J4U ( Jesus for You) 👨👩👦👦 😀
This is a very informal fun-filled family service. It involves songs, 🎶 musical instruments 🥁 for all, fun, stories, prayers 🙏 and a whole lot more. It is aimed at children and their families and is usually held on the 4th Sunday in the month at 11.15 am. Refreshments served from 11.00 am.
Our next J4U service is on Sunday 27th September
Little Gems Playgroup Tuesdays 9. 30 am – 11.00 am at the Church Centre ( Chapel of the Holy Spirit) in Eastham Rake 👶👦🏻🧒🏽🤰
This is our carers’ and toddlers’ stay and play group. It’s an informal friendly playgroup group which runs in term time only. Dads, mums, grandparents, carers & childminders are all welcome. There is no charge for this group.
Although we start at 9.30 am, we know that babies can be unpredictable so arrival time is flexible with free play until 10.15. At 10.15 am the children get a snack and drinks followed by a sing song, a story from the Bible and craft.
All are welcome from new born until preschool age. It’s a chance to make new friends and chat. New members and new mums are very welcome.
Children’s Area in St Mary’s Church
There is a children’s area at the back of church with books and toys for families to use with their children. Most Sundays, colouring and other craft activities are provided for children and young people who would like to use them.
There are bags at the back of church with toys, books, drinks and snacks. They have been prepared for children of different ages.
Past Events for Children and Families
Friday 21st August 2026:🧸 Teddy Bears’ 🧸Picnic and Children’s Creation Celebration
If you went down to the woods on Friday 21 August, you were sure of a big surprise!
To celebrate God’s beautiful creation, St Mary’s Church family workers arranged a wonderful free Teddy Bears’ Picnic in Eastham Woods for local children and families. Families brought their own picnics and teddies, while children enjoyed pre-booked craft and activity slots arranged through Eventbrite. Activities included
- 🌈 Making rainbow wands
- 🐦 Creating bird feeders
- 🍁 Nature crafts
- 🎵 Music, movement and instruments
- 🌳 A woodland scavenger hunt
- 🎟️ Every participating child also received a free raffle ticket for the chance to win a backpack.
It was a joyful opportunity for families to spend time together outdoors, enjoy the beauty of creation, and share in a fun community celebration.
Friday 10th April Easter Egg Hunt at St Mary’s Parish Church.
We held our traditional Easter Egg Hunt in our beautiful ancient Church. 175 places were booked. Children were invited to move around church and search for clues. There were also craft and activities for children after they had completed the treasure hunt.
There were free Easter eggs and goody bags with Christian materials for all of the children who attended.
Monday 27th October 4.00 – 6.00 pm Light Up the Church Event
Over 60 children, accompanied by parents and/or carers came to our ‘Light up the Church’ celebration.
The video below gives you a flavour of this very special celebration of the light, which was held at a time of year when the darkness is often celebrated.
The church was dimmed and full of light and colour, crafts, scripture and cake! Bags of Hope with Christian reading material and goodies to take home we’re given out to all the children.
We give thanks for: the work of our children’s team; the lights; scripture and the meaningful conversations which the event prompted.
Sunday 31st August Back to School Service 📚✏️
We had a busy, informal service aimed at children and families marking the occasion of children going back to school and starting new classes in 2025. The service included a story, craft and lively praise and worship.