At St John’s we do our very best to welcome children and teenagers. We believe that a church has a great deal to say to those who are discovering new things about the world every day. God has created a world that is full of spark and stimulus, and we try to reflect that in our activities.
Children’s Activities - Sundays
Every Sunday there are activities for children during the service at 10.30am. Mostly the children use the rear of the church (on special occasions we have a Family Service where the adults and children are together). We call the Sunday group ‘God’s Gang’. Susan Osborne, who organises the group, writes:
“God’s Gang is about children on Sundays learning more about God and Jesus.
God’s Gang is about children having fun and laughter.
God’s Gang can use food, crafts, song , prayer, clay modelling, cutting and sticking and much more to learn about the love of God.
God’s Gang is about showing life with Jesus is fun.
God’s Gang is for all ages but chiefly 4 -12 years with a crèche that meets in the same hall. There is a glass wall so younger children can see their mums in the crèche. Mums can hear the sermon through the sound system and watch their children at the same time. Come and join us on Sunday morning at 10.30am – we’d love you to join us!”
After School Club – Messy Church
We have a special monthly event for primary school children and their parents where we pull out all the stops! Susan writes:
“The aim is for families to come to relax and have fun learning about God and the Bible together.
It is held on Tuesdays once a month from 3pm. Children must bring an adult! There are games and crafts around a theme. Mess and chaos usual occur but the children are really enthusiastic especially when the food activity is announced.
The session ends with everyone having a meal together, anything from pizza to roast chicken or burgers.”
From time to time we run courses for secondary-aged children. These are a mixture of fun stuff and sensible stuff where we learn more about the Christian faith. Sometimes this is preparation for confirmation, although anyone can join in. You can talk to the vicar for more information about these youth activities.
Young people are encouraged to take an active part in adult services and groups at St John’s. They are involved in playing music, reading, and leading prayers. They have even been known to lead the service!