What is Children's Church?

Childrens Church is also known as "CCs", and is for children from birth through to 13 years of age. It breaks into 3 groups as follows:

1. Preschollers
2. 5 & 6 year olds (Years 1 & 2)
3. 7 - 13 year olds (Years 3 - 8)

CCs is held during the 9am service. Normally the children begin by coming into church to join the congregation for a worship time. All children leave the service together at about 9:10am to begin their classes.

The programmes are as follows:

Preschoolers programme

Covers many Bible stories, songs, art/craft activities.

5 & 6 year olds programme

Uses the Junior Children's Bible Ministries programme. It is a 2 year programme based around the stories of Jesus and stories about other children. The children learn how God helps them and how he can help us when we are placed in similar situations. Most weeks the children hear a story, sing songs related to the Christian princilpes being taught, pray, do craft activities ands learn (or practice) a short memory verse.

7-13 year olds programme

Use the Children's Bible Ministries programme called "Children's Ministry School" which includes teaching, singing/worship,informal news / chat time, use of the Bible, prayer, games and ministry development. The purpose of this programme is outlined below (quoted from "Introduction to CMS" published by Children's Bible Ministries):

1. To work alongside church parents to provide an environment for spiritual growth and character development in 7-13 year old children.
2. To provide teaching and celebration in a corporate group followed by pastoral care, fellowship and individual development in small groups.
3. To stimulate and encourage children to fully participate in meaningful prayer and study of the Bible.
4. To lead children step by step into ministry that is realistic yet extending for this age group
5. To provide teaching that is relevant to children's day-to-day life and needs, and with an emphasis on living out the Christian life rather than accumulating head knowledge.
6. To train children to seek God for guidance in daily living and ministry situations.
7. To provide full visualised teaching helps, usually in the form of flashcard or flannelgraph. While these visual mediums have been in use for many years, they are still a very effective aid in presenting truth, if used well.
8. To provide a photocopiable Home Study Section to help children study the Bible for themselves with parental help and encouragement, and to recognise children's efforts through presentation of a reward and a book voucher after each year of Biblical studies.
9. To provide a concept of ministry that is firmly based on scriptural principles and with an educational philosophy that is based on a sound model of spiritual growth.

Games & Craft Mornings

Four times a year all three CCs classes join together for a Games and Craft morning when the children are encouraged to bring along a friend to join in on the full Sunday morning programme. (9am to 11:45am). A short Christian teahing time is included in these well attended sessions.

Family Services

Family Services are held once a term. All the children have a part in these services. Normally Family Services are held at 10:30am and are followed by a shared lunch.