08/10/2026
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June Mosse, our long-suffering Little Sheep Leader, has issued some guidance on bringing children to church. The children are very welcome; it’s the adults who may need a little help with their behaviour.
THE FOLLOWING PICTURE DESCRIPTION IS INTENDED FOR THE BENEFIT OF BLIND OR PARTIALLY-SIGHTED READERS, but others may find it easier to read than the text of the notice on a phone screen...
PD: A portrait-format poster in the style of an old-fashioned parish notice, with black lettering on warm cream paper, a fine ornamental border and a detailed pencil-style illustration.
The large heading reads: “June Mosse’s Guide to Bringing Children to Church.”
At the top right, June sits at a cluttered craft table between two cheerful children. She has tousled, shoulder-length fair hair, with a square Post-it note stuck to one side. Wearing a denim jacket and a lanyard, she looks towards the viewer with an affectionate, slightly weary smile, holding a cuddly sheep. A boy looks up at her enthusiastically, while a girl holds up a cotton-wool sheep picture. The table is scattered with crayons, scissors, glue sticks, paper scraps, cotton wool and sheep crafts. A single child’s shoe sits among the mess. Bunting and children’s artwork decorate the background.
Beneath the heading, the introduction reads:
“Issued by June Mosse, Little Sheep Leader, who has heard it all. Usually during the quiet bit.
Children are welcome at St Faithful’s. This includes children who wriggle, ask questions and have yet to develop an interest in the Faculty Jurisdiction Measure.
A few gentle reminders:”
Thirteen numbered points follow in two columns, separated by a thin decorative line. Points 1–7 are on the left and points 8–13 on the right. The complete text reads:
1. Children are part of the church TODAY.
Please stop describing them solely as “the church of tomorrow”. They are here now, and one of them needs the loo.
2. Their needs matter as much as yours.
Children have as much right to the clergy’s time, care and attention as any adult. If the Vicar is listening to a child, he is doing his job. Please wait your turn.
3. Noise is not evidence of parental failure.
Small children make sounds. So do hearing aids, knees and people who believe they are whispering during the Voluntary.
4. Questions are welcome.
“Why is he wearing that?” is a reasonable enquiry. “Why is he still talking?” is best saved until we are outside, when you may discover that several adults were wondering the same thing.
5. Sitting near the front may help.
Children can see what is happening. From behind fourteen adults, worship consists largely of coats and grey hair.
6. Parents may need practical help.
A welcoming smile is useful. Holding a bag while someone retrieves a shoe is better. “Mine never behaved like that” is neither useful nor, in several cases, true.
7. Clergy should expect to be interrupted.
A child announcing that their hamster has died may need a moment of pastoral care. The notices about guttering will keep.
8. Moving about is sometimes necessary.
You may step outside and come back. You have not been disqualified. If your child falls asleep, enjoy the peace; several adults have already set a precedent during the sermon.
9. Please ask before offering children food.
Parents know about allergies, dietary needs and what happens when certain children have sugar shortly before a car journey.
10. NEVER give a child a chocolate biscuit from Margaret’s refreshment counter.
Unless you are prepared, personally, to remove chocolate from hassocks, radiators, skirting boards and other low-lying furniture throughout the church. “But they looked so pleased” will not release you from cleaning duties. Neither will leaving quickly.
11. Notice what children contribute.
Their prayers, questions, kindness and enthusiasm belong in our shared worship. Occasionally, they also point out something the rest of us have spent forty years carefully avoiding.
12. All shapes and sizes.
Autistic children and those with other additional needs belong here too. Please ask families what helps, and respect the answer. A need for familiar routines should be readily understood in a congregation where moving the notices before the final hymn required three PCC meetings.
13. Always welcome them.
If a family has managed to get everyone dressed, fed and through the church door, please greet them warmly. If they are late and looking frazzled, greet them even more warmly.
At the bottom, the notice is signed “June Mosse”, followed by: “Little Sheep Leader. Still looking for the other shoe.”
The footer reads: “St Faithful’s, Havnot · stfaithfuls.com”.
