When it comes to wanting the best for your children, look no further than St. Andrew's! In a loving and caring, fun-filled environment, St. Andrew's offers an introduction to the Christian faith that is second to none. Using only highly-committed and able staff, the wide-ranging programme caters for all ages and all tastes. From Sunday Club to after-school club, from cr�che to youth group, from toddlers to pre-teens, there's something for everyone at St. Andrew's!
Our philosophy at St. Andrew's is simple: we are entirely opposed to indoctrinating
or manipulating children emotionally but we are entirely committed to offering
every child the opportunity to hear for themselves the truths and claims that
the Christian faith makes about the God made known by Jesus of Nazareth-the
God who is, we believe, alive and well in our world today.
With spiritual well-being so important to growth and development, doesn't your child deserve the very best opportunities to explore and discover, to ask and imagine?
This audio file of the message at our all-age communion service to celebrate Easter 2008 gives you a flavour of what your child will be hearing at our church.
Our ministry team includes a Youth Worker and two Children's and Families workers - one more indication of how much we value and nurture the young people in our church family.
The whole family of St. Andrew's comes together on Sunday mornings from 11am
till approx. 12.15pm. In that time, children have their very own Sunday Club
which combines games, song, craft etc. together with a simple introduction to
Christian faith and spirituality. All Sunday Club staff are selected for their
talent and commitment in working with children and all are trained in providing
a safe and caring environment for children to learn and have fun.
Sunday Club is made up of the following:
| Cr�che | Cr�che is for 0-2 year-old children. Parents can stay with children to help them to settle but are then free to participate in the church service in the knowledge that if their child becomes unsettled they will be called back through to the cr�che room. Cr�che staff are qualified cr�che workers. Each week they offer creative play opportunities and various simple activities suitable for the very young. |
| 3-4 year-olds, 5-7 year-olds, 8-9 year olds, 10-11 year olds |
Each group offers a programme just right for children at each stage of learning and development. Always, the emphasis is on fun, creativity and learning together. Staff members are committed to providing a warm, inclusive environment in which each child is loved and cared for and treated as a unique person. |
| Teens | Our Youth Worker offers an excellent, exciting youth programme. As part of that, S1-S3 teens have their very own group on Sunday mornings in which members are encouraged to reflect on the spiritual dimension as they progress from childhood to adulthood. |
For more information, contact the Sunday Club Co-ordinator through the church office.
From October to Easter, the Zone meets every Tuesday from 4-5pm. It is open to children in the p3-p7 age range and combines energetic games, craft etc. with simple Christian teaching. Open to any children but ideal for those who are otherwise engaged on Sunday mornings. Children can arrive from 3.30pm at which time they can take the chance to do their homework. Juice and biscuits are served.
Twilight Zone is from 6.30-8pm on Friday evenings and is for children in the p6-p7 age range, pre-teens! A coooooool time to be with friends, listen to music, enjoy pizza and hot dogs or sweets and drinks from the bar. Twilight Zone is about getting together with friends and learning more about getting together with God. Twilight Zone is also a great 'bring-a-friend' group - no previous church experience is required!
We offer a great worship opportunity at teatime on
Sundays once a month. We recognise that most children have a whole host of activities
and interests. Whether we like it or not, many of these fall on Sunday mornings.
In acknowledgement of this - and to help parents who find themselves in this
dilemma - Messy Church is an all-age, child-friendly, hands-on time of worship,
eating together and activities of all sorts for all the family.
St Andrew's Church is working hard to be relevant to 21st century families.
Make the most of it!
We run two youth groups each of which meets on Sunday evening. Ice-Breakers is for teens in the S1-S4 age group and meets from 6.30 - 8pm. It's perfect for those who have lots of energy to run off and for those who like nothing better than hanging out with friends. In the middle of all of that, there is opportunity to think about the spiritual angle on life. The second group is for S4 youth and up and meets after 8pm. The focus in this group is much more on reflection, thinking about what really matters in life. Find out more about these groups by contacting our Youth Worker through the church office.
The 7th Arbroath Company of the Boys' Brigade has its sessions on Thursday
evenings from September to May throughout the year. With Anchor Boys, Junior
and Company Sections, there is provision for boys from age 5 to 16. Boys enjoy
fun and games, sport and competition, craft and badge work all within a Christian
framework. Each year sees many highlights such as the annual trip, a visit to
the Pantomime and an evening given in service at the local club for the disabled.
Find out more about the Boys Brigade from the Company Captain via the church
office.
Though independent of the Church, Rainbows, Brownies and Guide groups all meet
at St. Andrew's. Find out more about these groups via the church
office.
Every year, during the Easter holidays, St Andrew's runs a fantastic week-long
club open to all primary age children. These clubs always prove to be highly
popular, combining fast action, lively games and play and, best of all, GUNGE!
So, St Andrew's really is the place to be,
covering all ages but guaranteeing fun and friends
and a great introduction to Christian faith for all.