ALTON’S Butts Church children’s holiday club enjoyed a regal theme this summer with the title ‘By Royal Appointment’.

While each morning began with the usual activities of games, crafts, songs and puppet shows, the storytime session centred around the king’s gate, which opened to reveal a different king or queen each day.

Club organiser Stephen Warwick said: “On day one the king was David. The children learned that he was an unlikely choice from a physical point of view, but he was God’s choice and was uniquely skilled for the tasks that were prepared for him.

“David was a good king but made mistakes. He recognised his failures and asked God to forgive him.”

Mr Warwick continued” “Queen Esther featured on day two. She was a great example of someone that stands up for what is right. When her people, the Jews, were in danger she risked her own life to save them. God gave her the courage she needed to stand up against the king.

“Day three saw the troubled King Nebuchadnezzar. He ruled during the time of Daniel and at one point made his people worship a large golden statue. Anyone that refused would be thrown into a fiery furnace.

“Three followers of God were bound and thrown into the furnace but were miraculously unharmed. Nebuchadnezzar was dumfounded and realised at that moment that God was to be praised above anyone else.”

Mr Warwick concluded: “On the final day, the children heard about Jesus, King of Kings. Although he is God, he entered humanity as a baby and grew into a man, a humble servant. In his death and resurrection he makes a path back to God for all those that confess their sins.

“All should submit to God’s rule, following him requires us to show humility. It is a message of hope in a world that sometimes feels so hectic.”

The main club finished on Saturday, followed by the Sunday fun day and an opportunity for the children’s families to join together to hear about what had been happening and then to enjoy a barbecue.

Mr Warwick said: “As ever, much thanks goes to all those that came along, to the leaders of The Butts Church who organised and ran the club, and to Butts School for the use of their facilities.”