During the teaching time at our Sunday morning service the children under 11 years old head out into the hall to age-based Sunday school classes (3-11 years), or into the crèche room (0-3 years).
Jesus placed great importance on both the attitude of children, and our attitude toward and care for them (see Matthew 18:1-6 shown below) – and so while the pastor teaches the youth and adults as part of the Sunday morning service, our Sunday school teachers take the time to explain the Bible to the children at an age-relevant level, helping them to understand how even at their young age they should live (for example respecting their parents or teachers, or not lying or stealing) and why it is important to get to know God personally.
Sunday school classes
Class 1: For children from 3 years old until the end of year 2 at school – led by Shirley Smith. They have Bible stories and simple craft activities to illustrate the story. While all classes are important, this is a vital introduction to God’s Word.
Class 2: This class is for children in school years 3 to 6 and is led by Katie Clague. The children are given an overview of each book of the Bible and God’s plan (including the history and geography) whilst looking at various topics including prayer, Israel and the Jews, the law, Jesus’ ministry, and the church today. They are given a foundational understanding of the reasons for being a Christian and are encouraged to think for themselves.
Crèche
There is a crèche room available every Sunday with a variety of toys, books and puzzles for children up to 3 years old. Parents may take their children to the crèche room while the sermon is taught to the church but the facilities can be used during any part of the service should they become restless (that’s the children – not the parents!!). So that the parents don’t miss out on the teaching, our studies are available online to catch-up on later.
At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receives me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hung about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Matthew 18:1-6