The Bible teaches that children matter to God in a "unique" way! Jesus spoke of the need to welcome children and, in so doing, we would welcome him and his father in heaven. Jesus was very pointed in his desire that we" let the children come to him" without hindrance and with open hands and hearts.
At St.Mary's we want to make children of all ages feel "welcome!" We know that the early impressions of Church are made, good or bad, through a child's first experiences at church.
Our goal is to make "church" a caring, comfortable, secure place for all children.
For all pre-school children with their parents and carers, our Toddlers and Babes Group enjoy a short toddler-centred time in church with story and songs and then meet together in the Family Centre for activities, toys and refreshments. Time to meet and have a chat and for the children to enjoy an activity, play and have fun together. Held every Tuesday during term time at 2pm.
Our Infant children , now known as the "All Stars" experience a church of love, colour, stories, activity, singing and interactive learning.
Our Junior children, now known as the "Rock
Stars", have their attention captured and won through creativity
in a variety of activities,
including drama, discussions and
music.
The All Stars, Rock Stars, 10 0' Clock Club and O-Zone now take place from 10.45 to 12.45 am every Sunday morning.
Every year a group from the All Stars and from 10 'o' clock Club go away for a weekend to the Oakes Christian Centre for fun, friendship and Christian teaching.
O-Zone have a chance to go to Soul Survivors in August.
Our groups are open to anybody. Just come along one Sunday and join us, no invite needed. You will be made very welcome.
See our Church Album for photos from one of our trips
For more information please contact:
Toddlers & Carers: .......................From 0 to 5 years. Sue Pearson (0115 926 7540)
All Stars : ...........................................From 4 to 7 years: Andrea Sands ( 0115 920 2023)
Rock Stars: ........................................From 7 to 11 years: Sally Graham ( 0115 952 9692)
For more information about our Youth Ministry click here
10'o'clock Club*: ...............................From 11 to 16 years: John Graham ( 0115 952 9692)
O-Zone: : ...........................................From 16 years upwards: JR (0115 953 8313)
SUNDAY EVENINGS .........7.30pm to 9.15pm
Rock Solid Club...............................From 11 to 14 years: Andrea Sands ( 0115 9202023)
For more information about Rock Solid go to our web page
R2.....................................................From 14 to 18 years: JR Kelly ( 0115 953 8313)
*New Website
Our young people have developed their own website about themselves and their own Christian Journey.
Come and see: http://www.godsmessage.piczo.com
Summer Activity Week
Every summer in the 1st week of the school holidays, which this year is from Monday July 21st to Friday July 25th, St. Mary's run an activity week for children from 5 to 11 years.
There are morning and afternoon sessions and the children will have the opportunity to do lots of different things from crafts, badge making, singing, dancing and having fun! For more photographs go to our Church Album page.
This year we are going to Champions Challenge!! A sports-based programme based on stories of Jesus from Luke's gospel.
Then on the Saturday there is a Family Barbecue, followed by a Special Service on the Sunday Morning.
For more information contact Anne Hill( see Contacts) or to download your "Champions Challenge" application form, click on form
St.Mary's now have creche at the back of church next to the font for young children so that they will be able to enjoy themselves while the service is in progress.
This will be available every week at the Sunday Morning 9.15 am and 10.45 am service. You will see the area on the left as you come through the door. All children are very welcome!