I’m a priest - ask me anything!

[RevInTheHouse]

I’m a fairly young (and quite normal I think) Church of England priest. Am married with children

Dd is at a faith school and very much enjoys stories from the bible, aspires to the school values and seriously thought we were going to call her baby brother Jesus.
Unfortunately, we haven't attended church since ds turned about 18 months old.
He is disruptive in church and although there is a children's church in the family room, we still sit with the congregation for a chunk of the service.
People used to say to me they liked to see the children in church, that they had gone through it with their children and grandchildren. The last time we went, I got a 'there, there, it's difficult isn't it'.
I don't really believe people want to have their service disrupted by my child so would rather not take him until he's at school and learnt how to sit quietly but then we have to attend church to get a place in the school.
How do you feel about small children in church?

Great thread Mother Rev.

I'm an American Episcopalian and we're a big tent church too theologically. Women have come so far in our denomination. We have had lots of women bishops , including our former presiding bishop Katherine Schori. I love that both my kids were baptized by a woman and grown up in her parish.

I'm on the vestry in my church. How does lay leadership work in the C of E?

Warm and happy prayers for your ministry!

Lovely thread, Rev, and great answers. (Do I know you under another name?) - I'm married to a Rev so all very familiar.

Lollyice - can I just jump in with yours too about small children in church. I must admit that it depends on the church and sadly some are less welcoming than others. But there are churches full of noisy little ones with congregations delighting in them being there - in my church we have quite a few rather vocal toddlers and some wonderful SN children too and yes, sometimes we can't hear whoever is speaking, but somehow it works, it's very laid back and inclusive in that way. We do have a side room for those who feel they want to use it, but it's not frowned on if they don't if you see what I mean. We have a crèche too and same applies.

So my answer would be to not discount church if you'd like to go - I'm sure you'd be welcomed, but it might be worth checking out different ones.

Lollyice

I think it’s wonderful (and sadly increasingly rare) to see young children in church. I admit I didn’t actually take mine when they were toddlers as it was such hard work but looking back I wish I had. I think some people do tut and judge but I think there are many more people who delight from seeing little ones in church, despite their noise and liveliness! My current church has lots of children and I am so grateful.
Have you ever tried a local messy church? They are great fun!
Does the church do any more family friendly services? Not that I think you shouldn’t be able to go to all services but it may make it more comfortable for you xx
(But as a mum I know it’s hard work! )

Madhairday
You may well know in real life or from social media as the church is a small place but please don’t out me!
I post on mumsnet under a different name usually but not usually about churchy stuff!

Ah, no, I meant on MN. Don't worry, I wouldn't out you if I knew you!! :) Good to meet you.

Madhairday
I don’t think you’d know from MN as I’m fairly new to it but I’ve really enjoyed doing this thread. Lovely to meet you too

Ah well welcome! There's a few of us (including some lovely Revs) who hang out in spirituality and religion section, pop in if you'd like to! :)

Thanks Rev, I think I should brave a service again. I will take my husband along for back up! Thanks for the thread.