Children and Young People

Children are a vitally important part of the church’s future; within the benefice there are many families whose children attend the local school – Mere Primary School.  Throughout the church calendar there are several services encouraging children and young people to be involved.

Family Worship

Children and young people are welcome at all our services and there is a large well-furnished children’s area equipped with toys and books in the church. However the following service is designed to have something special for children:

1st Sunday in the Month is a Family Service

Other Children’s Activities include

  • Festival Services – At Easter, Christmas, Mothering Sunday and Harvest Festival.
  • Mere School – Open the Book is just one of the activities linked with the school.
  • Children’s Holiday Clubs – held on occasions throughout the year.

Safeguarding

All Lay Pastoral Assistants (LPAs) and those who regularly work with the children hold current DBS certificates. Please read our Safeguarding Policy for more details.

Baptism

Anyone can ask to speak to a member of the clergy team about Baptism. Nobody is too young or too old. We have baptised two or three children together, or a parent with a child. We do ask that you spend some time with a priest, considering the promises you will make. We then ask that the baptism takes place during a regular church service so that the ‘church family’ can welcome you and pray for you. This can be one of the informal family services. To inquire about Baptism please attend a service and speak to the person officiating or a Church Warden or email office@stmichaelsmere.org.uk.

Families Matter

Family life can be exhausting, frustrating and at times heart-breaking. If you are experiencing difficulties and would like to talk to someone, there are Lay Pastoral Assistants in the Church who would visit you. Please call Christine Marsh (01747 861212) or Jane Hurd (01747 860218) They are trained to listen and to pray.