Prime Time
Sunday mornings are prime time: This may be the only opportunity in the week for a young family to share a lazy breakfast together. It may be the only time in the week for a lie-in - which seems an entirely appropriate way to start the Sabbath, the day of rest. Then there are football clubs, swimming lessons, birthday parties, etc.
There is so much competition for young families on a Sunday morning! Some churches have responded to this reality by offering church services at other times of the week. But frankly, it is impossible to find one timeslot that works for everyone. So, Sunday morning it is, for now.
At the start of each family service, we say to God: ‘We set this time apart for you’. Coming to church requires a healthy element of commitment. We make the effort to grow, to learn, to serve, to worship, to celebrate together. Going to church is engaging and energising, however, this year we have prepared a new initiative for those who struggle to make it on Sunday mornings: Church-in-a-bag. A bit like a take-away church for busy young families - a paper bag with fun activities and serious reflections for young and old, and of course an invitation to come to Church-in-a-building too.
This is our first Church-in-a-bag, so come and pick up your Easter Church-in-a-bag at St Thomas's at any time from Mothering Sunday until Easter or alternatively download a copy below. Our bag includes activities all about the Easter story.
The Easter Story
The Easter Story is read by Rev Jan Nobel and Julie Wainwright. At the end of the video there will be some questions about the story. Have a think and talk about them.