Is this the End?
Then the children are brought back together with their coats on to stand in a
circle for a quick summary and to say the Grace. After that, they are walked up to
the main church where they meet up with their mums, dads, grannies or
whoever.
As long as the timing goes to plan, which it usually does, they get there
in time to go up to the communion rail for a blessing. Everyone in church loves it
when they all march in. They are very much a part of the family
Up the road at the Vicarage, a separate group meets for the teenagers who call
themselves POG (People of God). Lots of encouragement and applying Christian
teaching in today's modern world is the aim. If you would like to know more about
this group please do speak to Mark's wife, Caroline.
The Young Church leaders consist of Helen and husband, Ian, who look after the pre-schoolers.
Julian leads most of the all-age sessions and the middle group, and
Val and Dawn are there for the older ones.
We are also fortunate to have Elizabeth and occasionally Sue who provide the
music, and Barry to help clear up the glue, paint, glitter and whatever else!
Parents are very welcome to stay for part or all of the session. Extra hands and
helpers are always appreciated!
Children under three are welcome in the main church, of course, and during the
second hymn or whenever things get difficult (!) parents can walk them through
the sliding door to the left, behind the choir, to the vestry where there are
cupboards full of toys, potties and everything else you could need. If the children
play quietly, you can still hear the sermon on a loudspeaker. If it's busy, though,
you can always catch up from the teaching section on this site. Also good to
know: a changing table and spare nappies are in the toilets. There are lots of
young families at Coley (even the vicar's got a baby), so we know what it's like.
When the main service ends squash is served for the children... and coffee for
their parents!
But that's not all!
As well as worshipping and learning together, the members of Young Church and their parents meet socially as well. Through the year various events are put together. In 2005, we had a wonderful family barbecue, a light party as an alternative to Hallow'een and a party to mark the eve of Advent as well as a Christmas get together. See the Coley diary for what's coming up next.
