What you need for a children’s church service

Use this shopping list to prepare a children’s church service with snacks, a craft activity, music, and a welcoming reception area. Plan food and drinks for the confirmed number of children and adults, then add a small buffer for late arrivals or spills. Reusable cups, plates, and cutlery reduce waste, while serving bowls, jugs, and trays make distribution quicker. Buy craft supplies before the final setup day so kits can be assembled and checked in advance.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Chairsqty 80
Children’s tablesqty 8
Adult tablesqty 4
Reception desk
Floor cushionsqty 40
Coat racksqty 2

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 80
Reusable platesqty 80
Reusable cutleryqty 80
Pouring jugsqty 6
Serving bowlsqty 8
Serving traysqty 6

Decorations

Children's bannersqty 2
Tableclothsqty 12
Paper garlandsqty 10
Name badgesqty 80

Equipment

Portable speakersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 8

Activities

Children's scissorsqty 20
Glue Sticksqty 30
Colored pencilsqty 20
Markersqty 20
Paint setsqty 10
Paintbrushesqty 40
Apronsqty 20
Children’s Biblesqty 60
Worksheetsqty 80
Colored paperqty 10
Storage cratesqty 8

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Broomsqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Orange juice - 6 liters
- Lemonade syrup - 3 bottles
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 3 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Apples - 80 pieces
- Bananas - 60 pieces
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Mandarins - 5 kilos
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Bell peppers - 8 pieces
- Carrots - 4 kilos
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White buns - 80 pieces
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Strawberry jam - 4 jars
- Chocolate spread - 4 jars
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Salty crackers - 8 packs
- Wholegrain biscuits - 8 packs
- Raisins - 80 bags
- Mini rice cakes - 8 packs
- Muffins - 80 pieces
- Lemons - 6 pieces
- Ice cubes - 6 bags
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand gel - 4 bottles
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Freezer bags - 2 boxes

Tips

Plan two snacks and one drink per child, plus about 10% extra for unexpected arrivals or dropped food. Wash fruit and vegetables before the service and keep chilled items in coolers until needed.
Prepare one name badge for every registered child and volunteer, plus 5 spare badges. Keep markers at the reception desk so late arrivals can be added without delaying the welcome.
For a craft activity, prepare one kit per child and keep 10% extra supplies available. Children’s scissors, glue sticks, colored pencils, markers, and paint sets should be checked before tables are set up.
Count reusable cups, plates, and cutlery before shopping: allow one complete set per person and add 10% extra. Bring serving bowls, pouring jugs, and serving trays so snacks and drinks can be distributed without queues.
Test portable speakers and music at least 30 minutes before the service. Pack extension cords and power strips, and keep cables away from children’s tables, chairs, and floor cushions.

Frequently asked questions

What food and drinks do I need for a children’s church service?: Plan at least one drink and two small snack portions per child, with 10% extra. Include enough for registered adults and volunteers, and check dietary requirements before ordering groceries.
How many cups, plates, and cutlery sets should I buy?: Allow one reusable cup, plate, and cutlery set per attendee, plus 10% spare. For 40 people, prepare at least 44 of each item so replacements are available during the service.
How much craft material do I need per child?: Prepare one complete craft kit per registered child and add 10% extra kits or loose materials. Assemble and check the kits at least one day before the service so missing supplies can be replaced.
When should I buy groceries for a children’s church service?: Order packaged groceries 3 to 5 days before the service and collect fresh food on the day before or the morning of the event. Keep perishable items chilled until snacks are distributed.

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