BEING A CHILD-FRIENDLY CHURCH

... when there aren't any children (or very few)

Many churches in the Diocese of Carlisle have small congregations, and few if any children coming regularly to their Sunday services. All of us though would want to feel that we are ‘child-friendly’, so that if a new family, or grandchildren, or visitors turn up it will be a good experience for them.

So here are ten top tips for helping your church be child-friendly, prepared by our archdeaconry under-5s advisors. They are there to help you, and their contact details are below too.

· A warm welcome (with a smile!) by person handing out books to families with small children, perhaps advising them of the best place to sit, how to find the toilet, etc.
· A welcome also by the vicar/worship leader at the beginning of the service when children are present, mentioning that children are most welcome and parents should feel free to move around the church with babies and small children.
· Pew bags are helpful for under 5s. These are given out on arrival and should contain 2/3 bible story board books, soft toys, large crayons and paper or ‘etch a sketch’, duplo, etc.
· ‘Play Church’ bags can be popular, with small figures of a Vicar, a holy table with chalice and paten, a pulpit and Bible, etc. You can add miniature coloured hangings for each of the seasons. A children’s service book or ‘cube’ could also go in the bag.
· If space is available, a carpeted area is useful for a Children’s Corner, containing books, soft toys, and a low table with paper or photocopied bible story pictures to colour with crayons.
· Pew bags and a children’s corner will need tidying and maintaining after the service ready for use the following week. You need to be aware of risks and hazards – no pins!
· If refreshments are served after the service, make sure that juice and biscuits are available for children.
· Consider starting a mid-week Pram Service or Parent and Toddler Group for under-5s and their parents/carers with the support of the Mothers’ Union Bursary Fund. Your archdeaconry under-5s advisors will be able to help you get started.
· Baptisms are a great opportunity to get to know young families in your parish and to invite them to pram services, etc.
· Widely advertise special child friendly services in your parish (e.g. Christingle, Mothering Sunday, family services and pram services) through posters/invitations at school, nursery, library, shops, etc.

For further help and support please contact:

Archdeaconry of West Cumberland – Norma Hughes – Tel: 019467 25366
Archdeaconry of Carlisle – Katherine May – Tel: 01768 890365
Archdeaconry of Westmorland & Furness – Susan Bailey – Tel: 015395 36261

Play and Pray

This busy corner is in Oakham Parish Church in old Rutland. It had a good welcoming feel.