Children and Young People at St. James'

St. James has something for children and young people of all ages, from the very youngest to those leaving school and beyond.

• Jim's Pilgrims is our Sunday morning group for youngsters aged 3 and over.
• Vestry group meets every fortnight on Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m.
• Little Jims for parents and tiny ones meets in St. James' Church Hall on Fridays at 9:30 a.m. during school term time

'Little Jims'

Little Jims is a lively and friendly group supported by St. James' Church. Babies, toddlers and pre-school children with their parents, carers and grandparents are welcome. Little Jims meets in St. James' Church Hall each Friday morning from 9.30am to 11.30am. On the third Friday of each month the session starts with a short service in Church. This provides an excellent opportunity for our little ones to experience worship. Links with the Church are strengthened the group's involvement in the summer Fête and Patronal Festival and the Christmas Bazaar. The Little Jims' Nativity is a very special, and moving, highlight of the year.

Jim’s Pilgrims is our Sunday morning group for youngsters aged 3 and over.

This is our logo : the cross represents God's great love for us all; the arrow pointing forwards symbolizes our journey as pilgrims in the Christian faith; Jamie, the church mouse, reminds as that we are wholeheartedly ‘for Jesus' and want to stay close to him – just like the disciple James who was one of Jesus' best friends.

Our weekly meetings include games, stories, cooking, drama, craft activities, music and lots more. We go outside to our beautiful churchyard when the weather permits. We enjoy a variety of other activities during the year such as barbeques, parties, and a wonderful two or three day Easter workshop held at St. James' school which is attended by many children from all over the village.

Do come and join us whenever you can – you will always find a warm welcome!

Vestry Group is for youngsters aged school year 5 and above. 

We meet on a Sunday evening fortnightly for games, food and fellowship. We always conclude with a time of prayer.

Our adventures have included writing, publishing and distributing to the whole village a magazine – ‘The Great Escape’ - relating the story of the Exodus to the Easter story. We enjoyed a Passover style meal together, a sleepover and several outings. We have also made a video that brought home to Alderholt (via its own temporary TV company…) the mystery of the birth of Christ..

 There is the opportunity for members of this group to prepare for confirmation each year.

New members are always welcome!

A Prayer for the Children of Alderholt

O LORD GOD, Father of us all, Who knows everything about the children and their parents in Alderholt - we come before you now to ask for your special blessing on every child here -babe, toddler, teenager, those travelling to other schools, and those at St. James' and the pre-school, and their families.

You know how vulnerable we all are. You know the power of evil to corrupt minds and hearts and souls. You know the danger -as well as the benefits -brought by modern media, the internet and games. You know too the pressures on family life and all the effects of family breakdown.

And so we pray now for your special protection from all harmful influences, whether in our/their homes or in and around our schools, that your love, wisdom and goodness may prevail here in Alderholt, and that our children may grow up to love you in return and do your will.

Finally, good Lord, we ask your guidance for us, that we may know how to listen, and how to convey your love, your encouragement, your challenge and your inspiration to the young people in our village.

All this we ask through the name of your own beloved Son Jesus Christ. Amen.