Youth Ministry

Ted and Nancy McKown

We place a high priority on our ministry to youth.  We aim to help our children grow in Christ and to relate their faith to the practical issues faced in an increasingly complex society.  We are providing a spectrum of structured experiences for children and youth, associating them with adults and peers, emphasizing sharing, growth, tolerance and knowledge of our Biblical Faith. 

Youth Ministry teaches Christian values through fellowship, Bible study, outreach to the church and community, and shared mission projects and trips.  Youth Sponsors give clear examples of faith-at-work in their lives.  The purpose of Youth Ministry is to assist youth to grow in Christ through association, examples, study, and fellowship.

Children’s Ministry and Children’s Chapel is a part of Christian Education.  Many lessons in Sunday School teach faith as it applies to playtime, home, and getting along with other children.  Respect for authority, Christian value formation, self-esteem and appropriate self-expression are important factors in our programs. 

Please check our Church Calendar for upcoming events and activities! You can filter to only youth events by clicking on the "interest groups" box.

Children's Ministry

Heidi Parker

Through the efforts of our teachers, helpers, care givers, and other volunteers, children are encouraged in their relationships with others and nurtured in their understanding of faith, and the place Jesus wants to have in their lives. They are exposed to the joys of play together, and the celebration of worship through music and art. The children can play and enjoy the outside in a safe, new playground.

Biblically based lessons are offered appropriate to each age group, as well as stories that teach life lessons and making good decision as an expression of faith. They are taught the concept of mission every Sunday, through special offerings and contributions to local organization providing help with food and clothing. Throughout the year, the children make crafts which they sell in November to raise money for their mission project of adopting a family for Christmas.

Sunday school classes are provided for the children in Pre-K through 12th grade (9:15 – 10:15AM). The Sunday school classes use the Whole People of God curriculum, which follows the lectionary readings used in the worship service. During the 10:30 AM worship hour, children 4 years old through 4th grade join their parents for the beginning of the service, coming forward for a story with the pastor or a teacher; then invited to come to the educational wing for Children’s Chapel.

In the Children’s Chapel, the children learn about the heroes of the faith through the use of Old Testament Stories, the worship of Israel expressed in the Psalms; and through New Testament lessons learn about the life and teaching of Jesus. A variety of lessons and stories are offered to encourage and nurture each child’s understanding of faith, Christian values, self-esteem, and an understanding of a life in relationship with others, as disciples of Jesus.

As a part of the Sunday school curriculum for our 4th Graders lessons are offered to deepen the understanding of the different elements of worship. Lessons are developed around growth in faith, the books of the Bible, and the understanding of the prayers and creeds used in the worship service. Entering 5th Grade, the children receive a study Bible as they “graduate” from Children’s Chapel, and then remain in worship with their parents.

Child care is provided for children birth through 3 years old. Childcare workers are employed by the church and trained to engage the youngest of our children in play and story time during both Sunday school and worship hours. Child Care Hours: 9:00AM – Noon each Sunday, and for Special Programs