January and February 2021 events for children and young families.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17
We wish you all a very Happy New Year!
Due to the Government’s recent announcement of another national lockdown, we have decided that the safest thing to do is conduct all children and family services online until restrictions are reduced. January’s proposed Candlelit Storytelling Session in church, scheduled for 31 January, will therefore not be taking place in church.
However, we are delighted to announce that for January’s Online Teatime Church Service, our Storytime Sessions are back – this time with a story about a group of bunnies hunting for treasure – just like the Wise Men went on a hunt to find baby Jesus, the new-born King, in Bethlehem.
We will also be organising a bunny hunt in the churchyard for you to enjoy your own outdoor hunt. You will even get your own certificate at the end! Please see the January Teatime Church Newsletter for all the details.
Date for your diary!
We are also planning on holding a Zoom Pancake Party on
Shrove Tuesday 16 th February 4:30 – 5:15pm, so you’d better start practising your pancake flipping.
Please do email me at familyworker@westbury-parish-church.org.uk if you have any questions or need any support during the lockdown.
Georgie, Family Worker
Bunny Hunt Rules
- Please only do the hunt if the churchyard is quiet and no other families are doing the hunt. You are welcome to come back at a quieter time.
- Please maintain social distancing from others at all times.
- Please don’t touch the bunnies!
- Please take care of graves, monuments and other memorials and ensure that children do not climb on these.
- Please take care of the plants and trees in the churchyard and avoid damaging them.
- The bunnies will only be visible in the light of day so please avoid evening visits.
- The bunnies will be up for a month so there is plenty of time to find them!
We hope that we can return to our beautiful church building in the near future and meet together face to face. When we do this is what you can expect from Teatime Church!
Family life has never been more complicated ! If you are looking for something that all the family can do together then try out Teatime Church. This is church where children can play in a beautiful historic building , church where their voices are encouraged and not shushed, church where families can pray where generations have prayed before but in an active child centred way. It is church but not as many people know it!
In the 21st century families come in all sorts of shape and sizes – nuclear, single parent, extended, childless, step, grandparent, same sex. Teatime Church is a place where all these different types of family can meet and become part of the Holy Trinity church family.
Once a month from 4pm – 5pm, there is a service which is particularly suitable for families with young children. It is an informal, inclusive and joyful time where we sings songs, listen to stories and share in food and drink.
What happens?
We start with a craft activity but this may be a treasure hunt around the church or a walk around the churchyard but always something the family can do together.
This is a followed by a short presentation and simple worship songs.
There is a prayer activity and more songs, followed by a healthy tea for all the children (sandwiches, snacks and a few sweet treats) plus hot drinks for the adults.
Who is it for?
It is particularly suitable for families – in whatever shape or form – with young children (primary school age and below). Those with special needs that may find accessing more formal church services are also most welcome, and anyone who enjoys a very informal way of worship and prayer.
Teaching Children to pray is an invaluable gift – it is a gift that they can carry with them throughout life. Giving Children time and space to pray creatively helps them connect with God.
We hope the ideas below will help you and your Children to get started.Prayer Ministry Team
