Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them: 

for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.

Matthew 19 : 14

Our commitment to children is to:

• Welcome each one as a child of God
• Recognize each child as unique and special
• Provide a safe and nurturing environment
• Listen to and hear each child's voice
• Help children learn to know, love, and follow Jesus
• Encourage questions about faith and beliefs to assist spiritual growth
• Help children develop an understanding of God's love and forgiveness
• Partner with parents to nurture the spiritual needs of their children

Ages and times:

• Nursery - Ages 0 to 2,  9:15 - 11:30 a.m. 
• Early Childhood - Ages 2 to 4,  9:15 - 11:30 a.m. 
• Primary - age 5 (or kindergarten) to grade 2
  • Kindergarten:  9:15 - 11:30 a.m.
  • Grades 1 and 2:  9:15 - 10:15 a.m.
• Middler - grades 3 to 5,  9:15 - 10:15 a.m. 

Because of our commitment to children, two adults are always present in each class or gathering for children. We have a comprehensive Child Protection Policy in place to provide a safe and nurturing environment for all children who enter our church. 

Curriculum

The Gather Round curriculum is used for children from age 2 through grade 5. This curriculum features stories from the Old Testament, stories of Jesus from the Gospels, and thematic stories and activities. Teachers and leaders receive teacher training classes and enrichment.

Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse is taught to all children in kindergarten through 5th grade by teachers specially trained through the services of the Samaritan Counseling Center. Because we value the safety of our youth, we consider it a privilege and wonderful opportunity to talk about these difficult issues in the context of being made in the image of God and to encourage and support families. This educational program teaches our children about God's constant care, helps them recognize and deal with potentially dangerous situations, and identfies resources in our community and within our church to help children who have been hurt.