body

	Here are just some of the many programs we offer to help children grow in faith and love. Sunday School Children and Worship Baby Bible Children's Chapel CrossWalk Vacation Bible School Confirmation
*Sunday School* On Sunday mornings, we welcome children of all ages and backgrounds to worship and Sunday school. Often coordinating with worship themes and seasons, our church school curriculum focuses on learning to love and worship God. Using the Bible as our guide, we learn that growing in faith, service and mission to neighbors near and far are expressions of our love for God. At each level, curriculum will reinforce children's learning in one of these areas. The curriculum is specifically designed so that children new to the faith as well as "seasoned veterans" will be given the tools they need to open their lives to God and establish a relationship with Jesus Christ. Using visual and performing arts, physical movement and printed materials, our curriculum is engaging, interactive, informative, and fun.
*Children and Worship* Children are an important part of our church family, and are included as such in our worship services on Sunday mornings. You never have to worry that your child will be "too restless" for worship. Our children bring an energy and liveliness to worship that we all enjoy and appreciate. We encourage children to participate in worship in the ways that they are comfortable. Many share their joys and concerns during the prayer time, and join in our responses. Others dance in the aisles, read a book, or work on an activity clipboard provided in worship each week. It is amazing how much our children learn about worship and their faith by participating with us each week. All children are invited to come forward for a "Time for the Child" approximately halfway through the service, when Pastor Susan shares a message specifically with the children. Following this time, younger children are invited to attend Baby Bible or Children’s Chapel for the remainder of the service.
*Baby Bible* Through simple songs, flannel board stories and finger plays, Baby Bible introduces toddlers to the stories of the Bible and the love of God and Jesus. Following "A Time for the Child" in worship, children are invited to the nursery for these delightful lessons that serve as a foundation for faith learning for years to come.
*Children's Chapel* Young children are always welcome in worship, but sometimes they just need to do it their own way. Following "A Time for the Child," Children's Chapel presents Bible stories to preschoolers, kindergarteners and first graders in an engaging and reflective way, inviting them into the story and allowing them to wonder about the many different aspects of our faith. In Children's Chapel, Godly Play stories will be presented each week, providing children a chance to dig into many of the stories in the Bible in a quiet and imaginative way.
*CrossWalk:* Faith and Fellowship for Third, Fourth and Fifth Graders Once a month, all third, fourth and fifth graders are invited to spend time together just having a good time! Past activities have included bowling, movie nights, volleyball, scavenger hunts, overnights, campfires and much more. CrossWalk also participates in mission projects around the church and in the community. Bring a friend to CrossWalk where faith and friendship intersect!
*Vacation Bible School* Each summer, we present a week-long day camp designed to encourage children in their spiritual growth. In 2005, we put our tool belts on, learned about Habitat for Humanity and the many ways we can make a difference in our community. We built 8 playhouses which be donated to the families of Habitat for Humanity later this year. In 2006, we entered the magical world of Narnia and joined the adventure of C.S. Lewis' The Lion, The With and the Wardrobe to discover the connections with our own faith stories. Last summer, we took a Wild Ride through God's Word and Avalanche Ranch. In 2008, VBS will be held June 23-27 for all children ages 3 ½ through 5th grade. We'll be learning about our brothers and sisters around the world and how we can be a part of their lives in Mission:Possible. Don't miss it!
*Confirmation* In the United Methodist Church, youth are invited to carefully consider their faith and commitment before joining the church as full members. Confirmation is a time of learning and growing, discovering and discerning designed to help 7th, 8th and 9th graders identify their beliefs and make a commitment to their ongoing journey of faith in the United Methodist Church. Confirmation is held in the spring every other year with other churches participating in our Joint Youth Group.