St James, Selby

Cathy Rodgers

cathy.rodgers@gmail.com

Cathy has been funded through the Multiply programme since September 2023 and is running the toddler group followed by toddler worship at St. James’ in Selby. It involves prayer candle, singing, bible story Mr Bible Puppet and it is now well established with 12 regular families.  

Following on from “Start Rite” a multi sensory baby course in January 24 she now runs “Shine” a weekly group where they re-visit the toddler group songs and bible verse and answer questions and discuss what it means to them. 

In December 2024 she launched Explore@4, a monthly Sunday intergenerational New Worshipping Community in the Church for families from the toddler group and other connections along with current church families to be invited to. 

Please introduce and tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m Cathy Rodgers, the new Early Years and Young Families Outreach Worker at St James’ Church in Selby. I live in Brayton, near Selby and I also work as an Early Years Practitioner at Brayton Primary School. I have been involved in children’s work at my local church as a volunteer for 10 years during which time I have developed a passion for nurturing children’s spirituality and for talking to their parents about their own spiritual lives.

What attracted you to this role and Multiply?

When this role came up at St James’, I knew straight away that it was for me! I love spending time with young children and with their parents at an exciting and challenging time in their lives. For a long time, I have wished that I had the capacity to engage more deeply with families and help them develop their awareness and understanding of God. Multiply provides me with the opportunity to do this, building relationships and thinking creatively to find ways for children and their parents to encounter Jesus.

How have you experienced your first few months?

My first few months in the role have been very busy. I have received a warm welcome from the St James’ community and I am really valuing their encouragement, support and prayer.

I have set up a new baby and toddler group, called Lighthouse. Our session  includes toddler worship, which comprises a mix of worship songs and nursery rhymes, a Bible story, interactive prayer and a quiet time. This is very chaotic and, more often than not, does not go to plan! I do find joy in the chaos though and, when I see the children and their parents engaging with the story and prayer, I really feel that God is with us.

What are your hopes for the future with this role?

Over the next few months, I hope to spend time discerning what the next steps are for the families who are part of Lighthouse, whether this be a group for the whole family or a just for parents, and how this will work alongside the church’s existing ministry to families.

A few wonderful volunteers have started helping at Lighthouse. They are full of infectious enthusiasm for what God has in store for this ministry. My hope is that we can build a team to support and pray for the Lighthouse community as it develops.