There is lots of good news happening across our Circuit when it comes to children, young people and families.

Our new booklet, Children’s Ministry at Bristol and South Gloucestershire Methodist Circuit, celebrates just some of the wonderful things happening in our churches. It shares stories, ideas and experiences from Westbury-on-Trym, St Andrews Filton and Knowle, showing the many different ways our churches are creating opportunities for children and young people to connect with church, explore faith and find a sense of belonging.

Many different ways to belong

At Westbury-on-Trym, children and families are welcomed through Toddlers Together and Messy Church. Toddlers Together is run jointly with Holy Trinity Parish Church and brings 25–35 children together regularly. During school holidays, the group becomes Messy Church, with crafts, an interactive service, prayer and lunch. The team’s hope is that families leave with happy memories and a sense of having been welcomed into church.

The church is also home to a thriving Zimbabwean Youth Group, whose weekly online Bible studies attract more than 20 participants. These gatherings give young people space to ask questions, explore Scripture and grow together in faith, with around 30 young people expected to take part in a retreat planned for October 2026.

At St Andrews, Filton, Little Lights provides a welcoming Sunday space for children and young people. What began around 2014 as informal provision has grown into a regular part of church life, usually welcoming 6–10 children aged between 6 and 16. The church also runs Messy Church and a weekly toddler group. A small, committed team continues to make this ministry possible, demonstrating how much the church values its younger members.

At Knowle Methodist, Junior Church is a purposeful and creative part of worship and discipleship. Children explore Bible stories and themes over a full term, giving them time to ask questions, share their ideas and grow in understanding. Creative projects, such as making a stop-motion animation of the Widow’s Mite, give children of different ages the opportunity to contribute in different ways.

Knowle also looks for opportunities to connect with the wider community through events such as a Star Wars Party, local trails, a Narnia film event, cake sales and church fairs. These activities help children bring friends, connect with families and become part of the wider life of the community.

Part of a bigger picture

These stories reflect some of the themes identified in the Bristol Methodist District’s recent review of children’s and youth work. The review highlighted four important areas: being ready to welcome and invite children and families; giving children and young people a meaningful voice; making children’s and youth ministry a priority; and building networks and community.

Across the District, many positive examples are already happening, including toddler groups, Messy Church, children’s and youth groups, school links and work with community organisations. The review also recognised the importance of supporting churches so that this work can continue sustainably.

Our booklet is only a small glimpse of what is happening across the Circuit. There are many more stories, people and churches to celebrate.

We hope these stories will encourage us, help us learn from one another and inspire new ideas. There is no single way of reaching children, young people and families. Each church can find ways that work within its own community, gifts and circumstances.

If your church has a story, activity or idea involving children, young people or families, please get in touch with Inga in Communications. Your story could be just the encouragement another church needs.

“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.”
1 Corinthians 3:6

Let’s keep going, keep sharing and keep growing together. 🌱