YSP - Young St. Peters

We believe that children are equally members of God's family and that they are capable of having a relationship with God. It is our responsibility as members of Christ's Church to support and nurture this relationship. (YSP Mission Statement)

St. Peters, Church, Tewin recognises the need to support young people in their Christian faith and over the past three years has created opportunities to work with children and young people. A policy on Child Protection governs all activities with young people and is closely monitored.

Initially we started by running ‘Workshops’ outside school-term time, working on themes such as Christmas, Easter, Celebrating Fathers and Making Music. These Workshops cater for children of Nursery to Primary School age. A busy time is had by all with glue, glitter paint, paper etc! The time is usually drawn to a close with a short period for songs/hymns and prayers. These workshops are open to all children in the Parish and between 20-50 attend from the village, the church and the church school.

Following the success of the Workshops, last September we started YSP Sunday school, held on the first Sunday of the month open to 5–12yrs. Younger children accompanied by a parent also attend. We have 12–17 children attending most months, which is very encouraging if not a little cramped in the vestry! The Sunday school is run by a group of parent leaders and supporters. The sessions follow a recognised scheme, which is structured to run alongside the reading for the Sunday Service. As a response to current demand we are looking toward increasing the number of Sundays each month when we hold Sunday school in the not too distant future.

Older children at St. Peters who have grown beyond the Workshops activities have been brought together through confirmation classes. Early this year 16 teenagers were taken for an evening Tenpin Bowling at Stevenage followed by a pizza feast – an event enjoyed by all. These young people attend many different schools and by offering events such as this in the future we hope to maintain their group identity. Some within this group ring the church bells, serve during services and help in Sunday school and at Workshops.

This year YSP organised a grand Shrove Tuesday Party with 79 children under 12yrs gathering at Tewin Cowper School. They played games, had tea and of course ate pancakes - great fun was had by all! We were pleased to be able to host events where the aim is pure enjoyment.

To bring the wider family of the church together we have held barbecues in the churchyard on sunny summer afternoons which have been supported by 50+ of all age groups gathering to cook their sausages and sharing the salads. The children appreciate the space they have for playing games, badminton etc. while the parents can sit and relax in good company.

Our aim is that children always feel welcome at St. Peters Church whether they come to the Workshops, Family Services, Sunday School, Summer Barbecue or Pancake Party and that they are part of the community of YSP.

YSP has strong links with the local school and the Brownie and Rainbow packs in the village. The children of YSP regularly contribute to the family service held on the third Sunday of the month, either by showing what they have been doing in Sunday School or participating in the readings and prayers.

If you have any queries, require further information or have children who would like to be involved please contact:-

Revd.Coralie McCluskey team.vicar@welwyn.org.uk

Dates of future events are on display in the church and are detailed each month in the Parish News.