Children at St Mary’s
How are children involved in St Mary’s?
Children of all ages are a welcome and important part of the life of St Mary’s. We recognise that although children are the church of tomorrow, they are also very much the church of today. Therefore we offer a range of groups that we hope offer children of all ages the opportunity to learn and worship in a way that is relevant and exciting for them. In addition to the Junior Church groups that meet on a Sunday morning, there are a number of other children’s activities that members of St Mary’s run or are involved with.
Junior Church
How is the Junior Church organised?
We have a happy and thriving Junior Church which runs during school term time. During school holidays, there are no organised groups but often alternative material and activities are provided. Junior Church starts at 10.15 to allow you time to settle the children into their groups before the start of the service at 10.30. We offer the
children an opportunity to find God in a loving and supportive environment. With this in mind we use a wide range of materials and approaches, with the opportunity to respond to these sessions with a variety of crafts, music, drama and dance. The teaching programme for children in years 1 to 6 is based on the Scripture Union Light material.
On the fourth Sunday in the month and at some special services such as Mothering Sunday, Harvest and Christmas, we hold a family service when we make a real effort to ensure that the children feel involved and interested in the teaching, prayer and worship.
What are the groups?
Springs – 0-3 years
The babies and toddlers meet downstairs in the St Mary’s Centre, and parents and carers are welcome to stay with them for as much or as little of the session as is best for their child. As well as lots of soft play, there is a story, music and games.
Brooks – 3-5 years
These children meet upstairs in the St Mary’s Centre, parents are very welcome to stay with their children until they feel their child has settled. The group leaders recognise that children of this age need routine and familiarity, and each session starts with play and a welcome activity. There are stories and lots of often messy but very creative craft activities.
Rivers – 5 to 8 years
This group meets in the dining room of Wendover House School. The session starts with music and then goes on to explore different themes using a variety of methods such as story telling, drama, crafts and discussion.
The Lagoon – 8 to 11 years
Lightning meets in a room in the Manor House area of Wendover House School. In this group children learn to use the Bible and explore its meaning through a variety of games, activities and discussion.
The Deep – 11 to 14 years
These young people meet in a room in the Manor House area of Wendover House School. The session starts with breakfast and time to chat, before moving on to explore a wide range of Christian issues. A variety of styles of discussion, worship, prayer and other activities are used.
Who should I contact for more information?
For more information about Junior Church contact the Parish Office.
How are older children catered for?
We have two groups for our young people. Please see the youth groups page.
What is Noah’s Ark?
Noah’s Ark is a group for carers and children (from 0 to preschool) run by Churches Together in Wendover. Meetings
are held every Friday during school term time from 10.00am to 12 noon in the Wendover Christian Centre on Aylesbury Road. Leaders from all three churches take turns in preparing the morning’s activities. These are usually themed and consist of a story, a related craft activity, music and song, plus an opportunity for the children to play and their carers to socialise. Refreshments are provided for both children and adults. We are always pleased to welcome anyone to the group.
For further information about any of the children’s activities associated with St Mary’s, please contact the Parish Office.
