Children and Youth Programs

Children and youth are a vital part of our church family.

We seek to welcome all ages into the life of the church and to affirm the unique gifts each person brings,

 from the youngest to the oldest.

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The goals for our Christian Education programs are:

·        to provide a warm and friendly environment for children of all ages to learn about and worship God.

·        to teach the children about our religion, as well as others.

·        to explore traditions, the Christian year, and the Bible.

·        to help children form a relationship with Jesus Christ and to develop their spirituality. We also try to address contemporary issues, emphasizing Christian values in modern-day life.

Our aim is to work toward these goals in an atmosphere of love and acceptance for each and every child.

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Nursery care is provided during the entire service for infants and toddlers. The nursery is located on the main floor, next to the Babcock Room. Parents are welcome either to stay with their children or to drop off their children.

Church school is offered for children in grades PS-8. Children attend the first part of worship with their families. They are invited to the front of the sanctuary for a time with the minister called “Moments with the Children,” and are then accompanied to their classrooms by their teachers. Parents/guardians pick up their children at the classroom after church.

The church school is overseen by our Church School Co-Superintendents, Maureen Wiggin and Claire Shaw. The regular church school year runs from early September through early June. A more informal church school program is offered for all ages during the summer months.

Twice a year, the church school leads part or all of a Sunday worship service: on Christmas Pageant Sunday (the last Sunday before Christmas) and on Children’s Sunday (the second Sunday in June). Older children are invited to remain in church for the entire worship service on selected Sundays (such as storytelling Sundays) throughout the year.

Children in second grade and above are encouraged to participate in the opening of worship by volunteering as acolytes (candle lighters) and/or as greeters. The deacons provide acolyte training every September.

Confirmation:  A confirmation program is offered for young people (usually in the 8^th grade) who are interested in exploring questions of faith and reaffirming their baptism through the rite of confirmation. This program is led by the minister with assistance from lay leaders. Confirmation classes meet most Sunday afternoons from 4:30 to 6:30 PM from January to May; the program also includes an overnight retreat, a missions project, active participation in worship, and a cook-out.

Junior Choir: All children ages 6-12 (with flexibility for other ages) are invited to sing in the Junior Choir led by our Minister of Music, Joan McDougal. The choir rehearses on Sunday mornings at 11:15 and sings in regular services throughout the year.