A place of welcome in the early months of parenthood
Initiated as part of the Diocese of York’s Multiply project, which helps develop new worshipping communities among people in their 20s, 30s and 40s, Nurture supports new and expectant mums from the end of pregnancy until their babies are around a year old.
Tracy said: “We started thinking about this group about four years ago because, as a midwife in Thirsk, I noticed we hadn’t got the baby groups that were for newborn babies, the health visitor role had changed, and we just needed something for the mums to make friends, so coffee, chat, and to bring their babies and get to know each other.”
Churches working together to serve local families
The group was started by St Mary’s Church and is run in partnership with other churches in the market town. This shared approach helps keep Nurture free for all families in need.
The Revd Mary Rolls, Rector of Thirsk Parishes and Area Dean for Mowbray, said: “The idea for Nurture we feel was very much divinely inspired. We already had a pattern from a different Multiply new worshipping community of sharing the venue and hosting, and so it was an easy ask to invite our Methodist, Free Church and neighbouring parish, St Oswald’s, to host with us and share this ministry.”
Friendship, encouragement, and faith
Families stay in touch through Facebook and WhatsApp, where mums share questions, encouragement and practical help.
Mary said: “It acts as quite a community space as mums post concerns or queries into the hive mind, and share stuff that babies have grown out of or when Aldi or Lidl have baby offers. It also gives us a quick means of inviting to Christingle, Mothering Sunday services, Easter trails and anything that’s going on in the churches.”
The relationships formed through Nurture have continued beyond the group itself, with families connecting with wider church life and activities.
Mary said, “The connection with the churches is great. One of the churches started a Thursday morning tots group, recognising that this was an area and time they could serve. We have baptised lots of the babies, confirmed one of the mums, and married two sets of parents. It is such a win for us in creating a really natural relationship that continues as the children grow.”
As we mark Mothering Sunday, Nurture shows how Living Christ’s Story takes shape through practical, compassionate care for new mums and families. In giving mums “some more adult company” and a chance “to have a chat with someone and not just sit in the same four walls”, churches in Thirsk are building trusted relationships and offering a warm welcome at an important but vulnerable time in families’ lives.
