Children and Youth
We believe children and youth are not just the future of the church - they are the church right now. We're committed to nurturing faith in our youngest members.
Children's Ministry
Sunday Morning
Ages 0-3: Nursery
- Loving care for our youngest members during worship
- Located: [Location]
- Staffed by: Background-checked volunteers
Ages 4-10: Children's Church
- Age-appropriate worship and Bible teaching
- Meets during the sermon portion of worship
- Located: [Location]
In Worship Together
- Children are always welcome in worship!
- Activity bags available at the entrance
- Family-friendly restrooms: [Location]
Midweek Programs
[Describe any after-school programs, clubs, etc.]
Examples:
- Wednesday Adventure Club (Grades K-5)
- When: Wednesdays, 3:30-5:00 PM
- What: Games, crafts, Bible stories, snacks
- RSVP: [Contact info]
Special Events
Throughout the year, we host special events for children:
- Vacation Bible School (Summer)
- Fall Festival
- Christmas pageant
- Easter egg hunt
- Family movie nights
- Service projects
Youth Ministry
Middle School (Grades 6-8)
Youth Group
- When: [Day/time]
- Where: [Location]
- What: Games, discussion, faith formation, community
Focus:
- Building strong peer relationships
- Exploring questions of faith
- Discovering identity in Christ
- Learning to serve others
High School (Grades 9-12)
Youth Group
- When: [Day/time]
- Where: [Location]
- What: Deep discussion, service, leadership development
Focus:
- Wrestling with complex faith questions
- Leadership development
- Preparing for life after high school
- Authentic community
Youth Events
- Monthly outings - Movies, bowling, service projects
- Retreats - Weekend getaways for spiritual formation
- Mission trips - Summer service experiences
- Confirmation - Faith formation for high schoolers
Our Approach to Children and Youth Ministry
Values
Inclusion
- All children and youth are welcome
- We celebrate neurodiversity and different learning styles
- Accommodations available for special needs
Safety
- All volunteers are background-checked
- Two-adult rule in all settings
- Allergy-aware and first aid trained
Faith Formation
- Age-appropriate Biblical teaching
- Space for questions and doubts
- Experiential learning and creativity
Family Partnership
- We partner with parents in faith formation
- Resources for faith conversations at home
- Parent gatherings and support
Intergenerational Connection
- Children and youth connect with adult mentors
- Multigenerational worship and events
- Learning from the wisdom of elders
Get Involved
For Parents
Parent Gatherings
- Connect with other parents
- Resources for raising kids in faith
- Support and encouragement
Family Devotions
- Resources sent home for faith conversations
- Seasonal guides for home practices
Communication
- Weekly email updates
- Remind app for youth
- [Facebook group, etc.]
For Volunteers
We're always looking for volunteers who love kids and want to share faith with the next generation!
Opportunities:
- Nursery care
- Children's church teachers
- Youth group leaders
- Event helpers
- Mentors
What we provide:
- Background checks (required)
- Training and support
- Curriculum and resources
- Community with other volunteers
Interested? Contact us to learn more!
Questions?
Children's Ministry Director: [Name, email]
Youth Ministry Director: [Name, email]
We're here to answer questions and help you get connected!
Parent Resources
- [Links to helpful parenting and faith formation resources]
- [Connection to community groups for parents]
- [Crisis resources for teens and families]
Our Prayer for Children and Youth
We pray that our children and youth would:
- Know they are deeply loved by God
- Discover their unique gifts and calling
- Ask big questions and seek wisdom
- Experience authentic community
- Learn to serve others with compassion
- Grow in faith throughout their lives
Join us in nurturing the faith of the next generation!