Big Lottery Funding - All Saint's has received a grant towards a new bolier. Click here for a link to the big lottery funding site

A big thank you to
the lottery fund for
their help with the
extension of
All Saints' Church

 

 

 
   
YOUNG CHILDREN
AND CHURCH




Some parents want to bring their children to church, but are fearful of disturbing others. I want to affirm that children are always welcome at our 10.30 a.m. service at the Church Centre. Bringing your children to church is something you can do as a family. Your child will soon gain a sense of familiarity with the various parts of the service, and with this will come a sense of security and of being loved and cared for by God and his people.

Let me share with you a few hints to make this hour on Sunday morning a happy and relaxed time for you and your child.

* By your own attitude show that you are
   looking forward to the service as
   something special. If you are tense, this
   will be communicated to your child.

* If both Mum and Dad go to the service,
   take it in turns to deal with a restless
  child.

* Accept the fact that both parents will not
   be able to concentrate completely on the
   service.

* Church can be a good time for a cuddle -
  
often this is valued by the child as a time
   when Mum and Dad sit with him or her.

* If you know your child is likely to be
  lively, sit near the door to the Parish Room
  so that you can easily slip out for a while
  and play with the toys there.


 

· 


* Be prepared for the odd failure.
   Sometimes a child will be so disruptive
   and unhappy that you will have to give up
   and take him or her out. But don’t let this
   put you off - try again.

* Have one or two special books and quiet
   toys that only come out at church time. (A
   noisy fire engine or building blocks are
  
not a good idea!)

* As your child gets older encourage him or
   her to take part in the children’s
   activities during the service. We have a
  class especially for under 5s. You may
   want to accompany your child in these
   activities for the first couple of Sundays
   until they get used to it.

* Having other friends they know in the
   Sunday Club helps children to settle in
   quickly and feel at home, so why not invite
   friends from toddler group, pre-school or
   school to come with you!

It is worth persevering because familiarity with church is a gift that you can give to your child which they will always remember, and they may someday pass it on to your grandchildren!



Chapters:

† First Thoughts About Baptism
† Initial Home Visit
† Act of Blessing and Thanksgiving
† Belonging to the Church Family
† Baptism Preparation Classes
† Godparents
† The Baptism Service
† Receiving the Baptism Certificate
† Communion Services
† Young Children and Church
† Nurturing Your Child's Faith at    Home
† Other questions

To contact us:

Parish Office
Fawkham And Hartley Church Centre
Ash Road
Hartley
Phone: 01474 630459
Email: parishoffice@fawkhamandhartley.org.uk

For comments or suggestions on the site
Email: webmaster@fawkhamandhartley.org.uk