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St Nicholas Church, Thames Ditton |
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Children’s Activities |
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Term Times:
We broadly follow the term times of Thames Ditton Junior School, but do telephone us to check! In any event, children are always welcome in Church both during and out of term.
The planned schedule for God’s Gang and Sunday School is:
Sunday Morning Groups All Sunday morning children's activities meet weekly, during term time (not half term or the school holidays) except for the first Sunday of each month when the monthly Family Service is held. Children from the crèche, Sunday School and God's Gang come into church for a blessing during the last 15 minutes of the Communion service and remain until the end of the service. Sunday School and God's Gang then show off their work and share what they have been doing.
Crèche Julie Hammett, telephone 020 8398 9909 Crèche runs during the main 10:00am service on all except the first Sunday of the month. The Crèche is in the Smee Room in the Church Hall. The crèche is run by volunteers and has play equipment, table top toys, colouring and books to read. Any children between the ages of 0 to 31/2 years are welcome to join the group. There is no need to confirm you wish to use this facility and your child is welcome to join the group part way through the service if they become restless in church.
Sunday SchoolContact parish office: telephone 020 8398 7446 The Sunday School is for 3½ to 7 year old children. It meets downstairs in the Church Hall from 9.55am on Sunday mornings in term time (except for the first Sunday of each month, when we join the family service in Church). Sunday School is a great opportunity for children to meet new friends whilst learning about the bible and the Christian church through craft, music, stories and games.
God's Gang Contact parish office: telephone 020 8398 7446 God's Gang is a club for 7 to 11 year olds. The group meets in the Upper Room in the hall from 9.55am. The children begin to explore the Christian church through a variety of activities Including games, discussion, craft, drama and music.
Family Service Normally on the first Sunday of every month (for dates please check the page “This Week’s and Regular Services”) we have a special family service where all children join the service in Church.
Thursdays Parent & Toddler Group 9.30 till 11.30 (term time only) Elaine Heptonstall, telephone 020 8398 7211 The Parent & Toddler Group is very popular and meets on Thursdays in term time in the Church Hall. Any children of pre-school age and their carers are welcome. It is free to attend the group but drinks and biscuits are available at a small cost. We hope that you will find it a group in which children can play constructively in a relaxed atmosphere, and that you will also find it a place where you can chat to friends old and new, and share the experience of bringing up a young family.
Baptisms Yvonne Scicluna c/o Parish office, telephone 0208 398 9641 We are delighted to Baptise children of families who live in the Parish. For many this is an opportunity to rejoin the Christian family and connect with a local community who will support your child and your family throughout their lives. We ask that parents attend a Baptism Preparation evening to explore both the meaning of Baptism and the practical aspects of the Baptism service. If you would like to arrange a Baptism you should contact Yvonne Scicluna on the above number.
Special Services for children
Throughout the year the Family Service (generally the first Sunday of the month) is run to bring children closer to the church. This is a shorter, simplified form of non-communion service aimed towards families and children.
During the year there are additional "Special Services" which many children and their parents look forward to, most notably the Christingle Service, Mothering Sunday, Harvest Festival and the Toy Service. Details of these services are advertised on this web site and on the church notice boards.
Special Events for Children At Christmas and Easter we run workshops for all children of Sunday School and God's Gang age (3½ to 11 years). These are always packed full of seasonal art, craft, drama and music and are greatly enjoyed by all who go. Look out for details of these events as they approach In the Parish Magazine and on the church notice boards.
Children in Church Children are a vital and integral part of any church's life and at St Nicholas we wish to do all we can to encourage both them and their parents or carers. At a time when there is less and less formal teaching of Christianity in schools, St Nicholas can offer an important part of their education as well as introducing them to the valuable experience of worship. We want coming to church to be an enjoyable experience for you and your children and we do realize that bringing young children to church can be very hard work! To help we have a separate children's area at the front right hand side of the church where they can draw, read or play with toys. Toy bags are available hanging on the back pew of the church by the entrance. The children are welcome to use these anywhere in the church. If you need to settle your baby, please feel free to walk around at the back of the church. Toddlers can be noisy, or want to run around. In the interests of safety and for the sake of all attending the service, please attempt to discourage them from being too disruptive. They may, of course, be much happier in the crèche or Sunday School, however you are all welcome. You may also bring them in part way through the service if you would rather.
There is a toilet next to where the choir stand, behind the organ pipes. If you are unsure please ask a sidesperson (the person who hands out the books) for assistance. |
