News from the Church AGM

Families Pastor AGM Report – July 2026

This is a valuable time to reflect on all that has taken place over the past year in our work with families here at Romsey Methodist Church, and to give thanks for all that God has been doing among us.

We continue to offer a wide range of groups and activities for younger children. These are well established and, despite natural fluctuations in numbers, they remain strong—supported faithfully by both volunteers and the families who attend. This consistency is no small achievement, and I want to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in leading, serving, and supporting these groups week by week.

Alongside our regular groups, we have continued to work in partnership with the Beacon Café team to provide welcoming spaces for families during the school holidays. These sessions are a valued resource for many local families and have helped us connect with new people in our community.

Sunday family attendance remains strong, and we are encouraged by the way families are connecting across different spaces—moving between weekday groups and Sunday worship. It’s important to say that there is never an expectation for families attending our weekday activities to also attend Sunday worship. Instead, we celebrate every connection and relationship built, trusting God at work in each encounter. As numbers and ages change, adapting our Sunday provision has been both a joy and a challenge, and I will share more about future developments shortly.

Highlights from the Year

There has been much to celebrate.

One particular highlight has been the introduction of Shine Stop, replacing our previous Light Party. This created a fantastic space for families looking for something fun and faith-filled at Halloween, while also engaging with those out in the community. It provided an opportunity to share God’s light at a time of year that can feel difficult for some families, and we look forward to developing this further in the coming year.

Christmas was, as always, full of energy and joy. We were blessed with wonderful engagement across our events, although we are increasingly aware that we are nearing capacity—particularly for Christingle and the Christmas Eve Nativity. Even now, as we look ahead, early planning will be essential to help us steward these opportunities well.

Easter was another especially significant season. We were delighted to welcome around 90 Year 1 children from Cupernham Infant School for a day exploring the Easter story. It was a full and joyful day of activities—storytelling, singing, reflection, and creative engagement. A real highlight was being able to give each child a copy of an illustrated Easter storybook to take home, with an invitation to connect further with our church community.

Good Friday was again a meaningful time, beginning with breakfast together and followed by an interactive, all-age experience of the Easter story. This year was particularly special as multiple church groups—including WOW, TAFs, and the Art Group—contributed to creating the Stations of the Cross. The church remained open throughout the day, welcoming many who came to reflect. It was a powerful example of the church working together to create sacred space.

We also took part in the National Month of Prayer for Toddler Groups, joining with churches across the country. As part of this, a small toy lamb from our group joined hundreds of others travelling to Parliament, representing the importance of this ministry. It was encouraging to know that the work we do locally is part of something much wider. Thank you to all who joined in praying—both in person and through the shared prayer resources.

In addition, we have run the Parenting for Faith course, where a small group of parents gathered to learn and share together. Later this month, there will be an opportunity to explore the Grandparenting for Faith course, which will run in the autumn and help equip families in nurturing faith at home.

What Have We Learned?

This year has highlighted both strengths and areas for growth.

We are doing many things well, and there is clear evidence of growth and connection. However, we also recognise that we have not yet been able to consistently provide intentional spaces for junior and youth-aged children. This is becoming increasingly urgent, as the children in our current groups grow older.

There is a risk that, without adaptation, we may lose some of the relationships and engagement we have worked hard to build. At the same time, we are asking: how can we deepen our connections with the community and create more opportunities for belonging—not just attending?

We are also aware of the need to grow and support our volunteer teams, particularly in leadership. A significant example of this is Tiddlywinks, where Elizabeth will be stepping down after many years of faithful service. We are deeply grateful for all she has given, and I am sure the whole church will want to join in expressing thanks.

Alongside this, I have continued to work closely with the church leadership team to ensure that families ministry remains a key focus within the life of the church. This has included thinking about how we grow not just individual groups, but how we function well together as a whole church community.

One important area of development has been strengthening our approach to intergenerational worship—creating spaces where all ages can belong, contribute, and encounter God together. This is something we are continuing to explore and develop as a leadership team, as we recognise its importance for building a truly connected church family.

Above all, we recognise God’s faithfulness. He has been present in this community, and we continue to trust His leading as we look ahead.

Looking Ahead: Where Is God Leading Us?

In response to these reflections, we sense a clear call to grow and develop our work—particularly for older children and young people. As we look ahead, this commitment to working together as a church—across leadership, volunteer teams, and congregations—will be vital. Developing intergenerational worship and ensuring families ministry remains embedded in the wider mission of the church will continue to shape the decisions we make and the opportunities we pursue.

Tiddlywinks

I will temporarily take on leadership oversight of Tiddlywinks, ensuring safeguarding, communication, and organisational support are maintained. With a strong volunteer team already in place, the group will continue to run well, and we hope to identify and support a new long-term leader over the coming year.

Sunday Mornings (COGs)

The COGs team will be developing a more structured approach by splitting into defined age groups. This will allow us to support children more effectively at each stage:

• Younger children: experiencing stories, love, and belonging
• Primary-aged children: engaging more deeply through activities and discussion
• Secondary-aged young people: exploring faith in more relevant and thoughtful ways

Alongside this, a monthly evening fellowship group will begin for pre-teens and youth, offering space to explore faith, worship, and relationships in an age-appropriate way.

New Clubs: Juniors & Youth

A major step forward will be the launch of two new midweek groups:

• Kids Club (Years 3–6): 4:00–5:30pm
• Youth Group (Years 7–9): 6:00–7:30pm

These will run in 5-week blocks on Wednesdays each half term.

These groups will be welcoming, relaxed, and community-focused, with light-touch faith input. They will provide safe spaces for young people to:

• Build friendships
• Grow in confidence
• Know they are valued and that they belong

We hope to launch these in the autumn term, with a latest start date of early November.

These groups are important not just for those who attend, but for what they represent: that we are a church committed to valuing and engaging with children and young people at every stage of their journey.

What We Need

To make this vision a reality, we need the support of the church community.

• Volunteers: Whether working directly with children and young people, preparing food, helping with setup, or supporting other groups to release leaders
• Wider encouragement: You may know someone who could get involved—maybe from outside the church
• Prayer: For wisdom, provision, and the right people to come forward

I am willing to step into this next phase, but I cannot do it alone. This is a moment for us, as a church, to step forward together.

Closing

Thank you for your continued support, encouragement, and prayer. It is a privilege to serve in this role and to see the ways God is at work in the lives of children, young people, and families in our community.