Little Explorers - time for you, your child, and God
Little Explorers is part of the Northstowe Church Network, offering breakfast, storytelling, singing, and multisensory worship for babies, pre-schoolers, and their parents or carersDuring School Term, we meet at 915am for breakfast, before starting our Circle Time by 9.45...
During the School Summer Holidays, we are joining with the rest of the Northstowe Church Network to share in breakfast at 10am on Sunday Mornings
Thursdays, 9.15am - 10.45am, Pathfinder Primary during TERM
We started with a small group of tiny babies, using the excellent Starting Rite resources. Now those tiny babies are proper Little Explorers, and into everything. So our group have evolved and changed to continue to support them and their families, as well as welcoming in new-borns.
Anyone caring for a pre-school child or baby is most welcome to come along, whether you have any previous experience of Christianity or not. We love to explore stories from the Bible - many of which have helped shape British culture well beyond the Church. We love Big Questions. We love honest conversation. And we really understand what it's like to be so tired that all you want is a hot cuppa while a friendly face holds your little one!
One of the special things that we've seen develop as we've enlarged the age range is how much the parent-parent support means. Whether that's top tips for weaning, or just an understanding look as you share what's on your heart.
Our Team are a mixture of Ministers and parents (with children from 0 to 18!), all DBS checked appropriately for the role. Read more about Safeguarding here....
This half term: Epiphany and John the Baptist
This half term is filled with themes of light and wonder. Later on, we'll explore Jesus' Baptism, and think about the ways that we've marked the birth of our children, as well as key points on our own journeys of faith
Half term Break Thursday 20th Feb (no gathering)
After Half Term: Journeying through Holy Week
“Time for you, your child, and God” with our familiar mix of breakfast, songs, storytelling, sensory play, craft, prayer, and big questions. Each week, we’ll focus in on the events of a different day in the week that led up to Jesus’s death and resurrection. Do consider the Tuesday evening group if you want to explore the events of Holy Week in more depth after bedtime too, or read along with “The Rest Is Worship” – a book grounded in real life experiences of living with young children and worshipping intergenerationally.
This half term is filled with themes of light and wonder. Later on, we'll explore Jesus' Baptism, and think about the ways that we've marked the birth of our children, as well as key points on our own journeys of faith
Half term Break Thursday 20th Feb (no gathering)
After Half Term: Journeying through Holy Week
“Time for you, your child, and God” with our familiar mix of breakfast, songs, storytelling, sensory play, craft, prayer, and big questions. Each week, we’ll focus in on the events of a different day in the week that led up to Jesus’s death and resurrection. Do consider the Tuesday evening group if you want to explore the events of Holy Week in more depth after bedtime too, or read along with “The Rest Is Worship” – a book grounded in real life experiences of living with young children and worshipping intergenerationally.
Thursday Morning Timings
9.15am
- As you arrive, make yourself at home, and start to explore the free-flow activities - we'll often use these during the storytelling later!
- When you are ready, help yourself (and your little one) to (second?) breakfast sitting in the breakfast area.
- Circle Time, featuring a mix of favourite nursery rhymes and songs that match the season. Our seasonal invitation to worship helps draw together the generations as we prepare to meet not just with each other, but with God. Then we share in an interactive story... and often some more singing
- Time to explore, with quieter and more active areas, designed to help children and their carers play and reflect together... and with each other. Feel free to sit and chat with a new friend, ask one of the helpers to play with your little one while you have a few minutes peace, or explore the room at the pace your Little Explorer sets
- Celebration. drawing together all we've done through more songs, conversation, and an interactive means of praying.
- Final Blessing, after which most people head off, while some people might choose to stay and help packdown, and join the Team praying.
How to find us - and find out more
You can get in touch with Revd Beth, or find out more from others who come. A great place to start is our a friendly WhatsApp group (ask Beth for the link) where we share updates, as well as informal chat about all aspects of life with small children.You might also want to sign up for the Northstowe Church Network eNews, or Little Explorer Special updates
Our Thursday Morning Term Time Location
The Wrap Around Care room
The Pathfinder CofE Primary School
Pathfinder Way
Northstowe
CB24 1AA
(parking just offsite around the roundabout at the end of Pathfinder Way)
The Wrap Around Care room
The Pathfinder CofE Primary School
Pathfinder Way
Northstowe
CB24 1AA
(parking just offsite around the roundabout at the end of Pathfinder Way)
Beyond our regular Thursday mornings...
Supporting your mental health
We are looking forward to a visit this term from Ellie, a local Peer Support Worker for the Perinatal Mental Health Team based in Cambridge The service was set up 6years ago as it was recognised by the NHS the importance of supporting maternal mental health challenges. They support women from conception up to baby’s first birthday (this will be extended to 24 months soon.) It is not at all unusual for carers to feel an overwhelming sense of isolation, especially when it seems like all around them others are enjoying pregnancy and motherhood. So we look forward to being part of a conversation, helping raise awareness of the service as well as the wonderful community at Little Explorers. Feel free to invite along friends who might be interested too!About our bibles...
Last term we hosted a visit from the Bible Society. They came to find out how we were using our Journalling Bibles - the Good News Family Edition.
