Jesus said, “I have come that [you] might have life, and have it to the full!” There is something about following Jesus. It can be life changing, confusing, amazing, frustrating, awe inspiring, full of doubt, wonderful, lonely, riveting, painful, and joyful. Ultimately it is worth it: there is abundant life in following Jesus that can be found no where else.
Growing up is hard. We have to figure out who we are, what our gifts are, where we have any say in anything, and how we can use our gifts in the world. What an overwhelming process! But Jesus meets us in this journey. He uses us, even thought we haven’t “arrived,” comforts us when things are falling apart, gives us the identity of Gods beloved child as we risk growth, and somehow, gives us an underlying joy in the process.
Our prayer at Sanctuary is to see the children and youth of our church grow up in the love, knowledge, and presence of Jesus Christ, and that they would see that they are surrounded by Christ followers that love and support them in their formation journey.
Sunday Mornings
Nursery
Infants and toddlers are welcome in the nursery (just off the lobby). Trained and background checked volunteers are ready for your children! Children ages 0-5 remain with parents during the musical portion of the worship service (typically the first 15 minutes) and are then dismissed to nursery during the greeting time. We will have a short lesson time, some snacks, and plenty of play time.
Sunday School
Elementary aged children meet for Sunday school at 9:30am before the worship service. We play games, do crafts, and look at scripture together.
Worship
Jesus said “Let the little children come to me: Do not hinder them!” What a tremendous call (and warning!). We take intergenerational worship seriously and encourage elementary aged kids to worship with the whole congregation in the service. It is much easier to separate the church by age groups, but the body is healthier when every piece is together.
While sitting can be challenging for people with shorter attention spans, we have coloring materials in the lobby to keep hands busy, have coloring posters and other activities for kids to work on up front, and are working on having pieces of the service speak directly to younger disciples.
Youth Group
Middle and High school students have been meeting outside of Sunday mornings for outings.