At Christ Church Umhlanga we consider children an important and valued part of our church family. Children of all ages and races are welcomed and loved.

We take our children’s safety very seriously. We are currently implementing a child-protection policy. Our leaders have to be passed by the church council, are checked through personal references and undergo regular training. 

On Sundays we provide an excellent Sunday school committed to teaching the Bible unashamedly to children at their level of understanding. We also provide other teaching opportunities throughout the week where children can learn more. Our aim is to grow children in their understanding of Jesus and to help them to live with Him centrally in their lives.  

SUNDAY:

Christ Church Babies:

Mothers who are still feeding are encouraged to use our ‘cry room’. This is a room provides mothers with a comfortable and private place in which to feed their babies, whilst at the same time not being cut off from the rest of the congregation. A glass wall allows visual contact to be maintained and speakers allow mothers to hear the sermon.

Christ Church Crèche:

Crèche is available for children aged two years and under. The crèche is equipped with many toys to keep little ones occupied, and a nappy changing area for parents’ use. The children attending crèche are in the main service for the first 15 minutes and then leave for their programme at the same time as the Sunday school children.

Christ Church Kids:

Christ Church Kids takes place while the sermon is preached. Children spend the first 15 minutes in church. This is to help the children feel part of the larger church family. We also want our children to be included in the confession prayer time as we feel it is good for them to hear their mums and dads also having to say sorry to God. The children then leave to go to their own programme across in the Sunday school wing.

Lessons each week consist of teaching from the Bible with age-appropriate singing, games, art and crafts, drama, quizzes and other activities! We seek to teach children the Bible in a relaxed, comfortable, safe and fun environment. We want to introduce children to Jesus in a way that is relevant to their lives and experiences. 

Teaching is done within age groups. Our age groups are split for Sunday school as follows: 3 & 4 year olds, Reception to Grade 2, Grade 3 & 4 and Grade 5-7.

Children are encouraged to take home an activity each week. This gives parents an idea of what their children have learnt. It may also foster discussion between parents and children on the week’s teaching. 

WEEKLY:

TUESDAY:

Christ Church Mums & Tots:

On Tuesdays a group of ladies (non-mums are very welcome although the name of the group suggests otherwise!) meet to study the Bible. We feel that mothers are in great need of time to study the bible without interruptions and distraction from their children. With this in mind we aim to provide as much of a ‘child-free’ learning time as possible. The children are looked after by a very capable team of child workers and are themselves taught the Bible each week followed by singing, crafts and other activities. 

FRIDAY:

Christ Church Kids’ Clubs:

On Friday afternoons during school term time we run a children’s club from 16h30-18h00. Children have a wonderful time meeting their friends, playing fun games, doing crafts, and most importantly learning from God’s Word. 

We have two clubs in order to cater for children of different ages and abilities. These are:

KFC – Kids for Christ –for Grade 4-7 children.

Kids’ Zone – for Grade 1-3 children.

YEARLY:

Christ Church Mid-year Holiday Bible Club:

Each year Christ Church Umhlanga runs a holiday club during the middle of the year holidays. We transform our church hall into another world and enact exciting dramas to captivate children’s sense of adventure and fun! In recent years themes have included: The Mystery of the King and Seaside Rock. 

Holiday club aims to teach the Bible in an accessible way to children in Reception up to Grade 7. It usually runs from 08h30-12h30 from the Tuesday until the Friday, with a special session on the Sunday. Early drop off for working parents is available. Children from our church family invite friends and other children from our local community to come along. It is loads of fun for leaders and children alike!

Our days consists of art, crafts, drama, jumping castle, outdoor games, singing with great actions and of course a short Bible talk.

Christ Church Christmas Bible Club:

During the Christmas holidays we aim to provide a three-day holiday club full of fun and activities. As with our mid-year club it is eagerly anticipated by our children and a fabulous time is had by all. Games, cooking, singing, arts and crafts, sports, jumping castle and much more is on offer. We also have a short Bible talk related to Christmas each day.

Christ Church Pumpkin Party:

As a church we do not want to celebrate Halloween and all it stands for so we provide an alternative by hosting a Pumpkin Party. The children dress up and play lots of games. Pumpkin fritters, boerewors rolls and other goodies are on sale. A short Bible talk explaining how Jesus is the light of the world takes place half way through the evening.