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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January 26, 2025

Nursery (Infants + Toddlers)

9:15 am - 11:45 am

January 26, 2025

Christian Education: Age 3 – Grade 5

9:45 am - 10:30 am

January 26, 2025

Christian Education: Grades K – 12

10:40 am - 11:30 am

January 26, 2025

180° Student Ministry: Grades 6 – 12

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

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 is the worship service? See Worship for more information.

Time with Our Children

During Worship (first 15 minutes)

Children start the morning participating in the 9:30 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)

9:15 – 11:45 a.m.

We are delighted to welcome the little ones to our nursery each Sunday morning and provide them loving care while parents attend the worship service or activities. Our nursery is a comforting, safe space designed for infants and small children to explore, play, and learn.

Preschool (Ages 3 – 4)

9:30* – 10:30 a.m. | Sunday School

Join us for an enriching experience in this program filled with fun activities, stories, and lessons that will inspire young hearts to learn and grow in their faith. Our dedicated teachers are excited to welcome your child into a nurturing environment where they can explore the wonders of God’s love and teachings. Bring your little learners for a joyful journey of discovery and faith-building adventures!

*Families begin worship together in the sanctuary. After Time with Our Children (approximately 9:45 a.m.), children are escorted to their classroom.

10:40 – 11:30 a.m. | Free Play Child Care

Sunday School

Grades K – 5

9:30* – 10:30 a.m. | Joyful Noise Children’s Choir

This interactive and engaging children’s choir program is an excellent opportunity for children to sing, play, and make friends. The choir will participate in worship and other events.

*Families begin worship together in the sanctuary. After Time with Our Children (approximately 9:45 a.m.), children are escorted to their classroom.

10:40 – 11:30 a.m. | Kids Zone Sunday School

Discover the excitement of our non-traditional approach which offers an engaging and interactive learning experience that is sure to captivate young hearts and minds. Join us for a fun-filled journey of faith exploration, music, games, activities, and meaningful lessons that will inspire and enrich the lives of our younger children. Be a part of this vibrant community where kids can grow in their faith and build lasting friendships.

Grades 6 – 8

10:40 – 11:30 a.m. | Middle School Faith Zone

Join us for an exciting journey of faith exploration using a non-traditional approach filled with fellowship, games, snacks, and meaningful discussions on youth topics, youth character building skills, and faith-building activities. This is a unique opportunity for students to connect, bond, and grow closer as a youth group while nurturing their spiritual development. Come join us as we build a community of faith and friendship together!

Grades 9 – 12

10:40 – 11:30 a.m. | High School Connect Group
First and Third Sundays

Come join us for a time of connection, learning, and growth. This is a great opportunity for high school students to come together and build relationships. Coffee, juice, and snacks will be provided.

In addition, on the second and fourth Sundays of the month, high school students are encouraged to serve in our Nursery, Kids Zone Sunday School, and Middle School Faith Zone. Younger children enjoy and respond well to the individual attention that teens provide. Be a part of this vibrant community where kids can grow in their faith and build lasting friendships.

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° Student Ministry (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° Student Ministry meets every Sunday (September to May) from 5 to 7 p.m. for dinner, group activities and games, and meaningful discussion in a safe, casual setting. Bring a friend! Our dedicated church staff and young adult leaders strive to create an environment where students can connect, build friendships, and grow in their faith…all while having a good time. Additional opportunities are also planned throughout the year, such as youth nights, retreats, service projects, lock-ins, and exciting overnight trips.

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.