One of the (many!) UPs of Barney’s is the fantastic provision for and inclusion of children within the church family and environment. Listed below are the ways in which the smaller members of our congregation and community are involved within a safe and fun area.

 

For further information on all Sunday and mid-week activities contact Heather Lowe in the church office.

 

The fourth Sunday of every month is an All Age Service lasting approximately 45mins, with music and teaching designed to involve and engage youngsters. All other weeks children begin in the main church and after 15 minutes leave to go into their own groups. These are as follows:

 

Teenie Tinies (0-walking)

Place: Cartwright Room

Children can be left with helpers or parents are welcome to stay with them. The room is at the back of church so within easy reach if parents wish to try both ways! It is a cosy safe area with age appropriate toys and music, and a lovely way of welcoming very small children into God’s family and sharing in His love.

Water and rice cakes or breadsticks are provided.

 

Tumblers (walking-2yrs)

Place: Old School Hall

In one third of the hall, children can be left with leaders or helpers (mainly parents of young children). Parents are welcome to stay and make this their time of worship, as well as getting to know others. A safe and interesting environment is provided for young children to play, meet their peers and be a part of God’s family. They will be read a bible story, participate in simple activities relating to the story and sing songs.

Water and snacks are provided.

 

Little Gems (2-3yrs)

Place: Old School Hall

In another third of the hall this group builds on the foundations that have been laid in Tumblers, and activities start to get a little more exciting and varied! The children build on their spiritual awareness in this environment designed to help them love, trust, worship and learn. Again leaders and helpers (mainly parents of young children) take responsibility for the children, but parents who wish to stay can do so.

Water and snacks are provided.

 

Sparklers (3-5yrs)

Place: Old School Hall

The leaders and helpers of this group take charge whilst parents are encouraged to go back into the main service. Children come together to learn more about God and Jesus in fun accessible ways. There is a bible story, craft activities, singing and sometimes cooking or planting! Annually this group takes part in the Crib service in the main church.

Drinks and snacks are provided.

Barney’s also has changing facilities in the ladies’ and mens’ toilets, as well as the wonderful ‘Mr Noisy’s Room’. This is a soundproofed room at the back of the main church for feeding, changing and occupying very small children during the service. Parents can listen to the service through speakers and not worry about their little ones’ noise!

Date: Mondays in termtime (not Bank Holidays)

Time: 1.45pm - 3.15pm

Place: Old School Hall

For children aged 2-5yrs, this is a community parent/carer and child group focusing on messy play. It offers everything you would like to do with your child, but just not at home! Painting, sticking, water and sand play as well as getting stuck into cornflour, fircones, jelly, leaves, feathers, and shaving foam! The group encourages more exploration and process than a perfect final product, and gives a safe environment for all to make friends and get involved. The session ends with drinks, snacks, a bible story and singing.

This group takes a maximum of 15 familes per week, and is first come first served. Old clothes advisable.

Cost: £1.50 per family per session

 

Date: Wednesdays in term-time

Time: 10am – 11.30am

Place: Old School Hall

Barnabas Bears is our hugely popular baby and toddler group for 0-4 year olds. It provides a safe place for parents and carers to spend time with their young children, as well as an opportunity to meet one another and let the children play together. At the end of each term there is an informal celebration in the main church, and at the end of the summer term there is an annual trip to Shepreth Wildlife Park. Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided for the adults; water and snacks for the children.

NB: There is a waiting list for this popular group. We aim to maintain a ratio of 50:50 St Barnabas parents and those from the local community. Please contact Heather Lowe to put your name onto the list.

Cost: £1.00 per family per session

 

Date: First Saturday of every month

Time: 10.30am - 12.00pm

Place: Old School Hall

This is a great opportunity for Dads and Grandads to spend quality time with their under 5s in a safe and fun environment. The session involves a bible story, craft and activities, as well as time to play.  Bacon butties and fresh coffee are provided for the adults, and toast and jam for the children.

Give Mums a break or allow them quality time with older siblings.

Cost: £1 per family per session