Children’s Ministry
All are welcome to join us to worship God — this includes children of all ages and abilities, including those with unique needs. We want every parent to feel welcome and invited to have your children worship with us in the sanctuary. The nursery is available for ages 0-3, and Children’s Worship occurs during the second half of the service for ages 4-7. If you have a child with unique needs, please let us know; we are eager to serve every child well. All of our volunteers submit to background checks and receive training on child safety, as well as training on how to love children and enfold children with varying abilities and unique needs.
nursery
During the worship service, the nursery is available for children ages 3 and younger. Please pre-register using the link below for each child who will be attending the nursery. This allows us to plan accordingly and be ready to support your child’s needs. Please don’t hesitate to reach out and share any unique needs your family has. We are eager to serve and love our little ones.
For those with multiple children: after submitting this form, you will see an option to submit another response for each child attending.
Children’s Worship
Children are dismissed during the offertory (an announcement will be made to signal the beginning of the classes). This class is designed to help prepare and transition the children into congregational worship, with elements such as singing and a lesson. Some children make this transition quickly, while others need a little more time. We welcome the opportunity to disciple and love children with unique needs, including language delays, physical impairments, and behavioral or sensory needs. Wherever you find your child to be in the process at the moment, know that we have been there and we welcome you and your child.
CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL
The following Sunday School classes are available for children during the Discipleship Hour following our Worship Service (11:45 AM to 12:30 PM).
Up to age 3: Sunday School Nursery
Ages 4-5: God Leads His People
1st-2nd Grade: Obeying God
3rd-5th Grade: God’s Grace in the Law
6th-12th Grade: New City Catechism
Children’s Program Policies
Safety
We are called to create a safe, nurturing environment in which to disciple our children and strive to use wisdom and prudence in our care of them. Our Children and Youth Safety Policies apply to any Grace Church event or programming in which adult or youth volunteers interact directly with those under the age of 18. In addition to our volunteer screening, which includes background checks and an application process, our volunteers receive annual training on these policies as well as any additional topics that come up.
Snacks/Drinks
We are allergy-aware and therefore ask that the nursery and children’s rooms remain nut-free. Volunteers may offer snacks from an approved list at times but are ready to accommodate and include children with food allergies. Please feel free to send a labeled water bottle or cup with your child (water only, please).
Potty Training/Bathroom Use
We ask that you take children to the bathroom prior to the start of service or class, if already potty trained. Our volunteers may change diapers with express consent from a parent. As a general rule, a volunteer may accompany children to the bathrooms if needed, but will not enter the bathroom to ensure the safety and privacy of your child. If your child has unique toileting needs, please let us know. We can work towards supportive plans that enable every child to fully participate regardless of potty training progress.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email our Children’s Ministry Coordinator.