Children's Ministry - Birth through Fifth Grade
But Jesus called for them and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.’ Luke 18:16 |
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Rev. Dr. Blythe D. Kieffer, Pastor and Head of Staff, oversees Children's Ministry in collaboration with Dr. Aaron and Meleah Berkowitz, Co-Directors for Children's Ministry. Information about the children’s music programs is here.
NURSERY Nursery care and learning opportunities, including Bible stories, are available for children from birth to age three during the 10:00 a.m. Sunday service and during the Education hour immediately after the service. Infants, toddlers and 3-year-olds are welcome in our Nursery, located on the lower level of the south side of the Sanctuary. Nursery care is provided each Sunday morning from 9:30 a.m. - 12 noon. Leigh Milward is our Nursery Coordinator. To sign up to help in the nursery, please click here. |
2023-2024 Sunday School
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Westminster services are videoed weekly and may be viewed by clicking here. The cameras may show children during the children's sermon. Permission to view members and their children during the service is implied.
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WPConnections is an electronic communication that is emailed each Friday to parents of children Birth - Grade 5 to outline Sunday's lesson and to provide additional resources.
Nursery - Birth through Pre-Kindergarten
Nursery - Birth through Pre-Kindergarten
It’s never too early for young children to begin hearing stories of faith! We use the Frolic Nursery curriculum along with our friends Ava, Hal, Rufus and Jo, to introduce our littlest to early faith concepts and Bible stories. These 5-minute Mini Lessons are based on the 19 stories in the Frolic First Bible, the 12 Frolic board books, and the 13 Frolic picture books!
We are excited to provide multi-age, intergenerational lessons that give you the opportunity to grow in faith with your child as, together, you read, hear, imagine, ask questions about, and consider the invitations offered by the stories.
PRE-KINDERGARTENERS will gather in the Nursery, located on the lower level, following the children’s sermon for a lesson from the Frolic Preschool Sunday School curriculum, which is play-based and helps our youngest children experience Bible stories and faith-based storybooks in meaningful ways. The stories have been selected because they address the challenges our children may be facing in life. The Bible is rich in stories that teach us how to live together peacefully, how to live with those who are different from us, and how to live as Jesus did.
Nursery Coordinators: Millie McNutt and Erin Winn, Nursery worker: Maria Lafrenz, members of the Nursery Guild
Kindergarteners - Grade 5
10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary
10:15 a.m. in the Third Floor Chapel
Children who are Kindergarteners - Grade 5 are escorted from worship to gather in the Third Floor Chapel following the Children’s sermon for a lesson from the Feasting on the Word curriculum, which is a lectionary-based, multi-aged curriculum. This resource is designed to encourage cooperative learning across a wide age range. Children will experience Scripture through storytelling, drama, and a variety of activities that appeal to various learning styles. Offering Envelopes will be distributed this year as we support the Heifer Project once again. Children grades 3-5 will stay in worship Communion Sundays.
Teachers: Meleah and Aaron Berkowitz, Cathy Brower, Sophia Choi, Chelsea and Adam Ekstedt, Kate Morthland, Linda Purves, and Julie Robbs
10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary
10:15 a.m. in the Third Floor Chapel
Children who are Kindergarteners - Grade 5 are escorted from worship to gather in the Third Floor Chapel following the Children’s sermon for a lesson from the Feasting on the Word curriculum, which is a lectionary-based, multi-aged curriculum. This resource is designed to encourage cooperative learning across a wide age range. Children will experience Scripture through storytelling, drama, and a variety of activities that appeal to various learning styles. Offering Envelopes will be distributed this year as we support the Heifer Project once again. Children grades 3-5 will stay in worship Communion Sundays.
Teachers: Meleah and Aaron Berkowitz, Cathy Brower, Sophia Choi, Chelsea and Adam Ekstedt, Kate Morthland, Linda Purves, and Julie Robbs
Bridges Midweek Fellowship (Grades 3-5)
Bridges is held on Wednesdays from 4:00-5:00 p.m. in the Third Floor Tower Room. This wonderful fellowship bridges friendships among our children and across generations. It also includes mission projects and interfaith gatherings. The theme is "Feasting on the Word.” This after-school program precedes Westminster Choristers which begins October 5 from 5:00 - 5:45 p.m. Leaders: Meleah Berkowitz and Pat Roller
Westminster Choristers
Rehearsals are held on Wednesdays at 5:00 - 5:45 p.m. in the Music Room on the lower level. The choir is directed by Katie Moore.
