oaks & Acorns
Elim Christian Centre, Hall Street, Chelmsford
Tel: 01245 358855 http://www.elim.org/
www.oaksandacorns.blogspot.com

Prayer

2005-09-18T02:49:00.000-07:00

May I take this opportunity to remind you that as staff, our aim is to start and end each morning with a time of prayer. This is because this is a Christian run group and we feel it is important to bring God into all we do. If you have anything in particular you would like us to pray about, please speak to Elsie as she is our
prayer co-ordinator.
Being a Christian is far more than being a ‘nice person’. It is about having a relationship with God. Any of the staff would love to talk to you about this, please take the opportunity today.

Waiting List

2005-09-17T02:41:00.000-07:00

We cleared our waiting list in September but are back up to four families on the list as of the first morning.
We have reviewed our policy but would like to clarify what it is:-

First timers are welcome to join us for their initial visit at any point – we will then hold your details on file and let you know as soon as space is available. Unfortunately, we have no way of telling how long you may need to wait as this depends on our numbers week by week. If you would like an update, please check out our blogspot http://www.oaksandacornns.blogspot.com/ .

Our numbers have to be below 50 (adults and children) for two consecutive weeks before we allow new people to join, this is done in chronological order.

If you have four consecutive unexplained absences, you are at risk of losing your regular space here at Oaks and Acorns.

We have a maximum number of 55 (adults and children) at any one session. This is on a first come, first served basis. We start at 10:00am and run until 11:30am. We would recommend you arrive early as this will give you the best chance of getting in. We apologise if we ever have to turn you away. Please be aware that this is for Health and Safety reasons, more than 55 people can greatly increase the risk of accidents.

If you have any queries, please speak to Rhianne.

Small Change . . . Big Difference

2005-09-16T02:36:00.000-07:00

We have decided this year to focus our charity giving to two specific charities.
These will be Little Havens Children’s Hospice here in Essex and
The Smiles Foundation in Romania – children’s work. If you would like further information on either of these Charities, please let us know.

We believe it is important to encourage children to support other children. We wanted to help a local charity and one further afield, Home and Overseas effectively.

All our fundraising this year will therefore be split equally between the two chosen charities.

We will be doing a sponsored trundle later this year but we will also be trying various other fund raising activities.

Toy Swap – please start looking out any good quality used toys – we will shortly be doing a ‘Toy Swap’ morning – you will bring down what you no longer need and ‘swap’ it for something else for a donation to the charities.

Cake Mornings – would any of you Mums be prepared to make some cakes to bring down for us all to enjoy in the morning - again raising funds?
If you could do this, please let Pat or Rhianne know so we don’t have too many all on the same morning (Question – can you have too many cakes???)

Penny pots – once again these will be available for your small change – please collect and bring in regularly – as we say above small change . . . big difference.

Card money – Pat has handmade a lovely selection of cards this year. These are available for just £1.50 per card and are out in the Lounge each week – please browse through and pick one (or several) up today – half the proceeds will go to our chosen charities.

If you have any other fund raising ideas, please let us know.

Subs – this year we will give 10% of all the subs we take to our supported charities.
10% will also go to the Church itself to help towards our running costs.
Note – please try to bring the correct change (£1.00) whenever possible – Thank you.

Because we are concentrating all our efforts on Little Havens and The Smiles Foundation, we will not directly be doing Harvest for the Hungry or Shoeboxes this year. However, the Church as a whole will be doing these projects and if you would like to support them individually, we can give you the appropriate information.

Birthdays

2005-09-15T10:40:00.000-07:00

It is our aim to do birthdays on the first morning of each month and we will now be giving out a ‘Birthday Bear’ to every child on their birthday (31 bought at last count – I think I may become buried in teddies soon!)
Please can you let us know when you register in that your child will be celebrating their birthday soon so we do not miss anyone out.

