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.
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 creche corner at the back 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.
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 back of church where you will find books,
toys, a slide, 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.
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.
Nurture
in the Christian faith
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 hall
across the road from the church. 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 Parish Centre. 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 Mums and Toddlers 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.
Toddlers’ Session: Thursdays
9.15am – 11.15am
