In the Redditch Mission Area, our church doors aren’t just open on Sundays; they are wide open throughout the week for the joyful, messy, and wonderful chaos of our toddler groups. From the weekly consistency of Bumps, Babes and Toddlers at Webheath (which even runs through the holidays!) to the monthly Toddler Church in Alvechurch, these groups are the heartbeat of our community outreach.
More Than Just Playtime
For many, a toddler group is the first step into church life—a “first door” to belonging. These groups feed into a vibrant ecosystem of family ministry, including our three Messy Churches (based at St John’s, Feckenham, Woodrow First School run by Ipsley Parish and St Stephen’s) , Forest Church at Tardebigge, Seeds & Saplings at Peckwood Forest with The Bridge, Activity Church at Greenlands, and Church@4 in Church Hill with St Leonard’s, Beoley.
These spaces offer children a safe environment to explore and develop, but the impact on adults is just as profound. Whether you are a parent, a grandparent, or a childminder, these groups break the cycle of isolation. As Felicity, a childminder, notes:
“It’s great for adult company and helps children feel part of a community rather than being isolated.”
Voices from Our Community
The transition into parenthood can be overwhelming, and our groups aim to be a “light” during that time.
“Having young children is lonely, messy and exhausting. Nothing describes the relief of walking into a room with toys, friendly faces, and the offer of a cup of tea.” — Lis
For others, it is a place of spiritual reconnection. Letissa shares that it was the “first door the Lord opened to call me back to Him,” citing Proverbs 22:6 as her inspiration to expose her child to God’s love early on.
How You Can Help
You don’t need to have a toddler to be involved. We invite everyone, regardless of age, to commit to praying for one of our groups. Your prayers sustain this vital mission as we support the next generation.
List of Groups and Services focussed on the Young
- Ipsley Parish – Messy Church is on the second Saturday of the month at Woodrow First School
- St John the Evangelist, Greenlands – Activity Church happens twice a month in term time and Toddler groups meet on a Tuesday and Thursday morning
- Christ Church Matchborough – Fundays on Sundays happens for the whole family from 3pm-5pm on every Sunday afternoon in January, February and March and on the third Sunday of the month from April to December .
- St Peter’s, Ipsley – Families @ 4 is on the first Sunday afternoon of the month from 4pm.
- St Laurence, Alvechurch – Toddlers is on a Thursday morning and once a month a Toddler Church service follows their stay and play time.
- St Leonard’s, Beoley – Church@4 happens on the first Sunday of the month from 4pm at YMCA Willow Trees Community Centre in Church Hill.
- St Stephen’s – Mainly Music is on a Wednesday morning and Messy Church is the last Saturday of the month.
- St Philip’s, Webheath – Bumps, Babes and Toddlers runs every week of the year on a Thursday morning
- St Bartholomew’s, Tardebigge – Forest Cafe happens on the first Sunday of the month
- St John the Baptist, Feckenham – Messy Church happens throughout the year, usually in a Saturday following a holiday from school.
- The Bridge – Toddlers is on Monday mornings and Seeds and Saplings is on the second Tuesday each month in Peckwood Forest
This list was accurate as of March 2026. For detailed information, please visit the individual church websites and/or their Facebook pages.