Sunday School

The Sunday School meets every week with the exception of when we have a Family Service, where the children join the adults in church. The children take an active part in the family service e.g. prayers, singing etc.

The Sunday School begins at 9.30am in the Conference Room with an act of worship. This involves a story from the bible, prayers, singing, celebrating children's achievements e.g. birthdays etc. We spend time talking about things that are happening in church and why we do the things we do. We also play interactive game e.g. matching the names of the different parts of the church to photographs of different areas and artefacts.

The children then divide into different groups according to their age - pre school, infant school, beyond infant school. The children work on an activity of the same theme which has been discussed in the main act of worship. Each activity is differentiated according to the age of the children.

The children then join into the morning service (during the distribution of communion) and process to the altar rail (led by the Sunday School Banner) for a blessing. After the communion, the children explain to the Rector/Congregation what they have been doing in Sunday School and then they contribute to the service either by singing a song or reading prayers.

The children follow a programme of learning different stories from the bible as well as parables/miracles etc. sometimes the activities are linked to appropriate times in the church calendar e.g. Christmas, Easter, Pentecost etc.

The children enjoy special activity days during the school holidays where they meet for a "crafty workshop" on different themes.

The children are actively involved in church life. They have coffee mornings to raise funds for charity/singing in the community at Christmas/join in church fates / have an annual trip in the summer / Christmas nativity play during the Christingle service / Christmas party etc.

The Sunday School teachers meet on a regular basis with the Rector to discuss and plan the Sunday School programme of activities.

We would like to extend a warm welcome to children of any age who wish to attend.

Some examples of work completed by Sunday School.

Youth Group

The St. Michaels Youth Group was established in 2007 to enable children who have been confirmed to keep contact with the church and the friends they have made through the church and Sunday School.

There are currently 15 members attending the meetings on a monthly basis, at which numerous activities are done. From playing on the pool table, to making pizzas and going out to the Caspian Restaurant and bowling for its Christmas / December meeting.

Members are also beginning to attend the NJOY Service at Christ Church Cockermouth, where Youth Groups from the West Coast of the County meet up regularly.

Youth Group preparing for their Joyful Noise Service in July 2009.