Sunday Mornings for Children and Youth
We believe that having children engaged in the life of the congregation—sharing meals, singing hymns, offering prayers, telling stories, laughing together and all the things community encompasses—is a powerful way for children to learn about our faith.
We are also grateful for the gifts that children bring to our community and our worship. For these reasons we consider worship, congregational meals, and shared fellowship an important part of our Children and Youth Ministry programs. In order to make worship inclusive of children at every developmental level we offer the following resources for families with children. For questions contact Sara Hackett (she/her) at 412.441.3800 x220. Many programs—including Extended Session —require an enrollment form.
Sunday School – September thru May
The Nursery, for children up to age 3
is staffed from 8:30am-12:30pm on Sunday mornings by Carmen Blanco (she/her) and Donnelly Evans (they/them) who are look forward to singing songs, telling stories, and facilitating play that helps kids experience church and learn about God’s love.
Children age 4- 3rd grade
are invited to Sunday School: Sacred Stories for Kids after the Moments with our Children in the Sanctuary (11:15am) and parents pick kids up after worship in room 206. Using the Godly Play curriculum kids hear, see, touch, and retell the sacred stories of our faith while asking ‘I wonder …’ questions and responding with art. Children also pray, sing, and share a simple snack.
Tweens in grade 4th-6th
are invited to Sunday School: Sacred Stories for Tweens after the Moments with our Children in the Sanctuary (11:15am) and parents pick kids up after worship in room 207. Tweens dig into Bible stories through games, conversations, crafts, drama, and teamwork to discover what these stories mean to them in today’s world. We will begin the year looking at letters to the church in the Bible that still have important things for us to ponder today.
Teens in grade 7th-12th
meet for Breakfast on the first Sunday of the month from 9:45-10:45am. Teens also meet after church one Sunday a month for lunch and programing – see the full schedule here.
Children and Journey Worship
Held in the Social Hall on the church’s lower level, this simple service of music, scripture, sermon and prayer is an engaging and interactive service for people of all ages. Children often enjoy dancing and clapping to the music, raising their hands to ask for prayer during our shared time joys and concerns, or playing quietly on a cozy blanket the floor. This informal, intimate service of praise is a comfortable and Spirit-filled environment for worshipers of all ages. Although all children are welcome in worship, the nursery is also open for families with children age three or younger, who feel that a loving environment of free-play and prayer better meets their family’s needs.
Children and Sanctuary Worship
Kids’ Corner
All children are invited to visit our “Kid’s Corner” near the East Transept doors. There are activities that will engage older children in the service as well as Bibles for readers of all ages.
Children’s Message
All children are invited to the Chancel steps for their special time with a member of our Pastoral staff during our Sanctuary service each week. Children hear a special lesson and have prayer time together.
Sunday School
After the children’s time on the steps, those in preschool through sixth grade are welcome to participate in Sunday School. Children who are younger than preschool age are invited to go to the Nursery following the Children’s message. The nursery is available from 8:30 am–12:30 pm. Please note, however, that children of all ages are always welcome to remain in worship.
Worship Leaders
Children and teens can help lead worship in a number of ways. Kids can collect the offering, acolyte, read scripture, play music and more. Talk to Sara about how you can help lead worship.
Children and Summer Worship
Kids’ Corner
All children are invited to visit our “Kid’s Corner” located along the wall of the courtyard, on the bench. There are activities that will engage older children in the service, as well as Youth Bulletins and Bibles for readers of all ages.
Children’s Message
All children are invited to come forward and sit on the rug for their special time with a member of our Pastoral staff during the service each week. Children hear a special lesson and have prayer time together.