Introduction
For children and families, there’s our monthly Muddy Church and Café Church which launched in January 2022 – one-offs through the year like Holiday Club, Christmas Eve Nativity & the Light Party at the end of October, celebrating all that’s good, with party games, songs, party food & Bible stories, plus the recently re-launched Youth Group.
To see what we’re up to visit our Facebook page – or YouTube Channel .
The Vale of Pewsey team of churches run many Youth Children & Families events. With a group of leaders dedicated to providing these activities, the team’s vision is to have young people, children and families at the core of growing the faith and enriching our church community.
Most events happen at St. John’s in Pewsey as this is the biggest building with the facilities needed, but some other village churches also run family and all-age services.
With regular and one-off activities we hope you’ll find something to suit your family, helping you to engage with God together.
To join our mailing list and keep up to date with all events, choose a link below.
Activities
Muddy Church
A relaxed informal monthly gathering outdoors, Muddy Church is a chance for all ages to wander and wonder; going for a mini-adventure of about a mile, thinking and talking about creation and our creator, finishing with a hot drink and a craft activity. Click for more details.
Holiday Club
Our Holiday club runs annually in the school summer holidays – 4 days of fun, games, crafts, bible-stories, action songs, refreshments and prayer.
Running from Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 12.30pm, it’s always a big hit, with a new theme each year – circus/science/explorers/inventors/detectives – who knows what’s next? Click for more details.
Who are the Youth, Children & Families Team?
It takes many helpers to run an event such as Holiday Club, but there is a core Youth, Children & Families Team (YACHT) who meet regularly to pray, plan and lead the events, some are teachers, all are experienced children’s or youth leaders and DBS checked – take a look at the ‘Who we are‘ page to check them out!
Light Party
Every year on the Saturday closest to All Saints day, we hold a Light Party to celebrate all the good stuff in life, especially thinking about the gift of light. With party games, music and refreshments it’s a fun afternoon – Click for more details.
Rules of Youth & Children’s events
No.1 Keep them safe
At any youth or children’s event, keeping them safe is our number one priority. Leaders and helpers are security checked, and are familiar with the Team Safeguarding policy. Click here to read the policy in full.
Youth Group
For 11 to 18yr olds. Meetings twice a month at St. John’s, plus linking up with the Youth Café at the Leisure Centre – food, fun and chat. Click for more details.
Family, Children, Youth events - what's the difference?
Family events are intended for the whole family to enjoy together. Children’s and youth events are for parents to leave your children there, and collect at the end, giving them time with their peers, and adults some quiet time! Age ranges depend on the event.
Holiday Club Reunion
Held each spring, and carrying on the theme from the Summer Club – a single Saturday morning; with more of the fun and game, crafts and drama of the Summer Club- and if you missed that, it’s a chance to try it out before the full 4-day club in the summer.
Café Church
Launched January 2022 at St. John’s – this informal service takes place on 5th Sundays. With café style seating and plenty of refreshments, modern worship songs, lego challenges, craft and videos – this is truly a service for the whole church, whatever your age.
Rules of Youth & Children’s events
No. 2 Have FUN!!
Growing their faith might be a serious business, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun. Childhood should be a joyful time and we aim to keep it that way – God has a sense of humour, just look at the duck-billed platypus!
Other Seasonal events
As well as the regular events above there are many one-off events throughout the year, including:
Pancake races
Marking the start of Lent, this popular annual event takes place at Pewsey Scout Hall.
Easter
Members of the Youth Group help to re-enact the original events of Good Friday at an open-air service near the Co-op in Pewsey. Those old enough can also join in the dawn walk up to Martinsell Hill on Easter morning, or join a little later at the top of the Hill for the Dawn Communion Service around 6am.
Christmas
Our Christingle services in advent are always popular with all ages, as are the Crib Services on Christmas Eve.
St John’s version is a ‘turn-up & join-in’ nativity, attracting stars from far and wide – no lines, just turn up, get dressed up by our costume department, or wear your own, and follow the directors to re-create the greatest story ever told.