St. Mary’s Church Shalford welcomes children of all ages
Which services should I bring my children to?
Children are welcome at all services, but the service that is particularly planned with children‘s participation and attendance in mind is the following:Family service – 4th Sunday of the month
Also the special services throughout the year – Mothering Sunday, Easter, Harvest, Remembrance Sunday, Christingle (end of November), Crib Service (Christmas Eve), and Christmas Morning
Where should I sit with my children?
We always encourage children to come up and sit at the front of the church, when our vicar involves the children during a simple topical discussion. This takes place during the Family Service (the 4th Sunday of each month), children can come up and sit at the front on their kneelers whilst the Vicar involves the Children with a fun story! This can be easier if you are already sitting near the front of the church – and they get a better view of everything too!How can I amuse my children through the service?
Ask for a ‘book bag’ which is available at the first table as you come into the church. Please use the children‘s corner (on the right at the back of the church). It is equipped with toys, paper and crayons and children are welcome to play here during the service.
For their safety please ensure they are supervised. You can also feel free to walk around the church with babies and young children – there is lots to see and quietly discuss. Explain to them what is going on and encourage them to join in with the service.
Is there a Church Club?
Family club JAM runs the Saturday before the family service each month. All welcome!
What should I do if young children want to move around during the service?
No problem, but please:– Go with them to make sure they are safe
– Discourage running so they don‘t trip and fall
– Don‘t let them climb into the pulpit – it‘s a long way to fall onto the stone floor.
My baby’s asleep – must I stand up for the hymns?
Of course not – please feel free to sit or stand as best suits you and your baby.
What should I do if my baby cries during the service?
Whatever you would normally do to comfort your child. Please do not rush outside at the first signs of crying!
“Mummy / Daddy – I need the toilet”
When you‘ve got to go, you‘ve got to go! Please feel free to use the toilets in the vestry (the door is next to the children‘s corner), or in the church room (you may need to ask a sidesperson for the key). Please also feel free to use the vestry if you need to change your baby.
Can I bring my children up to the altar for communion?
Of course! We are happy for you to bring your children up to the altar. They will receive a special blessing from the vicar, where he puts his hands over your child‘s head.Christenings
Christenings are lovely occasions. Please feel free to let your children come close to the font so they can get a good view!
I’m new to the village – how can I find other families who have young children?
At family services, one regular family (of those below) will always be on welcoming duty and to look out for any new faces. Please announce yourself as new visitors for the first few times. Also, the churchwardens (Jane Wetherall and David Davies – look for the upstanding wooden poles on the end of the pews that indicate where they sit!) will happily introduce appropriate people in your direction. Some names and faces to look out for in Church include:Jane & Neil Barrett (Felix 11, Freddy 6)
Clare Cox-Cunningham (Anja 11)
Silke Ebling (Melanie 13, Hannah 12)
Andrea Williams (Beatrice 10)
Ellen Hallam (Georgina 6, Cameron 2)
Lynda & Andrew Callaghan (Ellis 9, Fletcher 6)
Wendy & Sean Cook (James 11, Matthew 6)
Vicky & Anthony Ward (Natasha 11, Harry 9, Olivia 7, James 5)
Sarah Thomas (Olivia 16, Louise 14, Oscar 11)
Zoe Figeuiredo (Sophie 12, Hugo 10)
Sam & Steve Perkins (Tom 6, Henry 4, Oscar 2)
And after the service...
Do come along to the Church room after the Family Service (every 4th Sunday) where refreshments are served, including squash and biscuits for the children. This is a great chance to meet and chat with other parents and for the children to run around and play together (after being so good!)