The money or the kids?

Natasha Percy | 27 July 2007

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Mini Movers caters for kids aged two to five and is run on Wednesday mornings at All Saints' Cammeray. For more information, email .

Naremburn-Cammeray Anglican Church has turned down an income of over $20,000 a year to run ministries like its new music and play group.

Until recently, the parish had been unable to run any activities at the church on weekdays, as a preschool care group was renting the building.

When the group moved out, the parish received a number of calls from other groups offering to rent the space.

But they decided to forego the revenue in favour of expanding ministry, says assistant minister, the Rev Nigel Fortescue.

“In the end, while we are down more than $20,000 a year, you can’t put a price on reaching people with the gospel,” says assistant minister, the Rev Nigel Fortescue

Mini Movers is one of these ministries, which Mr Fortescue says has begun thanks to “gospel-minded self starters” in his congregation.

“This is a ministry that the parents have started, so they’ve had the opportunity to pray and plan and build a ministry, rather than just being a part of it.”

Mr Fortescue adds that the new group aims to give youngsters a healthy and active form of entertainment that parents can enjoy as well.

“We are all worried about our kids spending too much time in front of the television or computer – my son would watch Bob the Builder all day if I let him!” he says.

“Mini Movers gives parents and children the opportunity to get out, enjoy some music, a story, some craft and some running around.”

Mr Fortescue says he is particularly excited at reaching parents through the group, which is “low on the offensive scale, and high on the building relationships scale”.

Mini Movers caters for kids aged two to five at All Saints’, Cammeray and runs on Wednesday mornings.

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