St James’ has always been a church where children feel at home. On Sundays you will hear laughter coming from the hall and see toys, activities and seating tucked beside the font. Below is an overview of what we offer right now and how you can join in or help.
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Sunday-morning groups
JAM (Jesus And Me) 4-10s and 11-Ups (Year 6 +) meet in the church hall at 10 a.m. every Sunday in term-time, except the first Sunday of the month when we all worship together in an all-age Eucharist. Children start in hall for age-appropriate games and Bible stories, then re-join their families for Communion. These sessions give youngsters time to build friendships while parents enjoy conversation and the chance to swap tips with others in the same stage of family life. If your child would rather stay with you, that’s fine too—activity boxes and soft toys are stacked by the south aisle. To find out more, drop us a line at jam@stjamesexeter.org.
Messy Church – first Wednesdays
Messy Church is church, but not as you know it. It follows the national Messy Church pattern of creativity, celebration and hospitality for all ages messychurch.brf.org.ukachurchnearyou.com. What makes the best Messy Churches stand out—plenty of themed crafts, a clear timetable, and food everyone shares together - so expect the same buzz here. Because adults and children work side-by-side on the crafts, friendships grow naturally-little ones paint together while parents catch up over a mug of tea before the meal.
Messy Church runs on the first Wednesday of every month, except August. To help the catering team we ask families to email messychurch@stjamesexeter.org by the Monday before.
At St James’ we:
• open the hall doors at 3:30 p.m. for crafts and big, hands-on activities
• move into church around 4:30 p.m. for a short story, songs and prayers
• finish with a hot tea back in the hall at 5 p.m.—no charge, donations welcome
The next Messy church will be on Wednesday 2 July from 3.30-5.30pm.
In order to help with catering please can you let us know if you are coming, so we can cater for the correct number of meals: messychurch@stjamesexeter.org
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Safeguarding & accessibility
All the JAM, Messy Church and 11 UP leaders have undertaken safeguarding training under the Church of England’s safeguarding scheme and the leaders have undergone all other appropriate checks. The church is accessible, with a hearing loop and large-print service sheets. Children with additional needs are welcome; just let us know how we can support them.
Join the team
Running JAM and Messy Church is a team effort. We need storytellers, craft-lovers, bakers, greeters, and people willing to tackle the washing-up. If you can spare a Wednesday afternoon or a Sunday morning, we’d love your help—whether that means leading a game, slicing fruit, or pouring coffee. Just one extra pair of hands can make all the difference.
Stay in the loop
• Facebook: @StJamesExeter See our Facebook page
• Parish Office: 01392 420 407 | office@stjamesexeter.org
We are reviewing youth provision all the time; new ideas are welcome. Whether your family drops in once a month or plants roots here for years, there is space for you at St James’. Come and see.
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