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
Who Let The Dads Out? resources
Parent and toddler groups can be a lifeline to mums as they meet with others and enjoy time with their children. But what about dads? Why should men miss out? This book tells the story of how Who Let The Dads Out? came into being. It is a practical guide for setting up and running your own monthly sessions, complete with theological background, real-life case studies, helpful tips and twelve easy craft ideas.
Buy both Who Let The Dads Out? and School's Out, Dad's About for £12.99
More about Who Let The Dads Out?
More about School's Out, Dad's About
bookA review of Core Skills
'Over the last 2 or 3 years we have been delivering the Core Skills modules to local volunteers and we have found the course popular and I have personally seen the impact it has had on children's ministry in local parishes. After your conference in September 2010 we have also started presenting some of the More Core Skills modules which have been equally popular with participants.'
Angela George, Convenor, Children's Task Force, Diocese of Norwich
Find out more about Core Skills
Angela George, Convenor, Children's Task Force, Diocese of Norwich
A Messy Party!
In case you missed the news, it's BRF's 90th birthday this year... and what an amazing story we have to celebrate of how a local initiative in a church in south London has become a home mission resourcing the spiritual journeys of so many Christians worldwide, with its Bible notes, books and ministries.
We are having a massive Messy Church Party for BRF in Dorchester Abbey on 1 July 2012, 3 - 5 pm, so book the date in your diary and come and join us in the celebration.
eventA Messy Jubilee?
In a few months it's our Queen's Diamond Jubilee and many churches are planning services and events to mark this important milestone in our country's history.
Whether it is a street party, community picnic or church presentation, why not explore the ideas put together by our Messy Church team in their creative, crafty, celebratory Diamond Jubilee pack, which is available as a free download.
Visit the Messy Church website for the Diamond Jubilee Pack
linkThe reading of readings - lectionary linked ideas
For those of you who use the Common Lectionary readings for the Sundays after Easter, here are some of our existing ideas for children's and all-age groups that tie in with the theme of the Gospel Bible story and the Psalm for those days:
Easter 2 - Jesus appears to his disciples
Easter 3 - Jesus commissions his disciples
Easter 4 - I am the good shepherd
ideaLooking for Easter ideas?
If any day qualifies for this title then it must be Resurrection Day. And for those of you still looking for more last-minute ideas for this weekend, there are plenty on the website - just search using the keyword Easter.
ideaWho Let The Dads Out? becomes part of BRF
BRF (Bible Reading Fellowship) and Who Let The Dads Out? announce that Who Let The Dads Out? is to become a core ministry of BRF, with effect from 12 March 2012.
Who Let The Dads Out? is an extremely effective way for churches to engage with fathers, male carers and their pre-school children - particularly those with whom the church has very little, if any, contact. It was started by Mark and Su Chester in Hoole Baptist Church in March 2003. There are already some 50 Who Let The Dads Out? groups around the country.
More about Who Let The Dads Out? book
newsPerformance of Rabboni
On 28 March 2012, the combined choirs of Hook-with-Warsash and Brockenhurst Church of England primary schools are performing Rabboni at Winchester Cathedral.
Rabboni is written by Mark Baxter, author of Emmanuel... assemblies for Christmas.
event
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.