Children and youth

Children, young people and families are very welcome at St Mary’s. Our space is a relaxed and welcoming environment where we want children to be free to be themselves.

On the first, second and third Sundays of each month we host our children’s groups. On other Sundays there are activities for children including colouring and word searches.

For more information about what events we have for children, youth and families please scroll to the bottom of the page.

If you have any questions or would like to talk to someone about the children’s and youth ministry, then please contact our Youth Minister: chloe.rotter@stmaryislington.org

Sunday creche (Ages 0 to 2.5)

Our crèche is available every Sunday in the prayer chapel throughout the 11am service. There is an audio feed into the room and a large selection of toys to play with so everyone can be entertained. Full changing facilities are available.

Please note that parents must remain with their children when using the creche.

Starter Church (Nursery to Year 1)

At Starter Church we want start children off in the right direction, developing relationships, discovering God and having fun! We plan a full programme of free play, craft, games, interactive Bible stories and prayer. If you would like your child to join, please complete this online form and someone will get back to you.

Please note: Starter Church is the first, second and third Sundays of the month. We do not run sessions over the school holidays, but there are activities at the back of the church.

Kids' Church (Years 2 to 5)

At Kids’ Church we love to see teenagers come together and explore their faith. In our Sunday sessions we do Bible studies, games and social events that will help us build a strong community. If you would like your child to join, please complete this online form and someone will get back to you.

Please note: Kids’ Church is the first, second and third Sundays of the month. We do not run sessions over the school holidays, but there are activities at the back of the church.

Youth Church (Years 7 - 11)

At Youth Church we love to see teenagers come together and explore their faith. In our Sunday sessions we do bible studies, games and social events that will help us build a strong community. If you would like your child to join, please complete this online form and someone will get back to you.

Please note: Youth Church is the first, second and third Sundays of the month. We do not run sessions over the school holidays, but there are activities at the back of the church.

Oasis Youth Club (Years 7- 11)

Oasis is a youth club run by St Mary’s Church. It is a place where young people can find community, grow in their faith and have some fun. We will be partnering up with various Christian organizations such as A Rocha UK, LVA and more to run educating and fun workshops. Some of the things we have done so far include, going to the theatre, swimming, cooking, going to theme parks and having guest speakers from different organizations such as Guide Dogs for the Blind. We do like to capture these fun moments, so do take a look at our photo gallery below.

If you are interested in joining then please complete this online form and our Youth Minister will get in touch. Dates for Oasis Youth Club can be found below in the events section.

Please note: You need to complete an online form before attending. Confirmation of your application will be sent via email.

Children and Youth Events Summer 2024

Thorpe Park Trip (Sold Out)

Sunday 29 June 2024
9am-6pm

No Groups (activities at the back)

Sunday 30 June 2024

11am

Starter, Kids and Youth Church

Sunday 7 July 2024

11am

Kids Church Only

Sunday 14 2024

11am

Oasis Youth Club (Final Session)

Sunday 14 July 2024
12.30-2pm

No Groups or Youth Club

Sunday 28 July 2024

11am

Starter, Kids and Youth Church

Sunday 21 July 2024

11am

All Age Group

Sunday 4 August 2024
11am

Church Family Trip to Brighton

Sunday 17th August 2024
11am

All Age Group

Sunday 1st September 2024
11am

No Groups (Oasis Youth Club Only)

Sunday 15th September 2024
12:30pm

No Groups

Sunday 25 August 2024
11am

Starter, Kids and Youth Church

Sunday 15th September 2024
11am

Starter, Kids and Youth Church

Sunday 6th October 2024
11am

All Age Group

Sunday 18 August 2024
11am

Kids Church Only/Oasis Youth Club

Sunday 8th September 2024
11am and 12:30pm

All Age Group

Sunday 29th September 2024
11am

No Groups

Sunday 11 August 2024
11am

Check out what we’ve been up to below.

Chessington World of Adventures

St Mary’s Church Youth Group got the chance to visit Chessington World of Adventures, and this is just one of the many rides they got to experience.

Guide Dogs for the Blind Talk

In the Spring Term of 2024, St Mary’s Church Youth Group got a visit from representatives at Guide Dogs for the Blind. They got a chance to learn more about the amazing work this charity does and they also got to meet two assistance dogs.

St Mary’s Church Children’s Choir

Last year we put together a children’s choir and they have been performing various songs at many of our services. Easter 2024 they performed a song by one of our congregation members as part of our Lent Creative Project.

Lent Creative Project

For Easter children and young people were able to contribute in our Lent Creative Project. This was open to everybody in the church and we had some lovely contributions, we even had St Mary’s Primary School contribute some artistic pieces. The theme this year was ‘Your King Comes to You’. Pictures can be found above.

Whipsnade Zoo

This Easter the families at St Mary’s Church got a chance to visit Whipsnade Zoo. They were able to see all types of animals including Elephants, Bears, Penguins, Rhinos, Monkeys and more. For more animals take a look at the photos above.

Summer Youth Walk

For Summer 2024 our Youth Club have been doing more outdoor activities. One of these was a group walk around Islington and Hackney. We explored the New River Walk, then on to Clissold Park where the young people got to see some birds and goats. The our last destination was the Woodberry Wetlands. It was a lovely activity which was Led by Ian Mylam and we all enjoyed ourselves. Overall, we walked approximately 4 miles in total.

Swimming at Britannia Leisure Centre

Oasis Youth Club went swimming at The Britannia Leisure Centre during the month of June. They were able to cool down and splash around in the family pools which included a slide. Since we had so much fun, we hope to do it again in the autumn term.

Diocese of London's Children's Charter

We are thrilled to have been awarded the Diocese of London's Children's Charter, making children fully part of St Mary's through welcome, worship, mission and nurture. We take safeguarding seriously. All our leaders and helpers are DBS checked and take great care to ensure the children have fun in a safe environment.