All Saints’ strives to provide an easy and comfortable experience for children (and the adults who bring them). That may mean children working in the pew with one of our specially-made activity packs*, toddling in the aisle, or joining in our Nursery, Sunday School, or youth program. We want children to enjoy their place in the church and the place of the church in their lives.
Sunday School and Youth Group are paused for the summer. Having met via Zoom for the last season or two, we will be looking at what is possible in September 2023. Watch this space for updates.
Previously Sunday School was offered at the 9:30am service for children ages 3 and up. Just after the opening hymn, children were invited to meet the Sunday School teachers by the pulpit and make their way to the parish hall. Parents and guardians were welcome to accompany the children to see where they were going and what they were doing.
Under the guidance of two teachers*, the children explore a Bible story through workbook activities, songs and rhymes, a themed craft, and games, all of which allow the children to experience the message in a variety of ways. Often the lessons that the children are learning mirror the ones being presented to the adults in their worship. Children do return to the church with their teachers in time for the Eucharist (communion).
At the 9:30 service we also have play tables and activity packs for those that want to stay put in the pews.
Older children (13ish and up) have lots of options for Sunday worship at All Saints’. Many take an active role in the service by reading Scripture, leading prayers, or taking a turn as greeters or ushers. Others routinely help in Sunday School or the Nursery, or they sing in the choir. Some just sit in the pews and astonish their parents or guardians with their maturity.
*Activity packages include paper, storybooks, crayons, colouring sheets, stickers, and pipe cleaners, and are available from the greeters or sidespeople at the south (main) entrance of the church.
*All individuals working with children at All Saints’ have a police record check and sexual misconduct policy training every three years.
