The church has an extensive programme for children and young people. Use the drop down menus above to access information on the different children’s and youth groups running.
Alongside the more traditional groups, we have been working extensively in two of the local Primary Schools in Loanhead, leading Assemblies, teaching part of the RME syllabus and - in 2004 - set up a lunch time Xplorers Group for those interested in exploring the Christian faith, which was quickly over subscribed.
Struck by the interest shown by the children, and sensing how important it was that we responded constructively to this, in 2005 we appointed a staff member to take responsibility for Children’s and Family work.
Since then, the work has grown, with four lunch time groups now meeting.
Alongside this, we have organised a week-long Children’s Holiday Club for the last four years. Around 40 children have attended the Holiday Clubs, with very positive feedback from children and parents.
Despite all of this positive contact early on, the number of children involved in our Children’s Work on a Sunday morning remained disappointingly low.
As a result, we radically reshaped what we did - realising that we shouldn’t expect people to “fit in” with what we do, nor see people’s arrival on Sunday mornings as the ultimate goal.
Instead we chose to shape our work round the needs of the children – and have developed a Children’s worship event on Friday afternoons (when our local Primary Schools have a half day.) Called JAM (Jesus and Me) around 25 children aged 8 – 11 attend.
Recently we have begun to extend this work into secondary schools – developing positive relationships there, and recently running a week-long anti-bullying campaign in the school. Alongside this, we have developed a weekly worship event for teenagers on Sunday evenings, with around 20 teenagers attending each week and are launching a new after school group for secondary school age youngsters interested in thinking seriously about faith issues.
The Vision
We’re setting out to build a fresh expression of church round the needs of the children and young people in our parish.
To do this, we see the need for continuing to develop:
“Xplorers Groups” for those in P4 – S2 interested in exploring the Christian faith and its relevance to their life
Worship events for children and teenagers– shaped round their needs and at a time that suits them
A group for those in Primary 7 serious about faith, and a group for those in S1/2
A Summer Holiday Club for children and teenagers
The vision to develop this is shared by the minister and elders of the congregation – with a sense of excitement and anticipation as we have seen this begin to take shape.
Children’s Worker appointment
Children’s Worker appointment
Kate Mechie started with us part-time as a youth worker from August 2009, taking responsibility for the work with the 9 to 14 teenagers & young adults group. We are looking forward to Kate's involvement in the work, and the new ideas she will bring for developing this work further!
A number of volunteers from the church community are already involved in aspects of the work, and their continued involvement is key.
Loanhead Parish Church , The Manse, 120 The Loan, Loanhead , Midlothian, EH20 9AJ Loanhead Parish Church (Church of Scotland) Registered Charity No SC014420
0131 448 2459 
