Children

OBF caters for children from ages 3-14 using Scripture Union teaching materials. Older teens are encouraged to be active members of the congregation, with opportunities to help in many roles, including music and children's work. At the start of every service there is a special slot devoted to the children before they go out to their classes. There are regular family services involving all the age groups, and at some of these the children put on performances of songs or drama. From time to time there are special events such as the summer Holiday Club, Halloween (not) and New Year parties, with chances to join the wider church family at Spring Harvest or Hill End residential camp.

A typical Sunday School session:

• welcome, birthdays & news
• games to let off steam
• refreshments
• teaching & craft time

Growing in the Faith: When they reach their 7th birthday, regular attenders receive their own Bible as a gift and are encouraged to become familiar with it. If children become Christians, it is hugely celebrated, and when their parents think they are ready, they can approach the Church leadership to see if it is appropriate that the child can take communion, and even be baptised. People can take communion without being baptised as long as they are living out their faith and showing the Fruit of the Spirit in their lives. Principles followed are as laid out in the Letters of Paul. There is no formal ceremony to indicate readiness.

Child protection: All leaders are CRB checked and follow the Baptist Union Safe to Grow policy. In the event abuse is suspected, or a child needs to speak to an impartial adult in complete confidence, our appointed Child Advocates are Lesley Taylor (tel: 01869-277194) and Ann Franklin (01869-369104). At least one of them is present in chuch on Sundays.

 See the Members section for rotas and programme.