"Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it". And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them. Mark 10:13-16 ESV

Welcome to our new revamped pages for children at St. Mary's. The pages are still under construction, so sorry if they're a bit rough around the edges or any dates are missing! Keep coming back and hopefully you'll find more information here. At St. Mary's we're trying to provide something for children of all ages from the very young through to school leavers, both in services and more informal groups. You will find details of all this below. We hope you find something that will suit you.
-- The Revd Russell Dewhurst

Baptisms are always a source of great joy and celebration. At St. Mary's baptisms always take place during one of the Sunday services, so that children are welcomed into the Parish family by members of the Parish family. We are always happy to help if you are considering baptism for your child, or for yourself. Find out more.

Children of all ages are very welcome at St. Mary's. We have a new revamped area at the back of church where children can play and relax whilst in the service with their parents. Creche is held at the main 9.30am service on the first Sunday of the month, with plans to hold this more often. There is a special service for toddlers on the second Sunday of every month - see below for more details. Toddler groups are held three times a week in the church hall opposite the church.

Fun, friendly and informal. At St. Mary's we run three toddler groups in the Church Hall on Monday afternoons and Thursday and Friday mornings in term time. Sessions include an hour of free play with many toys and craft activities available, followed by refreshments and songs. £1 per family per session. Find out more.

Our monthly service for toddlers and their families at St. Mary's. Short and informal, with lots of activity and an opportunity for a chat and play afterwards. Held on the 2nd Sunday of the month at 11am. Come and join us there! Find out more.

On the first Sunday of the month there is a manned creche in the Parish Room in the church with simple toys and activities for young ones. For children who like to stay in church with their parents there is a children's area at the back of church (you can't miss it - look for the bright colours!) Feel free to play here or take toys to where you are sitting in the church. Find out more

As children get older and begin to grow as young people, their interest and curiosity in exploring their faith increases. At St. Mary's we have various groups and activities for children to discover their faith in more and less formal ways.

Children's Hour meets during the 9.30am Sunday Service in term time. Meet in the church hall for activities before joining the rest of the congregation in church for a blessing during Holy Communion and the end of the service. For children aged around 3 to 9 years old. Parents are welcome to stay. Find out more.

From the age of nine, young people move on from Children's Hour to Wayfarers. Here they have an opportunity to examine and explore their Christian faith in more depth and to begin their preparation for First Communion and Confirmation. Wayfarers meet on some Sundays during the 9.30am service, starting and finishing in church with the congregation. Find out more.

At different times of the year we have special family services in the church. These are held at either the 9.30am or the 11am service. Find out more.

Guides and Brownies meet on a Thursday evening during school term time in the Church Hall, opposite the church. Find out more about brownies and guides.

In holiday times we often run fun days at the church, which are open to all children aged around 5 to 12 years old. The days consist of many themed activities and finish with a short service led by our vicar, Russell. Find out more.

St. Mary's has an outstanding choir with many opportunities for children to get into singing.

Boys and girls from the age of about seven can join this choir of children, teenagers and adults and benefit from a free musical training. Find out more.

Free musical education for 6 to 11-year olds. Fridays in the Parish Room 5-6pm. Find out more

For further information about the above groups, please ring the Parish Administrator, Lynne, on 020 8393 2643 or contact her via Email at parishoffice at stmarysewell.com You can also contact our Child Protection Officer(see Who's who), who works closely with all children and youth groups associated with the church. The PCC formally ratifies the parish child protection policy each year.