Events, training, and more!
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| Welcome to the latest Youth & Children Update! |
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| ...and see further down this Update for Advent and Christmas ideas! 😉 |
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| Pray for the climate: COP30 runs until 21 November. A group of Christians in Edinburgh have got together to produce a set of resources to help you pray through the fortnight of COP and at other times of the year. The theme this year is Our Voices Matter. This is the fourth set of COP Prayer resources that this group has produced. Read about the origin of the group here, and access the resources here. |
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There are also child-friendly resources available from A Rocha UK, grouped for ages 4-7 and 7-11. Have a look on their website here.
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| It's World Toilet Day on 19 November, so why not spread the word about Toilet Twinning or twin a toilet yourself? With Christmas on the horizon, you could could even fund, or part-fund, a twinned toilet as a gift! Toilet Twinning is run by Tearfund and ensures decent toilets, safe water and healthy hygiene for communities that don't currently enjoy these things. When you twin your toilet you receive a picture of the loo you've twinned with for display in your own bathroom. You'd be in good company – we have two twinned toilets here at the Diocesan Office! Find out more about Toilet Twinning here, and get access to resources like posters and fliers here. |
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| And for the full package, why not look at your toilet paper use too? Traidcraft have just teamed up with Serious Tissues to offer a Traidcraft loo roll that is UK manufactured, bleach- and plastic-free, with each roll sold contributing towards Transform Trade’s work with inspirational producers across the world. Find out more here. |
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| Ring Out is a youth-initiated event for all aged 11–16 who are concerned about the impact of the climate crisis. On the 4th Saturday of each month, 11:30am–2pm, there is the chance to come together for discussion and creative action, with the bells being rung between 12 noon and 12:20pm. Next running 22 November. More information at this web page, or contact A+E. |
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| WhatsApp group for young adults The Pisky 18+ WhatsApp Community is a PYC initiative to help Yeek graduates and other 18–25s keep in touch with each other and with key Youth leaders. There are announcements of opportunities such as pilgrimages, and the chance to join different groups in the Community (e.g. your Diocese, Yeek 24 leavers). To join, fill in this short form. |
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| Rooted and Roaming This is an SEC-wide, self-run young adult group. It seeks to 'explore the SEC one church at a time', buildings fellowship and faith along the way. Each month, a different church is visited for Sunday worship. The next event is Sunday 16 November at St Cyprian's, Lenzie, meeting at 10:15am for a 10:30am service. Follow on Instagram for future dates: @rootedandroamingsec |
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| Article about Taizé in The Inverness Courier We were thrilled to see an article in The Inverness Courier featuring three young people in our Summer 2025 Taizé group. You can see an image of the article below, or access it online here. |
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| For Leaders - From the SEC |
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| Safeguarding Training for those working with children and protected adults is available online, 8–9pm, on Thursday 20 November. This is being run by Ps & Gs, and is approved by the SEC Safeguarding team. Register here to attend. |
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| Wondering about your work with babies, toddlers, children, or young people? Not sure what to do or where to start? Or maybe you are already doing something and are wondering what might come next? We are here to help! Get in touch with us and let us help you to take the next step, faithfully and with confidence. |
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| Youth and Children’s Ministry Training Days 2026 In 2026, all involved in youth and children's ministry are invited to a series of training days at Ps & Gs Church. These events will be hold on a Saturday morning, 9am–1pm, and free to attend. Add these dates to your diary now and look out for registration links in future newsletters.
