God’s Little Lanterns: My Journey with St. Paul’s Tots - By Sara Brown

Where Faith, Laughter, and Toddlers Collide

Walk into St. Paul’s Tots, and you’ll hear it right away—giggles, chatter, stomping feet, and a room full of joy. It’s more than a playgroup. It’s a space where children thrive, parents connect, and God’s love is felt in the smallest of moments.

A Nudge from God

My journey started in June 2023 after Curate Dave Monck asked me a powerful question: "What do you think God is asking you to do after your baptism?"

At first, I wasn’t sure. But when my husband Darren felt drawn to volunteer with Tots, I sensed God was calling us to do this together. With a warm welcome from Millie and Kayleigh, we dove in—and never looked back.

Midweek Mayhem and Meaning

Every Tuesday, we prep the space for a joyful Wednesday filled with crafts, songs, stories, and snacks. When Millie stepped back, I got to take over craft time—a highlight for me! Whether we’re painting, sticking, or splashing in sensory play, each activity is a new way to explore faith.

Of course, there's snack time too—because toddlers run on grapes, orange slices, and biscuits.

The kids' imaginations are endless. One minute I’m fixing pretend boo-boos, the next I’m a jungle explorer. And somehow, that chaos holds something sacred.

Songs, Stories, and a Whole Lot of Heart

Each session follows a simple rhythm:

• 9:15 AM: Doors open—cue excitement!

• 10:30 AM: Tidy-up time (not a fan favourite).

• 10:40–11:00 AM: Songs, stories, birthday cheers, and goodbyes.

We pray before every session, inviting God into our time together. The toddlers might not grasp every Bible story yet, but they feel the warmth, the joy, and the care. And that’s enough.

A Team That Feels Like Family

Alongside Darren and me are:

• Kayleigh, our singing superstar

• Leon, with his steady kindness

• Vicar Mark, our wise leader

• And Curate Dave, who first pointed me here

We’re more than a team—we’re a little family, bound by a shared purpose.

I’ve recently taken on the Tots social media too, sharing moments of joy and celebrating this amazing community.

More Than a Playgroup

St. Paul’s Tots is a place where God’s love shines—in crafts, songs, laughter, and tiny hands reaching out for connection. It’s shaped who I am and brought so much joy into our lives.

A Tapestry of Light

Through this journey, I’ve seen:

• Hope in a child’s smile

• Laughter in shared silliness

• Faith in small acts of kindness

• Joy in community

• Imagination that knows no limits

  
  

Volunteering here has deepened my faith, stretched my creativity, and brought unexpected blessings.

So if you’re looking for joy, connection, and a little chaos wrapped in love—this is it.

Hold onto hope. Embrace the laughter. Let your faith shine.