Context and background
The parish of Wiggington is small, it was about 4,000 but has grown over last three to four years because of new building.
There are 4 schools in our little parish and one is our Aided church Primary school with whom we have a wonderful and close relationship, and good relationships with the other Infant, Junior and Senior schools. There is still the challenge of volunteers but Diddy’s is thriving.
What is working well with children and families?
Diddy’s (On Sunday morning’s during the 10.30am service)
Many new families have come specifically because of bringing their children and mostly stay in Diddy’s with them rather than come into church. We have worked with this, again, not always easy, but helpful as the children are very young. They all come into church for Communion anyway and have their own ‘feedback’ slot. Kat (the main volunteer) organises different things as well as Sunday sessions, like the sponsored bible story readathon, and, during Covid, sponsored walking. The December Christmas Show has worked well over last few years. Parents like the involvement their children get in church and Diddy’s.
Overwhelming welcome to children and their parents is an important part of it all. It has taken many years for people to get used to children being around in services and the difference this makes. Also how different children, parents and expectations of behaviour have changed. Churchwardens and others apart from myself intentionally work at making families feel welcome, that this is their church. This is the most important thing. It goes hand in hand with Kat’s passion for the youngsters to enjoy church as much as she did at their age, and to feel part of it.
Also, before Kat took over when things were at a low ebb, for a couple of years or so we began to do Saturday afternoon events for young families and these were very popular and worked well, they kept things going. They were really like an extended Christian Toddler Group. We had an active story, music and games and picnic food.
What have you learned?
- Children’s work is cyclical. It often goes up and down very suddenly.
- It is frustrating to know what needs to be done and not be able to do it!
- Keep praying, keep hoping, and keep children as equals in church. As a leader it is impossible to create a child friendly church single handed but just a couple of others onside helps to open things out and facilitate change.
- Don’t give up. Just keep trying everything.
Contact
- https://www.wigginton-stleonard-stjames.org.uk/
- Revd. Deborah Dyson debdyson@btinternet.com