Welcome from Bishop George Davison

The place of children and their families in the life of the Christian church has been central since Jesus himself brought a child into the midst of the Apostles and told them “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me….” (Mark 9:37 NIV). The church just hasn’t always remembered that lesson as well as we should!

The Board for Ministry with Children & Families passionately believes that children and those who care for them should be at the heart of the life of every parish community in the Church of Ireland. We hope that this website will serve as an encouragement and a resource place for those who share that vision and work. Here you will find ideas and inspiration as well as details of resources and training. Don’t hesitate to be in touch if we can help!

Vision

The Board for Ministry with Children and Families exists to equip, resource and advocate for the increased welcome, enhanced inclusion and full participation of children and their families in the whole life of the Church.

We are excited to provide vibrant and practical resources for your ministry with Children and Families. Our aim is to support and enable each parish across the island of Ireland to engage with families and children in their community in a relevant and impactful way, to develop lasting relationships and to  encourage faith formation within the home setting as well as within the church. We see our relationship with families as being one of partnership – where the Church is a source of inspiration, care and acceptance for all ages of the family unit.

Meet the Team

Staff:

Rachael Murphy. Development Officer.

Rachael is the Development Officer for the Board.  She supports the Diocesan Children and Family Reps, creates new resources, delivers workshops, training and maintains the social media / website. If you have any areas in which you need support or ideas you would like to develop please feel free to contact her by emailing: cfm@anglican.ireland.org 

Board:

Rt Rev. George Davison. Chair.

The Rt Rev George Davison is the current Bishop of Connor. Ministry with children and families has always been a significant part of life for George. Whether leading Cub Scouts or Church Lad’s Brigade, Holiday Bible clubs or family services in church, the opportunity to engage with the youngest members of the church has stretched and inspired him, as well as bringing him a great deal of joy!

Dr Peter Hamill. Secretary

Peter is Secretary to the Board of Education NI. He is a keen advocate of child centred ministry, is a qualified teacher and holds a PhD in the Psychological Type of those who work with children in the Church of Ireland. He has over 30 years of experience in the Church of Ireland, schools, youth organisations and children’s ministry development.

Very Rev. Niall Sloane 

Niall Sloane is Dean of Limerick and Chair of the Sunday School Society for Ireland.  He was involved in the creation of the Board and has been involved in Children’s ministry for over a decade.
 
Rev. Rebecca Guildea

 

Rebecca is the Clogher CFM rep and rector of Garrison group of parishes. She has a passion for children’s ministry and looks for ways to help churches in more remote areas to connect with families in their area. Originally from Oxford, she trained for ministry in Dublin and served her curacy in Wicklow. She is married and has three young boys.

Rev. Catherine Simpson

Rev Catherine Simpson is Rector of Holy Trinity Church, Glencraig Parish in the Diocese of Down and Dromore. Before she was ordained Catherine was a Vice Principal of a Primary school and has been involved in Children ministry since she was at school! Catherine has a breadth of experience in schools, church and para-church ministry involving children, serving with Scripture Union NI for over 20 years. Catherine represents the General Synod Board of Education NI.

Millie Bellew

Millie Bellew holds a PhD in Theology, focusing on children’s faith, participation and religious agency. She works as a Research Fellow at Stranmillis University College and a Tutor with Church Army. Millie is passionate about helping churches listen to children and recognise them as full participants in the life and mission of the Church and has been instrumental in writing the modules for the Family and Intergen modules of the Ministry Essentials course. She lives in Belfast with her husband, children…and dogs! 

David Brown

David Brown is the Youth and Children’s Diocesan Officer for Armagh. He has been involved in youth and children’s work for many years, leading CIYD for a season and helping to encourage many churches to develop their Children’s and Youth provision. He has a great passion for mental health support and brings a specific focus on ways we as a board can help churches to focus on families experiencing poverty. 

Carolyn Good

Carolyn Good is the teaching principal of Carrigduff National School in Bunclody, Co Wexford. She is a member of the Ossory & Leighlin Board of Education and the Ferns Board of Education. She is Sunday Club leader and secretary of the Select Vestry in Carlow Union of Parishes. Carolyn has an active and practical interest in ministry for families; and enjoys exploring environmental projects with children. She represents the General Synod Board of Education in this group.

Lynn Storey

Lynn is the Family and Children’s Ministry Co-ordinator at Kilternan Parish in Dublin, having previously been involved as a lead volunteer in Children’s Ministry at Rathfarnham Parish for 15 years. Lynn brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and expertise in the area of family and children’s ministry. Previously a Primary School Teacher, Lynn was a dedicated committee member of Sunday School Society for Ireland and is well known for her role within the Building Blocks Children’s Ministry Conference team for the past 17 years. She has a passion for creating a welcoming and nurturing church where the whole family feels valued, with a particular interest in intergenerational worship and ministry with babies, infants, toddlers and their caregivers.

Rev. John Ardis

Cannon John Ardis is Rector of the Abbeystrewry Union of Parishes and joins the board as one of the representatives from Standing Committee. Prior to ordination, John studied Archaeology and Medieval Studies at University of Wales, Lampeter.  John has served in the Cork Cloyne and Ross Diocese in a number of ways, he is the current Diocesan Liturgical officer and was recently appointed the Diocesan Director of Ordinands.  John is also a Minor Canon and Chapter Clerk of St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral.  John is married to Jane, and they have four boys ranging in ages from 9 years to 16 years. 

Rev. Julie Bell

Revd Julie Bell is on the Board as a representative of the Liturgical Advisory Committee. She convenes a subgroup of the LAC which seeks to provide liturgical support for the engagement of children in worship. Julie has been particularly focused on this area, both as a full-time musician and in ordained ministry. She enjoys nurturing the natural curiosity and desire to explore and discover which children kindle in our worship together.