Creche
On Sunday mornings we offer full separate crèche facilities for all babies and toddlers, allowing parents to relax knowing their children are being well cared for in the bright, pleasant, dedicated surroundings of each of the crèches.
Life in the crèche rooms on Sunday morning is as busy as ever! We are delighted that so many parents feel happy leaving their children, have a look at what they get up to in your absence…
Security identity passes are issued to ensure that children can only be collected from crèche by the specified parent or guardian. If you are needed at any time during the service you can be contacted easily and discreetly .
For more information on any aspect of Children's Ministry, please email: children@glenabbey.org.uk
Live The Adventure
It's Sunday School but not as we know it!!!
On Sunday mornings children from the ages of 3 to P7 have their own programme running alongside the adult services.
Sometimes chaotic, always educational (not always as we plan) and never dull is an apt description for Little Adventurers (age 3 & nursery) and Live the Adventure (P1-P7).
Bible based, educational and child focused, we have a varied programme with music, games, activities, teaching and lots of fun. We hope that the kids enjoy it, feel safe and able to participate, and most importantly experience the love of God as they learn about Him.
A security badge system is in operation to ensure the safety of the children.
XTB
XTB is a great opportunity for kids (P5 - P7) to deepen their faith as we look at some of the basics of what the bible teaches. It runs each Friday night from 5.00 pm - 6.30 pm and includes the kids having tea together.
We look at different books, people and events from the bible taught in a relevant way during a large group teaching time, then break into small groups for discussion and prayer.
KFC
Running alongside Trekkers on Friday nights from 7.00 - 8.30pm, KFC provides a gentler, less threatening environment for younger children (P1 –P3), yet it allows them to be part of the Friday night fun.
The kids come along to a varied programme of games, craft, a short relevant bible talk and of course the ever popular tuck shop. Other activities include game nights, outings and fun nights.
All children are welcome so why not come along and bring your friends!!
Trekkers
Friday evening sees the church site invaded by a whole host of kids from P4 - P7. After a busy school week kids need to release some of their energy and there’s nowhere better to do this than at Trekkers.
Here they can enjoy loads of high energy games and activities, plus the incredibly important tuck shop! We divide the kids into smaller groups for games then they all come together for a short, relevant, interactive talk and tuck shop. Other activities include cinema nights, fun nights, craft nights, day away and a summer camp.
So why not bring your kids and encourage them to bring their friends - you’ll all be really welcome.
Football
Many kids in our area are passionate about football and love playing the game whenever they can. We provide the opportunity for anybody, boys or girls, whether or not they attend any of our other programmes, to come along and enjoy a game of indoor football.
This is for the P4’s - P7’s and runs from 6 pm - 7.00 pm each Thursday at Soccer Shed, Green Road, Ballyclare. Cost £3.00 per person, to cover the cost of hiring the pitches.
Drama
Meet me at the manger
Glenabbey provides its own Oscar award winning programme to help CHILDREN UnDER 12 (P4-P7) get involved in drama. All have different skills which we try to help them develop.
Under 12 Drama workshops happen on the 1st Thursday night in each month from 6.30-7.30pm and include drama games, improvisation, acting techniques, and of course learning of scripts!!! The team then perform across different ministries during the year.
Summer Activities
Kids camp
This year's P4 - P7 age group can enjoy a week's residential, with probably little sleep but lots of fun activities including canoeing, snorkelling, high ropes, games and much more.Camp will be from 8th - 13th July (Sunday - Friday). Places are limited so book early!! Application forms are available from Madeline at the church office.
Football Camp
Our very own pre-season time comes on 7th - 11th August (Tuesday to Saturday), where 6-14 year olds can come to Mallusk Playing Fields and enjoy fun coaching, skills training and a World Cup competition. We also have lunch time small groups that look at football themed Bible studies.
Music Camp
Impossible though it may seem in one week (13th - 18th August) we will rehearse and perform a musical which includes songs, drama and dance. Anyone from P4 - P7 is welcome. The daily camp will run from 9.30 am - 2.30 pm each day with a break for lunch and games.
Kids Club
Each afternoon (20th - 24th August) from 2.30 - 4.30 pm sees Glenabbey filled with young and not so young!!!
Kids club will run for all kids aged 4 -11 where we will have stories, quizzes, games, craft, puppets and lots of fun.
Safeguarding
The safety of children and vulnerable adults who access our programmes matters to us, and the safeguarding team, which is led by Stewart Whyte, oversees and reviews our safeguarding policy, Better Safe than Sorry, as well as arranging vetting and training for all those who serve in children’s, youth and pastoral ministries.
For copies of safeguarding application forms please click here.
To contact the safeguarding team please email safeguarding@glenabbey.org.uk.
Team
Madeline is married to Tom and they have 3 grown up children who all recently got married. Tom and Madeline live in Ballyclare. She has been attending Glenabbey for 15 years and has been on staff for the last 10 years having previously worked as a cook. Madeline has been involved in children's ministry in some shape or form since she was a teenager which was not yesterday!!!
Derek Browne
Derek is married to Rosemond and has three children aged 21 to 15. He has attended Glenabbey for over 15 years abnd been involved in young people's and children's ministry for over 25 years (he started very young). Derek is an accountant and business adviser and enjoys music and sport. He is responsible for Senior Live the Adventure.
Andrea Duff
Mildred Hamill
Mildred is married to Stephen and they have three children. Mildred works as a speech and language therapist in Thornfield Special School, Jordanstown. She is involved in children’s ministry and has responsibility for the junior end of the Live the Adventure programme.
Tom Mehaffy
Tom is married to Madeline and they have 3 grown up children who all got married within a year. When not involved in children's ministry or the schools work with Glenabbey, he is now able to devote more of his spare time to following Liverpool football club!!! Tom has been attending Glenabbey for 15 years and been involved in children's ministry with some other churches for more years than he cares to remember!!
David is married to Vivienne and they have three adult children. Formerly in management in the IT industry, he is now on the full-time staff of Glenabbey, where his responsibilities include managing the staff, leading Missions and assisting in pastoral care.
