Families and children
Jesus loved children and welcomed them - and so do we!
As we emerge from the pandemic, we haven't yet managed to re-start all our events for families. This page will be kept updated with details of what's happening on Sundays and midweek - so check back regularly.
As we emerge from the pandemic, we haven't yet managed to re-start all our events for families. This page will be kept updated with details of what's happening on Sundays and midweek - so check back regularly.
Sunday 5th December
- 10am morning service with creche (0-2s), bubbles (3 - yr R), flames (yr 1-5), ignite (yr 6-8). Also broadcast online.
- 4pm Wonder Walk, meeting at the Hill Lane / Bellemoor Road entrance to the Common. Note the 4pm start time. A chance for families to have a wonder whilst having a wander! Bring wellies if it's wet. Open to all. NB For those with latex allergies: this event will include balloons.
- There are also activity bags for babies and toddlers in our main 10am service, but no organised children's groups
- Or you could do church at home, using some material from a Messy Church at home pack (not video-based), or dip into the SaddlebackKids Church at home series (with videos tailored to different age groups) or use the Faith at Home videos (Church of England).
- 3.30pm - 5pm Christmas on the Green - an event for the whole community which will include crafts, a children's photo booth, sing-along carols with a brass band, nativity sketches and hot refreshments. Bring your friends! Based on Colebrook Green (next to the church) and in Shirley Parish Hall.
- NO morning services - our main event for families is the previous day (Saturday 18th). There will be two Carols by Candlelight services (4pm and 7.30pm) but those aren't particularly child-friendly.
The Ark is our group for parents, carers and their babies, toddlers and pre-school children. Pre-pandemic, it ran on Friday mornings. We really hope to re-start this, but it has been delayed because one of the key leaders is a children's nurse and is very busy vaccinating hordes of school children. We're currently aiming to re-start in the new year. There are other parents and toddler groups happening locally - on Tuesday mornings at Shirley Baptist Church and on Wednesdays at Shirley Salvation Army and at St James Road Methodist church.
The safety of children is of paramount importance to us. Read our safeguarding policy for more details.