Children, Youth & Families

Bringing the grace of the LORD, the love of Christ, and the friendship of the Holy Spirit to the youngest in our parishes.

Weekly Services

We are inclusive churches, meaning that everyone is welcomed equally at every service.

However we know that for families sometimes “going to church” can seem more of a challenge than a blessing

That’s why each week we run one particular service which is focused on all the family:

• 1st Sunday – Saints Alive (All Saints)
• 2nd Sunday – The Source (Holy Trinity)
• 3rd Sunday – Family Service (St Matthew’s)
• 4th Sunday – Cafe Church (Randwick)

Each service has its own unique style and content, but each with the same vision to create a space where people of all ages can worship together – learning and growing with and from each other.

The Ark

Where – St Laurence Church Hall
When – Tuesday 9:30 – 13:00

The Ark is a cafe-style drop-in for parents and carers with babies and pre-school children.

Volunteers serve refreshments and chat to families visiting The Ark.
Hot and cold drinks are available plus homemade cakes and snacks – all at very reasonable prices, and there is no obligation to purchase anything from the cafe.

There is a large playmat with a wide selection of toys as well as a play kitchen, books, puzzles, stories and songs, a sensory activity and a craft table.

Admission is based on donations and you are welcome to come whether you can donate or not.
Children remain the responsibility of their parents and carers at all times

Engine Room

Where – St Matthews Church Hall
When – Sunday 18:00 – 19:30

Our youth group (for 11-18 year olds) explore some of life’s biggest questions from a Christian perspective, grappling with what it means to follow Jesus in today’s culture.

Young people are encouraged to lead their own sessions, with adult support, as well as serve each other, build friendships and have some fun.
Together we attend local worship events, youth camps and get involved in the work of The Door through its illuminateStroud project.

Youth Drop-In (in partnership with illuminate/The Door)

Where – Church of the Holy Spirit (Paganhill)

When – Monday 3-4pm

Weekly activity for youth from Archway to have a warm, safe space to congregate after school with refreshments, youth workers to talk to and “Gentle” Christian input.

Youth from Engine Room encouraged to be a part of the group / act as young leaders within the activity.

Schools

Each of the 11 primary schools and 3 secondary schools in the parishes has a named link clergy person who is in regular contact with the school. Offering themselves as a resource into the school as chaplain / Christian presence. Including but not limited to:

• Pastoral support (both ongoing and in time of crisis/stress)
• Assemblies
• RS & PHSE lessons
• “Moving Up…” Yr 6 transition session

Each school also has a “linked” church – members of the congregation commit to praying for the school community, and with support from the clergy building meaningful relationships with the school – including:

• Listening to reading
• Mid-day Supervision
• Attending school activities (fetes, concerts, performances)
• Going on school trips
• Offering the church building for services, assemblies, concerts etc. (and being present to welcome and support at those events)
• Praying for the school
• Befriending parents

Baptism and Confirmation

Baptised is a symbolic ritual often (but not exclusively) carried out with small children. The ceremony involves water, and parents, god-parents and church members promising to pray for the child as they grow.

Baptisms are normally carried out during our regular Sunday worship services, as they are a great opportunity for the church community to meet with the family and come together in prayer and friendship.

Those who have been baptised often want to make their own promises and commitments when they are able, in a ceremony called “Confirmation” – here their family, friends and the church community gather to pray and worship together as they make their promises to God in front of the Bishop, who prays a blessing on them for their life.

If you (or your child) are interested in being Baptised or Confirmed, then do contact us – typically we’ll meet and chat with you about the process and ceremony and organise a short “preparation course” so you can get the most from the ceremony and feel part of the church family.