Young people and Families

Young people and Families

Children and young people are a key part of our church family.

Sundays

Mornings

Every child is welcome to sit through any of our church services. There are groups for children at our 11.15am service run by trained volunteers for anyone between 3 and 14 years old. Everyone starts in the church building before children head across to the church hall for their groups. They come back towards the end of the service to join with the rest of the congregation. 

The groups are:

  • SCRAMBLERS: 18 months – 5 years old
  • CLIMBERS: 5 – 7 year olds
  • EXPLORERS: 8 – 11 years old
  • PATHFINDERS: 11 – 14 year olds

In all the groups through stories, activities, games, prayer time, snacks, and discussions children are helped to understand the story of the Bible and delight in knowing Jesus for themselves.

For children under 3 there is an unmanned creche space in the back of church with baby friendly toys and space to feed or change your baby if you want some extra privacy. The service is broadcast through to the creche space and you can see into the main church building from it.

Evenings

After our evening service, at 8pm CYFA, a group for 14-18 year olds, meets above the church building in their own space. There is lively discussion, activities, prayer and bible study, with the aim that all young people come to know the Lord Jesus for themselves. Some of the CYFA members are active in helping in the morning services as well. Once a year, CYFA head away to the Lake District for a weekend together. 

Mid Week

Mini Praise

Mini Praise is the name for St Barnabas’ baby and toddler group. It meets on Fridays from 10:00-11.30 in the church hall during school term time. There are toys to play with, snacks and crafts, and a time of prayers, singing, and bible stories. For the adults there is tea, coffee, and cake. If you would like to come please contact families@st-barnabas.net to see if there is space. Please just don’t turn up as we may be full and we don’t want to disappoint your children.

Explore

Explore is a group for 7-11 year olds that meets on Tuesdays from 6-7.15pm during school term times. At Explore children explore all kinds of different ideas and activities, and ultimately seeing how they all fit in with God’s big story. Each evening has games, activities, stories, and a chance to burn off some energy. Parents can stay at the back of church and have tea and coffee or head home and pick them up later.  Explore is run in partnership with Big Kids. You can find out more information by emailing families@st-barnabas.net or just coming along.

Pathfinders 

As well as meeting on a Sunday morning Pathfinders (the 11-14’s group)  meets on alternate Tuesday evenings for a games night from 7.30pm – 9.00pm. Here Pathfinders can invite their friends to play pool, table tennis, badminton, football and video games, there is also a tuck shop. Many Pathfinders just enjoy talking to their friends, relaxing and playing music. Every year there is a weekend away in the North Yorkshire Moors, which is invaluable in building up the group in the Christian faith and fellowship.

SAFEGUARDING

Every year the PCC approves the safeguarding policy, to ensure good practice in all our work with children and vulnerable adults. You can read our Safeguarding Policy Here