Children

Children at Westminster are deeply involved in the life of the church.

The church is one of the few places in our culture where many generations naturally come together in community. Our ministry creates opportunities for children, youth, and adults to be in fellowship with one another as we grow together as followers of Christ in faith, trust, and love.

Sundays

Church School
9:15–10:15 am (September–May)
Our Church School meets during Westminster’s education hour, offering distinct classroom experiences for children. Volunteer teams for each grade level are trained to engage our children in age-appropriate curriculum resources that include stories, activities, art, music, and discussion. Children grow to know that they are a valued part of our community through engagement in education, worship, fellowship, and service opportunities throughout the year.

Note: Kindergartners through second graders meet together for a brief “Gathering Time” and then go to classrooms with their teachers. All other students proceed directly to their classrooms.

Children’s Church
During 10:30 am worship (September–June)
Children attend the beginning of worship with their families and then are invited to Children’s Church. They are escorted from the Sanctuary by staff, parents, and youth volunteers for special programming. Staff leads worship, with story and singing, in a relaxed and nurturing environment. The Montessori approach of our Godly Play program helps children learn to self-direct and reflect on the biblical story and prepares them to attend worship in the sanctuary.

Recorder Choirs (Grade 3 and up) Upstairs Parent Lounge
For youth who are not able to attend Wednesday evenings, or are interested in learning an instrument, recorder choir is offered on Sunday mornings, 8:30-9:10. Music reading skills are taught as well as recorder playing technique. Advanced recorder players learn composition techniques. Recorders perform in worship twice a year.

Wednesdays

Moms Group

Moms with children of any age are invited to be a part of our Moms Group.  We provide a time and space for conversation and fellowship, as well as a place to be mindful of our own spirituality. Child care is provided. Moms Group meets Wednesday mornings (10:30-noon) in the Nursery. For more information about Moms Group, contact Marie Kruskop.

Children’s choirs are directed by Brad Ollmann who has been working with the younger choirs at Westminster since 2006.

Seraphim Choir (Grades 1-3) Children’s Music Rm.
Once a child enters first grade, they are eligible to move into the Seraphim Choir. Seraphim meet Wednesday evenings from 6:30-7 pm. Many families arrive early to enjoy a kid-friendly meal in before choir (served from 5:15–6:45 pm). Seraphim sing during worship services five times a year. The rehearsal experience is designed to be fun while developing important music skills such as in-tune singing, steady beat, and playing instruments.

Chorister Choir (Grades 3-5) Children’s Music Rm.
Fourth and fifth graders are invited to participate in the Chorister Choir while third graders can choose to participate in both Seraphim and Chorister choirs. Choristers meet from 7 – 7:30 pm on Wednesday evenings. A kid-friendly meal is provided for those families prior to rehearsal (served from 5:15-6:45 pm). Choristers sing during worship services five times a year. The rehearsal experience expands on skills developed in Seraphim choir, while including more advanced skills such as music improvisation.

Recorder Choir (Grade 3 and up) Children’s Music Rm.
A Wednesday evening section of Recorder Choir has been added from 7:30-7:50 pm. Music reading skills are taught as well as recorder playing technique (tonguing, breath control, phrasing, etc.). Recorders perform in Sunday services twice a year.