Families

Hi, I’m Vics Soutar, the Beacon All Age Minister, working alongside Rev. Sarah across our Benefice. My role is all about nurturing our flock—especially by building meaningful relationships with children and the adults who care for them.

I lead St Mary’s Mums, our Toddler Group, Toddler Group Plus, and Sherlock Suppers, and I’m actively involved in Family Services, our three local schools, and preparing families for Baptisms. I also support a wide range of community
events across our villages.

My trusty companion, Sherlock Sheep, is never far from my side—always eager to discover more about following Jesus and exploring what the Bible means for us
today. Below you’ll find the different ways families can get involved across our churches and villages.

We welcome Mums, Dads, Grandparents, Carers and their children to a friendly, relaxed space where little ones can play and grownups can enjoy a breather.

Children are free to explore and play while you enjoy a coffee and some homemade
treats. Craft activities are often available, followed by more drinks and snack time.
Once the toys are tidied away, we finish with a lively music session that everyone
can join in with.

We meet Thursdays during term time, 9.15–10.45am, in the St Mary’s Church
Rooms.

What families say
“I just wanted to say thank you. Together, you have created something magical! The
effect of which benefits the lives of the group in so many ways. It is like coming
home.”

“Being able to attend this group has been a highlight of my maternity leave. We are
always met with a warm welcome, a hot cup of tea and lovely cake. The volunteers
have been amazing—holding my baby, playing with my older daughter, and offering real support. It’s been a fantastic way to meet other parents nearby and to support each other. My preschooler loves coming and has grown so much in confidence through playing with other adults and children.”

St Mary’s Mums Plus

Twice a term, after Toddlers, we head across to the church for Toddler Group Plus.
We meet in the Children’s Chapel and explore a Bible story together with Sherlock, our evercurious sheep. After the story, we enjoy a simple craft activity and finish with a song.

The plus for parents is that we also organise occasional pub nights, giving
grownups a chance to get together socially and catch up over a drink at the local.

Sherlock Supper

Twice a term, Sherlock the Sheep can be found investigating something bigger and
in more depth. Families are invited to the church to explore a Bible story or theme
through craft activities and games. We then gather for a story or a Lego video before
taking a short walk to the Church Rooms, where we share a homecooked meal
together.

What families say

“Thank you so much for such a lovely evening! Really enjoyed it and so glad there
will be more. Thank you to everyone involved.”
“It was so fab, the girls had a great time—thanks to all of you.”
“Great job! We had such a lovely evening, thanks!”
“It is lovely that my son is able to enjoy being in church and have so much fun.”

Family Services

Sherlock often pops up at our Family Service in Painswick, held on the second Sunday of each month. This service is planned with families in mind, though
everyone is very welcome. It’s a slightly more informal gathering, often including
active prayers and handson activities. As always, the Children’s Corner is well
stocked with toys and colouring to keep little ones happily occupied.

Family Services in Cranham take place on the fifth Sunday of the month.
Sometimes we venture out onto the top of the common; other times we meet in St
James the Great Church. We frequently work with the school to shape these
services, and we always begin the school year with a special service praying for all
those starting new nurseries, year groups, and schools. It’s a particularly warm
welcome for families joining our church school in Cranham.

Baptisms

We are always delighted to welcome families, children, and adults to be baptised in our Benefice. You are warmly invited to join in with any of our church activities that
feel right for you.

Twice a year we host a Baptism Tea, giving families the chance to explore what
happens in the Baptism service, ask questions, think about the role of Godparents, meet other local families preparing for Baptism, and talk through your hopes for the day — all over tea and cake.

Holiday Events

Sherlock and I also organise activities to support families during school holidays, at
village events, and to celebrate special occasions throughout the year.

At Advent, we held an Advent Candle Wreath Making workshop for mums — a
peaceful evening to escape, relax, and create beautiful table wreaths while enjoying mulled wine and fellowship.

At Easter, we ran a Peter Rabbit Easter Hunt in Harescombe, which brought huge
fun to many families. We also hosted an Easter Garden Making workshop in St
Mary’s Church, where children created their own gardens to take home while helping to build the church’s Easter Garden.

At the start of the summer holidays, we run our Four Days of Free Family Fun, with
activities across at least three of our villages. Last year these included a Film
Afternoon in Edge, a Rounders Match and BBQ in Cranham, a Sherlock Supper, and
St Mary’s Mums on Tour in Painswick.

We also enjoy supporting other village events whenever we can.

For more details — or if you’d like to be involved in the Sherlock Team — please
contact Vics Soutar at familyhub@beaconbenefice.org.uk

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