When children are baptized, we make promises on behalf of the whole church. Just as the parents and sponsors make their promises, the whole church is asked, “People of God, do you promise to support [this person] and pray for them in their new life in Christ?” Whether a child was baptized here or in another congregation, we carry out these promises made by the people of God. Sometimes our support and prayers are invisible, yet how meaningful when the recipient knows that we care and are praying! Here are some of the ways we support our children and youth as they grow in faith.

Resources for babies and toddlers

Splashing in God’s Love bags: These are presented at a baby’s birth, adoption, or baptism. There are board books and bathtime items as a reminder that we are splashing in God’s love. They also contain monthly newsletters to guide the caregivers as they nurture the faith of their child as a part of daily life. 

Bibles: We provide age-appropriate Bibles for our youngest children. 

Toddler Class: As a part of our Sunday Education hour we are also excited to provide a toddler class for children ages from Birth to three years old and their caregivers. This is in the nursery space and is a safe place to play and experience God’s love through song, Bible stories, and activity stations as well as a time for parents to make connections. 

Worshiping Together

Worship is our primary means of faith formation for all ages. Through prayers, psalms, and hymns, through scripture and preaching, we are drawn more deeply into the life of faith. Young children are invited to worship in our Prayer Pond/Rug and get an activity bag to aid in their worship. We are also happy to welcome young worship leaders in various ways.

Prayer Rug: This rug in the sanctuary provides a safe place to stretch for children Birth to age 2 with their caregivers.  We have soft baby toys, board books, and a rocker available. 

Church Bags: We have backpacks located in the narthex for our children between the ages of 3 and 6 to explore while sitting with their parents during worship. These include quiet toys and books organized around favorite Bible stories or people/objects they might see during a worship service. 

Sunday Morning Learning, 9:45 — 10:45

Young Children: From birth through pre-school, children are invited to bring a parent to the nursery for play time between services with a story and activities from 10:00 until 10:15.

School-aged Children: Students in kindergarten through third grades explore Bible stories following our lectionary used in worship using Spark: Activate Faith. Students in fourth through sixth grades dive deep into the Gospels.

Confirmation: In grades seven and eight, students explore God’s unfolding promise to mend the universe through Daniel Erlander’s Manna and Mercy.

Youth: High School students are invited to participate in the Adult Forum and periodically meet on a Sunday morning for coffee and conversation at Needmore coffee.

Vacation Bible School

VBS is a full-day program focused on experiential learning and community building for children entering kindergarten through fifth grade. Middle school and high school students are invited to volunteer alongside the adults. VBS is usually held for three days after Memorial Day. More information will be available in March.

If your child will attend any of these activities, please fill out a student information form each year. For more information about participation or volunteering, please email Pastor Lecia.