YOUTH LEAD & SCHOOLS CHAPLAIN

Laverne Williams is our full-time Youth Lead and Schools Chaplain. She currently supports across several school in the Parish and on occasion, is a visiting member of staff at schools across Oxfordshire. 

If you would like further information on Children and Youth activities, both in and out of church, please email Laverne - Laverne@witneyparish.org.uk

YOUTH TEAM

Meet some of the Youth Team!

Laverne Williams - Youth Lead & Schools Chaplain - laverne@witneyparish.org.uk

Rebecca Coatsworth - Youth Lead (YD) - rebecca@witneyparish.org.uk

James Elward - Youth Team - james@witneyparish.org.uk 

SCHOOLS

We are passionate about our relationship with and ministry to the primary and secondary schools across Witney and the surrounding villages.  We are enjoying being able to be back in schools to offer Collective Worship.  

During COVID we offered weekly online Collective Worship videos for primary schools, which can still be watched via our YouTube channel: YouTube Channel. Our newest contributions are listed first.

HENRY BOX 

Henry Box Christian Union

Pupils at Henry box meet once a week where they share much about their faith journey, build friendships and a favourite for most...eat snacks! This is a safe space that is open to anyone wishing to attend. You do not need to have faith, but be up for making some great friends for life.

The group is often led by the pupils who bring the devotion, lesson or thought for the day and the games. Its a great time.

Cherish - An amazing programme for young ladies based on the book of Esther.

"We have been very lucky to have Laverne Williams, the Schools Chaplain working with us at Henry Box. This term she has run a project called Cherish. Cherish is a six-week course inspired by conversations around the manicure table. Over the six weeks some of our students learnt manicure techniques whilst discussing life issues including low self-esteem, self-harming and eating disorders. We would like to say a huge thank you to Laverne and Erika for running the course with our students. They have loved it"
Mrs Claire Wells School Leader: Social Science Faculty

 

WITNEY FEAST

At St Mary's, we host Witney Feast every year. 

The Witney Feast, a yearly colourful and noisy event, was another holiday in the blanket workers' calendar; it first came about in 1243 when King Henry III gave two deer to the Rector of Witney to celebrate the re-dedication of the church.

It is also hosts the fair with some of the highest rides around!

As part of the feast; we host schools from around the area to take part in activities in the church. Each year holding a different theme.

YOUNG DISCIPLES

Our youth group for secondary school students is known as the Young Disciples. We meet every Sunday (excluding school holidays) where we share in the Word, have great fun and of course ...food!

Some of the activities include, the infamous 9-Square, 'Grill-a-Christian, Bring and Share (this is normally a barbeque - yum!) but most importantly, we journey alongside young people as they navigate their faith.

If you are interested in joining the Young Disciples, please get in touch with rebecca@witneyparish.org.uk or laverne@witneyparish.org.uk

CHILDREN & YOUTH IN CHURCH

JELLY TOTS CHURCH

St Mary's mini church for our tots. Ages 0 - 4 years old. A fun time of singing, dancing, arts and crafts and more. Jelly Tots Church starts at 10.45 a.m. All are welcome.

JUNIOR CHURCH

St Mary's Junior Church are for children aged 5 to 11 years old. Junior Church starts at 10:45 a.m.  All are welcome 

HOLY TRINITY - MESSY MASS

Holy Trinity hosts Messy Mass six times per year.  These are interactive services aimed at families and children. The next two dates are 21st November and 9th January at 10.45am.

St Mary's, Holy Trinity and Hailey churches all have books and toys available during Sunday services.

MESSY CHURCH - WINDRUSH 

Messy Church is held once a month at Windrush Primary School on a Sunday morning at 10:30. All are welcome. Please contact Jacky Bone for more details jacky@witneyparish.org.uk

OUTREACH

UKRAINE COMMUNITY 

Summer Scheme. St Mary's hosted a summer scheme with youth from the Ukraine community. An amazing time of Bike riding, Trampoline Zone, a well deserved visit to the Ice-cream parlour. All in all, a great two weeks

WFOFAD - Witney Festival of Food & Drink 

CHILDREN'S TENT

Every year, the Benefice hosts the Witney Festival of Food & Drink, where the day is spent, sampling a variety of food and drink. On the day, the youth team carry food and drink related activities. Very messy and very fun!

CHILDREN'S TENT 2023

This year was even more fun and just as messy! The best part, we all agreed, was the EATING!

  

          

 

         

 

 

 

Below are also some websites where you can find resources for exploring faith with children at home. Be sure to let us know what you are getting up to!

• BeSpace is an Oxfordshire Christian charity that seek to provide spaces of prayer and reflection to schools. They have moved their Prayer Spaces online, which you can find here.
• Roots is a Christian company with worship and learning resources for the whole church. They are offering free Worship at Home resources for school-aged children here.