Sunday the 23rd June 2019 will be our Children’s Day, one of four occasions in the year when we gather as one congregation to worship together. Children’s Day is important for a number of reasons:

It focusses specifically on our children, something which Jesus encouraged us do in his earthly ministry when he declared “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Mt 19: 14. Jesus helps us to understand that we can learn some thing of kingdom importance from our children;

It brings us all together for one central act of worship, something which characterised the early Church. We all have our personal preferences in worship, so it is good for us to set these aside for one Sunday and focus on being together in worship;

It enables us to enjoy fellowship together in the Rectory garden over some food. Food, and specifically table fellowship, was important in the ministry of Jesus as he used homes and meals as settings and occasions for teaching and deepening of relationships.

So please do join us as we celebrate our Children’s Day this year at 10.45am on Sunday 23rd June. And please do join us immediately following the service as we all make our way across to the Rectory for some food and fun. Everyone is being encouraged to bring their own picnic and blanket with hot and cold drinks being provided as well as ice cream for dessert. As well as the food, there will be a treasure hunt, face painting, bouncy castle, music and games; it promises to be a great occasion and will give the adults an opportunity to enjoy and admire all of the work which has been carried out over the past nine months or so. Access to the garden has been improved considerably with a ramped walk now in place enabling easier access directly from the Clayton Hall yard for the elderly and those with small children.