Youth Forum

 

 

 

First and foremostly, we are committed to the safeguarding of children & young people (and vulnerable adults) involved in church activities:

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St James’s Sunday school, called “Explorers”, is a vibrant and welcoming group for children between the ages of 3 and 9 with some older children helping. Currently there are around 14 children who attend on a regular basis.  Parents of children under 5 are expected to stay with their children. Children under three are welcome but parental supervision is necessary. There are toys available and they are welcome to participate in the craft activities.

Explorers takes place in the Church Barn in school term time only. The sessions take place every Sunday between 9.am and 10am apart from the first Sunday of the month when there is a Family Service in which the explorers sometimes participate.

Explorer Sessions

Here the emphasis is very much on fun but delivering a relevant message from the bible for the children to take away with them. The children discuss bible stories in a contemporary context. They also get involved in activities such as acting out the stories and craft.

It is an environment where children feel safe and are well cared for and can form good friendships. It is also an opportunity for parents to socialise and share their Christian values.

Family Service is held on the first Sunday of each month.

The children are encouraged to participate in the presentation which takes the place of the sermon and to read the bible story and short prayers.

Voluntary staff and support

The Explorers are very fortunate in that they have a great team of talented, enthusiastic and committed parents who share the leadership role. The leaders rotate on a weekly basis which ensures that the burden of responsibility and time commitment is not too great on individual parents.  All parents are encouraged to participate either as leaders or helpers. Leaders are DBS (Child protection) checked.

Format and organisation

All resources are provided by a publication called Roots.  There is also a web site to support the publication.

The Format of an Explorer session is as follows:-

• Welcome
• The Lord’s Prayer
• Children’s Prayers
• A short presentation to the children based on the religious theme in church.
• An activity such as craft, drama, small projects around current topical themes, festival projects or family service preparation.
• A child is selected to take a collection from the parents in Sunday school and later in church present it at the altar to the Vicar.
• After the activities are complete all children go into church where they tell the congregation what they have been doing.
• After the service everyone is welcome in the barn to have tea and coffee. Juice and biscuits are available for the children.