Discovery Time is our ministry to children from birth through 5th grade. It is carried out by the Children’s Ministry Team, working in partnership with parents and families to lead, teach, and nurture children as they develop into “fully-devoted followers of Christ.” The team also strives to help children realize that they are blessed to be a blessing to others. To accomplish our mission, the team emphasizes three key areas with our Discovery Time program: education, outreach, and fellowship. For more information about Discovery Time and to get more details on a specific class or event, contact our Children’s Ministry Team coordinators, Dawn Padden and Barbara Johnston.
Education
Discovery Time begins the Sunday after Labor Day and runs through Pentecost Sunday. All children in preschool through 5th grade are invited to participate. Children are dismissed from worship after the children’s sermon and are divided into several different classes. Teachers rotate weekly and are assisted by adult and teenage volunteers. Older children are invited to remain in worship on Communion Sunday, typically the first Sunday of each month. A nursery is available for children ages 0-2 during the entire worship gathering.
Outreach
Children are involved in several outreach projects each year. They participate in a weekly offering during Discovery Time that benefits a charity they help to select. They also hold fundraisers to raise additional money for the designated charity. To help emphasize that they are blessed to be a blessing, children are also invited to participate in several events in the local community that help to enrich the lives of people in need.
Fellowship
Success in our education and outreach programs depends, in part, on the relationships that children and families develop through the church. As a result, several events are planned over the course of the year to help strengthen ties between families. Past events have included bowling, miniature golf, camping, pajama parties, and parent’s night out.
