Back in May, St John’s church in Halesowen which is one of our Renewal projects, launched a post GCSE exam chill-out space for year 11s nicknamed 'Donut Club' which was really popular. They're now building on that success by offering a Bibles and Brunch session to the same group.
As we continue on our seven-year journey of transformation to ensure our churches are growing healthier and more sustainable, real progress is being made in our Transformation programme priority areas. Churches across the Diocese are starting to see the green shoots of growth.
Many of the members of our diocesan network of paid Children, Families and Youth workers have plans to engage families this summer through holiday clubs and other activities.
Over 600 children from 19 local primary schools plus 100 volunteers joined forces at Malvern Priory during the week of Lifepath to celebrate the lives of the Benedictine monks who founded the church almost 1000 years ago.
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11 children from the Church of the Ascension CE Primary School in Wall Heath, Dudley have achieved the Archbishops’ Young Leaders Award. The children were presented with their certificates by Bishop Martin at a special collective worship in school.
On Tuesday, Sian Morgan, Children, Youth and Families Minister in Kingswinford and Wall Heath, went to represent the Diocese at an afternoon tea at Lambeth Palace.
‘Sparkle Tots’ is church for pre-schoolers and their parents or carers. It takes place at St Nicholas Church in Droitwich on Mondays during term time.
St Laurence Church in Alvechurch, just outside Redditch, has a group of young people who attend church with their families. The Ministry team has been working with the group to explore ways of helping them feel that it’s their church too, involving them with different ministries.
Nathan Shipton started a new role as Youth Pastor for the Malvern Chase team in April 2024 bringing with him a fresh vision and passion for engaging with 11–18 year olds that has already made a difference across the churches’ communities.
St James Church in Hartlebury village near Kidderminster has launched a new monthly energetic church service called ‘Jamie’s’ for children and families featuring ISingPOP’s catchy worship songs and dance routines. It takes place on the second Sunday of the month in the church at 4pm.
St John’s church in Halesowen is looking at ways they can build stronger links with and better serve their local community. This week they have launched a post exam calm space for year 11s about to embark on their GCSEs.
Heather Murphy has recently been appointed as Children, Youth and families Minister for three churches in Worcester that already work closely together.
The Lightbox team braved the rain on Good Friday to offer activities as well as free food and drink to young people in Worcester City Centre.
Instead of the children from St Anne’s CE Primary School coming to church for an Easter service, a team from Bewdley Parish took Easter to school!
St John’s Greenlands in Redditch has a thriving New Worshipping Community for families and children called ‘Activity Church’ which runs at the same time as their traditional Sunday morning service, in the adjacent church hall.
The churches of St Stephen, St George and Claines in Worcester came together on Mothering Sunday for their first joint service, which also included the commissioning of their new Children, Youth and Families’ Minister, Heather Murphy.
Bishop Martin recently visited Netherton CE Primary to see their provision for children with additional needs and disabilities and understand the lack of funding in this area, particularly for schools in Dudley Borough.
Matt Cook is the Children and Youth worker for Harvington Youth Project and has been in post seven months. St James the Great is part of the ARCH benefice and has a small congregation on Sundays, however they work together with the Baptist church as the steering group for Harvington’s thriving youth project.
Animato Children's choir is based at Leigh Church and started as part of the parish's work with the Calling Young Disciples programme. Recently, members of Animato Children’s Choir made their leaders and supporting family members incredibly proud when they took part in the Worcester Competitive Arts Festival at the Royal Grammar School.
As more children, youth and families’ workers have been recruited in the diocese over the last few years, the diocesan Programme Lead for Children and Young People, Simon Hill, has created a Children, Youth and Families Ministry Network for paid workers.
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8th August 2025