First Steps (Birth – 3 years old)
Nursery
We welcome children to participate in worship services with us. However, if young children (or their parents) need a break, we have a staffed nursery for children 3 years old and younger during our worship services.
Toddler and Tots
On Sunday mornings from September to May, Hope has a Toddler and Tots class for children and a parent or caregiver. Families gather in the nursery for a story and an activity. In addition to Sunday morning, Toddler and Tots has themed playdates through the year to allow to encourage fellowship in a more relaxed setting.
Faith Milestone - Recognition of Baptism
Once a year, usually on Baptism of our Lord Sunday in January, we recognize and celebrate all baptisms at Hope during the past year. As a part of this celebration, we gift the baptized with an age-appropriate Bible during worship services. For older children, teens, and adults this would mean a study Bible. However, for younger children it means a board book style First Bible. If you are interested in learning more about baptism, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Big Steps (3 years old – 6th grade)
Disciples in Training
Disciples in Training or DIT is our name for faith formation for children aged 3 through 6th grade. The largest part of this ministry is on Sunday mornings. Children gather for a large group opening in our main downstairs area. They then split into age-specific classes for more in-depth study, crafts, and activities. However, DIT also includes many opportunities for formation, fellowship, and service throughout the year.
It is an important part of DIT that children have their own Bibles to read on their own. When children first begin DIT at age 3 or 4, they are given their own Story Bible. As a part of First Communion or around 2nd grade, they receive a children’s study Bible.
Faith Milestone – First Communion
At Hope, we invite everyone to communion table trusting that God’s grace welcomes all. However, we also encourage everyone who receives communion to learn about this meal of the baptized. We offer First Communion instruction each year typically during the spring of 2nd grade. Each child and a parent or caregiver take part in a four-week small group before receiving their first communion in worship. Children participating in First Communion are also presented a new age-appropriate study Bible.
Guardian Angels
We believe that having mentors and adult support is vital for the faith formation of children (and families). One way we live into this is matching child in the DIT age with an adult mentor every year. The mentors, or Guardian Angels, pray for their child throughout the year along with sending cards or notes. At the end of the year, there is a celebration where the child and adult meet together over dessert and an activity.
Grandparent & Godparent Celebrations
In addition to Guardian Angels, we want to celebrate the mentors already in each child’s life. During the year we have special celebrations for grandparents and for godparents where they gather for a story, a craft, an activity, and a special treat.
Christmas Program
Every December, children in DIT (with help from youth) proclaim the Christmas gospel in the Christmas program during worship. Children have the opportunity to sing, act, dance, and live into this familiar story.
Harvest Festival
In the fall, Hope has a tradition of a Harvest Festival or Celebration where we come together to for fellowship, prayer, and carving pumpkins! In the past this has also included also included a meal and a simple service project. At the end of the event, everyone leaves with a carved pumpkin!
Fellowship, Service, and Formation Events & Opportunities
In addition to everything above, DIT families gather regularly for fellowship opportunities like game nights, pool parties, or other events. There are regular service project activities throughout the year that even the youngest children can participate in. Children are invited to participate in worship through Children’s Choir or Hand Chimes or serve as readers during worship. There are plenty of opportunities for children and families to grow and have fun together!