Watch their video on their website (Scroll down!) here
Watch their video on their website (Scroll down!) here
Events with the rest of the Northstowe Chuch Network
“Walking Towards Easter” with the Northstowe Church Network
This Lent and Easter, you are welcome and invited to join in with Little Explorers, Pathfinder Church, and the Compline Community as we explore the events of Holy Week in the life of Jesus, and think about how we can live well today with a focus on resting in the presence of the God who knows and loves us both in our regular worshipping communities and additional midweek discussion groups, through a lent book, and at special events
This Lent and Easter, you are welcome and invited to join in with Little Explorers, Pathfinder Church, and the Compline Community as we explore the events of Holy Week in the life of Jesus, and think about how we can live well today with a focus on resting in the presence of the God who knows and loves us both in our regular worshipping communities and additional midweek discussion groups, through a lent book, and at special events
Every half term, we love to bring together the WHOLE community - Little Explorers, those from Pathfinder Church, and others too. We invite people from all religious and non religious background to simply spend time together. Often, we'll serve a seasonal treat - pancakes, hot cross buns - or scones and cakes.
For many, this is simply a time to "hang out" and be. The tables have board games and colouring. The baby and toddler area is set up. And news is shared on the rolling screen.
Around the room, there will also be various activity and reflection stations. Some of these might be Prayer Stations or Exploration Stations from the recent Sunday Gathering or Little Explorers series, or linked to an upcoming festival. Others will simply be for fun.
We set up a "side chapel" as a quiet place where anyone can pause and reflect. Sometimes, we offer a simple poetic spoken communion service as an option, while other activities continue.
Sometimes, our Afternoon Teas play host to special workshops. Recently, we welcome Northstowe Arts to help us create a lantern for the Light Up Northstowe Lantern Parade, Elaine Atkin has taught us poetry and short story skills and Michelle patiently taught us how to make bead angels. But, for the end and start of term session, the focus will be on relaxing and simply being together as a community..
For many, this is simply a time to "hang out" and be. The tables have board games and colouring. The baby and toddler area is set up. And news is shared on the rolling screen.
Around the room, there will also be various activity and reflection stations. Some of these might be Prayer Stations or Exploration Stations from the recent Sunday Gathering or Little Explorers series, or linked to an upcoming festival. Others will simply be for fun.
We set up a "side chapel" as a quiet place where anyone can pause and reflect. Sometimes, we offer a simple poetic spoken communion service as an option, while other activities continue.
Sometimes, our Afternoon Teas play host to special workshops. Recently, we welcome Northstowe Arts to help us create a lantern for the Light Up Northstowe Lantern Parade, Elaine Atkin has taught us poetry and short story skills and Michelle patiently taught us how to make bead angels. But, for the end and start of term session, the focus will be on relaxing and simply being together as a community..
More dates for your diary:
As well as our regular Thursday morning events, you are welcome and invited to be part of events across the whole Northstowe Church Network:
🌟 Key Dates for Your Calendar! 🌟
❌ NO NORTHSTOWE GATHERING on Sunday 23rd Feb (end of half term) ❌
📅 Pathfinder Vision Morning
Details are in the works—chat with Will if you’d like to get involved!
📅 Building Project Focused Church Meeting
📍 Thursday, 6th Feb – 7:30 PM, THE CABIN
A chance to catch up and focus on our exciting plans.
🥞 Pancake Party
📍 Sunday, 2nd March, Pathfinder Primary School
Bring your appetite and celebrate together—pancakes for everyone!
✝️Ash Wednesday Choral Eucharist with Ashing
📍Wednesday, 5th March, Pembroke College Chapel
We're travelling into town to enjoy the beauty of this traditional service led by the combined college choirs. 🎵
✨ Special Events During Holy Week ✨
See the Easter page for full details, but here’s a quick preview:
🌿 Palm Sunday – 13th April, 10am OUTSIDE
🍷 Maundy Thursday – 17th April, evening
✝️ Good Friday – 18th April, 10am, Pathfinder Primary
🌅 Easter Sunday – 20th April, dawn at the Lake, and 10am, Pathfinder Primary (around the campfire, weather permitting)
🔥 AGM & BBQ
📍 Sunday, 27th April (after the Northstowe Half Marathon)
A perfect combo of church family time and a tasty BBQ to wrap up the day.
❌ NO NORTHSTOWE GATHERING on Sunday 4th May (Early May Bank Holiday) ❌
Mark your calendars—we’d love to see you there! 💒✨
Mark your calendars—we’d love to see you there! 💒✨
last updated 18th Jan 2024
Medical and Emergency Contact Details
If you are coming along to Little Explorers, please complete one copy of our online Registration Form for each child. This is so we can plan sessions that will keep you and your child safe, and know who to contact should an unexpected medical incident occur. Data is handled in accordance with our Data Privacy Policy.How we cover costs
The main costs are for food, room hire, and resources - and most of that is met through the donations of those who come each week, with the ministers' time and other costs gifted from the Northstowe Church Network, as well as volunteer time from others in the team. THANK YOU to everyone who makes this possible!!We suggest a donation of £3 per family per week, which you can either pop in the Piggie Bank, or give online. However, if the cost is barrier, please don't worry: we'd much rather you came - your presence means so much, and each person brings something special just through being with us!
Many people choose to donate for a whole half term at once. Some people give more generally to support the wider work of the church too (read more about why churches need such giving here)
We can also collect gift aid if you are a tax payer.
What people are saying about Little Explorers...
- "Lovely, well thought out activites... generally just brilliant!"
- "Loved the books and sensory art"
- "I love the Jammies" [from a toddler]
- "For me - I love connecting with grown ups. For [Little One] - exploring freely. Thank you, we love it!"
- "I love the range of activites"
- "Such a lovely baby group. I love the friendly and welcoming atmosphere"
Little Explorers, part of the Northstowe Church Network, is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Safeguarding Officer. The Diocese of Ely’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) who advise our SO. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the DSA. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Services.
