Family Friendly Worship and Activities across the Benefice
St. Catherine's, Littleton
Services: Families are welcome to all our services – we have an area at the back of the back with books and colouring sheets, as well as ‘wriggle bags’ for younger children.
Toddler Group: Meets every Monday (term-time) 10am – 11.30am in the Church Room, Church Lane, Littleton. Open to all babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers with their carers. Join us for toys, crafts, snacks, Bible stories and singing for the little folk; tea, coffee and chat for the big folk! For more details contact Carol Coleman (01962 881886) or visit our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Littletonplaygroup
St. Peter and Holy Cross, Wherwell
Wherwell village is lucky to have a Primary School within the village which takes children from the surrounding area. There is a close relationship between the school and the church with the Rector of Downs visiting on a regular basis, and we are pleased that the School often uses the church for its special occasions, such as Christingle, Remembrance, Harvest or Carol services.
Our Parish Church holds a short, Family Service on the second Sunday of each month.
St. Stephen's with Lainston, Sparsholt
Sparsholt village is home to Sparsholt Church of England Primary School which takes children from Crawley, Littleton and Sparsholt. There is very close liaison between the School and St. Stephen’s Church where the School holds its Harvest Festival, Christingle Service, KS 1 Nativity Play, Ash Wednesday Service, and School Leavers’ Service at the end of the summer term. The School’s Worship Group also holds two Sunday Services during the year, where the pupils lead the worship, usually in February and April. In addition, the School Choir sings at the Mothering Sunday Service, Harvest Festival and Carol Service, all of which are very well attended with lots of families present. The Crib Service on Christmas Eve is always very popular with the younger children. The Rector attends school assemblies very regularly and there is a willingness to prepare Sparsholt Primary School children for Confirmation.
Children are welcome at all our Sunday Services but the Welcome Worship Service at 10.00am on the fourth Sunday in every month is the most suitable for children of any age. There is a Children’s Corner in the Church with books and colouring activities available. The Benefice Trinity Service is held on a farm in Sparsholt and is followed by either a BBQ or Bring and Share lunch; children and dogs are particularly welcome at this Service. Also, a Pet Service is held on the Green in Woodman Close every September to which lots of children bring their pets, be they dogs, rabbits, hamsters and even horses. Carols on the Green is held on an evening during the last week of the Christmas term which is very popular with the children, as well as their Mums and Dads, and grandparents.