Children’s Church What our young people say: • ‘I made my best friend at church. She is lovely, fun and always kind.’ • ‘We always discuss interesting topics in Vestry Group       including politics, Scripture and our thoughts and ideas.’ • ‘Everyone is happy to see me and no one tells me off!’ • ‘I love singing in the choir.’ These are just some of the comments from the children of St Michael’s. There are approximately 25 under-16s attending church on a weekly basis. Children over 8 years of age and teenagers join Vestry Group and many enjoy singing in the choir. The under eights take part in weekly Sunday School. All the children automatically belong to the Children’s Church Council (CCC) - run by the children with elected representatives and operating very like a School Council. They organise social, fundraising (over £500 was raised in 2010 for Children In Need, The Children’s Society and The Haiti Earthquake Appeal), and outreach activities both at St Michael’s and in the local community. Annual events include the Christingle in aid of The Children’s Society; the Sing Song Tea Party taken to St Mary’s Convent & Nursing Home; and the Shrove Tuesday Community Pancake Party. The CCC firmly establishes the children at the heart of the Church as well as encouraging them to learn about social responsibility, teamwork and along the way to forge new friendships. The children’s art and craft can be seen at the rear of the Church, where there is also an area for parents and babies with comfortable seating and toys. Vestry Group meets weekly to discuss topical issues such as politics and events in the news, drawing parallels with the Scriptures and exploring faith. Sunday School, held in the Church Centre, follows the Living Stones series of Sunday School books, enjoying a lively blend of activities, stories and discussion time. St Michael’s is committed to the ideals of the Children’s Charter, launched January 2011 in the Diocese of London, which is a Children’s Ministry scheme to support parishes and ensure they extend a good welcome to children. All adults working with the children are CRB checked. St Michael’s is a friendly Church providing an inclusive, welcoming and spiritually enriching environment for children of all ages. Come and see for yourself! For further information contact the Children’s Advocate, Paddi Sutton-Coulson, email: children@stmichael-suttoncourt.org.uk, tel: 07845 665 684 St Michael's Sutton Court Home Page