Is church safe for my children?

You are standing at the gate on a Sunday morning with a six-year-old holding your hand, and the question in your head is not about theology. It is the plain one every parent asks: who is going to be with my child while I am in another room. This page answers that, and the others that come with it.

Who is with my children during the service?

LOWC Sunday School runs during the Sunday services and is led by our own volunteers from this church — people the congregation knows by name, not strangers brought in for the morning.

They are members here rather than strangers brought in for the morning. If you want to know who will be with your child on a particular Sunday, ask, and you will be told.

How do I know my child is safe?

We will be straight with you, because this is not a question to be vague about. There is no formal sign-in and sign-out register. If you were expecting one, now you know before you come rather than after.

What there is, is people. Our ushers are around through the whole morning — that is their job, and they are the ones to go to. They will point you to the right room, they will help if something is needed, and if your child wants you they will come and find you.

And you do not have to hand your child over at all. Stay in the room. Plenty of parents do, and nobody will think anything of it.

If you want to know exactly how a Sunday morning runs before you decide, ask us and we will tell you plainly.

Can I stay with my child the first time?

Yes, and you are welcome to stay every week if you prefer. No parent has ever been asked to leave their own child.

Some children settle in ten minutes and some take a month. Both are normal. Sit at the back of the room, let them see you, and go when they are ready rather than when we are.

What are they actually taught?

Bible stories, told at the age they are, with songs and something to make. Nothing frightening, and nothing they will repeat at school that surprises you.

If you want to know what is being taught in a given term, ask and we will show you. We would rather you knew than wondered.

Is there anything for teenagers?

Yes. The youth group meets separately, and teenagers are old enough to decide for themselves whether they come.

We do not pressure a teenager who is there because their parents are. If they would rather sit in the main service with you, that is completely fine.

This week

• Come at 10:00 and stay in the room with them, so you see how it works.
• Stay in the room with them the first week if that makes the morning easier.
• Ask one of the volunteers what the children are learning this term. They will be glad you asked.

May the God who took children in His arms and blessed them keep yours safe, and may you be able to sit through a whole service without worrying.