Call to churches to pray for toddler groups

The day is being organised by 1277, an alliance of Christian denominations and agencies including the Church of England, the Catholic, Methodist and United Reformed Churches, and the Baptist Union of Great Britain.

The name of the alliance represents the average number of days between a child’s birth and the start of formal education.

There are around 27,000 church-based toddler groups across the UK, many of them run by committed volunteers and amounting to half of the total support and care on offer to the nation’s pre-schoolers and their carers.

The day of prayer on 5 June falls within National Family Week. It is being dedicated to those who attend a church toddler group and will also celebrate the valuable work of those who help out.

Christians are being encouraged to use the day to seek ways to better resource and incorporate toddler groups into their life and mission.

Head of mission for the Baptist Union of Great Britain, the Rev Ian Bunce said: “We encourage churches to commission and pray for toddler group volunteers seeking ways to build on the excellent mission that is being done through toddler groups.”

Alison Dayer, under-fives consultant at Scripture Union, said: “For many of those who attend toddler groups, this is the only contact they have with Christianity and faith.

“For some, toddler groups are an oasis of welcome and support that is sadly missing in many parts of our society.

“It really is mission on the frontline.”

Resources for the day can be found at: www.scriptureunion.org.uk