Children and families are flocking to a Bridlington church thanks to a new initiative in Sunday morning worship.
Emmanuel Church on Cardigan Road has created a ‘Godly Play’ room, giving children aged 3 to 12 the chance to explore the bible story for themselves through engaging story-telling and sensory activities.
On Sunday 5th December, the Bishop of Hull, the Rt Revd Alison White, opened and blessed the new space at a special service at the church. Rich Townend, Assistant Curate at Emmanuel, introduced the idea of Godly Play and says he's thrilled by how it has taken off.
“Godly Play puts children and their spirituality at the heart of the life of the church. It has brought so much joy to our Sunday mornings to see Emmanuel emerge from the pandemic with new children and families regularly joining with us to worship. There are so many headlines about church attendance in decline. It’s exciting to be part of something that paints a different picture.”
“We have so many people to be grateful for. It takes time and effort to get something like this off the ground, and we are thankful to all of the people who have donated money to purchase the resources, or been crafty and made things for the room.
“We are especially grateful to the Archbishop’s Mission Fund, the Diocese of York Children and Youth team, and all at Holy Trinity Church, North Ormesby for funding and support.
“And most of all, we are grateful to our superb team of volunteers, without whom no children’s work could take place.
“It is an exciting time at Emmanuel Church.”
In the same service, Bishop Alison baptised and confirmed nine people into the Christian family.