We Welcome Kids!

God put the wiggle in children, don’t feel that you have to supress it in God’s house. We love their joyful noise, curiosity and participation in our church family. The only thing we ask is that your mindful of excessive noise and please don't allow your child to run around as we have many elderly who may be knocked over. Our play area is stocked with quiet toys and we ask that you don't bring any noise makers for during the service. 

* You may like to sit towards the front where its easier for little ones to see and hear what’s going on and quietly explain the parts of the service.

* Sing along, pray and respond. Children learn by copying your involvement.

* If you have to leave the service with your child, feel free to do so, but please come back!

*Feel free to use our Children’s Corner. There are toys, books and colouring always available.

                                                                                                                                   We are a proud to be a Sensory Healthy Church.     
                                                                                                                                   Fidget toys, weighted blankets and ear defenders
                                                                                                                                   will be available ASAP and a quiet room at the back
                                                                                                                                   left of the church is currently being made ready for
                                                                                                                                   children who need a place to calm down. Our
                                                                                                                                   Children & Families leader, Katerina is undergoing
                                                                                                                                   training in Christian Occupational Therapy for
                                                                                                                                   Churches and is happy to discuss your needs.

Remember the way we respond to children in church directly affects the way they respond to church, God and to one another. Let them know that they are at home here.
The presence of children is a gift to the church and a reminder that our church is growing and will be here for generations to come!
 

 

 

Just before the sermon, the children are invited up to hear a Children's Talk, usually given by our Rector, Revd Brett. This is an opportunity for children to hear God's word spoken to them through a lesson which applies directly to their lives. In the past, the talk has included puppets, music, eye-spy around the church, object lessons and storytelling. 
You are most welcome to come up the front with your child to participate. We want kids to feel that they belong and are a part of the church community and the service.
Following this, children can return to their parents, the kids play area at the back of the church, or very soon.. our Sunday School 'Mustard Seeds'. 




We are hoping to start our Sunday School very soon which will be called 'Mustard Seeds' as we intend to nurture the mustard seeds of faith of the beautiful children in our congregation.
Our activities will include a story time often using props, teaching a bible lesson or church history and liturgy, followed by craft and snacks. The children are then brought back into the main part of the church to participate in communion. Childen who have been confirmed are welcome to take communion, otherwise, the children are encouraged to come up and receive a blessing. At the notices, the children come up the front to show what they have learnt and made. 

Please note: Our services are live-streamed to youtube. The camera faces the front of the church from the steps up to the sanctuary. This means that the children's talk and notices are live-streamed. If you concerns about this, please speak to our Families and Children's leader Katerina. We are fully compliant with GDPR and the Safeguarding of Children. We always strive to obtain permission from parents for their children to be visible on our livestreams and in photos used on our social media etc. However as every service is live-streamed, and we have new people attending nearly every week, sometimes it is not always possible to obtain permission before the service, however, notices are up in the church advising people of the areas visible online should you choose to avoid them.

A room will soon be available at the back of the church if you or your child need a more private space to pray or self regulate etc. There is also a breastfeeding chair (although of course, you are free to breastfeed wherever you like) and our sensory items will also be located here. 
Baby change facilities will be available in the room at the back of the church asap. 

All our children's leaders are safeguarding trained and DBS checked.