Our main Sunday morning service is Parish Communion. It starts at 10am and lasts about an hour. We have creche toys available in the Tower Room which is located behind double glass doors at the back of the Church, and we have a children’s corner on the far side of the Church, with colouring and books. ‘Welcomers’ are on hand to help you find a seat and find our children’s corner, which has space for pushchairs. We have a toilet in the Church towards the back, through the Tower Room and on the right, and a baby changing facility in our Church Room.
Parish Communion begins with a hymn and the children come to the front to help lead us into worship by lighting a candle and saying a prayer. On most Sundays after lighting their candle, children are invited but not obliged take part in one of St. Mary’s All Stars groups:
- All Stars consists of three different groups: Mini Stars (for our 5s and under), Shooting Stars (for our 6-9s), and Super Stars (for our 10-14s). This means that all ages have age-appropriate provision to explore the day’s theme.
- Mini Stars and Shooting Stars walk down to the Church Room after the children’s candle is lit. They return to receive communion or a blessing with their families.
- Super Stars worship in the service until the sermon. They then move to the Tower Toom at the back of the Church to explore the theme in their own way, until returning to the pews for the Peace. On the first Sunday of the month, they enjoy taking part in the whole service.
St. Mary’s All Stars groups are very popular, but children are also equally welcome to stay and worship with their families in the pews throughout the whole service, if they prefer. There are ‘busy bags’ available on the far side of the Church which children can take to the pews to explore the theme of the day in their own way.
All children are welcome to come forward for a blessing at communion. If you believe your child might be ready to receive communion or for Confirmation, please let the Rector know as we are very happy to prepare your child for either.
Throughout the year, there are opportunities for children and young people to help lead worship through reading, interceding, singing in the choir, acolyting, bringing up the gifts of bread and wine and serving at the altar. We offer training and welcome their involvement.