Children are a vital part of God’s family and there are many opportunities for them to learn, grow, and contribute to our life together as a church.
On Sunday Mornings
There is a crèche for children under three years old from 10.15am through the end of the service.
After a time of all age worship in the church, children in primary and secondary school may go to the church hall, and the front room of the manse to continue worshiping and learning.
Children in P1-3 may join us in the Tent—located in the church hall. Here we 0, share stories, do crafts and activities, and have a feast (snack).
Children in P4-7 may join us in the Studio—also located in the church hall. In the studio we share stories as well, and dig a little deeper into how the different parts of the Bible are connected, and how they can relate to us today. We also play some fun games, and occasionally join the kids in the Tent for their feast (if it looks good).
Children in secondary school may join us in the Front Room—located in (you guessed it!) the front room of Pastor Mary’s house next to the church. Here, learning happens through a combination of discussion, reading, and drama. This is a great place to ask tough questions about God and the Bible.
During the summer
The Banchory churches work together to host a week long Holiday Club. It is generally the last week before the schools return, and is great fun for those who come along. All children in P1-7 as of June of the current year are welcome to join us. In previous years over one hundred children have joined us and you would be a welcome addition to our week of fun.
During the week
We host several activities for children and their carers.
Tom Toms meets on Monday mornings at 10.00 for an hour in the church hall. There is a time of singing, and music, during which the children and their carers learn the old nursery rhymes and songs, and musical instruments are shaken, rattled, and rolled! Those who come along range in age from one week to pre-school. Older children usually have a short time doing some of the more vigorous action songs. Afterwards, it’s snack time, playtime and chatting time.
Toddlers Group meets on Tuesday mornings at 10.00 in the church hall. This is an activity based group—play and crafts. This is a smaller group than the Tom Toms and is ideal if your child feels overwhelmed by the larger group. Once again there is a time for snacks and chatting.
Special events
Monthly from September to June we host a Messy Church celebration. This is an event for children of all ages to come with their carers and enjoy a time of stories, crafts, messes, a meal. Be sure to wear clothes you wont mind getting a little dirty!
Also monthly during the fall and winter months (usually on the first Friday of the month) we host a Family Film Night in the church hall. Child friendly movies are shown and popcorn and juice are served. It is low key, great fun--and since it’s free, it’s much cheaper than a trip to the cinema in Aberdeen.
Everyone who has the privilege of teaching our children is trained in child protection and is certified by Disclosure Scotland. If you have any questions, or need more information about any of these programs feel free to contact our children and families worker, Rev. Bill Stone via email billstoneiii@gmail.com or by phone at 07883.815.598.