The Children’s Ministry strives to offer many opportunities to nurture your child’s faith. Both Children in Worship and Church School begin again on September 8. Make Christian Education a priority in your family’s life. Take advantage of the many adult choices while your child learns how to connect with the other children, their teachers, the community, and to God.
In Church School throughout the year, stories are presented and enriched with music, art, personal reflection, and interaction with the teachers and the other children. Children ages three through fifth grade gather together in Room 204 at 9:40 to begin their fellowship as they grow in faith, build community, and celebrate the faith of God. Through a variety of activities and learning styles, the children will learn to connect the story to their own lives and to respond to the story. The teachers love spending time and developing a relationship with your children. Together with your children, they are able to make connections between the Bible stories they hear and the way we are asked to live our lives.
In Children in Worship, children age three through fifth graders worship in their centers using the same order of worship being followed in the sanctuary. They Approach God through greetings and songs of praise; hear God’s Word through storytelling and Bible reading; Respond to God through wondering, reflection, or working with the stories or art materials; give Thanks to God through prayer, sharing of gifts, and the sharing of a feast; and Go in God’s Name. The story for each worship center is printed in each week’s bulletin so each member of Hope Church is aware of what the children are hearing and responding to, as well as to let the children know that they are an important part of our congregation. Visitors are always welcome. Remember the children worshipping in their centers in your prayers as you worship.
Hope Church offers both Church School and Children in Worship each Sunday as complementary programs. Children in Worship includes the young in our liturgical tradition, while Church School presents additional stories, often presented to introduce a theme, to give perspective to a sequence of events, and to relate them to how we live in our world.
You are invited to join in nurturing our children
Each program year, over 390 hours of volunteer service are needed for our Sunday morning children’s ministry. Currently there are seven adults using their gifts to nurture the children of Hope Church during this time. The children and these leaders need your support and participation in leadership. It is an amazing experience to watch children grow in faith, to be challenged by inquiring and curious minds, and to watch your own faith grow as a result. You can be involved as a Children in Worship leader (specific training is offered) or doorkeeper.
If you have been a storyteller in the past come see the Children in Worship centers now! There can be great flexibility in scheduling and any amount of commitment will be a great service to our children’s ministry. Everyone has something to share with the children of Hope Church. If you can hold a child on your lap, sing a song, portray a character, or help with crafts, we can use your help. If you have an interest in being part of a teaching team, participating in worshipping with the children, or helping with the nursery, contact Jocelyn Van Heest, at the church or by email at jvanheest@hopechurchrca.org. Thank you for your prayerful consideration.
Continue to pray for our children and especially for your Prayer Pal from the Children’s Sabbath as they start a new year of school. If you would like more information about what your Prayer Pal is doing at church or an introduction to them, please see Jocelyn Van Heest for assistance.
