St James’ has always been a church where children feel at home. On Sundays you will hear laughter coming from the hall and see toys, activities and seating tucked beside the font. Below is an overview of what we offer right now and how you can join in or help.
Sunday Morning Groups
JAM (Jesus And Me)
JAM (Jesus And Me) is a fun group for children of ages 4 to 10, which meets in the church hall from 9.55am, every Sunday during school term-time, except on the first Sunday of the month.
Children start in the hall with fun activities which include Bible stories, crafts and games, before joining their families in church for Communion.
JAM uses the ‘Roots’ materials for its sessions, which explore the teachings of Jesus and the Bible. The aim is to have fun and support the children on their faith journey. The group is led by a number of adults who have all undergone the appropriate checks. JAM also has special events from time to time including: taking part in a Nativity play, parties with games and outings. To find out more, contact us at jam@stjamesexeter.org.
11-Ups (Year 6+)
‘11-ups’ (Year 6+) meet in the church hall at 9.55 am every Sunday in term time, except on the first Sunday of the month when we worship together in an all-age Eucharist. 11-ups work with their leaders on project-based activities exploring the Christian faith and enjoy social activities and trips out together.
Each year they enjoy devising, writing and directing the Nativity play which they perform jointly with the JAM children.
11-ups leaders have all undergone the appropriate safeguarding checks.
Messy Church – First Wednesdays
‘Messy Church’ is Church, but maybe not as you know it. It follows the national Messy Church pattern of creativity, celebration and hospitality for all ages, with Jesus at the heart of everything we do. It gives busy families the chance to get together, to be a part of their local Church to find out about God in a fun way.
We have a wide variety of themed fun crafts and activities, which include using different media and always making something to eat, filling the after-school snack gap!
Everyone joins in a joyful celebration in Church, so expect the same buzz here.
We finish with a meal which we share together.
We welcome children with their adults, who can work alongside their children on the themed crafts and enjoy fellowship with other families.
Messy Church runs on the first Wednesday of every month, except August. To help the catering team we ask families to email messychurch@stjamesexeter.org to confirm their attendance, by the Monday before.
At St James’ Church we:
• open the church hall doors at 3:30 p.m. for crafts and hands-on activities
• move into church around 4:30 p.m. for the celebration, a short story, songs and prayers
• finish with a meal back in the hall at 5 p.m.—no charge, donations welcome
Don’t forget to let us know if you are coming, so we can cater for the correct number of meals: messychurch@stjamesexeter.org
Children are in the care of their parents/carers at all times.
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Safeguarding and Accessibility
All the JAM, Messy Church and 11 UP leaders have undertaken safeguarding training under the Church of England’s safeguarding scheme and the leaders have undergone all other appropriate checks. The church is accessible, with a hearing loop and large-print service sheets. Children with additional needs are welcome; just let us know how we can support them.
Join the Team
Running JAM and Messy Church is a team effort. We need storytellers, craft-lovers, greeters, and people willing to tackle the washing-up. If you can spare a Wednesday afternoon or a Sunday morning, we’d love your help. Just one extra pair of hands can make all the difference. Please contact messychurch@stjamesexeter.org for more information.
Whether your family drops in once a month or plants roots here for years, there is space for you at St James’. Come and see.
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