St Johns East Dulwich

A vital part of the mission of St John’s, East Dulwich, is to welcome children and families. This is one of the ways we demonstrate life and growth in our community.

We are happy that we can offer various activities for children on Sundays, and we are often asked what we expect from children and their parents/carers while they are in church, especially how much noise is appropriate.

Our aim is to respect the needs of the whole congregation, from the youngest members to the oldest and to make all feel welcomed and accepted in our worship here.

Being together in church
“Jesus said to them, ‘Come and have breakfast.’… Jesus came and took bread and gave it to them.” (John:21)

In church we worship God by singing, praying together and listening to readings from the Bible and sermons about those readings. At certain moments in the service we try to be silent so that we can think about what God means to us.

Church is also a place for meeting other people who are trying to understand what God wants them to be. We talk to them, and listen and pray with them, so that we can all begin to learn what we should do for God and for one another.

Children are an important part of our lively congregation and we hope to welcome them all. Children with special needs are particularly welcome and we will do all we can to accommodate their requirements.

Being in church with children
“At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven?’ He called a child, whom he put among them, and said, ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” (Matthew 18:1-5)

Young children can go to the Crèche; older children and young people go to Sunday School, Junior Choir or Serving Team.  In Crèche or Sunday School the children explore different ways of responding to God through songs, artwork, drama, by writing prayers of their own, and also through times of quiet.

If you are more comfortable having your children with you, that is fine.  We love children and are delighted to have them present in the Church.  We recognise that they will occasionally make noise, but we would rather have these distractions than not have children.  However, if your child becomes distressed, you should take advantage of the foyer in the Centre until they become more comfortable.

When the time comes for communion, you will be encouraged to bring your child to the altar rail for a blessing or to receive communion. This is a special time for you and your child to receive God’s blessing for your life at home during the week.

Being together to pray
“In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed.”  (Mark:)

During worship there are times when we try to be quiet so that we can hear what God might be saying to us through the words that are being spoken in:
•    the readings
•    the sermon
•    the intercessions
•    through the music of the Choir and instrumentalists.
•    at the most solemn moment when we receive communion or a blessing.

Babies often like to hear their voices in church.  Gurgling and laughter are welcome noises and they are part of our life together.  If a baby gets upset though, or if you begin to feel self-conscious because of the noise your child is making, feel free to use the Centre’s foyer for a break from the service.  This is especially appreciated during the times mentioned above.

 
Sometimes when you are sitting with a child it is difficult to tell how much your baby’s noise is affecting those around you.  If things get too loud, a Churchwarden or Sides-person may suggest taking the baby for a walk or taking them to the Centre’s foyer.

Many Sides-people have brought children to church themselves and know how difficult it is when a baby is determined to be heard! Their role is to try and keep in mind the needs of the whole congregation, particularly at the quiet times of the service.

We hope that children will join in enthusiastically with the hymns and shout out their contributions on the occasions when they are invited to participate in our Children’s Mass.

We also appreciate that children may be a bit excited after they have received their blessing.  This is appropriate for all of us as we prepare to go out to live and work to God’s praise and glory.

There is a lot to think about in this leaflet; we hope you will share it with your children.  If you wish to talk to one of the Clergy or a Group Leader please do contact us through the Parish Office.

Thank you for being a part of our life together at St John’s.

The Vicar and Churchwardens