Children and youth education ministries
Special information during the Covid-19 shutdown
Youth Forums
Even though we can’t get together in person, we are still planning Youth Forums. In the past, the topics of the Youth Forums were aligned with the Adult Forums whenever possible, but until we resume our normal services the youth will be moving forward with a stand-alone series called, “Working Our Way Through It.” The series focuses on the structure of the Bible and the big picture of God’s grace. The series is a combination of animated videos posted on the Westminster REACH Facebook Group page, and discussions led by Chris through Zoom.
Virtual Community Nights
In an attempt to help with the boredom, restlessness and stress many of our children and youth are facing (adults too), REACH will begin virtual family and community nights every Wednesday, starting on Wednesday, April 29 at 5:00pm, connecting through Zoom to play trivia, virtual games and some other surprise activities. Check out the Westminster REACH Facebook group for more information.
Info about our "usual schedule" pre-Covid-19
From September through May, kids in grades K-7 meet in the REACH wing every Sunday with teacher Chris Patch and an assistant during the Education Hour (10:45-11:45am) following worship and fellowship time. The hour begins with music, including vocal and instrumental (Boomwhackers, handbells, and hand chimes) in the choir room with Lori Rhodes Pettit. Then the class delves deeper in the day's lesson, and does a craft or activity related to the lesson. They also participate in mission and service projects, share their music in worship, and make all our lives brighter!
The Children's Worship Center provides a worship place, based on a Montessori model, for children age 3 years through grade 2 to experience God in an age-appropriate setting during the worship hour. Read more about it here.
During the summer, we offer Summer Sabbath for young children. Kids in 2nd grade and younger can join Noel Lardeo and Ethan Reilley in the social room following the pastor's time with children.
Youth Forums
Even though we can’t get together in person, we are still planning Youth Forums. In the past, the topics of the Youth Forums were aligned with the Adult Forums whenever possible, but until we resume our normal services the youth will be moving forward with a stand-alone series called, “Working Our Way Through It.” The series focuses on the structure of the Bible and the big picture of God’s grace. The series is a combination of animated videos posted on the Westminster REACH Facebook Group page, and discussions led by Chris through Zoom.
Virtual Community Nights
In an attempt to help with the boredom, restlessness and stress many of our children and youth are facing (adults too), REACH will begin virtual family and community nights every Wednesday, starting on Wednesday, April 29 at 5:00pm, connecting through Zoom to play trivia, virtual games and some other surprise activities. Check out the Westminster REACH Facebook group for more information.
Info about our "usual schedule" pre-Covid-19
From September through May, kids in grades K-7 meet in the REACH wing every Sunday with teacher Chris Patch and an assistant during the Education Hour (10:45-11:45am) following worship and fellowship time. The hour begins with music, including vocal and instrumental (Boomwhackers, handbells, and hand chimes) in the choir room with Lori Rhodes Pettit. Then the class delves deeper in the day's lesson, and does a craft or activity related to the lesson. They also participate in mission and service projects, share their music in worship, and make all our lives brighter!
The Children's Worship Center provides a worship place, based on a Montessori model, for children age 3 years through grade 2 to experience God in an age-appropriate setting during the worship hour. Read more about it here.
During the summer, we offer Summer Sabbath for young children. Kids in 2nd grade and younger can join Noel Lardeo and Ethan Reilley in the social room following the pastor's time with children.
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Confirmation U
Westminster offers a confirmation for teens in grades 8-12, culminating in a public profession of faith. In May 2016, six young adults completed a two year confirmation process with Interim Pastor Dwain Lee. The next confirmation class will be formed as needed for that age population.
Westminster offers a confirmation for teens in grades 8-12, culminating in a public profession of faith. In May 2016, six young adults completed a two year confirmation process with Interim Pastor Dwain Lee. The next confirmation class will be formed as needed for that age population.
Nursery Care
Ethan Reilley and another approved adult provide loving care for infants and toddlers in the social room (right outside the main sanctuary) during worship and education hour. During the Education Hour, child care for preschoolers is in the toddler room in the REACH wing.
Ethan Reilley and another approved adult provide loving care for infants and toddlers in the social room (right outside the main sanctuary) during worship and education hour. During the Education Hour, child care for preschoolers is in the toddler room in the REACH wing.
Child and Youth Protection Policy
Westminster Presbyterian Church seeks to provide a safe and secure environment for the children who participate in our programs and activities. By following the best practices in the church's Child and Youth Protection Policy, our goal is to protect the children of Westminster Presbyterian Church from incidents of misconduct or inappropriate behavior while also protecting our staff and volunteers/workers from false accusations.
Westminster has had a Child Protection Policy since 2005, but the practices and procedures were reviewed and revised, and a new Policy was adopted by session in December 2016.
The complete text of the policy is here: Child and Youth Protection Policy of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Auburn NY.
Westminster Presbyterian Church seeks to provide a safe and secure environment for the children who participate in our programs and activities. By following the best practices in the church's Child and Youth Protection Policy, our goal is to protect the children of Westminster Presbyterian Church from incidents of misconduct or inappropriate behavior while also protecting our staff and volunteers/workers from false accusations.
Westminster has had a Child Protection Policy since 2005, but the practices and procedures were reviewed and revised, and a new Policy was adopted by session in December 2016.
The complete text of the policy is here: Child and Youth Protection Policy of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Auburn NY.