YOUTH

We are a SafeChurch. All employees and volunteers who work with children have had background checks with Protect My Ministry and current training on child safety and protection.

NURSERY

Infants and children through age 3 experience the love of God and nurturing care provided by members of our church family in the child care center during the 10am worship service.The nursery is staffed with competent, caring people and stocked with colorful, fun, and safe toys for your child’s use.

We are a SafeChurch. All employees and volunteers who work with children have had background checks with Protect My Ministry and current training on child safety and protection.

The availability of child care makes it possible for parents and caregivers to spend time in quiet worship. All caregivers are welcome to stay with their child; if you would like to see what the nursery setting is like, please join us any Sunday. Our ushers and greeters will guide you to the nursery.

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Sunday school program: From preschool through 8th grade, we use a curriculum which offers each grade level the opportunity to gather, engage, respond, and reflect. Children worship with their families and are dismissed to Sunday school after Word for the Children.

DWELL

DWELL children’s ministry and Sunday school curriculum actively engages kids in God’s story using interactive games, reflective wondering, dramatic storytelling, and a whole lot of fun.

DWELL is grounded in a Reformed perspective. Each lesson includes activities based on multiple intelligence theory. DWELL invites kids to find their place in God’s story.

DWELL presents the Bible as a life-transforming story of God’s amazing love for his people and world. It invites children to find their place in that story, and join God’s mission to transform the world through Jesus Christ.

SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL

During July and August we have a one-room class setting for children in pre-school up to 5th grade.The Dwell Digital curriculum continues to be studied during the summer months and classes for the children follow the same format as during the school year.

COMMUNION WORKSHOP

Workshops are offered each spring for second grade and older children interested in receiving communion.

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES

The youth are involved with special events, programs and worship during all seasons.

  • The Advent Adventure and Hosanna Happening are holiday celebration days that include special Christmas or Easter crafts, friendship building and fun.
  • Green Corn Picnic is a much loved CCRC tradition. Held a Sunday in September, this is a time to celebrate new beginnings and thank God for blessings. Members come casually dressed for church and stay to enjoy a pot luck picnic with intergenerational activities.
  • Youth Sunday – scheduled in late spring, our Youth Sunday service provides the youth of our church an opportunity to lead our regular worship service in song, readings and sermon. Children ages three to eighteen use their talents to praise and celebrate our Christian Faith.
  • Family Christmas Eve Service – this service is conducted by and for the children. Our youth present a recreation of the nativity and all ages are welcome in the sanctuary for this service.

Confirmation classes

Students in 9th grade or older are encouraged to confirm their baptismal vows on Pentecost Sunday in late spring. These students meet with the Pastor and Christian Education Director weekly beginning in October to study the church, creeds, the Bible and other aspects of Reformed Church theology and faith. Mentored by a church elder of their choice, the students create their own creed and share it with the congregation on Pentecost.

High school students volunteer in our nursery or Sunday school classrooms about once a month. These students help prepare lessons and interact with the children while assisting the teacher.

Our high school students are invited to join church committees and play an active role as members. We currently have students serving on the worship, education, mission, outreach, buildings & grounds and hospitality committees.

youth mission

Youth Mission/Little Free Pantry – In all seasons, the Little Free Pantry, provides our community with essential food and hygiene items during a time when more and more people experience food insecurity.

The need for supplies is great at this time; donations may be dropped off at the CCRC office anytime. Please see: Janet Colton, Pat Smaldone, or Kelly Clement.

YOUR SHOPPING LIST PDF

Youth Fellowship

Through a variety of youth groups, our children are involved with special events, programs and service projects. The activities planned by youth group leaders provide opportunities to learn and enjoy fellowship outside the classroom setting.

Salt Shakers

A youth group for children in Kindergarten – 6th grade that meets monthly. When the group come together, they share some things about themselves, and have fun participating in mission and social activities.

Compass

A youth group open to all kids in grades 6-12. Meeting 2-3 times per month, Compass plans meaningful events and outings including Christian lessons that apply to the everyday lives of our youth, community service, fellowship and fun! This group is a great way for youth to learn more about faith and strengthen bonds between church friends. Visiting our neighbors – our middle school and high school students along with group leaders visit other houses of worship to learn more about different faith beliefs. Discovering similarities and differences helps us to understand and respect our neighbors while we learn more about our own faith and beliefs.

Friends in faith

Partnering an adult from our congregation with a youth helps surround our youth with caring, supportive adults in their lives. The adult friend connects with their young friend in church each week, sends encouraging notes or cards and prays daily for their friend. We hope this intergenerational relationship will be a blessing for both friends as they continue their informal friendship that will strengthen our community of faith.

Youth music

Children in grades 6 and younger have the opportunity to sing during worship several times throughout the year. Students in grades 7-12 are invited to join the Adult Choir. The Handbell Choir is rehearsing each Sunday after worship. Seasonal participation in each of these choirs is possible. We also offer an opportunity for students to play their own instruments in an ensemble during worship several times a year.

Camp Fowler

Camp Fowler is a non-profit children’s camp grounded in openness, hospitality and compassionate Christianity. This summer camp aims to provide space for children to be themselves, learn from those who are different from them, while experiencing wonder and love. The camping philosophy is pretty simple: get children to play outside, surrounded by an authentic community who accepts them for who they are. No bells, no whistles, just camp. Each summer many CCRC youth attend Camp Fowler along with several adults who volunteer to serve for a week at camp. https://www.campfowler.org/about/