The bandstand at Morden Park is a green space in a dense cluster of 1930s suburban houses in the London borough of Merton. Each summer it’s the focal point for a lively fast-paced mission providing a fun context in which children can learn about Jesus.
‘It’s a great natural open air venue,’ explains team member Yvonne Nicholson. ‘People come to the park and see what’s going on; they see children having fun and ask if their children can join. Others stop and ask what’s happening and we are able to invite them to come to any of the local churches.’
The daily programme is energetic and varied – games, prayer, aerobics, worship, drama, small groups, story time, puzzles, craft, music and much more. An annual highlight is the Thursday evening Sausage Sizzle for everyone including parents and friends, when there’s an opportunity to see what the children and young people have been up to all week.
The team is welcoming and friendly and always includes a number of young people being trained to lead small group work under an apprentice training scheme.
‘Team members especially enjoy getting to know people from the local churches; it helps them to feel part of the bigger picture of the commission to go and tell the world about Jesus Christ. After sharing with others on the mission they are able to take new learning back into their own situations,’ says Yvonne.