Welcome Visitors!
Thank you for considering visiting our Religious Education program. This page offers a quick overview of our program for newcomers. More details about curriculum for various ages and stages as well as program goals and vision can be found on the Children/Youth RE Program page, so feel free to explore that section of our website as well. We hope to give you enough information to feel comfortable, but not so much that you feel overwhelmed!
Please note that children are welcome to stay in our worship services with their families anytime. That said, we find that most children enjoy gathering with other youngsters during at least part of their church experience.
Nursery care is available for children under 3 each week. Most Sundays, after attending the opening portion of the service, older children and teens have the option to participate in our age based groups.
Checking in as a Visitor
We generally are able to accommodate visitors to our Religious Education groups (even at the last minute). If your children or teens would like to gather with peers in our Sunday morning RE groups, we ask that you fill out our online church contact form or a pew card so that we know who is under our care and have a way to contact you.
Program Information for All Ages and Stages
Our Religious Education Program is led by our Director of Religious Education (DRE), Mary Kroener-Ekstrand with the support of our volunteer Teacher Council and many member volunteers. Our volunteers are background checked and receive training and supervision from the DRE. Sunday morning Religious Education groups are available for infants through high school youth.
Nursery Care
Warm and loving nursery care for babies through three year olds is provided by the Nursery Coordinator, Nursery Care Assistant staff members, and congregational volunteers. The Nursery is available for drop off beginning at about 10:15am. A Greeter or Usher would be happy to show you the way upon your arrival.
Preschool Through High School Aged Children
Our Religious Education groups for children and teens generally meet weekly on Sunday mornings. Kids and teens of all ages will participate in the beginning of the worship service in our sanctuary. After the Time for All Ages portion of the service, young people and their teacher volunteers recess out together to their age based groups. Families may pick up young children in the Religious Education wing at 11:45 am. Upper elementary kids and teenagers will be released at that time and may meet up with families in the coffee hour.
Multigenerational Worship
Kids and teens are always welcome to stay and worship in the sanctuary with their families if they do not wish to participate in our RE groups. Our service always includes a Time for All Ages Story, music to listen to and sing, and other family friendly elements. There are also some coloring materials, activity pages, lacing cards, and other items available for children on a table in the Dome Room at the back of the Sanctuary. Some weeks, our RE groups don’t meet, and these materials can help our younger participants enjoy themselves and keep hands busy while staying in the worship service. Additionally, we plan several All-Ages Worship Services throughout the church year which are especially inclusive for children and youth. Traditionally, these include the Welcoming and Water Communion Ceremony in September, a Thanksgiving service in November, a Holiday Pageant and a Christmas Eve service in December, a Flower Communion service in June, and one or more Worship and Picnics in the park in summer. There are also several child/youth led Worship Services in the spring including a Senior Youth Service and a Coming of Age Service.