All those who work with children and young people at St Leonard’s have been recruited following our safeguarding policy and procedures.
0-3 years
Toddler Church, Mondays during term time
Toddler Church meets in the church from 10.30-11.30 am on Mondays during the school term.
It is especially designed for babies and pre-school children.
We start with a short service which includes songs with actions and musical instruments for the children to play. A short bible story is told, often using dolls and other toys to illustrate it, followed by a prayer time. The service lasts about 20 minutes.
After the service there is a time for free play in the church with suitable toys. While the children are playing together there is a chance for a cup of tea or coffee and a chat for parents/carers.
Pre schoolers on Sundays during the 10am Service
We have a lovely, well quipped play room at the top of the ramp inside the church and the service is relayed in throughout the service. You are welcome to use this space freely throughout the service as you wish. Lots of parents come and go and nobody minds a bit!
We also have a soft play area at the back of the church, with quiet toys, books and cushions.
There are highchairs available as well, they fit into the rows and we have found this position and view makes a huge difference for our youngest worshippers!
Most importantly we don’t mind noise and firmly believe that the sound of little ones in church is a sign of new life and fresh hope!
Primary School Aged Children
Children’s Church, Sundays during the 10am Service in term time
Children’s Church, For Children from Reception is held in two groups during our 10am Service. Children in years R,1,2 & 3 meet in the Chapel of Unity (at the back of the church) and children in years 4, 5& 6 meet in our first floor rooms just off the gallery. The children come forward as we sing the Gloria, where they receive a prayer and then are led off to their groups. They re-join the congregation at the Peace. There is a team of volunteers who take it in turns to lead the children in an age-appropriate activity based on the readings for that Sunday. The resources we use at St Leonard’s are taken from the ROOTS worship and learning resources, which means that the whole church family are sharing together in scripture through the seasons.
Children’s Church Co-ordinator: Julia Dare
Open the Book
The Open the Book project is a national initiative which equips teams to visit primary schools and share Bible stories through Drama. At St Leonard’s we have an enthusiastic Open the Book team which regularly visits St Leonard’s School, bringing the Bible to life for the younger years. Our Open the Book team also performs at special services at church throughout the year.
First Communion
At St Leonard’s we prepare children to receive their First Communion at around the age of 7. Classes are held on Saturday mornings during Lent and the children are admitted to Communion on Easter Day. If you would like your child to join the next group, please contact the Rector.
We also prepare children and adults for Confirmation.
Older Children and Youth
Fridays (term time), 6.00 – 7.30pm in church
Pulse is our Youth Group for young people from school year 6 and above. It’s a place where we come together to have a lot of fun (with games and crafts), develop friendships, eat together and learn something more about God. Here’s what some of our fantastic Pulse members have to say… “There’s a really great chilled atmosphere”… “You can do things you’d never do at home…I never thought I’d get to play badminton inside a church!”… “I absolutely love it, I get to make new friends, play amazing games and learn so much about God”.
Please contact Rachel Turner or Nick Turner to find out more.
Secondary School Children during 10am Services.
Our older children stay with the main congregation for worship at 10am, but are involved in helping in lots of ways. Some help on the tech desk, live streaming, managing the sound and lighting, some help in the children’s groups and others are a part of the hospitality of welcome and serving refreshments. Some have a more formal role as ‘Servers’.
Serving at the Sunday 10am Service:
As children grow they often express an interest in serving at St Leonard’s, and we are delighted to train them to do so.
Our head server, Gill Tomlinson, spends time with each child encouraging them and guiding them through the service. There is no perfect age to become a server but 10+ is generally a good age to start. If your child is interested in serving please contact Gill Tomlinson.
We also prepare children and adults for Confirmation.
St Leonard’s Choristers!
Some children love to sing! Our Choristers practice on Thursday’s 6pm – 7.15 and sing every month at our All Age Eucharist as well as major festivals. More information about becoming a Chorister at St Leonard’s enjoy our introductory video here more details can be found on our Music Page.
