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Children of all ages are a welcome and important part of the life of St Mary's. We recognise that although
children are the church of tomorrow, they are also very much the church of today. Therefore we offer a range of
groups that we hope offer children of all ages the opportunity of learning and worshipping in a way that is
relevant and exciting for them. In addition to the Junior Church groups that meet on a Sunday morning, there
are a number of other childrens activities that members of St. Mary's run or are involved with. Please use the
links below to navigate around the page:
For further information about any of the children's activities associated with St. Mary's, please contact the Parish Office
(01296 623123).
Junior Church
We have a happy and thriving Junior Church (Sunday School), which runs during school term time. During school holidays,
there are no organised groups but often alternative material and/or activities are provided. Junior Church starts at 10.15
to allow you time to settle the children into their groups before the start of the service at 10.30.
We offer the children an opportunity to find God in a loving and supportive environment. With this in mind we use a
wide range of materials and methods, for example, lectionary based materials, Godly Play, specific packs for the
Church seasons, with the opportunity to respond to these sessions with a variety of crafts, music, drama and dance.
All children's groups usually join in with the morning service for Communion except on the first Sunday of the month, when all
the groups start in church. On the fourth Sunday in the month and at some special services such as
Mothering Sunday, Harvest and Christmas, we hold a family service. This is an all age service and we
make a real effort to ensure that the children feel involved and interested along with the whole family.
The groups are arranged by age for the younger children and by school years for older ones as follows:
Sparklers - ages 2-5 years
These children meet upstairs in the St Mary's Centre. The sessions are based on Godly Play, this is a way of
inviting the children to wonder about the stories they hear and it encourages them to develop a language in
which they can express their faith. Parents are very welcome to stay with their children until they feel their
child has settled. The group leaders recognise that children of this age need routine and familiarity. We therefore
try to ensure that there is always a familiar face leading the session.
Torches - School years 1, 2 & 3
This group meets in Wendover House School. The session starts with music and then goes on to explore
different themes using a variety of methods such as story telling, drama, crafts and discussion.
Flares - School years 4, 5 & 6
Flares also meet in Wendover House School and runs alongside the Torches for part of the session.
After the story or theme this group then divides off and explores the weeks topic in a way that is more
relevant to their age.
Lightning - School years 5 & 6
Lightning runs alongside the existing Flares group but meets in the church vestry or the St. Mary's Centre.
This is a new group (May 2004), which hopes to offer a different approach to worship, we are hoping that this new
group will allow children, who feel that they need something different, a way to explore their faith in a more
mature way.
Beacons - Secondary school ages
These young people meet either in the St. Mary's Centre or at the Vicarage. They meet for discussion and
activities on a wide range of Christian issues, while enjoying breakfast. This group also has regular social
activities and are encouraged to get involved with the Youth Group.
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0-2 Years of Age
We appreciate that at this age children prefer to remain with their parents, there is a carpeted
area behind the font at the back of the church, which has various toys for your young one to explore. We would like to stress
that you and your family are very welcome and please do not worry about noise or moving around
during the service.
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Youth Group
youth @ st marys is for those aged 14-18 and exists to offer our respect to God, by
reaching out to others, serving one another and growing in faith and friendship.
We will be delighted to see you most Sundays 7-8.30pm at 78 Longcroft Avenue, Halton. For further information, please contact Paul
on 01296-621162.
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Noah's Ark
Noah's Ark is a Christian group for carers and children (from 0 to preschool) run by Churches Together in Wendover.
It has been in existence for over five years. Meetings are held every Friday during school term time from 10.00am to
Noon in the Wendover Christian Centre on the Aylesbury Road. Leaders from all three churches take turns in preparing
the morning's activities, which is usually themed and consists of a story, a related craft activity, children's
music and song, plus an opportunity for the children to play and their carers to socialise. Refreshments are provided
for both children and adults. We are always pleased to welcome anyone to the group, whether regularly or on occasion.
Noah's Ark is an important contact point for many carers in Wendover who have no other contact with the Christian community.
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