Children are always welcome in the main gathering space, but we’ve found that our space restraints and meeting length aren’t always conducive to young children who understandably need move and play. All children begin the evening with us in the gathering space. After a while, toddlers and preschoolers are invited to go to the second floor where they spend an hour in two different rooms. Elementary students remain in the gathering space until the sermon time, then are dismissed to their classroom on the first floor for half an hour. All children return to the gathering space at 6:15, in time for communion and the rest of the gathering.
Infants: 0-11 months
We do not separate infants from their parent(s)/caregivers; instead we offer “Babyholders” who care for infants in the main gathering space for those who would like assistance.
Baby Lounge- this is a room adjacent to the main floor bathroom designed for babies and their parent(s)/caregivers. Here you will find a changing table, rocking chair, couches, toys and a quiet space.
There are also two gated areas within the main gathering space reserved for babies and young toddlers
Toddlers: 1 & 2 years and confidently walking
Toddlers begin in the “Playroom” where they take first steps in separating from their parent(s)/caregivers and learn to trust and form relationships with caring members of our community. The Playroom offers a variety of age-appropriate toys including dramatic play, blocks, sensory table, manipulatives, books, art materials, etc.
At 5:45, toddlers move to the “Movement Room” to exercise, and practice large motor skills. Children are escorted to the gathering space when they’re done playing at 6:15.
Preschoolers: 3-5 years, Pre-k
Preschoolers learn about one Fruit of the Spirit a month using a weekly rotation. The first Sunday of the month is art, the second is music, the third is story and the fourth is dance.
At 5:45, preschoolers move to the Playroom where they play, practice social skills and build friendships. At 6:15, they return to the gathering.
Preschool Fruit of the Spirit 2010-2011
- September- Gentleness
- October- Self-Control
- November- Love
- December- Joy
- January- Peace
- February- Patience
- March- Kindness
- April- Goodness
- May- Faithfulness
Elementary: Kindergarten- 5th Grade
Elementary children have been working their way through the Bible chronologically for the past five years. Each month they learn one story using a weekly rotation. By learning these stories, we hope to create a basic narrative of our faith.
We begin the month with “Learning and Belief.” During this time, the children are introduced to the story in a variety of ways- reading, storytelling, dramatic play, etc.
The second Sunday of the month is called “Physicality.” This week the children take the story that they heard and now interact with it physically- through games, dance or movement, music, etc.
The third week is called “Worship Gathering Participation”. The children have now heard and experienced the story so they find a way to share it with our community. They may contribute something to the gathering, create something for the church or demonstrate what they have learned in myriad other ways.
The fourth Sunday of the month is called “Service and Hospitality.” Now that the children have learned the story using their minds, experienced it using their bodies and shared it with our church community, it is time for them to put the story into action for the good of the greater community. We believe that performing regular acts of service are an important component to every person’s spiritual development.
Elementary Schedule of Stories 2010-2011
- September – Saul’s conversion to Paul
- October – Ananias and Sapphira
- November – Pentecost
- December – Stephen
- January – Peter
- February – Dorcas/Tabitha
- March – Paul and Silas
- March – Travels of Paul
- April – Romans 5
- May – One Body: Spiritual Gifts
Jr/Sr High: Grades 6-12
We have a one-on-one mentoring program for students in middle and senior high. Mentors are selected in collaboration with parents and the students. We recognize the importance of faithful and trustworthy adults in the lives of our students- especially at this age- and seek to foster such relationships within our community.
