Still time to volunteer for Christmas Story Time 2025!
“We have the possibility of 3 new groups forming and 3 new libraries”
What is Christmas Story Time?
Christmas Story Time is a free, family-friendly event held in local libraries. It’s a chance to:
- Share the true message of Christmas through Christian storybooks read aloud.
- Create joy with fun children’s activities such as crafts, colouring, and a special gift bag to take home.
- Connect our community with local Christians and ministries in a warm, welcoming environment.
Why are we doing this?
Because Jesus is the reason for the season! We want to bless families in our community, celebrate the heart of Christmas, and open doors for future outreach opportunities.
How can YOU be involved?
We’re looking for volunteers who are willing to:
- Be willing to be trained and equipped to run a Christmas Story in their local library
- Work as part of a team
- Attend a volunteer training/ information session
Date: Saturday, (was 11 October 2025) With MORE training Opportunities planned!
Time: 3:00–5:00 pm Probably Zoom training – please email Jenny to be included?
Venue TBA Online!
Register your interest by emailing Jenny jennifer2@westnet.com.au
Every Home for Christ
also celebrates their 50 years of ministry
Every Home for Christ are sponsoring some AARE activities.
Past Events:
Celebration Cancellation Notice
Dear Friends,
It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that we have had to make the difficult decision to cancel the AARE Celebrations planned for this coming Saturday.
We know this will come as a disappointment, especially for those who have poured so much love, time, and effort into preparing for what promised to be a rich and meaningful gathering. Please know how deeply grateful we are for your generosity and commitment. We are making arrangements to refund your registration.
Though this particular celebration will not take place, the vision and passion behind it remain alive, and I trust that God will continue to bless the good work you are doing in your ministry and service.
Please accept our sincere thanks for your support and commitment.
PS: You might be interested to know that we have one last activity for the Year of CaRE; that is an online Gratitude Wall.
This will go live next week and I encourage you and your colleagues / students to take advantage of the opportunity to show your appreciation / gratitude to a current or former chaplain or religious educator.
With gratitude, Blessings & Joy
Chris Callus
WA & National President
Australian Association for Religious Education
Celebrating 50 Years of Service – 1974 to 2024
2025 – Year Of CaRE
www.aare.org.au president@aare.org.au
AARE National AGM
was in Melbourne – 24th May 2025
See AGM 2025 Tab
Sponsored Link:
IB hosted a faith-based webinar on 28 May 2025, aimed at Catholic school leaders across Australia & Southeast Asia. Click the link here.
Do check out this ‘Month of Prayer – March 2025‘ 4xpage summary
and consider continuing to use this as a guide for your prayers.
Next Meeting coming: Tuesday 20th May @ 4.46 pm, (Plan to login a little early = for catching up & checking systems are working.)
“AARE(WA) Committee Meeting as well as AARE National Strategic Meeting & AGM Zoom meeting”
News already shared:
WA Committee Meetings news and information for our WA Members:
Next Meeting coming: 29 April 2025 @ 4.45 pm, (Plan to login a little early = for catching up & checking systems are working.)
AAREWA Committee Meeting via ZOOM on Tuesday 29th April 2025
Major event NEWS:
AARE WA Sundowner Afternoon Tea
was held at Ursula Frayne Catholic College 1st April
Info Here: In this ‘Month of Prayer’ – I pray you are all well.
You can find here the flyer with ‘past event’ details
Do check out this ‘Month of Prayer – March 2025‘ page and consider praying continually.
News already shared:
This year we’ve been exploring what Prayer Spaces looks like in Australian Schools
and have had incredibly positive feedback.
We will have our official Australian Prayer Spaces in Schools launch
a tour 24-7 Prayer Australia National Gathering next year in
Perth on Friday 21 March and Sydney on Saturday 22 March.
We can’t wait to gather together in both Perth and Sydney!
There will be Prayer Spaces in Schools workshops at both of these events led by Phil Togwell, the International Director of Prayer Spaces in Schools, as well as a professional development morning in Sydney on Monday 24 March.
We have an incredible line up of speakers for the Gathering. Alongside Trudi Sayers, the Australian director of 24-7 Prayer, we’ll be hearing from guests including Pete Greig, founder of 24-7 Prayer, Gerald Griffin from Bridgetown Church, Jill Webber from Waverley Abbey and Mark Sayers from Red Church.
As we lead up to the Gathering, we are looking to gather stories from YOUR experiences of Prayer Spaces to share. We would love to connect with you and hear all about what you have been doing. Email: Prayer Spaces in Schools Australia <hello@prayerspacesinschools.au>
Prayer Spaces in Schools Australia
Also announcing:
AARE WA Announcement:
Story Time reading to children the Christmas Story
Great Training 12th Oct = Positive response !
RETHINKING EDUCATION:
With Andrew McColl (National Webinar Host / QLD Director – FamilyVoice Australia), Darryl Budge (WA Director – FamilyVoice Australia) and Dr. Sheela Nathan
Pioneering a classical Christian microschool network in WA.
