Children & families

Our vision is that children and young people feel St Paul’s is their spiritual home, participate in an intergenerational community and enjoy being curious about God. For a summary of this term’s activities, click here. For our 11-15s group, click here to see a summary of this half term’s activities.

For information about baptism or christening, click here.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please email Vicki, our Children & Youth Ministry Leader, at youth@stmatthewstpaul.org

Sunday mornings >

On the 1st Sunday of the month our 9.30am communion is for all ages and all are welcome.

On all other Sundays during term time we have groups for children running during our 9.30am communion service where children enjoy fun, games and interactive Bible stories:

  • Scramblers – for our youngest children (under 5s). These children start in the service before going to their group in the Parish Rooms after the children’s story and rejoining the service at communion. Parents are generally expected to stay with their child. 
  • Explorers – for children aged 6 – 10. These children also start in the service before going to their group in the Hall after the children’s story and rejoining the service at communion. 
  • 11 – 14s – these children are welcome to arrive from 9.10am where they meet in the Parish Rooms for hot chocolate and breakfast. They rejoin the service part-way through.

During school holidays children are very welcome to our 9.30am service where we have activity bags and puzzle sheets for them to enjoy during the service.

Sunday afternoons >

Bubble Church – Second Sunday of the month, 4 – 4.30pm

Bubble Church is a Sunday afternoon church service especially for babies, toddlers, and young families. It’s a puppet-packed, Jesus-centred, 30-minute kids and families adventure.

Families arrive 10 mins before it starts for coffee and cake, squash and snacks. They’ll then be guided to a ‘bubble’, and share in 30 mins of song, story, puppets, and prayer.

Book your place now by clicking here!

Youth Group – Third Sunday of the month, 5.30 – 7 pm

All children in school years 3-6 and 7 -11 are welcome at our Youth Group where we play games, enjoy each other’s company, have a cooked tea and have fun! £2 suggested donation per child.
See all our youth group dates for this year >

Weekdays >

Bumps & Babies – Thursdays in termtime, 9.15 – 10.30 am

Join us for a hot cuppa, cake and conversation with a weekly discussion starter. For parents with bumps or young babies.

Toddler Group – Fridays in termtime, 9.30 – 11 am

Our lively toddler group meets in the Parish Rooms (behind the church) to enjoy toys, songs, snacks and the all-important hot drink for parents & carers. In good weather we also enjoy the climbing frames outside in the meadow. It’s a great opportunity to meet local parents and make friends! £2 suggested donation per family.

Under 5s Celebrations

In conjunction with St Paul’s Pre-school, we have seasonal celebration services in the church. All are welcome to join us – see the latest term flyer for details of the next event.

Bumps & Babies refresh cafe
Schools ministry >

We are thrilled to host on our site the St Paul’s Pre-school, a community-based charity that provides children with a wonderful, homely environment in which to play and learn. Its aim is to enhance the development and education of children from two years and six months to school age. For more details see their website, contact Silvia Brown 9 am–12.15 pm on 07879 645600 or email admissions@stpaulspreschoolwinchester.co.uk

We continue to enjoy strong relationships with Western Church of England Primary School, our linked school situated in the heart of Fulflood. Every year group from Years 1 to 6 has an opportunity to visit either St Matthew’s or St Paul’s annually and many children take part in our activities and events. Our clergy regularly lead school assemblies, and we have three Foundation Governors on the school’s Governing Body – Revd Dr Jonathan Rowe, Vicki Tibbitts and Julie Tilney.

We have a good relationship with The Westgate School, an all-through comprehensive in the parish. Our clergy take assemblies there.

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