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The children love to watch the videos and copy them, singing and dancing like Stephanie does

child-minders and carers who attend parent-and-toddler groups, a big part of the draw is not necessarily the children’s activities, but the opportunity to have an in-depth conversation with another adult. By using engaging content with an explicit Christian message, Dance Fit Tots also hopes to instigate more of these conversations and provide group leaders and volunteers with an opportunity to talk about their faith.

This summer the second volume of Dance Fit Tots songs has been released. At a time when mental health is such a prominent issue, the songs focus heavily on identity. Songs such as ‘He Made Me’, ‘Body Moving’ and ‘Hey You!’ highlight how God created all humanity in his image, while ‘God Is There’ lays out in simple terms that God is with everyone no matter what circumstances life throws at them.

The songs are all available on major music streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Play and YouTube, so that children can go away from their weekly sessions and listen to their favourite tunes at home. There have been reports of kids as young as two going home and asking their Alexa to play ‘Let’s Reach Up High’ – it’s amazing that these families are at home listening to songs about who God is and how much he loves them.

So, if you are looking for something different to introduce to your parent-andtoddler group, or for a new way to reach young families in your community, Dance Fit Tots could be just what you need!

READY TO GET MOVING?

A typical Dance Fit Tots session includes a time to…

Say hello Take it in turns to welcome each other.

Sing A great way to stimulate children and help them develop. Listen Read a story to the group. Move Try to use at least three songs in a session. Chat A pause for refreshments creates a natural space for conversation.

Feel A sensory time to explore different textures.

Be calm Blowing bubbles is a good way to introduce calm. Say goodbye Share a goodbye song and prayer. Not a dancer? Not a problem – tutorial videos can be used in sessions to lead the music and singing, with no leg warmers or leotards required!

Dance Fit Tots volumes one and two are available to download for free, along with a leader’s guide, from

salvationist.org.uk/resources

DAN ELSON

Outreach Mission Partner Music and Creative Arts, THQ

Faith and fitness

Salvationist introduces new discipleship videos to help you explore faith through sport

FROM the Commonwealth Games and Wimbledon to the Uefa Women’s Euro 2022, this summer has been home to several stadiums’ worth of sport. While corps and centres are engaging communities through sports mission outreach, the Army is also equipping people to use sport as a way of exploring questions about life and faith.

Athlos (from the Greek ‘to compete’) is a video-based discipleship resource to help individuals dive into big questions either privately or within a group. The first volume explored image, teamwork, fitness and focus, and how they can impact lives inside and outside the sporting arena. The second volume focused on inspiring stories from sports men and women, from a former Olympic athlete to a retired commentator.

Volume three, themed Go to the Ends of the Earth, is available now and uses three videos from around the world to showcase ways in which sport can bring people together in diverse contexts. They can help you examine what showing God’s Kingdom to others looks like in your community, as well as consider who your teammates are in life and what you’re learning from these relationships.

Download and watch all three volumes of Athlos at salvationist.org.uk/resources

KUNG FU FOR CHRIST (CANADA)

Kung Fu for Christ is an initiative at Kitchener Community Church in Ontario, which uses kung fu as a way to reach out into the community and build relationships. People ranging from teenagers to 50-somethings join together to train twice a week, with time for prayer, devotions and Bible reading. The sessions draw out values that apply to both kung fu and faith, encouraging discipline and steady faith.

Questions explored

Kung fu literally means ‘hard work’. What are you working hard for and how are you relying on God at the moment? What impact might having a dedicated, disciplined devotional time built into your training have on you and others?

FOOTBALL FOR ALL (S

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Questions explored

If you had to leave eve When has someone sh

COMMUNITY FESTIVAL

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Questions explored

How can the universal How can your faith and