‘Building Blocks’ 2006 in Dublin attracted over 300 people involved in children’s ministry in their local churches from throughout Ireland. The Archbishop of Dublin, John Neill, told those gathered that he hoped that they would be “equipped and enthused” by the event. He said: “In a society where the Christian narrative is no longer an integral part of people’s lives, you are the link in passing on the message of the Gospel.”The key-note speaker, Marlene LeFever, stressed the importance of being honest with children when teaching the Christian message. She stressed the value of each child and how crucial it is for us to take an interest in the individual. As one participant said, “Marlene was inspiring and challenged me to look carefully at my ministry with children”.There were a variety of workshops including ‘Leading an Under 5s Ministry’, ‘New Models for Sunday School’, ‘Teaching through Stories’, ‘Special Needs – Promoting Integration’ and ‘Beginning to Teach’. The notes for all the workshops in both Dublin and Belfast can be found on the conference website www.buildingblocks.ie
