We find that many families who come to Village Church want to give their children a foundation in faith where Christian values are brought to life in an active and loving community. Our programs encourage children to explore faith though Bible stories, music and engaging activities in relationships that will grow as they grow. From infancy through high school, children are held and supported in a rich variety of group activities, retreats and service to others.
Children are welcome to remain in worship with their parents.
A child-centered Prayground, located in the front-left of the Sanctuary, is filled with books, children’s bulletins and mindful practices for children to use while they listen to worship.
When we are in-person, parents who wish may worship with their young children in a specially equipped room that is a child-centered space with the service on a live feed.
This space is also attended by a nurturing childcare provider so families may drop off infants or toddlers for childcare during 10:00am worship.
During COVID19, we are gathering outside (on the portico side of the church) for Bible stories with crafts, games, and bell choir practice.
Session 1: Sundays, 11:30am to 12:15pm
Session 2: Sundays, 12:30pm to 1:15pm
Children and teachers are required to wear masks and social distance. Children should bring a face mask, a towel to sit on, and weather-appropriate clothing. With interactive lessons, innovative ideas, and hands-on activities we learn our faith stories and how to be in community with each other and the world we live in.
When we hold in-person worship, children in preschool through fifth grade begin each Sunday with their families in the sanctuary at 10:00am. After the opening hymn, children are called forward to the chancel steps for a Children’s Moment before they leave with their teachers for class on the second floor. Children can be picked up from their classrooms at the conclusion of worship.
During Children’s Church each week, we include a time of singing and music making. Children learn how to sing Bible songs and play children’s handbells. Several times a year, Joyful Noise will sing or play in worship often in collaboration with the Youth Choir or Senior Choir. Children can also participate in the Christmas pageant each December.
When youth enter high school, they begin to question their place in the world, their purpose, and their relationships. While God is at the center of our life together, questions of faith and doubt are part of the Christian journey. The youth follow closely in Jesus’ footsteps when they ask questions of faith: Jesus asked over 300 questions to his followers in the Gospels. Questions create community through discussion, and build strong relationships as the youth dive deeply into the matters of the heart with respect, wonder and humor. Youth group is marked by love, forgiveness, holy listening, and sharing the truth of our lives in a non-judgmental environment. We play games, share food, take weekend retreats, and participate in weeklong service projects each year. Youth in grades 10-12 are invited to join our High School Youth Group, which meets Sundays from 7:00pm to 8:30pm.
Here, youth in grades 6 through 8 find a place where they are encouraged to grow closer to their own hearts, to one another, and to the people in their community and our world. The youth come to experience the freedom to be – to be who they are within a non-judgmental and supportive group of peers. Youth meet weekly on Sunday mornings, 10:00am – 11:15am.
The Youth Choir is a joyful and dedicated group of youth who enjoy making music together, having fun, and being in service to our church and community. Open to all youth from grades 6 through 12, we meet each Wednesday from 6:00pm – 6:45pm.
Trained voices and voices in training, soft singers and loud singers, voices that have changed and voices still changing, you are welcome to join us.
We sing monthly in worship as Youth Choir or in collaboration with Joyful Noise or with our Senior Sanctuary Choir.
The sacrament of baptism sets in motion the covenant God offers, assuring the baptized of the power of forgiveness and the renewal of the spirit. Baptism, which is observed with water and an expression of congregational welcome during worship at Village Church, is a formal way to acknowledge an outward and visible sign of God’s grace. We look to Jesus’ baptism by John in the Jordan River, as written in the Gospel accounts, as our inspiration. In those stories, the heavens open and God’s voice can be heard: “You are my beloved child, with whom I am well pleased.”
The year of preparation that confirmands experience has frequently been called life changing. In weekly classes, our youth tackle questions of the meaning of faith and responsibility, of their truth and authenticity, and of their embrace of a broader Christian community. We meet on Wednesdays at 7:00pm.
