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What does the Church offer the Young People of Staplehurst

At All Saints Staplehurst we warmly welcome all children to our services.

It is stated in the baptism service “We welcome you into the Lord’s family” and we would like you and your child to feel at ease when worshipping here.

Minisaints
SuperSaints
Explorers

The 'Cru'
ASClub
Pastoral Care

Name	Office	Telephone	Email
Marion Whatmore	Youth Co-Ordinator	(01580) 893243	N/A
Marion Whatmore	MiniSaints Leader	(01580) 893243	N/A
Sonja Drew	SuperSaints Leader	(01580) 890741	N/A
Marion Whatmore	Explorers	(01580) 893243	N/A
Marion Whatmore	The Cru	(01580) 893243	N/A

Babies

Please don't worry if your baby cries - the ministers are used to this. You may find walking around helps. Alternatively, if your little one is settled and you find it easier to remain seated, then please do so.

Toddlers

If you have a toddler with you why not try sitting at the front so that they can observe the action? As equal members of our congregation they will enhance their faith journey as they watch, listen and learn various aspects of worship.

Children like to mimic adults, so when you stand to sing, give them a book so that they feel that they are participating too. At a communion service please do bring them to the altar with you for a blessing or to receive the sacraments.

Toys

If they need other entertainment, we ask that you use quiet, soft toys. This is not only helpful for other members of the congregation, but will also help your child to learn to appreciate a “worshipping” atmosphere.

We have “feely bags” at the back of the church for the very young and in the cupboards on the south side are a selection of soft dolls and cars etc as well as clip boards, paper and crayons and books that are available for use in the pews. These are provided especially for the services, so please do use them and do ask if you have problems locating them.

If your child does need to walk around, then please watch them carefully.

Changing facilities

At the rear of the church is a W.C. with changing facilities.

Refreshments

Squash and biscuits are available at the end of most services.

All Saints Church runs a number of groups, for young people of all-ages, which are designed to promote spiritual awareness without being boring! Whilst each group is aimed at specific ages, the whole programme provides a structured pathway to encourage youngsters to develop at their own pace within a Christian environment.

The emphasis is on fun, from singing and making things in the Parish Room at Super Saints, to debating the meaning of life round a bottle of wine and a barbecue in YPF!

Some activities, such as the with the Junior Choir members or the All Age youth group, cover a larger age range, and details can be obtained from the relevant organisers. (On occasions - such as the now legendary annual rounders match - our 'youngsters' range from five to sixty-five!)

MiniSaints

Rocking Horse

This is a group for parents, grandparents or carers with children from birth to 5 years old. The Minisaints group meet in the Parish Room on Thursdays from 1.30 p.m. to 3.00 p.m.

This is an opportunity for the little ones to play and have stories along with Mum or Dad etc. > more

This group is for 4 - 8 year olds, who meet on the 2^nd and 4^th Sundays of each month at 10.00 a.m. during term time.

The sessions start in the church and then continue with Bible stories and appropriate activities in the Parish Room before rejoining the congregation again for the remainder of the service.

The group needs more adults to join the team - even it's just occasionally!

If you could help or would like more information then contact Sonja Drew on (01580) 890741. > more

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Download the full 2007/2008 Programme (PDF : 70 KB)

Explorers:

A group for 8 - 11 year olds, following a scheme looking at some of the Old and New Testament characters, the life of Jesus and some of the saints, through reading, work sheets, quizzes and fun sessions. We start again on September 13^th, and then each Thursday in term time from 4.30p.m. - 5.30p.m. in the Parish rooms.

For more details contact Marion Whatmore on (01580) 893243.

The Cru

A group for 11 - 15 year olds. hamburger

Meet every Thursday in term time from 7.30 - 8.30 p.m.

For more details contact Marion Whatmore on (01580) 893243.

They use the Cross Scheme which follows on from Explorers and some evenings are spent having quizzes, discussions or watching DVD's and of course the infamous outings to that famous Scottish restaurant and there is some Christian input as well.

ASClub

A group for 15+ which meets on the 2^nd and 4^th Sundays in the Parish Rooms at 7.45p.m. The first part of the 2^nd Sunday is spent planning the monthly Youth Service and then games such as table tennis and snooker, board games etc, or there is the opportunity for just a coffee and chat. Interested?

For more details contact Marion Whatmore on (01580) 893243.

Pastoral Care

Ever wondered where to look if you have a problem and don't know where to turn, well, take a look at the Pastoral Care Links Page