Kids & Youth on Sunday
Kids and Youth programs are run on Sundays at our Carlton 10am and Parkville 10am congregations during school terms and any visiting Children are welcome to participate.
The children tend to remain with the whole congregation for the first part of the service and then go out for age-appropriate teaching part-way through the service. All of our children’s leaders have current Working With Children accreditation; we take their safety very seriously.
It is quite okay for babies and children to remain in the service and people are relaxed about parents moving around to look after their children.
Carlton Kids
Carlton 10am has four groups for children and youth. All of our groups encourage our children and youth to engage with God’s word, wrestling with what it means for each of us to follow Jesus.
Creche & Preschool:
For those who are 0-4 years of age we run a learning time that includes a story and craft, a time to socialise and play, and morning tea.
Prep to Grade 6:
For those in prep through to grade 6 we worship God all together by praying and singing songs. We also learn together in smaller age groups by opening the bible and reinforcing through games, craft, drama and other activities. Morning tea is also provided.
Backchat:
For those in grades 7-9 there is a time to gather for a Bible Study where discussion is robust and encouraging. Snacks are also provided.
Parkville Kids
Our kids’ programs run during our 10am service. The three groups run during school term and provide age appropriate bible teaching and provide opportunities for children to learn what it means to follow Jesus.
Creche:
For those who are 0-3years of age we run a learning time that includes a story and craft, a time to socialise and play, and morning tea.
Little Lights:
For those in preschool, our learning time involves interactive bible stories, singing and craft and other activities. Morning tea is also provided
Kids’ Church:
For those in prep to grade 6 we learn together through singing, games, a short bible talk, small group discussions and craft. Morning tea is also provided.
Youth Group on Friday Nights
We are a community of young people who come from all over Melbourne to learn how to be followers of Jesus & invite others to join in following him. A typical night will include food, bible study and discussion, various activities and time to catch up with friends. A not so typical night may include a weekend at a convention or camp, or going into the city for an all evening activity.
St Jude’s Youth is run by members of St Jude’s who believe that Jesus is the most important person you could ever know and follow. All of our leaders have been accredited, having applied for and received Police Checks and Working With Children Cards.
When: Fridays during School Term
Time: 7:00-9:00pm
Where: St Jude’s Church, 2 Keppel St, Carlton.
To stay up to date on locations and weekly information, like our Facebook page.
Play Group
Carlton Playgroup is an all-inclusive music based playgroup, for children 1-4 years old. We have fun singing songs, playing instruments and moving around. Some of our songs will be Christian songs where we will sing about God. We provide a fun and engaging program for children to learn new songs, develop fine motor skills and grow their love for music. The music session will be followed by morning tea for all, a free play time for children and a chance for adults to form new friendships. Playgroup meets from 10am – 11:15am every Tuesday during the school term at St Jude’s Church (2 Keppel St, Carlton). For any queries or enquiries please email playgroup@stjudes.org.au.
Parkville Playgroup meets from 10am-12pm every Tuesday during the school term at Moonee Ponds Baptist Church (cnr Laura and Eglinton Streets, Moonee Ponds).


About rEcess
- rEcess is a respite programme for families experiencing disability, and is based on a model created by 99 balloons.
- St Jude’s rEcess started in 2015 as part of “Indispensability”, a committee which aims to promote inclusion at St Jude’s Church.
- rEcess is run by St Jude’s Church in partnership with other local churches. All our volunteers are Child Safe trained, have WWCC & undergone a screening process.
- We aim to offer practical support to families affected by disability.
How it works
- Once a month, parents drop kids off for the morning and volunteers buddy 1:1 with kids to have the best Saturday of the month!
- Siblings are welcome and have their own dedicated buddies too!
- We either run craft and play activities at St Jude’s Church or go on excursions to places like NGV and Melbourne Museum.

Get in Touch
Got questions or want to sign up?
Contact Amy Brown, via the St Jude’s office, at office@stjudes.org.au or (03) 9347 5152.
Child Safety
As a Christian community, St Jude’s affirms our commitment to ensuring the safety of each child who interacts with our community.
At St Jude’s we have a zero tolerance for child abuse and are committed to acting in children’s best interests and keeping them safe from harm. St Jude’s regards its child protection responsibilities as being of the utmost importance and so is committed to providing the necessary resources to ensure compliance with all relevant child protection laws and regulations and maintain a child safe culture.