Women's Ministries Programs

Resource Material

Theme:

"Memories"

by

Anne Westmoreland

More Than Just Another Program

Baby Song is an outreach program, potentially touching the whole family; yet, it is so much more. It is about portraying a positive image of God, building relationships,  enjoying music and movement together, facilitating positive contact between parent and

child, as well as creating an environment in which the child thrives and develops, and the parent feels comfortable enough to ask questions and share real life stories.

Meeting Real Needs

The need for fellowship is a reality for many mothers (and fathers) of babies/toddlers, and it may not be easy to find a suitable environment to have that need met. Baby Song offers just that environment. It is a place where there is room for the baby/toddler, as well as for the parent to have interaction, parent–to–child, child–to–child and parent–to– parent. In addition to meeting social needs, Baby Song meets physical needs by offering

activities that stimulate and develop the child physically. Spiritual needs are met through the chosen songs, as well as the interaction and openness for questions.

Part of the Corps

Baby Song is not a long time commitment, just 8–12 weeks at a time. Yet, it may  influence the family way beyond that, as well as provide an opening into the rest of the corps life—older siblings who want to get involved, families that have no other place of worship.

Getting Started

It is not necessary to have families with babies/toddlers in your corps for you to start a Baby Song group, but if you do, try to get them involved. The relationships built between regular corps attendees and newcomers, will help bridge the gap between the group and the rest of the corps.

Step by Step

Get the Corps on Board

Communicate your vision and involve as many as you can for various tasks—prayer, promotional materials, the gathering of resources.

Identify the Core Team

Who will handle the music component? Who will be the hosts?

Make a Budget

What do you already have? What do you need to spend money on? How much will you charge? (Suggested fee: $40.00 for 8 weeks.)

Decide on Day and Time

What kind of neighborhood are you reaching out to? Will morning or afternoon hours, weekday or Saturday work best? Plan for one hour and 30 minutes per session, per week. How many weeks will it be? (8 to 12 work well). After the first session, when will it start up again?

Decide on Age Groups

It is possible to have a group of 0–3 year olds. Yet, you may want to divide them according to age, and just focus on one age group to begin with, e.g. 0–12 months or 1–3 years.

Advertising

Decide on the most effective ways of advertising in your community and develop the materials.

Registration

Register a maximum of 15 families in one group. If necessary, keep a waiting list. Invite parents to an informational meeting before starting. Make sure you get all necessary information.

Gather the Resources

Check that you have everything needed. See the suggested list below.

Facilities and Equipment

Facilities

Make sure the facilities are clean and suitable for little, curious ones. If possible,

use two separate rooms for the music and fellowship section or divide one room into two parts.

Necessary Equipment

Changing table, mats, box of instruments —shakers, rattles, drums, tambourines.

Useful Equipment

High chairs, toys, CD player, guitar, piano, puppets.

Planning a Session

A Baby Song session consists of two parts—music and fellowship—each lasting approximately 45 minutes.

The Music Section

*  Set up the room in a circle with a mat for each family.

*  Have the instruments ready, but not out, before they are needed.

*  Include the following elements in your program: welcome song, name song, rhymes, finger plays, action songs, dance, listening to music, instrument playing, goodbye song,

relaxation.

* Always begin and end with the same few songs. Repeat songs/rhymes from week to week. Add new ones slowly.

*  Choose well–known children’s songs/rhymes. Make sure you portray a positive image of God.

*  Accompaniment can be helpful, but is not necessary. Voices are the main instrument.

*  Helpful resources:

The Book of Fingerplays and Action Songs

(First Steps in Music)

Kids Classic Collection Vol. 1 & 2

(Cedarmont Kids)

The Fellowship Section

*  This is just as important as the music section. This is where relationships are built.

*  Make sure appropriate snacks are provided.

*  Create an inviting atmosphere.

Resource Packet

If you are interested in receiving the USA Southern Territory’s Baby Song resource packet, contact the USA Southern Territorial Youth or Women’s Department at 1424 NE Expressway, Atlanta, GA 30329.