Jingles for Jenny Update

2005-09-15T10:27:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all those who collected pennies for us last term. We raised £80.00 which Jenny will be using to send toys out to the Smiles Foundation work in Romania. We have chosen a Wendy House, Trike, Dolls House and Train Set. Jenny has many pictures of her trip to Romania in the Summer and would be happy to share them with anyone – we will aim for these to be available in the Lounge for the next few weeks

All I really need to know I learned in Kindergarten

2005-09-14T10:40:00.000-07:00

All I really need to know about how to live and how to be
I learned in Kindergarten
Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate-school mountain,
but there in the sand pile at Sunday school.

These are the things I learned.

Share everything. Play fair. Don’t hit people. Put things back where you found them. Clean up your own mess. Don’t take things that aren’t yours. Say you’re sorry when you hit somebody. Wash your hands before you eat. Flush. Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you. Live a balanced life – learn some and think some and draw and paint and dance and play every day some. Take a nap every afternoon. When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands and stick together. Be Aware of wonder. Remember the little seed in the Styrofoam cup; the roots go down and the plant goes up, and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that. Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the Styrofoam cup – they all die. So do we. And then remember the Dick-and-Jane books and the first word you learned – the biggest word of all – LOOK.

Everything you need to know is in there somewhere. The Golden Rule of Love and basic sanitation. Ecology and politics and equality and sane living. Take any one of these items and extrapolate it into sophisticated adult terms and apply it to your family life or your work or your government or your world and it holds true and clear and firm. Think what a better world it would be if we all – the whole world – had cookies and milk about three o’clock every afternoon and then lay down with our blankies for a nap. Or if all governments had as a basic policy to always put things back where they found them and to clean up their own mess.

And it is still true, no matter how old you are – when you go out into the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together

From All I really need to know
I learned in Kindergarten by Robert Fulghum

The early bird ! ! !

2005-04-13T22:24:00.000-07:00

We have recently reviewed our waiting list criteria and have moved the threshold up to 50 - this meand that if our numbers are 50 or under for two consecutive weeks then we can allow people to join from the waiting list.
However, for Health and Safety reasons we still need to keep to a maximum of 55 adults and children in any given week. This will mean that if we go over this number, we are officially FULL and you would not be allowed in ig you were the 56th person :(
Obviously we would not want anybody to be dissapointed so we would recommend you arrive as close to our start time (10am) as possible.

Waiting List - Clearing early January

2005-04-13T22:17:00.000-07:00

We are now in a position to offer regular places to people who have been on the list since early January - if this is you, we will send out a letter during the next week or so. If you are not sure, please contact Elim Christian Centre on 01245 358855 who will get a message to me and I will let you know where you are on the list.
Rhianne

Spring Break

2005-04-13T22:15:00.000-07:00

Off at the moment for Spring Break. Our Calender as follows:
Back on Monday 25th April
Off Monday 2nd May - Bank Holiday
Back on Monday 9th May

Waiting List Update

2005-03-20T23:05:00.000-08:00

Still no scope to allow people to join from the waiting list I'm afraid. As soon as we go under 45 threshold one week, we are over it the next week. We were at 49 last week so it would be another 2 weeks at least before anything can happen and that presumes numbers allow. I will be looking at the way we run the waiting list soon, possibly increasing the threshold but this may mean we would have to work on a first come, first served basis on a Monday morning. We would still have to have a maximum number for Health and Safety reasons. I will get back to you once a decsion has been made.

Happy Easter

2005-03-20T15:06:00.000-08:00

We are off Monday 28th March as it is Easter Monday - back as normal on 4th April

RND 2005 - Comic Relief

2005-03-07T12:31:00.000-08:00

Thanks especially to Pat for making the lovely cakes for this morning. With this and the money from subs and cards we raised over £27.00 which will go to Comic Relief. For more info on Comic Relief this year go th www.rednoseday.com :-)

Waiting List Update

2005-03-07T12:28:00.000-08:00

Numbers were at 39 this morning. Should we have another week under 45 next week, we will have some spaces for those who have been on the waiting list the longest. Please check back regularly for updates!

Playdough Recipe

2005-03-04T05:15:00.000-08:00

Many of you have asked for the recipe – here it is – Joyce has made ours this term, so if you have any questions please ask her.