▶ 21 March
▶ 23 May ▶ 26 September ▶ 28 November |
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| Play Church. You may have seen the reel about Play Church on our social media feeds. Did you know that it is hosted by congregations throughout the year? Play Church is currently at St Ninian's, Comely Bank, and we have hosts booked up until autumn 2026, but if you want to host the Play Church at some point in the future, get in touch with Fee and she can talk you through what is involved and/or slot you in as a future host! |
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| The Provincial Enable Grant can be used to access up to £5000 in any one year. It aims to enable SEC congregations to develop new projects, or to support existing projects with an SEC connection, address increasing poverty amongst families in their community. More details are on the SEC website. |
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| For Leaders - From other providers |
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| Sticky Note Prayers is a new book by Phil Sokell-Miles which describes the growth of Prayer Spaces in Schools in the UK and beyond. At the end of November, Phil is holding a book tour on Zoom. Attend a session for free to get inspiration and practical ideas to set up a prayer space or to simply pick up a few tips for your work with young people. The sessions are on 25 November at 10am and 27 November at 7:30pm. Sign up here. |
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| Practical Steps to Better School–Church Links Do you want a stronger partnership between your church and local primary school? This two-hour session is designed for church leaders and Children & Family Workers to pause, review, and sharpen their focus on developing their existing partnerships with schools. Discover how small, strategic changes can transform engagement without adding extra time to your schedule. ▶ Wednesday 19 November, 9:45–11:45am, £20. Find out more and book here. |
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| Attend a Messy Church Masterclass! Are you wondering about running Messy Church but unsure about where to begin? A Messy Masterclass – Starting Your Messy Church session is running on:
▶ Wednesday 26 November, 1–2:30pm. Find out more and sign up on the BRF website. |
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| The Thriving Families Conference, which explored ministry with 0–5s and their families, ran in June 2025, and its sessions are now online for you to view. See what's on offer on the conference's YouTube page. |
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| We have updated our 'Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Candlemas' page on the diocesan website. This gives a range of ideas and links to resources to cover the whole seasonal period. Some are old-favourites whilst others are new ideas. Please do have a browse! There is also an 'Advent and Christmas Resources: New for 2025' document, which list a great number of books, bible studies, and resources, which are new for 2025. A few that might be of interest to children and young people are included below. |
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| The One We're Waiting For. This book is a 25-day experience that will help everyone in the family anticipate and celebrate Christmas. This book includes Daily Bible stories; gorgeous illustrations by Aedan and Natalie Peterson; suggested songs for family worship; reflection questions to start meaningful conversations; and cut-out ornaments to decorate your tree every day leading up to Christmas. Find one place to purchase here. |
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| The Grumpy Owl. Something wonderful is about to happen in an old, lonely, empty barn. A very special baby is going to be born. But the grumpy owl who lives there just wants to be left alone. Can any of the other animals help him change his mind? Or will he miss out on the amazing joy of the first Christmas? The Grumpy Owl and the Joy of Christmas tells the story of Jesus’ birth through the eyes of an owl who seems determined to miss all the excitement. There are additional resources from the Church of England (some of which could be used even without using the book!). Find one place to purchase here. |
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| We're On Our Way to Bethlehem. From the Bible Society. Angels shining, shepherds and sheep running, wise men riding, chickens and cows skipping, and Mary and Joseph rocking. They all know that the news is true but what will our little ones find out when they arrive at Bethlehem? |
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| The Little Christmas Tree. Deep in the forest, one dark night, a storm is brewing, and the woodland animals sense danger. The grand, proud trees are determined to fight the storm wind. But the little fir tree knows that it is more important to shelter the frightened birds and animals. When the storm wreaks destruction, she alone is unharmed. And far away, that very night, a baby is born in a manger ... Find one place to purchase here. |
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| Your Greatest Gift. Teeny Mouse is wrapping presents to take to the feast at Grandmouse's house. But on her way she gives her gifts to some friends in need. By the time Teeny gets to the party, will she have anything left to give to Grandmouse? Join Teeny on her journey that reminds us that the greatest give you can ever give to someone is your love ... Find one place to purchase here. |
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| Christian Aid are offering a range of Advent and Christmas resources this year, from All-Age ideas to Carol Sheets. Explore them here. |
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| Parenting for Faith have a range of resources to support families to observe Advent together. This year, they have a range of daily questions that can be used as/with any Advent Calendar. Explore resources here. |
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| ... and don't forget the Advent calendar! |
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| The 2025 Real Advent Calendar is a fun way for parents, grandparents and Godparents to share the Christmas story. The 2025 calendar has a new design. There is a Fairtrade Chocolate and a line of the Christmas story behind each of the 25 windows. The free book has a page for every day of Advent, expanding on the Christmas story and includes some fun challenges. Get more information here. |
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| Tech for the season and beyond |
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| Illuminate, from Tearfund: receive a mix of inspiring reflections, creative prayer ideas and family-friendly activities every day by email. You’ll also find stories of transformation and prayer requests from Tearfund staff and partners around the world, helping us all to pause and prepare for the birth of Jesus. Find out more here. |
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| Everyday Faith, from the Church of England: A new devotional app that will follow the seasons of the Christian Year. Aimed at adults, it is also likely to be useful to young adults. Find out more here, including how to download. |
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| ... and did you know, the popular app Pray as You Go has a Kids Prayer section? Just go to the Discover icon to be directed to it. |
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| REMINDER: You can find lots of information under the Adventures in Faith headline on our website, including a list of Awareness Days until the end of 2025, as well as courses/events you might find helpful. Links to the Adventures in Faith pages can be found via the gold-coloured menu items above and below. |
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| Keep up to date with Diocesan
News & Events! |
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| Revd Fiona (Fee) Reynolds, Advisor for Christian Life, 0131 346 9089 [email protected] |
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