Beyond 2008

After five years of conferences with the same formula, it was time to take a step back and to wait on the Lord regarding the way forward. With Gaynor's hopes to move back to Wales and Claire's developing work role with Fegans in Tunbridge Wells, it became clear that a new season was coming.

Gaynor bowed out of the parent toddler groups initiative in the summer of 2008. As we said goodbye to a dear friend and inspiring servant of the Lord, we reflected on God's faithfulness to Gaynor and her family and gave thanks for His blessings and protection. With Gaynor's departure, it was timely to incorporate the toddler group initiative into Claire's work role with Fegans.

A New Season

The original vision for prayer as a priority was to continue. The small core of local leaders still meets every other month to pray for each other and the families we serve through the groups. We share news, ideas and encouragements and support each other in the joys and challenges. We experience warm fellowship.

Claire continues to produce her email newsletters and resource sheets for those connected with the prayer network.

With colleagues to support her and a fresh perspective, it seemed that 'Parent Toddler Groups Together' had found a home. It was time to take a break from the commitment to annual conferences, to stop, listen, wait and obey.

A Way Forward

Opportunities have indeed opened up for Claire to develop the links with other agencies and to represent Fegans as she shares the vision to value toddler groups in a broader, more strategic way.

Claire has focused on building on her connections with other agencies who share this passion for supporting and valuing toddler groups and those who lead them - in particular the 'Care for the Family/Engage Playtime' initiative.

She has been invited to speak and encourage other leaders through conferences and other training events including Playtime conference the and the annual Children's Ministry conferences held in Eastbourne each January.

Also see the 'New Opportunities with Fegans'