Date: Wednesday October 9, 2024 = Online via Zoom link
Times: PLEASE NOTE: Times listed are Daylight Savings times.
WA: 2.00pm; NT: 3.30pm; QLD: 4.00pm; SA: 4.30pm, ACT/NSW/TAS/VIC: 5.00pm
Recent News:
There are some things our other state teams are doing – see their PD & Events page:
(We get to enjoy partnering with other AARE State’s efforts!)
(Dinner Photos on PD & Events page.)
AARE WA Dinner & Awards Night
5th Sept 2024
Venue – Trinity College, Perth
We celebrated RE team’s – years of service / initiative / resource / success
More Recent News:
There is something our NSW & ACT team are doing – see their PD & Events page: (We get to enjoy partnering with other AARE State’s efforts!)
Or Click here: New Book Launch: For His Glory: A Journey into His Kingdom
Below is a WA partner organisation’s event:
Beyond Kid’s Ministry 16 & 17th August Training Event
Also:
EXCLUSIVE EVENT FOR NEW ANIMATED JESUS FILM
AARE shares your invitation to hear about the new animated JESUS movie
(Some of the AARE members Australia wide were involved in the distribution of the original ‘Jesus Movie’ a 2 hour production. As well as the ‘Story of Jesus for Children’ the 62 minute version, designed for Australian public school audiences. (AARE-WA Still has stocks available on DVD)
See our Links Page above, or click the link below to go straight to registration site for launch dates in July 2024:
Animated Story of Jesus (movieschangepeople.com)
PAST EVENTS:
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS AARE 2024
Announcing:
7 May 2024 for ALL regional & national Annual General Meetings
Revised News is going out direct to members – with specific agenda and Zoom login details.
New advice and usual notice periods apply … great things are happening!
PAST EVENTS:
Amplify kids min conference
at Mt Pleasant Uniting (WA)
is actually on Sat. 9th March (due to WA public holiday on 4th March).
The online Amplify was on Saturday 2nd March along with most of the other hubs around Australia.
https://amplifyconference.com.au/ – check the website for final details!!!!
PERTH CHILDREN’S MINISTRY CONVENTION
Saturday 16th March 9.00am – 3.30pm North Beach Baptist Church (WA)
How to teach the character of God to children + more. For details and to register – https://pcmc.ccowa.org/
Watch the webinar with Tom Treseder Founder of MegaVoice Australia held on 13 February 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koy1Z9P8jrE
See PAST EVENTS :
You were invited to a Zoom meeting, for an online gathering where we explored the
intersection of faith and education, connecting with like-minded individuals to pray.
When: Monday Feb 5, 7:00 PM Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney
Topic:
Marketplace Ministry & Prayer Meeting
– Sphere of Education
Register in advance for this meeting: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/marketplace-ministry-prayer-meeting-sphere-of-education-tickets-812961348277
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Blessings,
Greg
Greg Bondar
National Director
Christian Voice Australia
E: christianvoiceaustralia@gmail.com
M: 0411 854 115
T: +61(2) 9546 1898
Head Office: Sydney NSW
Postal Address: PO Box 3251 Blakehurst NSW 2221
A FREE PL EVENT TO START THE YEAR!
Dear colleagues,
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the expert.
Join in person or online to find out about this reflective approach to personal and spiritual development offered in schools around the world.
How might it add value to the young people that you work with?
It is accessible to students of all faiths and none.
PRAYER SPACES IN SCHOOLS:
WHAT? WHY? WHEN? AND HOW?
Supporting the Spiritual Development of Your Students
THURSDAY 1 FEBRUARY, 4-5.15PM.
Register to find out about this practice from its international UK-based director and meet the newly-appointed Australian coordinator Sue.
Register at https://www.trybooking.com/COSQK or scan the QR code below
Find out more at https://prayerspacesinschools.com/
regards
Shirley
—
Shirley on behalf of AARE Committee 2023
Australian Association for Religious Education,
Victoria Inc.
—
Council of Christians and Jews Western Australia Inc.
Commemoration of Kristallnacht
85th Anniversary
Come, remember, reflect, respond…
Guest speaker: Mrs Judith Arkwright
Honorary Life Member, CCJWA
Inferno — The Night of Broken Glass
2:30pm, Sunday 12 November 2023
Sylvia & Harry Hoffman Hall
Carmel Primary School
Woodrow Avenue, Yokine
ALL WELCOME
Website: www.ccjwa.org
AARE WA circulars
Early planning is underway for the PTB to happen again
The ‘Passing The Baton training day & expo’ = PTB
We recommend the Children’s Ministry Network: Go to cmn.org.au
The CMN website is the best place to make your first search and inquiries –
about locally and nationally available children’s ministry speakers, resources, services, events, and programs.
Please feel free to directly contact participating organisations listed in the Children’s Ministry Network.