Believing in the importance of nurturing a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and God’s people, Idlewild will, with God’s help, guide children to know, love, and serve the Lord by providing a solid foundation of Biblical understanding with opportunities to apply spiritual truths at home, school, and play.
The littlest amongst us can look forward to loving care in our nursery located on the first floor of the Jones building. Parents may check in their wee ones and rest assured that they are cared for while parents have space to fully participate in Sunday school and worship. Please bring diapers, favorite toys, and any bottles or food your children may require.
Sunday School – Popsicles and Play: June 2 – July 28 | 9 – 9:40 am
Children 3YO-5th grade can look forward to casual summer fun, play, storytime, and popsicles!
Worship & Wonder: May 26-June 30
Following Time with the Younger Church Children ages 3 – Kindergarten are invited to leave big church and continue their worship in a service of their own.
Worship & Wiggles: Beginning July 7
For the month of July, we will have Sunday Worship in the gym. Young children are invited to the prayerground where they can color and quiet play during the worship service. Seating will be roped off for families while they oversee their children playing in the Worship & Wiggles area.
Worship Packets:
Young worshippers are a vital part of our faith community. To enhance their worship experience, stop by the Worship & Wonder check-in station and pick up a packet full of activities to engage them during the service.
Check-In: (9:30 – 9:40 AM): Check in your 3-year-olds – 5th-grade children in the Kids’ Room on the 3rd floor of the Jones building. You won’t want to be late, because the party starts promptly at 9:40 AM!
Large Group Time (9:40-10 AM): All children will check in Large Group first. Look forward to energizers, songs, skits, a memory verse, bible story, and games! Our 4th and 5th graders play a leadership role, have special “big kid” seating, and have the opportunity to be helpers.
Small Group Time (10 – 10:40 AM) After the Large Group energizers conclude, teachers will lead students into their age-based small group classes where our children are immersed in God’s story. There they will continue to learn about the day’s story through developmentally-appropriate activities and play. Parents will collect their children from their small group classes at 10:40 AM.
Holy Troublemakers: During small group time, 4th and 5th graders will have a little more freedom in class with comfy seating and curriculum called Holy Trouble Makers. They will learn and talk about unconventional saints who have played important roles in joining with God’s work in our world. Our 5th graders will occasionally have opportunities to visit the middle school class in order to bridge their upcoming transition into youth group.
Worship Packets: Young worshippers are a vital part of our faith community. To enhance their worship experience, stop by the Worship & Wonder check-in station and pick up a packet full of activities to engage them during the service.
Time with the Younger Church (all ages): During the 11:00 worship service, children of all ages are invited forward as we join together in our Gathering Hymn. During the Children’s Moment, our young worshippers have space to ask questions, make observations, and explore the morning’s scripture.
Worship & Wonder (3 years – Kindergarten): Following the Time with Younger Church, children 3 years old – Kindergarten are invited to leave big church and continue to worship by making meaning through story, wonder, and play in their very own space in the W&W Room. Parents may walk their children out of the service, check in at the hallway station, and return to the sanctuary. Alternatively, parents may check in at the Worship & Wonder station prior to service if their child is confident going with the teacher independently.
Parents’ Night Out (Fall and Spring): While parents are enjoying fellowship and formation, kids have a fun night too! Nursery care is be provided for 0-3s. Potty-trained 3-12s are invited to share pizza and some fun at a party of their own.
Children’s Choir: The Children’s Choir practices during Woven Together Wednesdays in the Spring and Fall!
Easter Egg Hunt (Palm Sunday): Children of all ages are invited to bring their baskets and hunt for some eggs!
Created Good (Spring): Our 5th graders and their adults will have a time of learning and open dialogue about how God created our whole unique selves. We can be proud and comfortable with our sexuality and changing bodies.
Vacation Bible School (June): Children who have completed pre-k- rising 5th graders are invited to spend a week of morning camp at the church! We play games, hear stories, sing, enjoy snacks, serve in outreach, and make art together.
Second Grade Bibles (September): Our emerging readers will receive a keepsake Bible that we will present to them during worship. After church, we will eat lunch, introduce our kids to their bibles and teach them how to read scripture on their own.
NaCoMe Family Camp (October): Children and their adults are invited to Idlewild’s family camp, NaCoMe, for fall break.
Halloween Carnival (October): We will gather for a Saturday of costumes, candy, and games in our Idlewild gym. Make sure you dress to impress for this Nurture event!
Toy Drive Sunday School Party (December): It’s party time in Sunday school! Parents and kids can enjoy some festive fun with treats and activities while we practice generosity with a toy drive and other acts of service that will benefit our Outreach ministries.
Child-led Christmas Eve Service (December 24, 3 PM): Young Idlewilders lead worship as they share the story of Jesus’ birth through songs, readings, and acting out the Nativity story.
Join Jeanene or Pastor Mary @ CAFE House on Friday mornings. We’ll have coffee, read through the week’s lectionary passage, share our celebrations and concerns from our week, and join in prayer. If you have little ones with you, you are welcome to bring them.
