CHILDREN & YOUTH MINISTRY
Welcome to the Children and
Youth Ministry at UPC
United Presbyterian Church is strongly committed to creating relational opportunities for children to encounter Jesus Christ and grow in their faith. Our ministries are centered in the vision that all children will know that they matter to God and that God matters to them. We hope that you will share in our privilege of participating in this ministry with children and youth.
Should you have any questions about children’s ministry programs or ways you can get involved, please contact our Children’s Ministries Director, Meredith Hanson, at meredithupc@gmail.com.
Sunday Childcare and Classes:
Nursery
This is open for infants to 4 years old. In this room, we help guide these curious little minds in play and nurture exploration of their environment. There is a variety of open-ended toys and activities to encourage your little one to build, create, and play. You are welcome to drop off before or any time during the service. Parents/Guardians can pick up any time or after the service.
Godly Play
This class is for our 5 – 9-year-olds. In here, children learn about God through specific stories, hands on activities, art, and music. They are encouraged to explore their thoughts on ways to apply their faith to daily friendships and choices that nourishes God’s presence in their lives.
Creative Minds
Children 10 and up are welcome here. This class uses a variety of bible-based lessons and stories to promote conversation on how faith plays a role in their lives. A combination of technology, art, games, and service projects are used to explore, and support their relationship with God and encourage growth in their faith, spirituality, and community.
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*Godly Play and Creative Minds begin following the children’s message part of the worship service. Our staff and volunteers will guide them to their classrooms. Godly Play students will remain in the classroom until a parent/guardian comes to gather them. Students in Creative Minds will head down to the sanctuary once the service has concluded.
Seasonal Activities
Throughout the year we offer a variety of gatherings to help promote friendships and family support. These events include parents’ nights out, seasonal parties, community event attendance, movie nights, and more. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our Children’s Ministries Director.
*Godly Play and Creative Minds begin following the children’s message part of the worship service. Our staff and volunteers will guide them to their classrooms. Godly Play students will remain in the classroom until a parent/guardian comes to gather them. Students in Creative Minds will head down to the sanctuary once the service has concluded.
The Youth Ministry of UPC exists to model the love of Jesus Christ in the lives of our youth, to connect them to other students and solid adults, and to support your family during these formative years. Our aim is to create a safe place for all youth to feel welcomed, loved, and accepted for who they are, a place where they are free to be their true selves as we grow together in faith.
Wednesday Evening Youth Group
5:30–7:30 PM
Youth Group at UPC is an inclusive and loving community of teens (grades 6 –12) where all are welcomed as beloved children of God. We provide an authentic and safe space for youth to connect to each other and to their faith, as well as a weekly time of respite and relaxation from the stresses of the middle school and high school years. Youth Group meets each Wednesday night from 5:30-7:30 pm during the program year. Our time together may include recreation, play, discussions related to faith and daily life, outreach activities, occasional field trips, and lots of food.
Should you have any questions about youth ministry programs or ways you can get involved, please contact our pastor, Brandon Lewis, at brandonl.upc@gmail.com.