We want to grow younger
Children and young people are under represented in our weekly Sunday worship and we are very aware of the need to encourage and support the faith of our younger people. As a Mission Community we aim to offer a range of opportunities for children, young people and families to meet Christians and also to engage with the Christian faith and worship.
Services for children and young people
Children are very welcome at all our Sunday services and many of our churches have toys and areas specifically set aside for children. While some services are more “grown-up” there are services across the Mission Community that are more suitable for younger ages or are more informal.
Groups for children and young people
There is something going on for children most days across the Mission Community catering for a range of ages.
Please note that not all the groups run during school holidays or on Bank Holidays so check the calendar below to confirm if a group is being run.
If you would like to become a volunteer for one of the groups please get in touch with the listed contact. Please note all volunteers are recruited by the safer recruitment process.
Age group 0 - 3
Tea, Toast and Toys
We offer a friendly welcome, tea, coffee or milk, toast with marmalade, jam or Marmite and toys for the little ones (pre-schoolers and toddlers). All ages are welcome, with or without children. Come along for a chat, to meet friends or make new ones and to relax.
West Hill village hall
Friday (Term time only)
8:45 AM - 10:00 AM
Ann Yates on 01404 813886
Toddler Group
Fun and games for little ones to enjoy with refreshments for the grownups and snacks and drinks for the children.
West Hill village hall
Monday (Term time only)
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Sue Ritchie on 01404 814811
Tea and Toast
Somewhere comfortable to start the week with a cuppa and a chat before you tackle what needs to be tackled. Drop in for tea & toast, and of course something delicious to spread on it! Ideal for young Mums, Dads or childminders (bring your toddlers) and those new to the village.
Newton Poppleford Church Hall
Monday (Term time only)
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Fiona Gunn on 01395 567077
Tots’ Praise
Come and meet Dog-in-a-Bag who helps lead our short service. We make a lot of noise with our instruments at singing time and we share the prayers we have on our hearts each week. A time of play and refreshments afterwards.
Ottery St Mary Church
Wednesday (Weekly)
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Rev'd Lydia Cook on 07725046700
Tots’ Time
Toys, action songs, refreshments: a time to make friends and build relationships.
Ottery St Mary Church
Monday (Term time only)
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Rosie Hall on 07795835000
Age group 4+
Tea and Toast
Somewhere comfortable to start the week with a cuppa and a chat before you tackle what needs to be tackled. Drop in for tea & toast, and of course something delicious to spread on it! Ideal for young Mums, Dads or childminders (bring your toddlers) and those new to the village.
Newton Poppleford Church Hall
Monday (Term time only)
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Fiona Gunn on 01395 567077
Messy Church
This is an informal church for families. Its values are based on creativity, hospitality and celebration. Together, we use hands-on crafts and activities to explore Bible stories. After the activities and a clergy-led talk, the children have tea whilst the adults enjoy a cup of tea/coffee. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Newton Poppleford Church Hall
Monday (Last Monday of the month, term time only)
3:30 PM - 6:15 PM
Rosemary Pavitt on 01404 871443
Messy Church
This is an informal church for families. Its values are based on creativity, hospitality and celebration. Together, we use hands-on crafts and activities to explore Bible stories. After the activities and a clergy-led talk, the children have tea whilst the adults enjoy a cup of tea/coffee. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
West Hill Church Hall
Friday (3rd Friday of the month, term time only and not July)
3:45 PM - 5:30 PM
Rev'd Mark Ward on 01404 814282
Bright Stars
A choir for 4-7 year olds with lots of fun singing, a story or talk time, craft and more singing! Parents are encouraged to stay and support their children and join in the fun.
Ottery St Mary Church
Thursday (Term time only)
4:00 PM - 4:45 PM
Jane Bennet on 07951862725
Lighthouse
A choir for 7-11 year olds involving learning good singing techniques, as well as a mixture of traditional and modern church music. Children are enabled to grow in confidence by helping lead some services in church through reading the Bible story, writing and leading prayers, and singing music too. Each session involves a circle time and refreshments. Parents are welcome to stay or drop their children off.
Ottery St Mary Church
Thursday (Term time only)
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Jane Bennet on 07951862725
Messy Church
This is an informal church for primary school age children. Its values are based on creativity, hospitality and celebration. Together, we use hands-on crafts and activities to explore Bible stories. After the activities and a talk, the children have tea.
Payhembury Church
Wednesday (4th Wednesday of the month, term time only)
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Rev'd Dave Carrington on 01404 850905
Age group 11+
Chill Out
A youth group for those in Year 6 and upwards with games, crafts or activities, teaching and food, usually chips!
Newton Poppleford Church Hall
Sunday (2nd Sunday of the month)
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Rosemary Pavitt on 01395 871443
Children and youth activities calendar
Calendar colour key
Colaton Raleigh
Escot
Feniton
Harpford
Newton Poppleford
Ottery St Mary
Payhembury
Tipton St John
Venn Ottery
West Hill
Wiggaton
Online
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Toddler GroupWest Hill Village Hall
Tea and ToastNewton Poppleford Church Hall
Tots' TimeOttery St Mary Church
Tots' PraiseOttery St Mary Church
Toddler GroupWest Hill Village Hall
Tea and ToastNewton Poppleford Church Hall
Tots' TimeOttery St Mary Church
Tots' PraiseOttery St Mary Church
Tea, Toast and ToysWest Hill Village Hall
