St Barnabas is blessed to welcome many children each week. Led by our children’s and youth leader and supported by volunteers, we run activities at church and in a local primary school. Children’s work is a key strength and growth area for us.
We want children and young people to feel loved and accepted, grow in their friendship with God, and discover their gifts through fun, engaging activities. We also aim to encourage and support parents as they nurture their children’s faith.
Sunday Club is for children aged 2 and over and runs each Sunday of the month (except on the 3rd Sunday). Children begin the service with their parents or carers before going to their group where they are taught using an age‑appropriate teaching programme.
A dedicated room is available for babies and children under 2. Parents are also welcome to stay in the service, where there is a seating area at the back with toys for babies and toddlers.
On the first Sunday of each month, we share breakfast (toast and jam, fruit, pastries, and fruit juice) and play games to help children build friendships.
This is a free, fun Friday club running in term time from 5.15–6.45pm for children aged 4–12. Children enjoy games, crafts, activities, stories, and snacks.
Our toddler group meets on Thursdays during term time from 9.30–11.30am and is open to parents, carers, and children under 5. It’s a relaxed and friendly space with songs, a short story, and plenty of free play.
We provide snacks for the children, along with tea, coffee, and cake for adults. The cost is £1 for the first child and 50p for each additional child, with babies under 9 months joining for free, but please don’t let money be a barrier — everyone is very welcome.
Youth group is for ages 11–18 and usually meets on the first Sunday of the month from 5.45–7.15pm. We hang out, look at Bible topics that connect with real life, and play plenty of games like basketball, air hockey, pool, and table football.
There’s a tuck shop with snacks from 10p to £1, and now and then we head out to youth events. Times and venues can sometimes change, so just check in with Jen on 07531 727083. Everyone’s welcome — come along and give it a try!
We have a strong link with Ashgate Primary School and run a lunch club on alternate Fridays for some of the children. Sessions include a short story or lesson, a simple craft, and lots of fun.
Here’s what the children say:
“I love Lunch Club – it makes Friday fun”
“It’s fun learning about new things and about Jesus every week. The games are good for boosting your mood”
"I like learning about Jesus. We do fun activities”
Messy Church is church for all ages and are lively, happy sessions with crafts, shared food, and a short celebration. They’re a great chance for families from church and the local community to come together, have fun, and build friendships.
For more information about Messy Church, go to: What is Messy Church?
Rainbows at St Barnabas is a fun, friendly group for girls aged 4–7. Meeting every Tuesday in term time, sessions are full of games, crafts, learning, and confidence‑building — all in a safe and supportive space. Rainbows has been running at St Barnabas for over 20 years and is a great place to make friends and have fun.
To register or find out more, visit Girlguiding / Rainbows. Applications are passed to Bluebell, who leads the group at St Barnabas.
