This morning I was very nervous about the service I'd prepared - combining all-age zone-style worship with Remembrance... could an appropriate balance be struck that would allow people to feel that due respect had been paid whilst giving space for those for whom the style or content of the reflection might be less helpful?

We offered various 'zones':

• the 'creative zone' where people had the choice of making origami hearts and peace cranes or working together to create a temporary 'memorial poster' with the names of the men from our church who had died in the two world wars
• the 'colouring and doodling zone' with mandala style 'grown up' colouring sheets and the same origami options
• the 'active zone' - or creche - which as well as toys offered colouring suited to younger children
• the 'contemplative zone' with a reflection and prayers
• the 'discussion zone' - a room with some printed resources and Bibles and an opportunity to talk freely about anything raised by what had been shared together in the first part of the service.

The last of these was new... a recognition that sometimes people find that a 'from the front' talk doesn't scratch where they are itching.  And it seemed to work well for those who chose that option, with very encouraging feedback.

All Age Worship is always a work in progress and this was an experiment that could have gone horribly wrong, but by the grace of God and the generosity of spirit of the Gatherers and some visitors, it worked out fine.

I have to admit that I am always glad to be this side of the Remembrance service, even though I think it is really important.   Two cups of tea and some kitty-cat cuddles later I am slightly less zonked than when I came home!!