Children and Families Worker

Summary:

 An exciting new role, to help develop our growing work with children and families.

 Background:

St. Alban’s serves the community of Beacon Hill and Hindhead. We have a mixed congregation but could be described as open-evangelical. Our mission statement is: ‘Welcoming Everyone, Following Jesus, Sharing Life’. We are part of a joint benefice, with St. John’s in Churt.

We believe that children are not just the church of tomorrow, but part of the church of today. Therefore, we have always worked with children and their families. We offer Junior Church every Sunday, as well as an All-Age service once a month. We run ‘Lego Church’ and have enjoyed ‘Messy Church’. We hold a popular summer Holiday Club and other activities have included Light Parties and Pet Services. At Christmas, our Gift Bank touched the lives of many local children. We have a busy baby and toddler group every week. We enjoy strong links with the local primary school and have run assemblies and sp

We are blessed with a team of hard working and experienced volunteers. The number of children varies, and on Sundays this ranges from 6 to 20. We also have a youth group for our older children and young teenagers. Through our various ministries and engagement with the community, we connect with many children and adults. Events such as Christingle and our drive-in ‘Car-ol Service’ have attracted hundreds of visitors.    

St. Alban’s is in SW Surrey, 13 miles south of Guildford, and near both Haslemere and Farnham. We are less than an hour from London and the coast, and from both Heathrow and Gatwick. We are set in beautiful countryside, including the popular Devil’s Punchbowl. The area attracts many families, particularly those moving from London. There is a strong sense of community, and the church is very much a part of village life.

Role:

This could be full time or part time. The main responsibilities are to work with a team of volunteers to develop our growing work with children and families. To draw, develop and disciple a new generation in the Christian faith.

 Key tasks:

Oversee and work with the team of volunteers to provide a programme of Bible based teaching and discipleship for children on Sundays.

Help develop the midweek Baby and Toddler Group, with the aim of integrating families more fully into the life of the Church.

Further develop the alternative afternoon service aimed at families who do not attend on Sunday mornings.  

Continue to build and develop relationships with local schools.

Develop links with baptism families and with children who have attended Holiday Clubs and other events.

Work with leaders to identify skills and talents, and nurture and develop these to grow teams of volunteers.

Commitment to the wider life of the Church so to build relationships with all.

Comply with relevant Safeguarding, and other policies, including ensuring compliance by other leaders.

Meet regularly with the volunteers for planning, learning and support.

Think strategically, initiate projects, and work with others to set achievable objectives.

Undertake other duties as may reasonably be required.

 What we are looking for:

It is a genuine occupational requirement that the post-holder should be a committed Christian.  

Current, active membership of a church.

Knowledge and commitment to safeguarding and promoting the safety of all.

Good communication and people skills, appropriate for connecting with children and families, interacting with the church family and reaching the community.

Able to speak with sincerity and confidence about the Christian faith.

Confidence to teach in an upfront setting.

Willingness to engage in training, and professional and spiritual development.

Able to motivate self and others and to manage use of time.

Willing to reflect and be open to constructive criticism and to learn from others.

Satisfactory Enhanced DBS disclosure.

What we can offer:

A full or part time paid role.

Existing ministries to develop, and new opportunities to explore.

An active leadership team, of which you will be a full member.

A church committed to praying and supporting this ministry.

£23-27k pro rata, depending on experience.

An active church in a desirable setting.

Regular training in Children and Families ministry provided by Guildford Diocese.

A church family, connected to the community, and to various networks, including New Wine.

Housing or support with accommodation may be available.

Further Information:

Please contact us for more details, an informal conversation, or an application form.

Revd Richard Bodle: 01428 605305 / vicar@stalbanshindhead.org.uk

 Application deadline: 15^th March 2024