We extend a warm welcome to you and your children. Children are never too young to come to church. They are the future of your family and our community.
Every parent knows that babies and children are not subdued by formal surroundings. Indeed the opposite may often be the case and it always seems as if your child is making the most noise. When you come to church with your children it should be a happy and joyful experience. Therefore we have prepared this leaflet which we hope will help to make your family's visit easier and more enjoyable.
You and Your Baby
Everyone knows that babies cry so please don't be embarrassed if your baby cries during the service.
If you need to walk around to settle your child then please feel free to do so. If your baby is settled and you are more comfortable sitting, do remain seated even if others around you are standing. If your baby needs feeding or changing, you are welcome to use the facilities in the hall adjacent to the church-please ask someone to show you where they are if necessary.
Help Your Baby Enjoy Being in Church
Bring quiet toys for your baby to play with. You don't need to sit at the back of the church-why not sit near the front instead? Older babies may find this more interesting and become more involved. You can take your baby with you to receive a blessing at Holy Communion. Soon your child will become familiar with the surroundings and the rhythm and routine of life in church.
You and Your Toddler
A toddler or pre-school child may find the service too long to sit still, so please feel free to bring along some quiet toys or books to keep him or her busy. There are also some toys and books at the back of church (St Stephens) or in the children's corner (St Julians) that you might find useful.
If your toddler decides to go for a walk-about in the middle of the service then it may be best to let him or her go and have a look around, but please follow him or her to make sure they are safe.
Help Your Toddler Enjoy Being in Church
Children often like to mimic those around them-you can encourage your toddler to imitate what you are doing during the service-be it holding a book and standing beside you singing or kneeling or sitting at prayer times. You can take your toddler with you to receive a blessing at Holy Communion. Even small children quickly recognise that this is a special time for themselves and the people around them.
We Take the Needs of Children Seriously
During our 10am service at St Stephens we hold Sunday School in the hall adjoining the church. It is intended to engage the imagination and interest of children and is suitable for those aged between 4 and about 9.
You are welcome to go along with your child if they (or you) would be more comfortable – or you can leave them to enjoy the activities while you attend the service in church. For children of 9 and upwards, we hold a “10 plus” group which also meets in the hall at the same time as Sunday School. All the children return to church in time for Holy Communion.
These activities are run by a group of adult leaders who are all committed and enthusiastic members of our congregation. The activities are purposeful, creative and appropriate to the various age-groups
During the 9.30am service at St Julian's, there are activities suitable for children and parents which are very similar to those at St Stephen's. They relate to the theme of the service that day and take place during the sermon and prayers, whilst still enabling parents to be part of the service. The children's work is shown to the whole congregation later in the service.
In addition, there are services that are specifically appropriate for children and young people every month. These Family Services take place on the last Sunday of each month at St Stephen's and the second Sunday of each month at St Julian's. The younger members of the congregation take an active part in these services.
Children when they are in our church are members of our congregation and their presence is not an inconvenience or a burden. They too are spiritual beings following their own journey of faith and we aim to help them along in ways that they understand. Remember, even when a child is amusing themselves, he or she is absorbing the atmosphere of worship and Christian culture that surrounds them. You can help by involving them in what is happening around them, by pointing out things of interest and explaining what is happening.
Coffee
Coffee is served after the main Sunday service at both churches. It is a good opportunity to meet fellow parents as well as the wider congregation and to have a chat. The Children also get to know each other and have some play time together. Do stay for a while, you will be most welcome.
If You Need Help
If you have any concerns, questions or worries - or you just need more information concerning anything in this leaflet, please ask any member of the congregation who will be pleased to help you or can point you in the direction of somebody who can help you out.
Activities
St Stephen's Church
Creche for Young Children
There are facilities for babies and pre-school children - toys, books, changing and feeding facilities if needed, in the Kentish Room, Cavalier Hall. You are welcome to take your children there during the service if you need to. Contact Anne Tinkler for more details (01727 761015)
Sunday School
Meets in Cavalier Hall at 10am each week during term time - except for the last Sunday of the month when there is a Family Service at this time. Contact Angela Hanley (01727 875257)
Ten Plus at Ten
A group for young people aged ten and over meets in Cavalier Hall on the first and third Sunday of each month. Contact Jane Wright (01727 853570)
Kidz Church
A group for school aged children and parents. Meets from 3.30pm until 4.30pm each Tuesday during term time. Activities and a short act of worship. Contact The Revd David Ridgeway (01727 862598)
Brownies and Rainbows
Contact Lorraine Broughall (01727 863415)
St Julian's Church
Sunday Activities
Contact The Revd David Ridgeway (01727 862598)
Godspace
A group for 11 to 16 year olds that meets from time to time at St Julian's on Sunday evenings from 7.30 to 9pm. Please contact Mike & Netta Gibbs (01727 854860) or nettag@tiscali.co.uk to confirm dates.
Tots & Teddies
A service for babies, pre-school children and parents. Held between 10.30am and 11.30am every Wednesday (term time). Contact The Revd Ruth Pyke (01727 730746).
During the 9.30am service at St Julian's, there are activities suitable for children and parents which are very similar to those at St Stephen's. They relate to the theme of the service that day and take place during the sermon and prayers, whilst still enabling parents to be part of the service. The children's work is shown to the whole congregation later in the service.