Children and Young People
As a church, we aim for children and young people to feel welcome and at home here. All the groups and activities in our church seek to give children and young people a sense of belonging and help them know God’s love in Jesus Christ.
Upcoming events for Children and Young People
Click on the top
blue link for each entry to find out more
Wednesday 7th June 4:30pm
Youth Room in Parish Rooms at St Mary's Church SW
Sunday 11th June 7:00pm
Youth Room in Parish Rooms at St Mary's SW
Wednesday 14th June 4:30pm
Youth Room in Parish Rooms at St Mary's Church SW
Adult helpers
Matt Williamson is our full time Children and Youth Leader and is always happy to be contacted via email: youth@stmaryssaffronwalden.org or on his mobile: 07794 518 907.
Kathryn Bennett is our Parish Safeguarding Representative and she can be contacted by phone: 01799 521 773 or email: kjbennett09@yahoo.co.uk Details of our Safeguarding guidelines can be seen on the
Safeguarding page of this website.
Sundays
Team JC
Team JC (Our Sunday School) is for children aged 3 to 11 and meets on Sundays during term time, except the 4th Sunday of each month when there is a Family Service. Starting with breakfast in the Parish Rooms at 10.15am and finishing at about 11.45am when they join their parents in church, there are stories, games and craft.
Aftershock
Go to Aftershock page here. This is for 11 to 18 year olds and meets in the Parish Rooms on Sundays from 7.00 to 8.30pm during term time except for the 1st Sunday of the month when it forms part of H2H. It provides a chance to socialise, explore the bible and enjoy each other’s company – and there’s normally food involved!!! Young people from other churches and non-churchgoers are all welcome.
H2H (Highway to Heaven). On the first Sunday of the month our Youth Group also runs a café-style worship called H2H which takes place in the Parish Rooms at 6.30pm. All are invited to share in this worship with our youth group.
Family Service
Our Family Service is normally held on the fourth Sunday of the month at 1030am. This is a shorter, informal service to which children are encouraged to come. We have lively music, a short talk and there are often special activities for children.
Children’s Corner
The Children’s Corner is a space at the back of the church where parents and young children can find toys and books for children to make use of during the service. There are also activity bags available for your children to use as they sit in the pews with you.
Children and Holy Communion
Children may receive Communion before they are confirmed, provided they are aged at least 7 years old, come to church regularly and have undertaken a course of preparation.
Each year a number of young people decide to make a public commitment to the faith of the Church through confirmation. For more information see our
Confirmation page.
Other Groups
St Mary’s Tinies
We meet on Tuesday mornings during term time from 9.30am in the church for craft activity, refreshments and toys and a very informal short service which includes songs, instruments and a Bible story. All parents and carers of babies and pre school aged children are very welcome to this friendly group. Sessions are free but a small donation to charity is welcomed. For more information contact Matt Williamson 07794 518 907 matt.williamson20@me.com
Junior Choir
We have a strong junior choir with up to 20 junior members. The choir sings at three or four Sunday services a month (either a morning service or evensong) and at some weddings on Saturdays. There are also occasional concerts and visits to cathedrals. Children have their own social programme as well.
Rehearsals are held on Wednesday and Friday evenings. The juniors are paid for practices and services. Once new members are confident enough they are asked to sing with the choir on Sundays. The choir is affiliated to the Royal School of Church Music and the juniors work through the ribbon tests to attain seniority, which is reflected in the remuneration that they receive. [see the
Royal School of Church Music - Essex and East London Area website]
If you would like more information contact Oli King our Director of Music – music@stmaryssaffronwalden.org or 07928 339 310 (shared with choir admin)
Joyful Noise
We welcome you to join our youngest singing group. Do you love singing? Would you like to have fun and make new friends?
Come and join our singing group ‘Joyful Noise’ at the Parish Rooms, St Mary’s Church, Saffron Walden – Fridays 4.00-4.45pm during term time. Open to all children in school years 1-3. Play musical games, handbells and percussion, sing action songs and rounds, and songs from around the world. No charge, but donations welcomes. For more details, contact Lizzie Bennett joyfulnoise.saffronwalden@gmail.com
Rainbows, Brownies, Guides
These Guiding units are affiliated to our church and meet weekly in the Parish Rooms. For more information contact Margaret Jacobs 01799 522 801.
Our Church School
We have close links with St Mary’s C.E. Primary School which is situated in Castle Street, near to 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 services.
More information is available on their website:
St Mary’s C.E. Primary School
If you have any questions or want to know more about activities for children and young people then please contact Matt Williamson via email: matt.williamson20@me.com or on his mobile: 07794 518 907.