Welcome to the May edition of the AYCF newsletter highlighting creative arts in ministry.
I hope you’ve been encouraged in your ministry with the next generation over the last few months.

Just after Easter, the topic of catchy kid’s music came up over lunch. My companions laughed about the challenge of reading Isaiah 53 on Good Friday, “We all, like sheep, have gone astray,” without slipping into a sing-song add-on of “baa baa doo baa baa!” Thank you very much, Colin Buchanan!

And if I read Proverbs 3:5–6, I’m instantly transported back to teaching a group of kids a memory verse song, complete with actions, ready to perform for parents at the end-of-year concert.

I love how music holds memories. I love how it helps God’s Word stay with us.

Music and the creative arts invite us to encounter Jesus in a different and powerful way. They can open hearts, deepen understanding, and help children begin exploring faith for themselves. A song or a creative moment might be exactly what reminds a child that Jesus is with them, especially in difficult times.

I’d love to hear what you think or share a memorable moment you had with the arts and ministry. Feel free to drop me a message and tell me all about it. I am also happy to jump in my car for a visit.

Juliet Briner, AYCF.

Dan Warlow is a QLD musician (based in Brisbane) who has been writing and performing fun, engaging, and meaningful kids’ songs for over ten years. He has a heart for writing music to reach the next generation and is passionate about helping children grow in faith

His music connects with young hearts and if you are able to see him live his high-energy performances and trusty side kick, Jed the puppet, make for a great time. His goal is to make learning about Jesus joyful, memorable, and accessible for kids of all ages.

Whether it’s through live shows, school visits, or resources for churches and families, Dan’s ministry is all about inspiring the next generation to know and love God.

He recently released a new song called Strong and Courageous. You can buy the MP3 from his website (link below) or listen via Spotify or YouTube.

Dan Warlow - Christian Kids Music

Snack music is an Australian Chrisitan kids’ music group. Their songs are catchy and simple to pick up with a grounding message in the Christian faith. They also have the right amount of silly to entertain the kids. Ideal for early young children.

Snack Music

Listner Kids - Music and other Resources for Children’s Ministry

Listener Kids is a wonderful resource to explore for early childhood and early primary kids’ ministry resources. They create high-quality Christian music designed especially for kids with catchy melodies, clear theology, and lyrics based on Scripture that make it easy for young people to learn and remember God’s Word.

Alongside their music, Listener Kids offers a growing range of resources for families, churches, and ministries, including videos, devotionals, and printable materials. Their content is designed to be accessible and fun, helping children connect with the bible and faith in meaningful and memorable ways.

Listner kids’ materials are great for at home faith formation or leading a ministry. Listener Kids provides tools that can enrich worship and nurture children’s spiritual growth through music and creativity.

They have been around for a while, but their resources keep growing. Click through to Listner Kids

Seeds Kids Worship is a fantastic resource for helping children engage with Scripture through music. Their unique approach sets Bible verses directly to catchy, contemporary songs, making it easier for kids (and adults!) to memorise and hold onto God’s Word.

Seeds Kids Worship have high-quality music videos, albums, and worship resources ideal for use in churches, schools, and at home. The repetition of Bible verses within each song helps Scripture to sink deeply into young heart and get stuck in your head! Ear worms!

Click through to Seeds Family Worship

Pentecost Resources May 24, 2026

Video Resources

• Lego Pentecost Video from Go Chatter Studios

  Check out the other video resources from Go Chatter Studios

• Comedy Lego stop motion - What is Pentecost Sunday? Father Black wants to build double decker pews to fit all the people in his church but is having trouble reading the instructions. How will he build his pews? Follow link to find out. What is Pentecost Sunday?

• Bible Project Video - Holy Spirit - Suitable for Teens

Lessons and Activities

• St Bart’s lesson and activities - Pentecost: Growing in Faith

• AYCF Colouring sheets - Pentecost

• Pentecost activities from The Catholic Arch diocese of Brisbane

AYCF would love to see what your church got up to on Pentecost! Send in your photos and news to Juliet

Flame: Creative Children’s Ministry

Flame: Creative Children’s Ministry offers a thoughtful and imaginative approach to helping children explore faith. With a focus on storytelling and creativity, Flame provides resources that invite kids to engage deeply with the Bible and encounter God in personal and meaningful ways.

Their materials include session plans, reflective activities, and creative prompts that encourage curiosity and conversation. Rather than simply telling children what to think, Flame creates space for them to ask questions and discover faith for themselves.

Ideal for churches, small groups, and intergenerational settings, Flame supports leaders in nurturing a faith that is both rooted and alive, helping children see that their ideas, questions, and creativity all belong in their journey with God.

Click through to Flame: Creative Children's Ministry

AYCF Online Community for People Engaged in Ministry to Youth and Children

This group exists to offer:

• Connection — a place to connect with others involved in children’s and youth ministry

• Prayer and spiritual support — a space to pray for one another and remain grounded in God’s presence

• Encouragement — opportunities to both give and receive encouragement, especially during busy or challenging seasons

• Shared wisdom and stories — a place to share experiences, questions, and insights, and to learn from one another

• Resourcing and formation — access to experienced children’s and youth ministry practitioners who support the community through shared reflections, resources, and occasional workshops that strengthen ministry practice

• A safe and respectful environment — where people can speak honestly, listen deeply, and support one another with care and sensitivity

Pass It On recognises the importance of children’s and youth ministry in shaping faith for the next generation. This community exists to support and encourage those who serve in this space, helping them feel resourced, connected, and sustained in their calling. There is no pressure to be an expert or to have the right words, simply an invitation to journey together, be supported, and pass on the Gospel of Jesus!

Meeting once a month online

• June 23 Tuesday – 12 to 1pm

• July 30 Thursday – 7 to 8pm

• Aug 25 Tuesday – 12 to 1pm

• Sept 21 Monday – 10:30 to 11:30am

• Oct 27 Tuesday – 12 -1pm

• Nov 23 Monday 10:30 to 11:30pm

For more information or to express interest contact Juliet via email - Email Juliet about Pass It On

Godly Play Queensland Core Training on the

Sunshine Coast 6 - 8 July 2026

Godly Play is a Montessori informed approach to faith formation that invites children into the story of God through storytelling, wondering, and sacred play. Using simple, tactile materials and open-ended questions, Godly Play creates space for children to explore Scripture, prayer, and the seasons of the church year at their own pace.

Godly Play Australia Training offers reflective and practical learning opportunities for anyone wanting to use this approach in churches, schools, or chaplaincy settings. Led by accredited trainers, training options range from short tasters and introductory days to full three-day core training for accreditation, nurturing both ministry practice and participants’ own spiritual journeys.

Godly Play Rego Information

Containers for Change – Support AYCF!

When you drop off your eligible cans, bottles, and other recyclables through Containers for Change, you can choose to have the proceeds donated to the Anglican Youth Children and Families (AYCF) ministry. It’s a simple way to support meaningful work while caring for the environment. Just use AYCF’s scheme ID (C11657749) when you return your containers!