Children

Our ministry with children is guided by the understanding that all children are a gift of God. We share in affirming that all children are:

Created by God and created good;

All children are a gift to the whole human community;

All children have a real faith and gifts for ministry;

All children have the right to be children;

And all children are not just tomorrow, but they are today.

Therefore, we take seriously our baptismal vow to nurture all children committed to our care and seek to provide Christian formation experiences for them that help them to grow in relationship to God, their families, their church community and God's people beyond the church through study, worship, fellowship and service.

Our ministries for children from birth through 5th grade include:

Baptism information and visits by our pastors – We rejoice whenever our church family grows by birth or adoption! Our pastors are anxious to meet with families to share our understanding of the meaning and responsibilities of the sacrament of baptism and to make plans to welcome our newest members.

Nursery - Children come to know God as loving and caring and the church as a place where they belong when they feel safe and loved while in the church's care. We offer nursery care for infants and toddlers during Worship, Church School and Special Events.

Godly Play – This is a unique child-centered program of Christian nurture for children ages 3 through 5 th grade, offered on Sundays during the Church School hour. See the Godly Play link to learn more about this ministry.

Godly Play Article

Children's Worship – Children learn to worship by worshipping! Children are always welcome in all of our services of worship. To assist our youngest worshippers and their families participate more fully, worship bags and children's bulletins are available at each of the sanctuary entrance along with resources entitled A Children's Guide to Worship for children and Children in the Pew for adults. During the 11:00 service the pastor leads A Time With Children when children age 3-1 st grade are invited to the front of the sanctuary. On Sunday when the Lord's Supper is not celebrated, children may leave for Children's Worship to learn more about the scripture for the day and rejoin the congregation during the offering. Fifth graders are invited to lead in worship by serving as Acolytes for the 11:00 service. Workshops on the meaning of Baptism and the Lord's Supper are also offered during the year for children and their parents.

Christmas Program – Children have a special opportunity to lead in worship in mid-December when they present the Christmas story through drama and music. Preparation for the Christmas Program ordinarily begins in the fall.

Bible presentation and Mentoring Program – Each fall new 4th graders receive a Bible of their very own. They are also matched with an adult partner who covenants to read the Bible with them, pray for them and help them to explore their growing faith in a variety of fun fellowship events.

LOGOS – We're excited to offer a new mid-week ministry for children ages Kindergarten-5 th grade on Wednesdays from 3:30-6:45 pm . LOGOS practices Christian relationship-building in four hands-on learning areas: Bible Study, Family Time, Recreation & Play and Worship Skills.

Summer Vacation Bible School is another fun way that children explore the Bible through music, art, storytelling and recreation. VBS is ordinarily held for several weekday mornings in early June.

Other special fun fellowship events, such as a Halloween Party and a Christmas Craft Night take place throughout the year.

A Vision for Children and the Church, Adopted by 205th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA).