Children & Youth Ministry

The Bible teaches us that children are a gift from God (Psalm 127:3-5 (external link)). The children’s ministry at the A453 churches exists to make Jesus Christ known to children and young people and to encourage them in their relationship with Jesus as their Lord and Saviour.

We do this in a number of different ways, and we are very grateful to all our volunteers who have all been DBS checked, and who give of their time to ensure children can learn and have fun in a safe environment.

Please be aware that Gotham is the only one of our churches with baby changing facilities, and whilst our churches lack a crèche, at Barton, Gotham and Ratcliffe, we do have an area set aside for children which allows the parents to be able to participate in the service whilst their children can play with toys or colouring. Each church does have a small activity pack for children, and if you were not given one as you came in then please do ask.

If you would like more information on any of our groups then please do contact the Church Office.

Train a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not turn from it. (Proverbs 22:6)

Cherubs Play Café — Gotham Church Under 5’s …

The Play Café is a community café for parents/carers and their under 5’s taking place in St Lawrence Church, Gotham every Friday during Term time from 9:30 to 11:30am.
The Church is transformed into a play area with a café serving snacks, hot and cold drinks, as well as offering an inviting atmosphere where babies, young children and adults feel welcome, and can enjoy and appreciate meeting together in our village.
The Play Café is run by a group of Church volunteers, who are all DBS checked and have received Safeguarding training.
Playtime and morning snack time go hand-in-hand in our child friendly Play Café. Parents/Carers can keep a close watchful eye and enjoy a cuppa, cake, chat and time to connect, whilst their little ones safely play.
Play Zones have ride-on toys, slide, baby play carpet and imagination play zone; sure to keep your children happily occupied. Play Zones are designed for use by children 5yrs and younger. Games, puzzles and books are also available for older children visiting with younger siblings (Please do ask).
The designated, child friendly, café area offers a variety of refreshments to tempt you and your little ones. A choice of “Cherub’s Specials” including Babyccinos, Kids HotChoc, Juices and Water for the children, alongside Tea, Coffee, Lattes, Cappuccinos, Hot Chocolate and Cold drinks, for adults. Baby Bottle warming available, please ask.
Mini Cinema/Music from 11:00. Settle down and watch a mini cinema clip with your little ones on our theme for the week, join in with our popular music session, and ending our Play Café is our special action “Leaving song” at 11:30.
Suggested donation of £2 per family per session which helps us to cover the cost of the crafts, heating, refreshments, etc.
No registration or booking required. Pop in as it suits you. Turn up and join in the fun!

Choc Tuesday — Gotham Youth Group …

Choc Tuesday is the name for Gotham’s Youth Group and it involves Hot Chocolate, hence the name!
From 3:15pm to 4:45 on a Tuesday we welcome Years 7-11 into church to enjoy Hot Chocolate, Table Tennis, Pool, Games, Craft, and Lego.

In the local schools …

Open The Book …

A team of volunteers from our churches go into Gotham Primary School twice a month to bring the stories in the Bible to life through drama and story-telling through our partnership with Open the Book.

School’s Worker …

Jo Harrison

With the other village churches in our area we have employed a School’s Worker who spends a number of hours each week in East Leake Academy as a classroom assistant, taking assemblies and helping to provide learning support in that school; a school that a number of our local children attend.