Rector's Letter

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Young People

	Click on the logo on the left to find out more about 'Aftershock' for our 11 to 18 year olds.	Activities for 8-11 year olds For more information on activities for this age group please contact Andy Finn on 07794 518 907

	St Mary's Youth Newsletter Click here or on the logo on the left to download a copy of our latest Youth Newsletter

We have a number of activities for our young people both on Sundays and during the week.  Contact the Parish Office if you would like more information on any of these.

Sunday mornings:

Sunday Club
This meets at 10am on Sundays during term time.  We meet in the front pews and leave for the parish rooms at the beginning of the service, returning to church in time for children to join their parents for Communion or a blessing.  Children & young people, from 3 to 16 years, are welcome to join us for, bible stories, discussions and craft activities. Contact Debbie Flicos 524177.

Family Service
is normally held on the third Sunday of the month.  This is a shorter, informal service to which are children are encouraged to stay. There is no Sunday Club. We have lively music, a short talk rather than a sermon and there is often something special for the children. 

Baptisms
take place either within the main Sunday service at 10am or at a special baptism service at 12 noon.  More information on Baptism is available in our leaflet “Your Child’s Baptism”.

Children and Holy Communion
Children may receive Communion before they are confirmed, provided they are aged at least 7 years old and come to church regularly and have undertaken a course of preparation.  For more details speak to the Rector.

Children’s Corner
For very young children (or older ones who do not wish to go into Sunday School), we have a comfortable children’s corner at the back of church.  Here you will find toys and books where your children may be cheerfully occupied, enabling you take part in the service whilst you sit with them. 

Other activities for young people

Activities for 8 - 11 year olds
For more information on activities for this age group please contact Andy Finn on 07794 518 907.

Aftershock  - Sundays 6.30-8.00pm
For 11-18 - meets on Sundays in the Parish Rooms from 6.30-8.00pm. A chance to socialise, learn and enjoy each other's company. And there's normally food involved!!! Click here for more information.

St Mary's Tinies  - Tuesdays at 2pm in term-time
(Used to be called Pram Service) A very informal service followed by coffee and toys for mums and toddlers/babies at 2pm on Tuesdays in term time in the Parish Rooms. Click here to find out more.

Junior Choir     
We have a very strong choir with up to 20 junior members. The choir sings at the 10am service on Sundays with occasional Evensongs, concerts and visits to cathedrals. They also sing at weddings, if requested.  Children are able to train for RSCM awards and have their own social programme as well.  For more information, see the leaflet “Should I join the choir?”.   More information about the choir is available on the Junior Choir page

Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Senior Section
These Guiding units are affiliated to our church and meet weekly in the Parish Rooms.
For more information contact Margaret Jacobs (tel: 522801).

We have close links with St Mary's Primary School and St Mary's Church Pre-school which are situated in Castle Street, alongside the church.

Church members participate in the life of the school through assemblies and helping in class, through the governing body and on the staff, and the children are regularly welcomed into church for their special service. 
Contact the school office (tel: 523384) for information about the Primary school
Contact the manager, Faye Jeffs, (tel: 07817 716166) for information about the Pre-school.

Confirmation classes

Each year a number of adults and young people decide to make a public commitment to the faith of the Church through confirmation.  Preparation classes are provided to enable them to learn more about the Christian faith.  Talk to the Rector if you are interested.

Problems?

Sometimes we all need help and advice or just a sympathetic ear.  Some of our church members are trained listeners or are able to offer help in parenting skills; others may have experienced the same difficulties as you are going through.  

We're here to help - please ask