The Group (AAS Planning Group, which may be a House Group) undertaking the planning of an All Age Service is given full responsibility to cover all aspects that are needed for a successful conduct of the service. They have the freedom to make use of a variety of service elements contributed by children and adults that are meaningful for the service and for worship (e.g. music, prayers, reciting, acting scripture etc. to name but a few possibilities).

There are certain requirements that need to be observed given by `Common Worship of the Church of England'. (See Book of Common Worship : A Service of the Word, page 24, or A Service of the Word with a Celebration of Holy Communion, page 25, for a Eucharist Service)

The AAS Planning group (e.g. a House Group, as the case may be) is to designate a person (AAS Co-ordinator) from their midst as responsible for the preparation and co-ordination for all activities relevant to the service, and for the liaison with other rota co-ordinators, with the clergy, the Office etc. His name is to be communicated to the Chaplain and the office at the latest one month before the date of the particular AAS.

The following points are to be addressed / covered (the order of listings may be changed) :

• Define theme and overall framework for the particular AAS, with due regard for the Readings of the day (see lectionary)
• Seek Chaplain's approval
• Liaise with Junior Church leader
• Define and contact those persons that are to be involved (from Junior Church, adults etc); what they are going to do ( music, readers, intercession, etc as the case may be)
• Plan the time / duration of the service
• Liaise with clergy regarding Communion where relevant
• Liaise with Clergy / Preacher re. Sermon / Address
• Selection of hymns and songs
• Organist: what and when to play the organ
• Organise pianist (or other) when organ is not needed
• Servers at Communion, if needed
• Sides persons, selection and instruction if required
• Production of Service sheet and Notice sheet: Inform Office
• Contact the rota co-ordinators (request for support; keep them informed)
• Overhead projector, OHP slides when needed
• Intercession
• Collection organisation
• Bell ringing
• Flowers (special plans ?)
• Inform Duty Council

The rota co-ordinators (planning the rotas for readers, side's persons, organist, servers, Worship Planning Group etc) will do their regular planning unless told otherwise by the AAS co-ordinator. The organisers of an AAS can ask for support from the rota co-ordinators, etc.

The service plan and the service sheet must be ready for approval by the Chaplain, and for reproduction in the Office ten working days before the date of the AAS .

All involved must be clearly instructed about their roles and responsibilities including their time of presence.

HKP/8-9-02