Children & Young People
We see children as a vital part of the church family — not 'tomorrow's church', but the church of today and the leaders of tomorrow.
At Great Ayton Methodist Church we work with children and young people of all ages from the church and local community. We aim to show young people and their families God's love, help them get to know Jesus, and be a support for them as they grow up. We do this by providing groups and activities, through individual work and practical help.
Children's activities
Crèche
For ages 0–3 during the 10:30 am service every Sunday.
King's Kids
Junior church activities for children aged 3 to 11 during the 10:30 am Sunday service, following the themes of the main service.
J Time
Tuesday afternoons in term time, straight from school. Bible-related activities and teaching for children from birth to year 6 — videos, singing, stories, crafts and a healthy snack (plus coffee and cookies for adults).
Toddler Groups
Thursday mornings — play and social time, and mutual support for pre-school children and their parents and carers.
Youth Group
Thursday evenings for school years 6 to 8 — fun activities, learning about God and some silliness.
Family Fun Time
Saturday mornings several times a year — the church becomes an inflatable fun park with bouncy castle, slide, ball pool and soft play.
See the What's On page for days and times of all these activities.
Special activities and events
Special events for children and young people take place throughout the year. Younger children from the toddler group and J Time join the church for the family Christmas lunch and a visit to Santa. Over the years members of the youth group have taken part in weekends away, and in 2019 a group of six young people and leaders spent a week on a discipleship trip to a partner church in Friendswood, Texas — a powerful experience that had a massive impact on all who took part.
We are currently working on ways of developing our young people's provision within our mission and vision plan.
Your children are safe with us. Leaders of children's activities and clubs are DBS checked and comply with the church's safeguarding procedures.
Bringing children on a Sunday?
Leaders will explain what happens at King's Kids and crèche — and children are always welcome to stay in the service.