St James Church in Hartlebury village near Kidderminster has launched a new monthly energetic church service called ‘Jamie’s’ for children and families featuring ISingPOP’s catchy worship songs and dance routines. It takes place on the second Sunday of the month in the church at 4pm.
Churchwarden Carolyn Gumbley who is also Chair of Governors at Hartlebury CE Primary school said:
“Following ISingPOP’s time teaching their songs and dance routines to our pupils in school, there were two main event concerts held at our church for Key stage 1 and 2, where the children performed the songs to the parents. It was so wonderful to see absolutely all the students getting so into it.”
Rector of Worcestershire Seven Parishes Tim Williams added:
“We don’t usually have children attend our main services so it was important to us to find a way of using the goodwill and excitement generated from the ISingPop main events to develop regular contact with the children and their parents. This monthly service on a Sunday afternoon enables us to do that and continue to help these families grow in faith.”
One of the parents, Alex Jolly, shared how much her daughter Erica in year 4 has been looking forward to this service. She said:
“Erica loved the main event with ISingPOP and enjoys arts, crafts and anything with singing, so we’re really pleased this will be a monthly service. Erica’s really excited about it.”
Another parent Claire Cartwright, mum to Oscar in year 3 said:
“We loved the concert, and everyone’s still singing the songs, they’ve proved really popular. Oscar loves music and singing and there’s not much to do in the village for free that brings everyone together. We definitely plan to be here every month.”
St James is part of our one-year pilot project with ISingPOP which aims to use the songs and other resources to help churches develop New Worshipping Communities aimed specifically at families with Primary age children. Churches have been chosen for the pilot to maximise our learning as to how churches in different contexts can use ISingPOP to strengthen their relationship with the local school and help families begin a journey of faith.
The first ‘Jamie’s’ service was held on Palm Sunday on 13 April in the church and was attended by around 25 children plus their families who mainly came from Hartlebury CE primary school.
Tim Williams from St James and Kirsty Pierson from ISingPOP led the service together. It was jubilant and upbeat throughout with the children moving into the aisle or to the front of the church to jump around in time to the music.
Kirsty also taught everyone a new song called ‘Thank you’ and the service utilised ISingPOP’s ‘POP box’ which includes resources and suggestions for prayers, stories and quizzes. Crafts and refreshments were available both before and after, and the service also included a short film, an Easter egg hunt and a Question and Answer session.
Feeding back on the service afterwards Charlene Meason, mum of Evan in year 2, said:
“It was brilliant! It’s a great thing to do on a Sunday afternoon. We’ll definitely be back!”
Tim Williams added after the service:
“I’m really pleased with the turn-out today. It’s been wonderful to have so many children here in our church and such a joyful atmosphere. It’s been great to feel we are doing more for the families of the village too. Hopefully we’ll keep the momentum, and it will build!”