Bridges is held on Wednesdays from 4:00-5:00 p.m. in the Third Floor Tower Room. This wonderful fellowship bridges friendships among our children and across generations. It also includes mission projects and interfaith gatherings. The theme is "Feasting on the Word.” This after-school program precedes Westminster Choristers which begins October 5 from 5:00 - 5:45 p.m. Leaders: Meleah Berkowitz and Pat Roller
Westminster Choristers
Rehearsals are held on Wednesdays at 5:00 - 5:45 p.m. in the Music Room on the lower level. The choir is directed by Katie Moore.
If you have not already created your free account, please do so by going to go.kidcheck.com, selecting “Create Your KidCheck Account,” and following the on-screen prompts. Alternatively, you can download the KidCheck Mobile Check-In app from the App Store or Google Play Store to create, manage, and update your account right on your phone (does not complete check-in).
You can create your account from the comfort of your home; it is simple and will only take a few minutes. Creating your account prior to your child's visit helps us have a smooth transition and helps your first check-in go more quickly so you can get on your way.
Once you have created your account, simply use your 10-digit phone number to check-in with us or anywhere you see the KidCheck logo. Best feature of KidCheck is that you can check-in your child on your drive over to the church on your app and simply pick up the name tags on your way to Sunday worship. This check-in process is requested for children ages birth - grade 5.
You can create your account from the comfort of your home; it is simple and will only take a few minutes. Creating your account prior to your child's visit helps us have a smooth transition and helps your first check-in go more quickly so you can get on your way.
Once you have created your account, simply use your 10-digit phone number to check-in with us or anywhere you see the KidCheck logo. Best feature of KidCheck is that you can check-in your child on your drive over to the church on your app and simply pick up the name tags on your way to Sunday worship. This check-in process is requested for children ages birth - grade 5.
CHILDREN OF ABRAHAM
Serving our Community
Children in Kindergarten through Grade 6 are invited to quarterly gatherings hosted by four faith communities: Grace United Methodist Church, The Islamic Society of Greater Springfield, Springfield Board of Jewish Education, and Westminster Presbyterian Church. Children from all faith communities are invited as we build friendships, learn about one another, and share a vegetarian meal. Learn more about this program by clicking here.
Serving our Community
Children in Kindergarten through Grade 6 are invited to quarterly gatherings hosted by four faith communities: Grace United Methodist Church, The Islamic Society of Greater Springfield, Springfield Board of Jewish Education, and Westminster Presbyterian Church. Children from all faith communities are invited as we build friendships, learn about one another, and share a vegetarian meal. Learn more about this program by clicking here.
ELAINE RYDER CHILDREN'S LIBRARY
Our Children's Library, named for the woman who founded it, is located on the second floor with resources and books for children.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
In summer 2023, VBS was held in June for children ages 3 through grade 5.
Click here to see photos and information about VBS.
FAMILY EVENTS
Events for families with children are a regular part of our life together at Westminster. Two of these events are:
Harvest Festival -- This event in October, near Halloween, follows Sunday worship and includes games, crafts and face painting! After the program, children enjoy Trunk or Treat hosted by the Congregational Fellowship Committee of the Board of Deacons in the parking lot. This is always an autumn highlight.
Advent Celebration -- The first Sunday in Advent, the Children’s Choir present a musical program during the 10:00 a.m. Service of Worship. Following worship, families and members make ornaments, sing carols and enjoy brunch in Parish Hall.
Our Children's Library, named for the woman who founded it, is located on the second floor with resources and books for children.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
In summer 2023, VBS was held in June for children ages 3 through grade 5.
Click here to see photos and information about VBS.
FAMILY EVENTS
Events for families with children are a regular part of our life together at Westminster. Two of these events are:
Harvest Festival -- This event in October, near Halloween, follows Sunday worship and includes games, crafts and face painting! After the program, children enjoy Trunk or Treat hosted by the Congregational Fellowship Committee of the Board of Deacons in the parking lot. This is always an autumn highlight.
Advent Celebration -- The first Sunday in Advent, the Children’s Choir present a musical program during the 10:00 a.m. Service of Worship. Following worship, families and members make ornaments, sing carols and enjoy brunch in Parish Hall.