The Tots and Us program offered by St. Paul’s United Church in Oakville provides a weekly play time for Moms, Dads, Grand-parents and caregivers with preschool children. This free program gives children - and adults - a time of story, play, music and snack with their peers. This is also an opportunity for their caregivers to meet and network with other adults from the community.

Judy DeVenne hosts this program Monday mornings from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. with the help of three moms who look after cookies and cleanup. What began four years ago as an idea to offer a four week winter reprieve for parents has blossomed into a weekly event each Monday (excluding holidays and summer) with 50 children registered, of which the usual attendance is 20-25.

The program consists of a half hour of play before the group gathers in the small gym to sing songs accompanied by Judy on the guitar, and listen to stories from a variety of children’s books. This is followed with a visit to the church library to borrow videos and books and, of course, no-one leaves without refreshments!

Real results are evident from this ministry which draws from the community and provides a welcoming environment where adults have an opportunity to meet, form relationships and network for babysitters and other relative issues. Additionally, some have become members of the worshipping community at St. Paul’s!

Costs are minimal. Advertising is done by word of mouth, the newspaper and the church sign. The Pastoral Care Team of St. Paul’s is the umbrella for this program and budgets about $200 a year for this ministry.

"There is lots of warmth and caring, it’s a good place to come" says Judy whose own warmth and excitement was evident in our brief interview. The children love the music, the adults love the program and Judy finds the only real challenge finding new and exciting stories to read each week!

Anyone wanting to find out more about how this program operates is invited to attend one of the get-togethers. The program is finished for the summer so if you want more information plan to attend any Monday morning beginning in September. Information may also be obtained by calling the Church office at .