Busy Bags
At both entrances to the sanctuary there are a number of brightly colored bags that are filled with books, coloring pages and crayons. We invite you to grab one on your way in, use whatever you’d like during the worship service, and return the bag when you are done.
Welcome Families!
We are so glad you are here today! The presence of children is a gift to our congregation. They are a reminder that our congregation is growing, that our values matter not just today but in generations to come. We hope that you will find comfort and joy during your time here. Please know that God put the wiggles in children; don’t feel you have to suppress them in God’s house. All are welcome at UCCT! Knowing that every child and every family is different, we hope to provide space for your family to feel comfortable here. We offer the following amenities:
Prayground
This extra sized pew (about 1/3 of the way down on the right side while facing the front of the church) invites families with young children to stay together in worship. Children can play quietly at the feet of their parents and learn about church by watching their parents worship. This space provides quiet toys, children's seating, books and coloring materials meant to help your family engage in worship together. Please note that we ask that parents clean up the space after use (wipes provided for sanitizing).
Nursery Care
Our nursery is staffed on Sundays during the school year, and provides a quieter space for our youngest members (infants and toddlers) who might need more space to roam. Rocking chairs allow nursing parents some comfort, and there is a speaker to listen to the worship service if parents choose to stay with their children.
Church School
School-aged children (pre-K to middle school) begin the morning in worship with their families, and then depart for Church School after the Children’s Message (about 15-20 minutes into the 10:00am service). At that time, teachers meet their classes in the hallway just outside the sanctuary, then walk together to the Barbara Phelps Christian Education Center (located behind the church building). Parents are always welcome to join the fun; the first time your child(ren) attends Church School, we recommend that one parent/guardian accompany the child(ren) to help support their first exploration in the classroom. Parents collect their children in the classroom in the BPCEC at the conclusion of worship.
Family Bathrooms
Bathrooms (non-gendered, with changing tables) can be found across from the elevators on both floors of the church.
Safety
We follow all Safe Church Conduct policies, to ensure safety for your child while they are in our care. This means there is always two or more adults with children. You can read more about our Safe Conduct Policy HERE.
Sacraments
Baptism
We perform baptisms throughout the church year. These take place during a Sunday morning worship service. If you are interested in having a child baptized, please reach out so we can set up a time to talk!
Holy Communion
We break bread together as a church on the first Sunday of the Month. Our communion table is open to anyone and everyone who wants to partake, including children of all ages. We work to educate children about this sacrament through direct instruction as well as through participation.
Confirmation
We offer a Confirmation class for youth who are in 8th grade or older. This class meets weekly throughout the program year, and includes a few service projects in the community. Confirmation is celebrated at the culmination of the class, in early June.
Youth Scholarships
The church has a number of funds that provide scholarships for youth. We provide funding to support younger youth to attend summer camp at Silver Lake. Additionally, the church offers multiple scholarships for graduating seniors and those attending post-secondary education. You can find out more about these scholarships and how to apply for them, by clicking HERE.
Our Children’s Christian Education Mission
"To nurture children in becoming followers of Jesus: people who know and love God, interpret God’s word, belong to God’s gathered community, and share God’s good news."
Goals of Children’s Ministry:
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Develop, foster and maintain a safe, comprehensive and vital program of Christian Education for the church
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To nurture children and youth in their faith formation and sharing that faith through service
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To strengthen the connection between home and congregation, including church-wide fellowship
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To explore what it means to follow in the footsteps of Jesus in Christian community
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To teach biblical truths in such a way that they can be applied to daily life
We Are Here For You
If you have any questions regarding Children's Ministries please