Children and Young PeopleSunday schoolsWe run Sunday schools for three age groups during the 9:45am service Sunday service. 3 - 7 year oldsChildren go into Sunday school (in the Youth centre) at 9:45 and come into church about half way through the service. They learn Bible stories, sing songs and do some story connected craft work. 8-12 year oldsThese children are taught bible stories, parables, and the application of Christian principles in their lives. They begin in the church at 9:45 and go to the Lounge just before the sermon; the session last for about 30 minutes. 13-18 TeenagersA discussion based approach is used for teaching teenagers in the Douglas May room. The sort of issues addressed include: contemporary teenage school and social life situations and Christian ways of dealing with them; Christian doctrines and issues; other religions and atheism; and science & religion.. They begin in the church at 9:45 and go for class just before the sermon; the session lasts for about 30 minutes. SparksSparks is an after school club for boys and girls aged between 5 and 7 years. It is held on Wednesdays in term time from 4:30 to 5:45 pm in the large hall at St. Andrew's. The group provides fun activities through playing games, crafts, and a Bible story; refreshments are provided. The subscription is £1 per week to cover expenses. All children are welcome. For more details please contact: Mrs. Sue Broatch on Junior ChoirThe Choir has always formed an important opportunity for young people at St Andrew's. Its prime function is to provide a lead for worship on Sunday mornings and at the monthly choral Evensong and other special occasions such as the Carol Service and in Passiontide, as well as the occasional wedding. But it also gives to those involved:a valuable background in the Christian faith; a great social opportunity; helps develop interests in music; life-learning skills such as commitment, self-discipline, self-confidence, leadership and teamwork, and a supplement to pocket money in the form of choir pay! We follow the Holiday Club.Each summer we run a Holiday Club - usually in the first week of the school holidays. The aim is to provide a fun filled environment in which children can begin to explore the Christian faith through stories, songs, games and crafts. This year, (2008) Holiday Club was open to children between 5 and 8 years old and was called Champion's Challenge. It was based on the concept of the Olympic Games and through games and sporting challenges we learned about the need for trainers and physiotherapists, being a team member or a substitute and about winning with Jesus at the centre of the event. The children (and adults!) had a great time and were worn out but happy at the end of the week. Here's to next year! Working with Local SchoolsOur work with six schools within the parish is of high importance and we strive to strengthen our links with each of them. We encourage all of these schools to bring to church all pupils who are studying Christianity, as part of their course work. The Revd Christine welcomes them all, explains the symbols of Christian faith and shows how the building is used. The highlight for the younger children is to ring the church bells! At Christmas we provide a traditional carol service, and the increasingly popular Christingle service, for several of the parish schools. In addition we will run assemblies on the school site and, if possible, attend and support school special events. Children's AdvocateSt Andrew's has approved policies for Child Protection and all members who regularly come into contact with children are checked by the CRB. We have a Children's Advocate (Mrs Gill Moore) who oversees the application of this policy and is available to children and adults for confidential conversations. |
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