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Welcome to you and your child
When children are baptised we say, “We welcome you
into the Lord’s family”. Children are never too young to
come to church. You and your children are all very welcome. We
realise that bringing children, especially babies and
toddlers, to church can be very hard work, and it always seems
as if your baby is crying the loudest! We want coming to
church to be a happy experience for you and your child. Inside
this leaflet you will find information which we hope will make
your being in church easier and more enjoyable. |
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You and
your baby
If your baby is settled, please feel free to remain seated, even if
others are standing. Don’t be embarrassed if your baby cries. If
you need to walk around to settle your child please do so. Please
feel free to take children to the carpeted crèche corner at the
front of church, but do stay with them. If your baby needs
feeding or changing, there is nothing wrong with doing this in
church. If you prefer, you may wish to go to the Parish Centre
(through the glass doors at the front right hand side of church).
There is a changing mat in the toilet. The Parish Centre is carpeted
and has a kitchen.
How to
help you baby enjoy being in church
Feel free to
bring your own quiet toys. Do move around if there are things to see
in the service, perhaps bringing your child nearer the front. Some
babies are attracted by the light shining through the stained glass,
or by flickering candles. Tell them when something different is
happening. Babies may enjoy being held close as a parent sings, or
enjoy the music of the service.
If the service is Holy Communion please take your baby with you to
receive a blessing at the time of Communion.
Already your baby is absorbing the atmosphere of the worship and,
apart from the occasional ‘off-day’, will quickly accept his or
her time in church as part of the rhythm of the week.
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You
and your toddler
A
service can be a long time for a pre-school child. If your
child goes for a walk-about in the middle of the service, it
may be best to let him or her have a look around and explore,
keeping a watchful eye from a distance. Please collect a
‘Fun Bag’ from the stand by the main door if it would
help. The bags contain lots of puzzles, paper and things to
entertain your child quietly . We have a carpeted corner at
the front of church where you will find books, toys, and
drawing materials.
How
to help your toddler enjoy being in church
Children
learn much by imitation, so encourage your toddler to imitate
what you are doing – holding a book or standing beside you
when you are singing, kneeling down or sitting at prayer
times. If the service is Holy Communion, take the toddler to
receive a blessing at the time of Communion. This can become a
special time for them, and the people around them.
So
– children in church
When
children are in church they are not there simply to be
“coped with” or “put up with”. On the contrary, they
are members of the congregation and are present to worship as
part of their journey of faith. Even when they are amusing
themselves with a favourite book, they are absorbing the
atmosphere of worship.
We can
encourage them to be further included by finding ways of
involving them and drawing their attention to what is going
on, even if it is only for a short time. |
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Nurture in the Christian faith. And
lots of fun too!
During the 10 o’clock service we have activities for children
and young people:
The Sunday Club welcomes children from 3 to 10 years old. It
is staffed by an enthusiastic team of nine volunteers and takes
place on three Sundays a month. On the first Sunday of the month
children stay in church for the “Magic Carpet” service, where
they play an active part leading worship, taking the collection, and
processing with their banner. On ordinary Sundays members of the
Sunday Club gather before the beginning of the service in the Parish
Centre. Children use Scripture Union material suitable for their
age, which includes Bible stories, and activities, which use the
children’s creativity and intelligence. They are brought into the
church at the time of Communion. There are always at least two
adults on duty. We are committed to providing a safe, warm and
friendly environment for the children. There is also a regular
programme of social activities – walks, trips etc., which the
children really enjoy. They have made a Harvest Loaf, had a visit
from the Fire Service, made Christingles, put on a play, and visited
Legoland. Eileen Goford (638238) co-ordinates the Sunday activities,
and Ann Burdett (631486) and Helen Poynter (631827) arrange the
social events. Sunday Club members graduate to Sparklers at 9 or 10
– or whenever they are ready!
The
Sparklers is a discussion group for young people aged 9 to
16, and meets during the 10 o’clock service in the hall across the
road from the church. Each week a different aspect of a chosen theme
is discussed. Besides the Sunday discussion the Sparklers are
involved in other church groups – the choir, the serving team etc.
– and often help out in leading worship, or supporting charities.
Both Sunday Club and Sparklers regularly raise money for worthy
causes, making things to sell, strawberry picking, or taking part in
sponsored events. The Sparklers has a team of leaders co-ordinated
by Bridget Morris (627235).
 The
St Luke’s Toddlers and Babies Group meets in St. Luke’s
Hall, Norfolk Road, every Thursday during term time and occasionally
during the school summer holidays. The group is open to everyone and
welcomes any child from newborn to four years, accompanied by a
parent, grandparent, childminder, au pair etc.
Click here for more information
Toddlers’ Session: Thursdays 9.15am – 11.15am |
