St. Mary's Church, Grassendale, Liverpool L19 0NE

St Mary’s Tots Team began when Rev Michael Greenwood was incumbent and a focus on welcoming parent/carers with young children became a priority. Over the last 10 years St Mary’s has invited and welcomed all ages and made a fellowship area at the back of church which especially welcomes the very young. A team of 16 now rota a welcome which focuses on young children and resources for their needs as they absorb the whole atmosphere of worship during the service at 11 am. St Mary’s is a ‘Child Friendly Church’ Awarded church which takes provision of the children & young people seriously.

On 20th September Rt Rev James Jones, Bishop of Liverpool, preached at St Mary’s Praise Service and commissioned children’s leaders in a service which declared St Mary’s as a Children’s Resource Church for the Diocese of Liverpool. Linda Jones, Team Leader of the Church Growth & Ecumenism Team, described to the congregation, of all ages, what a Resource Church is. Children’s and youth leaders, past and present, were presented with long service certificates by the Bishop of Liverpool in recognition of their ministry at St Mary’s and for God. Bishop James invited every child to come forward for a special blessing and over 100 children were blessed by him during a very special time in this all-age service. St Mary’s has a story to share and would like to encourage other parishes by sharing their story so far.

The September 2009 edition of the Magazine is now available for download (PDF).