Children + Youth

At Westminster, we value and nurture all generations and welcome the active participation of young people in every aspect of congregational life. Through creative and enriching faith formation opportunities, we aim to build strong spiritual foundations for children and youth and create fun atmospheres for them to learn about God in an age-appropriate way.

Wonderfully dedicated teachers and leaders provide young people and their families with valuable support in a grace-filled environment where they can connect with one another and grow in their relationships with Christ. We hope to nurture young disciples who become faith-filled and faithful witnesses to the love of Jesus Christ within and beyond the church. Westminster is ready to welcome you and your children to a place of joy that is safe, loving, and filled with energy!

Have questions about our programs for children and youth? We’re here to help!

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Upcoming Events

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September 22, 2024

Nursery (Infants + Toddlers)

9:15 am - 11:45 am

September 29, 2024

Nursery (Infants + Toddlers)

9:15 am - 11:45 am

September 29, 2024

Youth Service Corps

11:45 am - 12:45 pm

October 6, 2024

Nursery (Infants + Toddlers)

9:15 am - 11:45 am

For Children + Youth on Sunday Mornings

Children’s Worship Bags

During Worship

Children of all ages are always welcome to worship with their families. To help our youngest disciples participate in the service, worship bags are available at the sanctuary and chapel entrances; ask an usher for assistance. The worship bags include a colorful children’s book related to worship or Christian values, a coloring page, a children’s worship bulletin with activities, coloring materials, and a dry erase board. Your child(ren) is(are) welcome to take with them any pages they color; please return everything else to the worship bag. When are worship services? See Worship for more information.

Time with Our Children virtual

Time with Our Children

During Worship (first 15 minutes)

Time with Our Children is back in person! Children start the morning participating in the 9 a.m. worship service, where they engage in the call to worship, opening hymn and prayer, and our special Time with Our Children. During Time with Our Children, our congregation receives a dose of joy when children gather at the front of our beautiful sanctuary to hear and respond to a carefully-crafted, kid-friendly message. Immediately following, our Sunday School teachers will lead the children to their classrooms.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we wanted to offer these special messages for children in a safe way, so Time with Our Children went virtual. Our archive of these creative videos for the young and young-at-heart is available on YouTube.

Nursery (Infants – Age 2)

8:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Care is provided for infants and toddlers in the nursery each Sunday morning. Two paid caregivers and weekly volunteers provide loving care for the children in a safe environment.

Preschool (Ages 3 – 4)

9:20 – 10:00 a.m. | Sunday School

Children learn Bible stories and respond through crafts, songs, games, and prayers. Familiar routines and nurturing teachers provide a dynamic learning environment.

10:10 – 11:00 a.m. | Free Play Child Care

Grades K – 5

9:20 – 10:00 a.m. | Joyful Noise: Faith, Fun, and Friends

Interactive and engaging the whole child, activities include singing, moving, playing, making friends, and worship education. The choir will participate in worship and other events.

10:10 – 11:00 a.m. | Kids Zone Sunday School

Children learn and respond to Bible stories through games, crafts, memorizing prayer, and other activities. Familiar routines and nurturing teachers provide a dynamic learning environment.

Grades 6 – 8

10:10 – 11:00 a.m. | Middle School Zone Sunday School

Students respond to Bible stories and topics. All activities relate to the class topic of the day. Students are encouraged to ask questions and seek answers. This is a dynamic learning environment and a safe space for discussions. Other activities include games, service projects, and fellowship.

Grades 9 – 12

10:10 – 11:00 a.m. | Confirmation Class: Confirm Not Conform

Confirmation is designed to help youth deepen their spiritual lives and become active members of a faith community. Membership is encouraged as a positive expression of their commitment, but it is not the single goal. Following the way of Jesus is a high calling and a lifelong endeavor. The confirmation experience helps students grasp the exciting and challenging nature of this journey. They have a variety of experiences beyond the classroom and ample opportunity to reflect on those experiences.

10:10 – 11:00 a.m. | High School Small Groups

High School Small Groups is for teens who have already participated in the Confirmation Class (have already been confirmed). Students meet over a cup of coffee, while reading and discussing scripture together. Students are encouraged to ask questions and seek answers. This is a dynamic learning experience and a safe place for dialogue. Other activities include games, service projects, and fellowship.

 

We are delighted to offer wonderful in person opportunities for your child to grow spiritually, learn more about God, and develop Christian values. All programs on this page are on location at the church unless otherwise noted.

For Youth on Sunday Evenings

180° Youth Group (Grades 6 – 12)

5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

We hang out every week. We eat a lot of food. We sometimes get a little wild. We have fun! Our 180° youth group meets every Sunday (September to May) from 5 to 7 p.m. for dinner, games, and meaningful discussion in a safe, casual setting. Bring a friend! Our Director of Christian Education and Youth Ministry and three young adult leaders strive to create an environment where students can find hope, a supportive community, a good time, and experiences that engage them on all levels. Additional opportunities of service or fellowship are also planned throughout the year.

Other Opportunities

Vacation Bible School (Age 4/Pre-K – Grade 6)

July | Monday – Friday | 8:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Vacation Bible School (VBS) is a summer day camp for children age 4/preschool to rising 6th grade. It typically occurs in the third or fourth week in July, Monday through Friday, from 8:45 a.m. to 12 p.m. Opportunities for children include fun, games, learning, singing, and snack time. Along with adults, older middle school and high school youth often volunteer at VBS and find it a meaningful experience to interact with younger children.

 

Baptism

See Life Events for more information on having your child baptized.

Safety and Security

The physical and emotional safety of the children entrusted to our care is of the highest importance to our team. Westminster volunteers are trained to create a secure environment so that families can confidently leave their children while they are in worship. A background check is required for any volunteers age 18 and over who are working with children. Staff and volunteers are never alone with a child. Monitored security cameras throughout our buildings and at entrances provide added security.

Serve With Us

Be part of a community that nurtures the next generation. We help kids experience God in age-appropriate ways through worship, teaching, and small group activities. We’d love to have you serve with us! Visit Serve our Church and fill out the Interest Form.