Children

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Children's hour

Children's Hour meets in term time during the 9.30am Holy Communion Service. The children have their own instruction in the Church Hall and then join the congregation for the end of the service so that they can be blessed during Holy Communion. Parents are most welcome to stay with their children in Children's Hour, if they wish. About eight times a year Children's Hour is merged with our Family Services (This year, for example, we have had Family Services on festivals such as Christmas Eve, Mothering Sunday, Easter, Harvest etc. as well as special services e.g. "All Creatures Great and Small" when we gave thanks for our pets.)

Children may join from the age of three, though this is not a rigid rule and staff are happy to discuss what is suitable for each individual child. At the age of nine children move on to Wayfarers.

For further details contact the Parish Office by Email at parishoffice at stmarysewell.com or on 020 8393 2643

Wayfarers

From the age of nine the 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. The Wayfarers meet during the 9.30 Communion Service for eight twenty/twenty-five minute sessions in each of the three terms of the year. They start and finish the Service in church with the congregation.

For further details contact the Parish Office by Email at parishoffice at stmarysewell.com or on 020 8393 2643

Parish Choir and Choir Club

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.

Toddler Groups

St Mary's runs three Toddler Groups, meeting in school term times on Mondays (1.15 - 2.45pm), Thursdays (10.00 - 11.30am) and Fridays (10.00 - 11.30am) in the Church Hall, London Road, Ewell, opposite the Church.

The sessions include an hour of free play followed by refreshments and a sing-song. A nominal weekly subscription of £1 per family is charged.

Children usually enjoy Toddler group activities from about the age of ten - twelve months. Mothers with younger babies are welcome to join a group if they wish to make new friends themselves, though they may find the support groups offered by the local branch of the National Childbirth Trust more appropriate at this stage. Babies accompanying their older siblings are, of course, very welcome.

If you are new to the area or have a special reason for wanting to join a group quickly, please mention it to us.

For joining details, please contact Jenny Dance on 020 8393 4804

Crèche

A Crèche is available in the Parish Room in church or in the Church Hall alongside the Children's Hour. Parents may chose whichever arrangement suits them better. Some parents may wish to keep their children with them during the service and for these there are "busy bags" for the children. The sidesmen and women will be happy to hand them out.

Holy Baptism

This always takes place during one of the Sunday services, so that children are welcomed into the Parish family by members of the Parish family. See here for dates.

The PCC formally ratifies the parish child protection policy each year. Two protection officers are appointed (see Who's who) and work closely with all youth groups associated with the church.

For further information about the above groups, please ring the Parish Administrator on 020 8393 2643 or via Email at parishoffice at stmarysewell.com