Junior Church

Here at St. Mary’s we know it ‘takes a village to raise a child’ and families in their many shapes and sizes are central to our church life. We are prayerfully and mindfully working together to build a loving, supportive community. All are welcome!

I am Lucie Hudson and I am the children's/youth worker here at St. Mary’s. I am also a mother of 3 young boys, and a primary school teacher at a C of E school, where I lead the RE, outdoor learning and eco reps. Here at St. Mary’s I help a wonderful, experienced team (several teachers, D of E leaders, scout leaders, zoo guides, hospital scout leaders to name a few) to facilitate Godly play sessions and monthly muddy church sessions as well as other events.

Godly play - 10am Sunday mornings 1st, 2nd and 5th Sunday of the month

Godly play is a fantastic form of story telling allowing children to question, explore, wonder, follow and grow in their unique spiritual path. They have the opportunity to experience biblical stories brought to life with objects and props, followed by a chance to wonder together in a safe non- judgemental environment. They can then choose how to respond using craft, clay, play props in their own way. Godly play has been developed from a Montessori educational ethos and has become a popular form of spiritual education within the Church of England in recent years.

Muddy Church - 10am 3rd Sunday of the month

Cross forest school with church and you get Muddy church. St. Mary’s is set on the doorstep of the beautiful Blaise Castle estate and we make the most of it! We know nature and the outdoors has a unique, vital role to play in our physical, mental and spiritual well being. Wonder, awe and connection to other and self are explored. From bug hunts, to prayerful and mindful sound scaping, wind catcher making, fire cooking, and conker hunting, We worship together, immersed in God’s creation.