We want to grow younger
Children and young people are under represented in our weekly Sunday worship and we are very aware of the need to encourage and support the faith of our younger people. We offer a range of opportunities for children, young people and families to experience church in a relaxed way, meet Christians and also engage with the Christian faith and worship.
Services for children and young people
Children are very welcome at all our Sunday services and Ottery and Alfington churches have toys and an area specifically set aside for children. Sometimes children help lead our worship. Children's services are not just for children but for the young at heart too.
Tots’ Praise
Come and meet Dog-in-a-Bag who helps lead our short service. We make a lot of noise with our instruments at singing time and we share the prayers we have in our hearts each week. A time of play and refreshments afterwards.
Ottery St Mary Parish Church
Wednesday (Weekly)
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
0-4
Rev'd Lydia Cook on 07725 046700
Christingle
We hold two services at Ottery parish church at Christmas aimed at children and families. Quiet Christingle on the 23rd Dec for children with sensory needs or autism, and a Crib and Christingle service on Christmas Eve.
Ottery St Mary Parish Church
Check calendar (23rd and 24th December)
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
All
Parish Administrator on 01404 814573
Groups for children and young people
There are activities for all ages of children at Ottery St Mary Parish Church. Please note that not all the groups run during school holidays or on Bank Holidays so check the calendar to confirm if a group is being run. If you would like to become a volunteer for one of the groups please get in touch with the listed contact. Please note all volunteers are recruited by the safer recruitment process.
Tots’ Time
Toys, action songs, refreshments: a time to make friends and build relationships.
Ottery St Mary Parish Church
Monday (Term time)
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
0-4
Rosie Hall on 07795 835000
Kingdom kids
Kingdom Kids is for children aged 4+ to enjoy singing, craft, storytime and fun. There are separate activities for older children.
Ottery St Mary Parish Church
Thursday (Term time only)
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
4+
Jane Bennett on 07951 862725
Events for children and young people
We want families to feel comfortable and at home in our church and to see that our churches can be places to play and learn as well as pray. At Ottery St Mary Parish Church we offer three opportunities through the year to come and see church differently.
Family fun mornings
Held twice a year in January and August at Ottery St Mary Parish Church from 10 AM – 1 PM. Each morning has a special theme with toys, crafts and other activities as well as refreshments for all.
Contact the parish office for more information.
Easter experience
Held on Easter Saturday in Ottery St Mary Parish Church from 10.30 AM – 12 PM. An interactive service where children explore the last week of Jesus’ life in craft, movement, song and prayer. Easter egg hunt and quiz with seasonal refreshments also available.
Contact the parish office for more information.
Stay and play
At Ottery St Mary Parish Church we offer a play space through the week whenever the church is open and not being used for a service or event. Toys and colouring are available in the Dorset aisle and in the sanctuary area where you’ll also find children’s prayer cards to post in the prayer box.
