Padiham Parish has been recognised as a ‘Child Friendly Church’ and so, whatever you come along to, you can expect a warm welcome for you all as a family no matter how old your children are or how used to being in church they are.
Our safeguarding policy can be found (here).
Sunday Services
If you are bringing a baby or toddler to church don’t worry about them getting restless. As you arrive you can ask for a toy bag to help you keep them quietly entertained. Both churches also have a room set aside with toys, and a member of the church will show you where it is and stay with you if you’d like. If you want to you can even leave your child with the crèche helper.
For children of nursery or school age we have different classes where they will be taught from the bible in a fun and age appropriate way.
St Leonard’s has Cornerstone Club: At the 9:30 service we have Pebbles for 3-6 year olds, Cobbles for 7-10 year olds and Boulders for 10+. All the children go out near the beginning of the service to the room at the back and then divide into their classes. At the 5:30 service we have an all age class called Moonstones which meet in the room at the back of church after the service has started and children of primary school age are welcomed there.
St Margaret’s has Junior Church for primary aged children and again they make their way out to the upstairs room part way through the service.
Rock Solid
We meet fortnightly on Sundays from 6:30 to 8:00pm in St. Leonard’s, starting upstairs in the Waddilove Room. The group is for children from school year 6 and upwards and as well as learning from the Bible in an interactive way, we have lots of fun with activities ranging from indoor sport and treasure hunts, to drama and craft. Children are welcome even if they do not attend church.
Foundations
As with Rock Solid, we meet fortnightly on Sundays (alternating with Rock Solid) from 6:30 to 8:30pm in St. Leonard’s, starting upstairs in the Waddilove Room. The group is for teenagers from school year 9 and upwards and as well as learning from the Bible, we also enjoy chilling out over food, and playing games whilst not taking ourselves too seriously. Teenagers are welcome even if they do not attend church.
Midweek Activities:
Little Lennies and Busy Bees
Mums, Grannies, Dads, carers, and childminders all enjoy coming along to our sessions midweek with their pre-schoolers. There are plenty of toys to play with and activities to do as well as a simple bible story and singing after refreshments. It is a great opportunity for adults to make friends and for children to develop important social skills as well and gentle introduction to the God we love.
Little Lennies meets at St Leonard’s on Tuesday and Thursday and Busy Bees at St Margaret’s on Wednesdays. All the groups meet from 9:15 to 11am. Just walk in the main door and you will see us hard at play.
Rainbows, Brownies and Guides
Both churches have these uniformed organisations meeting weekly during term time on Mondays at St Margaret’s and Thursdays at St Leonard’s. For more information you will need to contact the leaders directly.
Confirmation
For more information on confirmation, please go to our ‘Adults’ page under ‘Church Life’.