Barnabas in Churches
Resourcing work among children and families
‘And when you welcome one of these children because of me, you welcome me.’
Matthew 18:5 (CEV)
Welcome to the Barnabas in Churches website. We are passionate about bringing the Bible to life for children and families and so, on this site you will find ideas for your Sunday and midweek groups, material for all-age worship, links to our books, resources for training and information about our programmes and ministries.
What's new
On your marks - new ideas for January
In the same way that we aimed last year to keep you regularly stocked up with useful ideas for celebrating the Bible, in 2012 we plan to build up a resource bank of Bible stories with a sporting theme. So to kick you off, under the keyword 'running the race', we have:
- Words for a Christian sporting year - This idea brings together 12 verses from the Bible with a sporting link - one for each month of 2012 along with questions to get everyone talking.
- Bible record breakers - This is a collection of some crazy, sporty Bible 'facts' - useful for displays and as ice-breakers.
Ideas to celebrate festivals and special days
But, of course, 2012 is not just all about sport (thankfully!). There are plenty of ideas on the website to resource you for the various special days and festivals ahead:
- A story for Candlemas - the visit of Mary and Joseph to the Temple with baby Jesus: Candlemas - Great Grandma Anna and you can hear the story being told here.
- An idea for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
- And a series for Epiphany: The wise men; The baptism of Jesus; The wedding at Cana.
- And, looking ahead, a bunch of ideas for a Valentine's Day special: Lovely jubbly
Holiday Club resources
Now's a great time to start planning for your holiday club.
View all Holiday Club resources
bookSave 50% off a range of great BRF & Barnabas titles
Do check out the BRF January Sale on the BRF Online Shop. 24 titles are available at half price while stocks last, including a brilliant range of Barnabas resources.
Look out for All-Age Worship, The Gospels Unplugged, A-cross the World, The Growth of Love, Footsteps to the Feast, the Barnabas Children's Bible and Barnabas Make & Do Bible Crafts - to name but a few!
newsIntroducing REinspired
REinspired have recently produced a video that introduces their work. To find out more, visit their website or read about the book - The Story of REinspired.
videoReview of Side by Side with God in Everyday Life
Using the Contemporary English Version of Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8 as a basis, Yvonne Morris has constructed a model for use by all those called to nurture children within families and without. The 28 sessions are each bible based with a story plus verses to stimulate more chatting. She uses the word 'wonder' to bring the essence of the story to mind and to share. She encourages communication with God in asking what questions need to be asked and listening for answers. Just as the writer of Ecclesiastes faced up to all aspects of life, so here laughing, weeping, building, destroying, embracing are all included. Might be worth a visit for more ideas how to link the Bible stories with everyday activities.
Reviewed by Tania Brosnan
More about Side by Side with God in Everyday Life
reviewThe Big Surprise - ideas for December
Christmas was God's big surprise. Even though there had been tantalising clues throughout the Old Testament, no one really expected the miracle of 'God-with-us' in the form of a helpless baby. This surprise theme is picked up in three new ideas this month - ideal for those looking for some last minute inspiration for a final session with your group, a special seasonal event or the annual all-age nativity or carol service:
- Activities for the big surprise - Are you looking for a new angle on the Christmas story? This idea suggests several fun group activities to explore the birth of Jesus as God's amazing and unexpected gift to the world.
- The story of the big surprise - Will you be telling the Christmas story at an all-age service this December? This idea offers a simple way to involve everyone in the story as you tell it.
- Worship for the big surprise - Are you looking for a simple act of worship to use with a group at a special Christmas event? This idea offers an outline for a short time of reflection that focuses on the wonder of the Christmas miracle.
My Storytime Bible

This lovely book of stories from the Bible is ideal for independent reading or sharing together. Children aged 6 - 10 will delight in these beautifully illustrated free-standing Bible stories, picking out 70 major events, from Genesis through to the birth of the early church.
Renita Boyle is a professional storyteller and knows how to produce engaging stories sprinkled with a touch of humour or a gentle touch to spell out a truth about God.
She can be seen telling her stories on YouTube - worth a visit! And go to www.renitaboyle.com to see the range of Renita's creative skills.
View all Bibles from Barnabas for Children
book











Chris Hudson joined the Barnabas Children's Ministry Team in 2007. His particular interest lies in using music, storytelling and drama to help children explore the Bible. He is increasingly spending more time on teacher training, and oversees the Barnabas in Schools website.