Familes and young people are integral to our churches and are welcome at any age.
Osbaldwick and Murton Playgroup
Osbaldwick Osbaldwick and Murton Playgroup meets from 9.30 – 11.30am on Wednesday mornings at St Thomas’ Church. Just drop in – no need to book. The group is aimed at Under 5s and their parents, grandparents and carers, and is a chance to spend a few hours playing, getting creative, singing or listening to stories. There is no charge but a small donation for teas and coffees is appreciated.
Young People on Sundays
Families and young people are welcome at all our services. Each Sunday we supply a weekly resource for young primary school aged children based on the Gospel reading from the New Common Lectionary. We have toys and musical instruments available.
Young People in the Community
We welcome children, teachers and families from the local Tiddlywinks Nursery and Osbaldwick Primary Academy. Tiddlywinks holds its annual 'Graduation Ceremony' here marking the children's transition from nursery to day school. Osbaldwick Primary Academy hold their Christmas shows in church.
From further afield every year we welcome children and teachers from Mary Ward Roman Catholic schools who come to visit her memorial stone in St Thomas's. These come not only from this country, but also from many other countries including Germany, Italy, Ireland and Australia.
Our Parish Link has the popular monthly Word Search for young people with the traditional bag of sweets as the prize!
Christenings
In our churches we are always delighted to hear from parents who are thinking about having their children baptised into the family of the church.
Annual Christingle Service
The annual Christingle Service at St Thomas's is one of the most popular services for families and young people, with the church is often full to capacity.
Christingle is a candle-lit, festive celebration that's perfect for bringing families and communities together. The celebration is named after the Christingles that are lit during the celebration. Christingles are made from an orange decorated with red tape, sweets and a candle. They have been part of our history for the last 50 years.
Each element of a Christingle has a special meaning and helps to tell the Christian story:
- The orange represents the world
- The red ribbon (or tape) symbolises the love and blood of Christ
- The sweets and dried fruit represent all of God's creations
- The lit candle represents Jesus's light in the world, bringing hope to people living in darkness