Children & Youth

We know that young people learn the practices of faith and spirituality from the adults closest to them and are most open to the rhythms and practices of spiritual community before the age of 8! Children and youth have spiritual lives and wisdom of their own; they also want to learn from adults they respect and admire and love.

As one of the few places in our culture equipped to nurture cross-generational relationships, we are committed to multi-generational ministry, valuing all ages as full members of the body, with both gifts and needs, equal say and participation in this co-creating journey with Jesus.

In addition to occasional Family Faith Explore excursions to other religious communities, Family Jam music gatherings, and other seasonal gatherings or trips, the Children and Youth Ministry Team offers the following:

Download a Children & Youth Ministries PDF.

Hands-On-Worship

On the first Sunday of the month, all ages are invited to worship together in the sanctuary for both services. These services are specifically planned to engage all generations, often using participatory and multi-sensory elements of worship. (Nursery is still available for toddlers and infants.)

Downstairs Church (a.k.a. Sunday School)

On all other Sundays we offer “downstairs church” for K-5th grade using a story-based curriculum that parallels the stories and songs used in worship.

Youth Helpers

Middle and high school youth are welcome to participate in worship or assist with the younger children through our Youth Helper program.

Middle and High School

On Sundays, some youth stay in the service and some assist as helpers in our children’s program. They are also invited as full participants in cross-generational events and gatherings. Our Whole Lives is a big part of our ministry with youth and their families. The middle school course is offered every other year (most recently 2018-2019). The high school OWL program is offered during alternate years.

Our Whole Lives (OWL)

Learn more by visiting our OWL page, or the UCC website.