Image by Tim Samoff

Children

Kids are a vital part of our community and our life together. We believe in their ability to know God and respond to him in faith. Because that is true we have a responsibility and an opportunity to participate, together with families in their spiritual formation. We work hard creating stimulating, relational, and safe environments that help to nurture an understanding of the story of God and your child's place in the midst of that story. We also expect them to grow in their ability to respond to God and participate in the life and mission of this community.

Children worship with us a variety of ways on Sunday mornings. At our 9 am gathering, we offer care for infant through kindergarten age. At 11 am we have kid's community for infants through 9th graders. At 5:30 pm, we encourage children to worship with their families. We do not offer childcare at the evening gathering.

We begin each gathering by worshiping together as an entire community. In the morning, bring your children with you into the sanctuary and after a few songs and the call to worship, we will dismiss them to participate in creative, interactive, age-appropriate experiences of learning about God. We ask you to walk with them to their classrooms. They will be cared for and engaged by members of our community who want to spend time with your children.

At the morning gatherings, here's what you can expect:

Infants, one year olds, and two year olds (9 am and 11 am)

We provide a safe and nurturing environment where you can feel comfortable leaving your child while you participate in worship. One and two year olds will participate in bible story time, movement, free playtime, and snacks.

Preschool and Kindergarten (3-5 year olds) (9am and 11 am)

We value developmental, age-appropriate, and hands-on learning. The children will participate in music, movement, games, centers, storytelling, and art, as they explore the story of God.

Grade school (1st-6th grade) (11 am only)

Our vision is to connect relationally with the children in discipleship and also engage their multiple intelligences/varied learning styles. The children will explore the scriptures and their faith experientially in workshops.

Kids begin each week with a connecting time with their "shepherds" and friends in their class. Each week, they will be guided in a prayer time, tithe focus, and scripture memory game. From there, they will move to a workshop where they will hear/read God's story and then explore in the following ways:

Each week, they will go to a different workshop. Each workshop begins with bible study and moves into an activity or project from the list above.

Youth (7th-12th)

Our desire is to come alongside our kids as they grow in their personal faith lives. We want to connect with them about their questions and life issues. We foster an environment where they can grow in the spiritual practices of prayer, study, friendship, serving, and giving, among many others.

Approximately once a month the youth (7th - 12th) gather for a weekend event. Please contact us for more information.

7th-9th grade

During the 11 am service, 7th-9th grade students will gather in the 3rd floor commons for a time of sharing, activities through interactive worship and learning, and prayer, alongside several adult volunteers. Most often, we will meet in the front row on the right side of the sanctuary for a time of musical worship before heading upstairs.