As a parish we have a number of opportunities across the week that take place under the banner of ‘Sanctuary Kids’. These include an after-school club during term-time, Sunday activities at church, a toddler group, Messy Church, 'Open Church' during school holidays and special one-off events throughout the year. We have two Church of England primary schools in our parish; Moordown St John's School that is adjacent to the church and St. Luke’s in Winton. We lead worship in school on a regular basis at both schools. We also have important links with Linwood School and St Martin's School. We also have local uniformed organisations with whom we have strong links. We believe strongly that church is a place where children and families can thrive and find meaningful community.
Messy church
THIRD THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH
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We have a monthly Messy Church on the THIRD Thursday of each month at St John's. We welcome people from 4.30pm and aim to be finished at about 6pm. There is singing, crafts, food, a Bible story and other activities. It’s a service aimed at engaging children and families in a more ‘hands on’ way. All are really welcome although this is especially aimed at primary school aged children with their parents and carers.
Sundays
On a Sunday, children and their parents and carers join us for part of the 10am or 10.30am service and then either stay in church for crafts, activities and bible stories or spend some time in another room. At St John's & St Francis, often children will leave with the Sanctuary Kids leaders and spend some of the service in the choir vestry. At St Luke's, sometimes the children will do their craft and activities at the cafe section of the church.
LEGo church
On the first Wednesday and second Thursday of the month, after school, we have Lego Church - Wednesday at St Luke's at 3pm and Thursday at St Francis at 3.15pm which is a chance to play with a lot of Lego and enjoy one of the Bible stories made from Lego on YouTube. Refreshments are always served and it lasts for about one hour
Sanctuary Kids
2024 Programme
Toddler
Groups
We have a toddler group each Monday morning in term time at St Alban’s lounge from 10am to about 11.30am. On a Thursday morning at St Francis, Little Treasures meets from 9am - 11am. Wonderfully friendly and relaxed groups where refreshments are served, there are toys a-plenty and we always end with a sing-song.
