ST ANDREW'S CHURCH, HEADINGTON
Children and Young People
Children are an integral part of our congregation and community at St Andrew’s, and are welcome at all services. We are a breastfeeding-friendly church, and our facilities include a well-equipped baby changing room with spare supplies in case you get caught short! We seek to make the altar and sanctuary approachable, open-armed places in our church, to which children feel called and in which they feel loved. We also have an area in church with quiet toys and books for very small children.
During the 10am service on Sundays, children and their families meet for ‘Young Church’. Children take part in the opening procession of the Eucharist before moving to the parish room.
Whilst the grown-ups participate in the Liturgy of the Word in church, a parallel Liturgy of the Word takes place in the church room, with the children gathering in community, singing together, hearing and responding to scripture and praying together.
Young Church currently use the Godly Play curriculum. Godly Play recognises childhood spirituality as an instinctive and profound capacity that includes a natural, sense of God’s mystery and presence. Godly Play promotes open, creative ways to explore Christian story and practices, so the art of using spiritual language meaningfully in our lives can be enjoyed at all ages. It offers a well-tested alternative to seeing children as empty vessels, and to the stressful societal cultures of consumerism, measurement and achievement.
Children also learn about caring for God’s creation and participate in eco-church activities, especially through tending the Young Church garden in our beautiful churchyard.
Young Church is a community of children and parents, with activities and stories planned and told so that there is something for all ages.
The children rejoin the congregation at the offertory, so that children who are communicants are able to participate fully in the Eucharistic Prayer, before receiving Holy Communion.
You might also be interested to find out more about Little Fishes, our toddler group which meets on Thursday mornings.