Christ Church was born out of the work among children that goes back several decades on our Pershore Road site. Today, providing worthwhile activities for children remains one of our top priorities. The lack of suitable meeting places for all the children's groups was one of the main reasons for deciding to replace our old hall with a larger building.

Sunday groups

During most Sunday services (except for the monthly All Age service, when the children stay in throughout) there is a point when children and their group leaders are invited to leave "for their own activities". In former times their meeting places might have been in different buildings, or even several streets away; but now we can all stay under one roof.

We have a room designated as a crèche which may be used during Sunday morning services. There is also a play mat set out at one end of the main hall where young children can stay with their parents and play with (quiet!) toys.

Scramblers covers the age range from 3 to 5. FLAG (Fun Learning About God) continues up to age 11, while the older Revive group is made up of young people aged 11-14.

Each session is led by at least two adults. The material is Bible-based, often taken from published sources but creatively adapted for local use.

When we all meet up again at the end of the service, the younger children are usually clutching something they have made, or a drawing or colouring, to remind them of what they have learned.

Week by week, our activities are designed to introduce children to Jesus and give them an understanding of what it means to be and live as a Christian. Our children's leaders and helpers put in a lot of time and hard work towards this goal and this is much appreciated by the children, their parents and the whole church.

 A teenager helps someone much younger with an activity sheet

Helping all ages to feel involved

Child protection

Everyone involved in working with children in any capacity is required to receive Child Protection training, to undergo a Criminal Records Bureau check, and to understand and sign the Diocesan-approved Child Protection Policy.

All adult members are encouraged to share responsibility for the safety, well-being and Christian growth of our children.

Midweek activities

Baby and Toddler Group

These weekday sessions have long been popular with local parents and young children. There are three sessions each week during school term time, on Monday and Thursday morning and Thursday afternoon.

Holiday activities

We have run special events for children during school holidays for many years now. These have included summer holiday clubs, craft workshops, circus skills, performing arts and so on, sometimes in collaboration with other churches. Please let us know if you would like to go on our mailing list for future events.

Handprints and animals drawn on a multi-coloured background

Detail from a banner made by Toddler Club

Kingfishers Children's Club

Our most recent venture - it started in September 2009 - this club is for boys and girls in school years 3 to 6, and meets in the large hall on Tuesdays from 6.45 pm to 7.45 pm. Activities include football, games, crafts and more.

We ask for 60p per child (or £1 for two siblings) per session, but the first week is free, so just come along and join in.

Baptism of children

Christ Church follows the historic practice of the Anglican (and many other) churches in baptising children of parents who intend to bring them up in the Christian faith. When children are old enough to make their own decision they can choose to be confirmed if they wish it.

Equally, some parents prefer a service of Dedication for their young children, and we are happy to offer that choice.

Brownies, Guides, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts

The uniformed organisations have a long history of association with the church, and some of the current leaders are church members. The former Scout Hut was built next to the Church Hall on the Pershore Road site in 1948, and the use of both buildings was shared until the site was closed for redevelopment in 2006.

The new building was designed to meet the needs of the uniformed organisations as well as the church, and it has been a great encouragement to all the groups to be able to use the improved facilities.