Children and Young People

As a church, we aim for children and young people to feel welcome and at home here. All the groups and activities in our church seek to give children and young people a sense of belonging and help them know God’s love in Jesus Christ.
 

For more information do contact Julie Lester, our Children and Youth Leader - childrenandyouth@stmaryssaffronwalden.org  07356 278 643 (for messages only)

 

Easter Workshop Saturday 4th April rom 10am – 1.30am for primary aged children and their parents. 

Bring your child along to St Mary's Parish Rooms where you will get the opportunity to work through a set of Easter activities together and learn about the whole Easter story. Admission is free. To book your place or for more information please email Julie at  stmaryschildrenandyouth@gmail.com together with any allergen information  for both child and adult.  Places are limited so book early! Looking forward to seeeing you.

Click on the image on the left to enlarge.



 

Upcoming events for Children and Young People.

Click on the blue link for each entry to find out more

 

 Tinies - Our Baby and Toddler Group

We meet on Tuesday mornings during term time in the Church from 10.00am  until 11.30am (but parents are welcome to drop in after 9.30am). Tea, coffee and toast, will be available from 10 until 11, as will the craft. The session will finish at 11.30 following a short informal service which includes songs, instruments and a Bible story.  All parents and carers of babies and pre school aged children are very welcome to this friendly group. Sessions are free but a small donation to charity is welcomed.  For further information contact our Children and Youth Leader Julie Lester tel. 07356 278 643 (for messages only) or email: childrenandyouth@stmaryssaffronwalden.org

On Sundays

 

Sunday Club

Sunday Club starts 10.25am and ends, in the church, after the service. It is held in St Mary’s Parish Rooms every Sunday for Primary age School Children, except when there is a Family Service which is normally held on the 4th Sunday of the month. Just turn up or for further information contact our Children and Youth Leader Julie Lester tel. 07356 278 643 (for messages only) email: childrenandyouth@stmaryssaffronwalden.org  Pre-school children are also welcome to come with an adult as their carer.

 

Family Service

Our Family Service is normally held on the fourth Sunday of the month at 10.30am - (check the website). This is a shorter, informal service to which children are encouraged to come. We have lively music, a short talk and there are special activities for children.
 

Children’s Corner

The Children’s Corner is a space at the back of the church where parents and young children can find toys and books for children to make use of during the service. There are also activity bags available for your children to use as they sit in the pews with you.
 

Children and Holy Communion

Children may receive Communion before they are confirmed, provided they are aged at least 7 years old, come to church regularly and have undertaken a course of preparation.
Each year a number of  young people decide to make a public commitment to the faith of the Church through confirmation. For more information see our Confirmation page.

Other Groups

Junior Choir

We have a strong junior choir with up to 20 junior members. The choir sings at three or four Sunday services a month (either a morning service or evensong) and at some weddings on Saturdays.  There are also occasional concerts and visits to cathedrals.  Children have their own social programme as well. 

Rehearsals are held on Friday evenings.  The juniors are paid for practices and services. Once new members are confident enough they are asked to sing with the choir on Sundays. The choir is affiliated to the Royal School of Church Music and the juniors work through the RSCM Voice for Life training scheme ribbon tests to attain seniority, which is reflected in the remuneration that they receive.

If you would like  more information contact Oli King our Director of Music  – music@stmaryssaffronwalden.org or 07928 339 310 (shared with choir admin)
 

Choral Scholars

These scholarships are worth £40 per term, subject to satisfactory commitment and a specified minimum level of attendance. They are open both to choristers moving up from the Junior Choir and to new entrants, under 18 years old in full-time education, and the title will be awarded after a probationary period of three months.   Once a term they also take part in a service, where Choral Scholars and Junior Choristers lead the worship. If you would like to get in touch please email: music@stmaryssaffronwalden.org  
 

Joyful Noise

We welcome you to join our youngest singing group. Do you love singing? Would you like to have fun and make new friends?
Come and join our singing group ‘Joyful Noise’ at the Parish Rooms, St Mary’s Church, Saffron Walden – Fridays 4.00-4.45pm during term time. Open to all children in school years 1-3. Play musical games, handbells and percussion, sing action songs and rounds, and songs from around the world. No charge, but donations welcomes. For more details, contact Helen Counsell - music@stmaryssaffronwalden.org
 

Rainbows, Brownies, Guides

These Guiding units are affiliated to our church and meet weekly in the Parish Rooms. For more information contact Julie Lester at  st.marysswguiding@gmail.com.
 

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Our Church School

We have close links with St Mary’s C.E. Primary School which is situated in Castle Street, near to the church.

Church members participate in the life of the school through assemblies and helping in class, through the governing body and on the staff, and the children are regularly welcomed into church for their special services.

More information is available on their website: St Mary’s C.E. Primary School
 

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 If you have any questions or want to know more about activities for children and young people then please contact Julie Lester, our Children and Youth Leader - childrenandyouth@stmaryssaffronwalden.org  or 07356 278 643 to leave a message.