Families and Children at St Stephen’s

Coming for the First Time
We look forward to welcoming you at St Stephen’s, Rochester Row. Our main Sunday service is the Parish Eucharist at 10am. If you are coming with your child for the first time, please mention it to one of the sidesmen or staff, so we can look after you. You will see that at the opening of the service the children process to their place near the altar. After the opening part of the service, the children leave for Sunday school. Please feel free either to join the others in the opening procession or, if you prefer, simply to remain in the main congregation with your child to get your bearings.

Sunday School
The children leave for Sunday School after sharing in the opening part of the service, and return during the distribution of Communion. The Sunday School normally has three groups (ages are approximate):

The Ark – for 5s and under meets in the large vestry.
Younger Alleluias – for children aged 5-9, meets in the school nursery next to the church.
Older Alleluias – for children 9 and over, meets in the small vestry.

Our teachers and helpers are drawn from the congregation. Parents are welcome to stay with their children for as long as it takes them to settle in,but are then encouraged to take part in the church service. Please contact Michael Duggan for more details (020 7834 2147).

Babies
We all realise that small children make occasional noises – please don’t worry. Feel free to walk around the back part of the church during the service if you wish, and to use the comfortable blue chairs. Parents with babies are also welcome to join the younger children’s group during Sunday School.

Other occasions
We have special services suitable for children on Christmas Eve, Mothering Sunday, Good Friday, and Harvest Festival – as well as the Blessing of the Animals.

Baptism
We welcome baptism enquiries. Please contact one of the clergy or the Parish Office.

St Stephen’s Choir
We are always glad to hear from children aged 8 or over who are interested in singing. Contact our Director of Music, Rosemary Field (0771 2354384).

St Stephen’s Toddler Group meets each Thursday from 3-4.30pm at the Napier Hall in Hide Place (our church hall), and is for children from birth to 3 and a half with their parents/carers. It’s a chance to chat and relax while your child plays with the toys and enjoys the space. There is no charge, and refreshments are available. Just come or contact Mrs Terry Harper (020 7828 8077) or the Parish Office.

Safeguarding
St. Stephen's is committed to full compliance with the Diocese of London's Child Protection Policy. A reference copy of the guidelines, 'Children in the Diocese of London', is available in the church library. Any enquiries can be forwarded to our Children's Adocate, Mrs Jackie Walsh, c/o the Parish Office.