Long-lasting playdough
By adding cream of tartar to the recipe and cooking the mixture you can make dough that lasts well and has a lovely texture.

2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 cup plain flour
½ cup salt
1 tablespoon oil
1 cup water

Mix to form a smooth paste.
Put in a saucepan and cook slowly, until the dough comes away from the side of the pan and forms a ball.
When it is cool enough, take the dough out of the pan and knead for three to four minutes.
Put the pan to soak immediately.
Adding Colour.
Use food colouring or paint. For a smooth, even colour, mix the colouring with the water before it is added to the flour and salt; for a streaky, marbled effect, knead it straight
into the dough.
Adding smells.
To ring the changes try adding one of the following: peppermint essence, ginger, cinnamon or rosewater.
Don’t do this for smaller children as it may increase the temptation to eat the dough.
From – Entertaining and Educating your PreSchool Child – An Usborne Guide

2005-03-03T05:00:00.000-08:00

Monday 7th March
Oaks and Acorns on as Normal
Staff on: Rhi, Joyce, Elsie, Jenny, Pat, Val H
Craft: Joyce

Waiting List Update 28th Feb 2005

2005-03-02T09:00:00.000-08:00

Our numbers were above 45 again this week - 49 actually. This means that we can not yet allow anyone in off the waiting list.
The waiting list works on the basis that we need to be 45 (adults and children - not staff) for two consecutive weeks, at which point we contact people from the waiting list and let them know they can join us on a regular basis.
Our maximum number is 55 - this is for Health and Safety reasons - if we get up to this on a morning we cannot allow anyone else to come into the session on that morning.
If you do not attend for 5 consecutive weeks with unexplained absences, you may lose your space on our register and need to rejoin the waiting list.
For regular updates on the waiting list, please check this blogspot.

2005-03-02T02:45:00.000-08:00

New Handmade Greetings Cards available from Pat - cost just £1.50 - Half of which goes to Charity - **Cards for Men just added to the range ** please check out at your next visit.

Cost and Format of Morning

2005-03-01T20:49:00.000-08:00

££ It cost just £1.00 per session, this covers all the tea, coffee, juice and biscuits and also any craft materials that are used.
Our session run from 10:00am until 11:30am.
approach. The first hour is free play.
We have a baby corner with bouncers, support cushions, rattles and other baby toys.
We have an area for the big toys - slide, cars, scooters, prams, trolleys, push along carts etc.
We have a craft table, different projects are prepared each week for you little ones to enjoy and take home.
We have a playdough table - a great activity to encourage children's fine motor skills (did you know that playing with playdough will help strengthen their fingers and so help them later on when learning to use a pen!)
We have a dressing up corner which all the children enjoy and also a book corner if you would like to spend a quieter time with your little ones reading them a story.
Adults are required to stay with their little ones but we also have a fantastic friendly staff who are allays willing to help out where possible.
Our final half hour is Music Time. We sing along with various favorites and encourage the children to play along with our range of 'instruments'. We also use this time to update you on any group news and celebrate any birthdays with the children.
If you have any queries - please put them in the chatterbox and I will try and help out.
Rhianne. Leader.

Who? When? Where? Why?

2005-02-28T20:41:00.000-08:00

We are a Christian run Parent/Carer and Child Group. Children need to be pre-school (five or under) to attend and accompanied by their Mum/Dad/ Grandparent/Auntie/Uncle/Carer - who can be any age!!
We run on a Monday morning from 10:00am to 11:30am during term time. We recommend you arrive early as we have a maximum number of 55 adults and children, once we get to this threshold, we cannot allow any more people in!
We run at Elim Christian Centre, Hall Street, Chelmsford. Tel 01245 358855 or see website www.elim.org for further information.
We are passionate about caring for the local Community. We see running a group where adults can meet and share experiences and a cuppa while the children play in a safe and encouraging environment as an excellent way of doing this.

2005-02-27T02:40:00.000-08:00

Hello and Welcome to the new Oaks and Acorns Blogspot