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We value children and young people as an essential part of
the church family, and work hard to provide engaging, fun and safe opportunities
which allow them to learn about God and to grow in understanding the
Christian faith. We offer a variety of groups to support children under
16, their families and carers. We operate the Derby Diocesan child
protection policy, Safe From Harm.
All Saints’ Kids Church at 11am
Our Sunday School meets in the Ockbrook Village Hall, just 200 metres
up the road from All Saints’ Church. Children under 11 begin in church
with their family and carers and leave part of the way through the
service. They are accompanied by adults up to the Village Hall. At the
hall, they enjoy a range of children’s activities before rejoining the
main congregation towards the end of the service. We offer two groups,
depending on the age of the child. Sparklers is for children aged 3-7 (up
to the end of Infants) and Rock Solid is for ages 7-11 (Juniors).
All Age Worship Services
This service is on the first Sunday in each month at St.
Stephen’s at 9.15am and All Saints’ at 11am. All Age Worship services
welcome the whole church family and are an hour of celebration, teaching
and activity which everyone can enjoy, whatever their age. With a clear
Biblical theme, we often include drama, special songs and a talk which is
appropriate for both adults and children. This provides an opportunity to
sit and think about how the teaching affects each of us personally. The
All Age Worship service is very popular and a great way to introduce your
children to church life in a non-threatening, informal atmosphere.
Families in Church
As well as the midweek events geared specifically to either
pre-school children or teenagers, we welcome families with children at
all of our Church services. However, they are likely to find more
facilities at our Sunday morning services at 9.15am at St. Stephen’s and
the 11am service at All Saints’.
Children and Communion
It is not our practice to offer children communion until after they
have been confirmed, usually around the age of 11 or 12. However, EVERY
child is welcomed up to the communion table with their parent or carer
and offered a special blessing.
Crèche Room at All Saints’.
We have a crèche room at All Saints’ Church, which is in a carpeted
room in the bell tower, with easy access for parents adjacent to the back
of church. You can use this at any time during services at All Saints’
Church if your child becomes distressed or noisy. The room contains many
toys suitable for the under 3s to play with, and the service is broadcast
through to ensure you still feel connected to what is going on in church.
Children and Young People
We are all a gift from God, whatever our age, and we hope that our commitment
to those under 16 is evident from the numbers who regularly attend our
groups. One-off activities we have been involved with include a ‘Light
Party’ at Halloween time, and young people have been involved in raising
money for the student youth worker through a car wash with accompanying
stalls.
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