Junior Auxiliary (JA) St. Francis By The Lakes, Lower Sackville, NS

Our Goal The goal of JA`s is to help children grow in their understanding of themselves, other people, and the world in which they live. JA’s gives children a time each week when they can just be themselves and be accepted as they are.

When did it begin? Patti and Canon David Reid brought it to St. Francis’ in 1988 A program of the Anglican Church of Canada Originally a program sponsored by WA (Women’s Auxiliary), designed for girls In the late 80’s/ 90’s, groups existed in Alberton (PEI), Kentville, New Glasgow/Stellarton

So where are we now? St. Francis By The Lakes Group is the only one in our Diocese, possibly the only one in our Ecclesiastical Province One other JA Group seems to exist in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario But... We are booming!!

How Does the Program Work? Open to children in grades 1-6 (elementary school) Children progress yearly through a series of “stripes”, culminating in their “Churchmanship” badge Children work together on 2-3 yearly badges Prayer partner program Yearly outreach

What does a typical “JA” meeting look like? 20 mins- Show and Tell / Bible Focus 20 mins – Stripe work or programming Stripe #2: Know the Lord’s Prayer and its meaning Learn why we say “Grace”. Lead the grace at a JA event. Learn about kids in a different country (each child can do a different part – food, song, clothes, games) Make a cross using an unusual material. Know why we use the cross to symbolize Christianity.

Programming samples: Badge work guest speakers: EHS 911 representative; visit to the fire department; tour of a vet clinic; Representative from Autism NS; Recreation Therapist visit – adapted sports for children with mobility impairments Badge related team-building activities 20 min craft or game/activity 15 min healthy snack 5 min closing circle – Occasional parties! (Hallowe’en, Christmas, Year- end sleep-over)

Prayer Partner Program The link between the congregation and the children “The best part of JAs”

Outreach Local – Sponsor a family for Christmas – Visit to our local Long Term Care Facility – Donations to local food bank National – Anglican Foundation “Hope Bear” Campaign International – Every Child Counts, Every Student Matters – World Wildlife Federation “Save the Polar Bears” – PWRDF

What makes it so successful? Relationships between children and leaders Open to community – every child counts Prayer Partners Outreach Commitment from parish priest Junior leader training program Ongoing stream of youth ministry (youth group, camp, Sunday School, server program, Diocesan programs, Ask and Imagine)

What does it take to make it happen? A love of children and of God and a belief that these two ought to be shared! A willingness to recognize leadership potential in everyone (not everyone has to be everything) Dedicated time for training of leaders and leader’s having time to prepare A parish that is able to “house” the program – Space, access to technology (if possible) Children who want to bring their friends! Less of a focus on “what can it bring us and more of a focus of what can we offer them”!

Five Marks of Mission of the ACC: 1. To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom 2. To teach, baptize and nurture new believers 3. To respond to human need by loving service 4. To seek to transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind and to pursue peace and reconciliation 5. To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth See the connection?!?!

O God, You have made us so that we may life happy and useful lives. We thank You for friends and for things to do. Help us to enjoy and serve others. AMEN