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Safeguarding

We want the Granta Vale Churches to be a welcome and safe place for all.  In particular we put a very high value on the safety of our children, young people and vulnerable adults. As such, all our volunteers are DBS checked before being appointed and we consider each volunteer appointment carefully.  

The Parish Safeguarding Handbook, published by the Church of England, aims to further strengthen the Church's approach to safeguarding by bringing into one place the safeguarding responsibilities for parishes as outlined in the House of Bishops' Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guidance. It has been designed to support the day-to-day work of all parishes in relation to safeguarding and those who have a key role to play with children, young people and adults who may be vulnerable.

The Safer Environment and Activities document gives volunteers information on behavioral guidelines which they should follow.

The Safeguarding Policy’ is a full account of the guidelines by which we as churches work when it comes to our children and youth ministries.

For more information:

Parish Safeguarding Handbook
Safer Environment and Activities document
‘Safeguarding Policy’ document


Safeguarding Officer:

The safeguarding officer for the Granta Vale Churches is appointed by our PCCs and supports our churches with the formation and implementation of our safeguarding policies and procedures.  The safeguarding officer is the first port of call for any safeguarding concerns or questions in relation to the Granta Vale Churches. 

Our safeguarding officer for the Granta Vale Churches is: Caroline Walshe
You can contact the safeguarding officer with any genuine safeguarding concerns or queries by email 7churches.seven@gmail.com or by telephone:  01223 891443

For more information, including what to do in the event of an emergency, please visit the safeguarding pages on the Diocese of Ely website or call 01353 652747. This number is for the office and also the out of hours service. The website also offers resources for those seeking further help, reassurance, and working guidance. 


 


 


 
Glenys
Hello and welcome to our church. If you are a new visitor, we have a page for you to get to know us and learn more about planning a visit.
Click here to see more.

Planning your Visit

A Warm Hello 

The following information is specifically for those planning a visit, so that you know, beforehand, what to expect on a Sunday morning.

Where and When

First Sunday of the Month
On the first Sunday of the month we gather for our united service held at Balsham church at 10:30am.  There is always a children’s church provided during each of these united services. Music is led by a choir, organ and music group.  There is also an Evensong on the first Sunday held at Little Abington church at 6pm. 

Second Sunday of the Month
On the second Sunday there are Communion services at Hildersham, Great Abington and West Wickham.  There is morning worship at Balsham and Weston Colville and a café church at West Wratting at 4pm.
 
Third Sunday of the Month
On the third Sunday there are Communion services at West Wickham, Balsham and Weston Colville, morning worship at Little Abington and café church at Hildersham at 4pm.
 
Fourth Sunday of the Month
On the fourth Sunday there are Communion services at Great Abington at 8am and West Wratting at 10:45am, a breakfast church at Great Abington from 9pm and an Evensong at Hildersham at 6pm. 

Where there is a fifth Sunday there will be a communion at [  ] and [  ]; and morning worship at [ ]

This pattern of services, however, will vary in the weeks prior to Christmas and Easter and details about these services will be on our website, in parish magazines and on church noticeboards. 


images: Services

What about my children?

Children are very welcome at all of our services but there are services where there is particular provision for them. 

On the first Sunday of every month we gather for our united service held at Balsham Church and during the service children and adults have the opportunity to continue exploring faith and the bible in the church hall. They then return in time to receive communion.

At West Wratting Café Church on the second Sunday of each month always begins with a child-friendly talk.  After this an invited speaker will give a talk to adults – and any children who wish to remain - in one part of the church, whilst children-friendly activities are led in another part of the church.

The Hildersham Café Church on the third Sunday of each month is an intentional all-age gathering where we engage with faith and scripture in a creative, informal way, including discussion and both ancient and contemporary hymns.  Children always play an important part in the readings, discussions and reflections.

The Abington Breakfast Church on the fourth Sunday of every month is also an all-age gathering where, after a shared breakfast, we listen to a story, engage with prayers stations and crafts, and share in a time of prayer and reflection.  There is also a creche available at this service.

Each month there is a Children’s Church Council, which usually meets in Hildersham or Abington.  The CCC reflects on faith, the bible and contemporary life, help to plan themes and activities for Sunday services and enjoys discussion, crafts and sometime nibbles and drinks!

Our children’s provision is led by members of the church community who are DBS checked.

Children

Getting Connected


Church Groups

We believe that home groups can play a vital role helping churches and discipleship to flourish.  These groups usually meet in someone’s home for study, discussion, prayer and fellowship. We have many different home groups within the Granta Vale Churches, ranging from bible study groups to theological reflection gatherings to prayer groups.  If you would like to know anymore about any of these groups, please do contact either Iain or Jeanine for more information.

Serving and Volunteering

If you want to get involved in the life of the Granta Vale Churches you can learn more about how on out Get Involved page. 

Get in touch with us to plan your visit
If you would like to get in touch with us before your first visit. Get in touch and we will contact you and answer any questions you have.
 
Name:
Telephone:
Email Address:
Comments / Questions or anything you would like to say?

Next, we will contact you by email to say hello and help arrange anything necessary for your visit.
 

Leadership 

IM   No Photo icon
Rev Iain McColl - Minister in Charge   Rev Kathy - Minister
Rev Iain has been the minister in charge of the Granta Vale Churches since 2018. Before he was a minister in the Church of England he was a corporate and commercial solicitor in London and Bristol. He enjoys football, cycling and swimming, loves theology and history and spending time with his wife and children.   Leader Intro
 
We hope that whoever you are, you will feel at home at Granta Vale Churches.

Best Wishes

iain