Under Fives
Families with young children are very welcome at all our of churches, with toys and resources available to keep little ones entertained. Have a read below for information about services which are particularly aimed at families.
We also have two thriving, midweek Under Fives ministries, based at St Mark’s in Utley and St Barnabas in Thwaites Brow. These toddler groups are led by our Under Fives leaders and amazing volunteer team, giving children space to play and explore, and adults chance to chat over a hot drink. Both our groups are stocked with toys, books, crafts and fantastic play equipment. Please see below for information about each group.
Sunday Mornings
St Andrew’s 10.45am Service
This is a family friendly service with children’s groups for ages 5+ and a comfortable play space for younger ones. We have sofas, toys, books and a craft table. We also have Bible story boxes available which include a book, a prayer and some simple activities for children and parents/carers to explore together. If children need a bit of space outside the main church we have a play room at the back with large windows and a speaker so you can still see and hear the service.
St Mark’s Breakfast Church (4th Sunday of the month)
We know it can be a challenge getting everyone out the house in the morning, so why not bring the children along to church for breakfast? Join us for drinks, toast and croissants before a short, family-friendly service. Breakfast is served from 9.30am before the service starts at 10am (for about 30-40 minutes).
Afternoon Family Services
Messy Church at St Barnabas
3.15pm, usually on the first Wednesday of the month (occasionally different to avoid school holidays so please check).
St Mark’s 3 o’clock Service
3pm on the second Sunday of each month.
Under Fives at St Mark's
We are a friendly, relaxed playgroup for babies and children under five and their parents/carers. We’re open every weekday in term time and would love to welcome you and your little ones to join us.
Where we meet: St Mark’s Church Hall, 64 Green Head Rd, Utley, Keighley BD20 6ED
When we meet: Monday – Friday, 9:45-11:15 am (term time only)
What we do: crafts, play (indoor and outdoor, weather permitting), songs and refreshments (drinks and snacks for children and hot drinks for adults).
Entry fee: £3 per family (up to two adults and two children – £1 each for additional family members), payable by card or cash on arrival.
Contact: underfives@keighleyparish.org
Busy Bees
We are a friendly, relaxed playgroup for babies and children under five and their parents/carers. We’re open every Thursday in term time and would love to welcome you and your little ones to join us.
Where we meet: St Barnabas Church, Calton Rd, Thwaites Brow, Keighley BD21 4UR
When we meet: Thursday 9:45-11:15 am (term time only)
What we do: crafts, play, songs and refreshments (drinks and snacks for children and hot drinks for adults).
Entry fee: £3 per family (up to two adults and two children – £1 each for additional family members), payable by card or cash on arrival.
Contact: racheal@keighleyparish.org
For further details please contact the office on 01535 607003 or use the contact form.
Other Age Groups
5-11 Years
Our children’s ministry aims to offer children the opportunity to explore faith in a variety of ways, learning about the stories and teachings of the Bible through story, song, games, crafts and interactive activities. We hope children will have an active relationship with God and believe they deserve the best start to that.
11-18 Years
Our young people’s ministry is a place that is respectful and allows young people to engage with all the joys and struggles that they are living through and how the Bible speaks to that. Anyone is welcome, those who have been involved with church all their life and those who are searching to know more about God.
Safeguarding
The Diocese of West Yorkshire and the Dales and all parishes within it adopt Church of England policies and practice guidance relating to safeguarding.