Seeing lives transformed through encounter with Jesus
Jesus was very clear about the place of children in his world - he put them at the centre. We want to do what we can to put children at the centre of church life as well. We are always delighted to christen or baptise children, as a sign of God's love and welcome to them and their families.
Sunday services
Uplift at Upchurch: This takes place in Upchurch Village Hall on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month, is especially suitable for families and children, with a group for children during part of the service, as well as a relevant, engaging and creative service for adults.
Stepping Stones at Newington: This normally takes place on the 3rd Sunday each month starting with refreshments at 9.45am in Newington. This Cafe-Style service for all ages then starts around 10.00am lasting about 45 minutes.
Family Time at Lower Halstow: This takes place on 2nd and 4th Sunday each month at 10.00am in Lower Halstow. It is a Cafe-Style service for all ages starting with refreshments.
Engage at Hartlip: This more informal service for parents with children takes place on the 2nd Sunday in Hartlip Church.
There is a family service in at least one of the churches every week. These services, which sometimes include communion, and sometimes don't, are designed to be interesting and engaging for all ages - from the youngest to the oldest.
Other activities for families
Messy Church at Hartlip: Run in conjunction with Hartlip C of E school, this takes on a bi-monthly basis starting with creative activities in the school before moving to story, song and prayer in the church, finishing with refreshments back in the school. It is especially suited to families with children and takes place on a Saturday afternoon from 2.00-c3.30pm.
Breakfast Club at Lower Halstow: Lower Halstow Church runs a kids activity morning, aimed at Primary School age children, on the 1st Saturday of every month, from 9:30-11:30am with breakfast, games and activities and a Christian theme.
Outside our Sunday services, the churches offer a range of activities for children, young people and their families including Uplift Youth Group in Upchurch, the Pram Service for pre-school children and their parents in Hartlip, Bell ringers , Kingsquad in Iwade.
For more information about any of these activities or groups, please contact one of the clergy.