It is a priority at St Heliers to encourage children to be present in worship and contribute to worship.
Although children come to our 9am Morning Service more than the 10.30am, we are happy for them to be present at the second service as well. In fact, we have been intentionally working to make all our worship services at St Heliers child- friendly without them being child-centred.
We are enjoying that and the number of children at the second service on a Sunday morning continues to grow.”.
The message of Jesus is clear. Children show us what the kingdom of God is like. Adults need their presence in worship to keep growing and to keep on being reminded of what God’s kingdom is like.
I believe we need this more than we need a sermon. Children also need the environment of worship and the welcoming and wise company of adults. Worship is something beyond all our understanding and it is an event into which children need to be introduced on a regular and meaningful basis. The faith of children is being nourished and nurtured from the moment they are born, conversely I could also say that the faith of children is being malnourished and ignored from the time they are born. It all depends on where they feel welcomed, what are the rhythms of music and prayer that their head and hearts experience, and what are the messages their parents and significant carers give them about God, Jesus Christ and the church.
For the sake of the Kingdom, for the sake of Christian faith continuing to build communities of hope, let’s have the children as an integral part of our regular worship.
And when you welcome one of these children because of me, you welcome me.” words ascribed to Jesus Matthew 18: 5
BAPTISMS
We are a church who practices baptism for babies as well as adults and the Baptism is generally part of the morning worship services 9.00 or 10.30am services. This is a wonderful act of commitment by the congregation, parents and family. Preparation sessions for Baptism are offered by this church. Contact the Minister Rev. Pauline Stewart 575 6098 for an appointment.
You can download our latest kids brochure here (please note this is recommended for Broadband Customers only due to its size.)