Children & Young People
Messy Church : Sundays 3 – 5 pm
Messy Church afternoons include storytelling, singing, craft activities, games, food and drink. We hope the children and carers together will learn something about the Bible and God and will have fun, in a relaxed and happy environment.
We ask parents, grandparents or guardians to stay (refreshments will be provided for you too). The activities are designed for children of primary school age – or younger with adult help.
We invite donations of £2 for one child or £3 for a family, to cover costs. No need to book – you can just turn up on the day. If you want to know more, please contact Andrew, the Vicar.
The next Messy Church afternoons will be Sunday 14th June and 12th July 2026 starting at 3 pm.
Vestry Group : Sundays 10 am
Each Sunday in church (in term time), our younger (approximately primary-aged) children go into the vestry for part of the 10 am Sunday service, for some high quality learning about the Bible and our faith (we often use Godly Play materials for this). The vestry group leaves just before the Bible readings and returns in time for communion. For safeguarding reasons there are always two responsible adults supervising. Parents are welcome to come too, if your children would feel happier with you there. It might well be more interesting than the Vicar’s sermon!
ExtraOrdinary Time services : Sundays 10 am
Over the last year we have been developing an occasional all age service called ‘ExtraOrdinary time’ when the children take more of a lead and there is an all age talk. We have held ExtraOrdinary Time services for special Sundays like Lent, Mothering Sunday, Pentecost, Harvest, and Advent. There is no vestry group on these Sundays.
Edale Weekend
Once a year, in the autumn, we take a group of children and young people to the Peak Centre at Edale for a weekend of fellowship and fun. In 2023 the theme was ‘Wellbeing’ and we had over 20 young people, aged from 6 to 17 (only those aged 8 can stay overnight). It is moving and inspiring to see how the older teenagers look after the younger children in a sensitive and thoughtful way. The whole weekend was meticulously planned, led and catered by a brilliant team of volunteer helpers.
The date for the next Edale weekend is 27th- 29th September 2024.
St. Thomas’ Church Choir for young people aged 7+.
