A journey from birth to young adulthood.
Every programme in Growing Younger Together is designed to meet children and young people exactly where they are, and to grow with them. Together, they form a connected pathway, from the earliest toddler sessions right through to confirmation and young adult leadership. A child who starts at PlayTime! at age two, could still be part of the community at eighteen.
Each programme has been developed, tested, and refined at St John's, Upper Norwood. Each one is ready to be brought to your church.
PlayTime!
For 0–5s and their parents/carers — weekly
PlayTime! is where most GYT journeys begin. A 90-minute session of sensory play, creativity, songs, and prayer, woven around the rhythm of the liturgical year. It's designed for families with little or no church background, and open to absolutely everyone.
PlayTime! has been described by early years specialist Megan Pacey as "pedagogically some of the best I have seen in my 25-year career, and by far the best with a Christian basis." Since launching at St John's in February 2023, it has grown to a weekly congregation of over 450 families.
PlayTime! Disciples
For ages 0–6 and their grown-ups — every Sunday, 10:30–11:30am
PlayTime! Disciples is the Sunday morning version of PlayTime!, a weekly session held in the church hall during the Parish Mass, for the youngest children and their families. Each session is filled with sensory play, crafts, songs, stories, and snack time, all woven around the same liturgical rhythms that shape the Sunday service taking place in the nave.
Children return to church in time to receive a blessing, beginning to feel at home in the life of worship from the very earliest age. No booking needed. Everyone is welcome.
Discover Communion!
For ages 7–11 — a six-week course
A First Communion preparation course designed specifically for children coming from Messy Church or PlayTime!, children who may have encountered faith for the first time through those programmes.
It's distinct from traditional First Communion preparation in that it assumes no prior church knowledge, and welcomes children at every point on the journey, whether or not they go on to receive Communion.
Messy Church
For all ages to be together - monthly
Two hours of creative activities built around a Bible theme, followed by worship in the Anglican tradition, liturgy, hymns, candles, and prayer, and a shared hot meal for the whole family. Messy Church is designed to feel genuinely accessible to families who've never been to a traditional church service. Since launching at St John's, it has grown to a monthly congregation of 500 children and adults. Learn more about how to start a Messy Church here.
Youth Church
For ages 11–18 — monthly
A space for young people to explore the Christian faith, ask real questions, and grow into leadership. Youth Church meets monthly and sits alongside the Sunday discipleship groups, giving teenagers a community of their own within the wider church. At St John's, the Youth Church has grown to 18 young people, many of whom now serve and lead at Messy Church.
Pentecost Camp
For all school-age children — annual overnight camp
Pentecost Camp is a free overnight adventure for all school-age children to mark the Birthday of the Church. Hot dogs, a campfire, fireworks, a big breakfast the children cook themselves, and a whole night of friendship and fun, all looked after by a trained, DBS-checked team. The camp culminates in the Pentecost Mass on Sunday morning, where the children who have spent the night together join the whole congregation in celebrating one of the most joyful feasts of the year.
Messy Meals
For families of all kinds — every Wednesday afternoon
Messy Meals is a free weekly community meal, open to any family who wants to come. Every Wednesday after school, children and their grown-ups gather in the church hall for a hot two-course meal, board games, and an easy, unhurried couple of hours together. Run in partnership with Transforming Lives for Good, Messy Meals is one of the most natural entry points into the St John's community, a place where families who might never have considered coming to church find themselves coming back, week after week. As one parent put it: "It's the perfect midweek reset for the whole family."
Call: Confirmed!
For ages 12–18 — a six-week course
A Confirmation preparation course that supports young people in making their faith their own, and helps them understand their role as young leaders within the community of faith.
Sunday Groups
For all ages 0–18 — weekly, alongside Parish Mass
The Sunday groups are the heartbeat of the parish week. Running alongside the main Sunday service, they offer age-appropriate worship and teaching that reflects the style and spirit of PlayTime! and Messy Church, and gives children and young people the chance to serve, lead, and belong.
A note on the pathway
These programmes aren't separate initiatives; they're a connected journey. A toddler at PlayTime! is invited to Messy Church. A Messy Church family is invited to a Baptism preparation event. A child at Messy Church is invited to Discover Communion!. A teenager confirmed through Call: Confirmed! becomes a youth leader at Messy Church.
The goal isn't just to run good programmes. It's to walk with families from their very first encounter with church all the way into lifelong faith and community.
"What's happening at St John's has brought me back to church. I thought I would never set foot in one again."
— A parent from PlayTime! and Messy Church
Want to bring these programmes to your church?
We'll walk you through exactly how it works.