Five benefices working together for faith and the future
Children and Families
There are several children and family-focused initiatives across the deanery, including Kingsmere Community Ministry's Stay and Play and Akeman's Rise and Shine. Churches across the deanery are committed to supporting families and creating welcoming spaces where children can grow, play and encounter God.
One of the most significant ecumenical initiatives is Lighthouse Bicester, a non-residential week-long holiday club run by volunteers from local churches working together. Held annually at St Edburg's CE Lower School, Lighthouse offers children aged 5–11 a fun-filled week of teaching, sport, craft, drama and music, with a desire to help children from all backgrounds and abilities encounter God. Often described as "the best week of the summer holidays", Lighthouse is entirely volunteer-led, with young people aged 12 and over and adults serving in a variety of roles. Through this collaborative ministry, churches across Bicester demonstrate their shared commitment to serving children and families within the wider community.
For more information about Lighthouse Bicester, volunteering opportunities or ways to support the ministry, please visit the Lighthouse Bicester website.
https://www.lighthousecentral.org/our-lighthouses/lighthouse-bicester
Kingsmere Community Ministry Stay and Play
When: Every Friday during term time
Time: 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Where: Kingsmere Community Centre
Cost: £1.50 per child
Kingsmere Community Ministry Stay and Play is a wonderful children’s group suitable for ages from birth until school age. It runs every Friday during the school term from 9:30 am until 11:30 am. During these two hours, children are free to explore different play areas, including a craft table, books, cars, blocks, a toy kitchen, and dinosaurs. There is also an area for pre-walkers, which includes a variety of sensory toys. Children are offered a snack, and parents can enjoy hot drinks and biscuits. The session concludes with singing nursery rhymes accompanied by toy musical instruments. This session is run by a group of friendly volunteers who make everyone feel welcome. The cost is £1.50 per child. For more information check Facebook page.
Rise & Shine
Rise & Shine is a free, friendly group for families with young children (and anyone of any age!) held every Wednesday during school term time at St Mary's Church, Kirtlington.
From 9.15 am, children can enjoy crafts, toys and themed activities, followed by healthy snacks, drinks and cake. We finish with songs and a short Bible story in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Everyone is welcome, whether you're a regular churchgoer or simply looking for a fun morning out.
An adult must accompany children.
Session timetable
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9.15 am – Welcome, sign-in, crafts and play
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10.00 am – Snacks, drinks and cake
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10.45 am – Songs and a short Bible story
Rise & Shine is free to attend. A suggested donation of £2 per person helps cover food and resources, but this is entirely optional.
To join the mailing list or find out when sessions are running, email Joanna Clifford at joannaclifford.akeman@gmail.com
Children Ministry at Emmanuel Church Bicester
At Emmanuel Church, children and young people are at the heart of our church family. We love seeing them grow in confidence, build friendships and discover more about God's love in a fun, safe and welcoming environment. On the first, third and fourth Sundays of each month, children aged 3–10 can join our Sunday Club, where they enjoy age-appropriate Bible teaching, games, crafts, worship and prayer with our experienced, DBS-checked team. We also regularly hold all-age services, where everyone—from our youngest children to our oldest members—worships together as one church family. We believe these services are valuable not only for children but for people of every generation, as they help us learn from one another and grow together in faith.
Children's Church
St Edburg's church, Bicesteer
St Edburg's church, Bicesteer runs Children's Church on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month in term time from 10.30 am in the church hall, finishing in the church.
Bicester Lighthouse
Holiday Club
10th - 14th August on Kingsmere, Bicester.
We have 80 children, which is a massive
increase from last year.
Prayers for a safe and successful week would be appreciated.