We have a vibrant Children and Youth ministry at St Paul's, with loads happening on Sundays and during the week.
Scramblers - for our youngest children (under 5s). These children start in the service before going to their group in the Parish Rooms after the children’s story and rejoining the service at communion. Parents are generally expected to stay with their child.
Explorers – for children aged 6 to 10. These children also start in the service before going to their group in the Hall after the children’s story and rejoining the service at communion.
During school holidays children are very welcome to our 9.30am service; we endeavour to provide an all-ages group activity in the Hall, subject to availability of helpers.
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On the first Sunday of the month our 9.30am service is for all ages. For all other Sundays during term time we have groups for children running during the service where children enjoy fun, games and interactive Bible stories:
Sunday Mornings
Bubble Church
Bubble Church is a church service especially for babies, toddlers, and young families. It’s a puppet-packed, Jesus-centred, coffee-and-cake-fuelled, 30 minute kids and families adventure. Come along on the second and fourth Sundays of the month, 4 to 4.30pm
More details here.
Youth Group
All children in school years 3 to 6 and 7 to 11 are welcome at our Youth Group, where we play games, enjoy each other’s company, have a cooked tea and have fun! £2 suggested donation per child.
Crossroads
Our Sunday evening session for ages 11 to 15. Have dinner at home beforehand and join us in the Parish Rooms (behind the church – access through the meadow) for pudding, fun, a chance to study the bible together and a time of prayer. Sundays during termtime (excluding Youth Group Sundays), 6.30 to 7.40pm
Weekdays
Bumps & Babies – Thursdays in termtime, 9.15 to 10.30 am
Join us for a hot cuppa, delicious cake and good conversation. For parents with bumps or young babies.
Toddler Group – Fridays in termtime, 9.30 to 11 am
Our lively toddler group meets in the Parish Rooms (behind the church) to enjoy toys, songs, snacks and the all-important hot drink for parents & carers. In good weather we also enjoy the climbing frames outside in the meadow. It’s a great opportunity to meet local parents and make friends! £2 suggested donation per family.
Schools Ministry
We are thrilled to host on our site the St Paul’s pre-school, a community-based charity that provides children with a wonderful, homely environment in which to play and learn. Its aim is to enhance the development and education of children from two years and six months to school age. For more details see their website, contact Silvia Brown 9am to 12.15pm on 07879 645600 or email admissions@stpaulspreschoolwinchester.co.uk
We have a good relationship with The Westgate School, an all-through comprehensive in the parish. Our clergy take assemblies there.
We continue to enjoy strong relationships with Western Church of England Primary School, our linked school situated in the heart of Fulflood. Every year group from Years 1 to 6 has an opportunity to visit either St Matthew’s or St Paul’s annually and many children take part in our activities and events. Our clergy and Children & Youth Ministry team regularly lead school assemblies and termly prayer spaces. We have three Foundation Governors on the school’s Governing Body: Revd Dr Jonathan Rowe, Guy Milton and Philip Denny.
We’re also delighted to have good links with Peter Symonds, our local sixth-form college. Our clergy make lunchtime visits at points during the year and are delighted to chaplain at their cathedral services at Christmas and at Founder’s Day.
