Children and Families Minister

My role is focused more on Sunday mornings but a typical week leading up to Sunday consists of reflection for the last Sunday. Looking at what went well, what can be improved and floods of ideas for next time. I am still fairly new to SMR. But I have enjoyed getting to know everyone, from the parish office, Children’s ministry leadership team, volunteers at the church and the congregation.


At the beginning of the year, I felt a strong pull to teach on mental health – primarily Depression and anxiety. This had such a great impact on the children we were able to understand our human emotions and put them into visual representations and understand what the word of God says regarding these emotions and feelings.


It was great to hear some of the adults’ feedback on this as well. A few of the children are making the transition to high school this year and emotions can be quite overwhelming. Providing a safe place where it doesn’t feel like school or another institution.


Being a visual learner myself, I feel like it is so important to make sure all ages can get together and use different senses. We have been creative with painting our hands using the 5 prayer fingers. and learning how God hears our prayers. Referencing Ezekiel 34:11-16/20:24 'My Sheep hear my voice' It is so important to in my position to show the Love of God and encourage the children to build on their relationship with God through creativity using the bible.


I am so excited to see how this year progresses as we build up our relationships with each other. 


Keilah Ayuba Cadogan

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By matthew.buckmaster July 27, 2026
Preached by Canon Dr Stephen Spencer
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By joe.cryan July 17, 2026
Last Sunday marked the end of another choir term—and what a term it has been! We've welcomed new choristers, learnt plenty of exciting music, sung for some wonderful liturgies, and eaten what can only be described as a significant amount of biscuits. The day began with a very special visit from Sing Start! , who joined us for the Eucharist. Together we sang Litany of the Holy Spirit and Joanna Forbes L'Estrange's St Helen's Mass. A huge thank you to Helena from Children's Church for organising ice creams afterwards—a thoroughly appreciated post-service treat! We're also delighted that a large number of Sing Start! children will be joining our regular treble lines from September. This is tremendously exciting, not only for the choir's future growth but also for the long-term strength and sustainability of our music-making at SMR. In the evening, we gathered for a special service celebrating the composer Charles Wood, marking 100 years since his death. It was a fitting tribute to one of the great figures of Anglican church music—but the occasion was also notable for another reason. Several of our own choir members stepped into new musical roles and showcased talents beyond their usual singing duties. Our Head Chorister conducted the introit, one of the back-row singers composed the psalm chant, and our Corner Chorister wrote the organ voluntary. It's wonderful to see so much creativity and musicianship flourishing within the choir. The final service of the year was followed by the all-important choir party: pizza and a screening of Sister Act. Judging by the enthusiastic reaction afterwards, there is now considerable demand for I Will Follow Him to appear in a future service. We make no promises—but do keep an eye on next year's music lists... The choir is now taking a well-earned summer break, but music certainly won't stop at SMR. Sunday morning Masses will continue with a cantor leading the music, and we're looking forward to welcoming several excellent visiting choirs over the coming weeks, including St Andrew's Backwell, St Mary's Ross-on-Wye, and the Handful Chamber Choir. Our regular choir returns on Sunday 13 September, refreshed, recharged, and ready for another exciting year of music. Have a wonderful summer, and thank you to all our choristers, families, volunteers, and supporters for another fantastic year.
By matthew.buckmaster July 13, 2026
Preached by Canon Dr Stephen Spencer
By matthew.buckmaster July 6, 2026
Preached by the Revd Dr Brutus Green
By matthew.buckmaster July 6, 2026
Preached by the Revd Dr Brutus Green