Children, Youth and Their Families

Faith Formation is a life-long learning experience. Our church seeks to provide opportunities for everyone, regardless of age, to grow in Christian faith and to practice their faith in service to others. We welcome families from all religious backgrounds.

The Nursery: Our youngest children, newborn to age 4, are invited to enjoy play and story time in the nursery during Sunday morning worship. The nursery is open at 9:50 a.m. and is staffed by an experienced caregiver.

The Sunday School: Classes for children in Pre-Kindergarten (age 4) through Grade 6 meet most Sundays, September through May. The children attend the first part of the worship service with their families. After the children’s message and The Lord’s Prayer, they move upstairs to learn and explore core Bible stories and the tenets of the Christian faith through a variety of media such as art, drama, music, writing, games, storytelling, and special service projects.

The Youth: A discussion group for students in seventh grade and above meets most Sunday mornings at the same time as the Sunday School. Topics for conversation might include Bible stories, faith practices, world religions, and contemporary issues. A Confirmation program for those in Grade 7 and 8 is provided to prepare young people to become covenant partners in the church. Our youth are invited to participate in Giv2, a group of youth and adults from area UCC churches, which provides an opportunity to explore faith through service projects and fellowship.

The Family: The entire family is invited and encouraged to participate in faith formation activities through articles in the weekly Meeting House Times e-blast, which include family faith talk suggestions and activities. The church picnic, the Crop Walk, intergenerational worship, a family Advent service, the Christmas pageant, Christmas caroling to shut-ins, parent discussion groups, potluck suppers and other opportunities for fellowship are some of the family-oriented activities that take place during the year.

The Cost: There are no fees or dues required to participate in Sunday School. However, the children are encouraged to practice regular giving as part of their commitment to the work of the church. The weekly offering can be in the form of money or a non-perishable food item for the Corner Food Pantry.

The Staff: Barbara Collins is the Coordinator of Christian Education. She holds a certificate from the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ as an Associate in Christian Education and has over forty years of experience in faith formation.  Volunteer Sunday School teachers and helpers come from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. Some are “current” parents, some are not. Parents are encouraged to contribute three-Sundays- per-child as teachers or helpers in the Sunday School during the year. No previous knowledge or experience is required!

Safe Church Policy: For a copy of the Safe Church Policy, click here.