Children, Youth, and Families

"Let the children come to me,” Jesus said. Westminster welcomes children and youth warmly, in many ways — teaching, learning, caring and having fun together.
Here’s how you can get involved:

Children's Church
During the 10:30am service, children ages four through six attend the beginning of worship with their families and then are excused for Children’s Chuch. They are escorted from the sanctuary by staff and parent volunteers for a special program designed for young children.  Parents and staff lead activities that include worship, singing, storytelling and games in a relaxed and nurturing environment.  Parents of children are asked to help lead several times a year.

Nursery and Toddler Care
Professional staff provide nurturing care for children ages three and under every Sunday during worship (8:15-11:45am). Parents assist as volunteers in the nursery/toddler room on a rotating basis during the year. On Wednesday evenings from 6:30–8:00pm, our child care staff offers care and craft programs for the little ones.

Education for Children and Youth
Church School Classes for 3 year olds - 12th Grade
Classes meet during the Sunday morning Education Hour, 9:15–10:15 a.m.
Just prior to classes, kindergartners through third graders meet as a group for a brief "Gathering Time" in the Great Hall and then go to classrooms with their teachers. All other students may proceed directly to their classrooms.

A volunteer team of over 40 teachers has been trained to lead and love our children and youth. We are using "Walk With Me" curriculum which uses theology background of the Reformed tradition to help children know the key stories and themes of the Bible. The 5th and 6th graders use an Old and New Testament survey course from the Presbyterian Church, USA. Teachers engage the students in age appropriate  stories, activities, music and discussions, and encourage children to apply the lessons to their daily lives.

Church school classes also take part in regular mission and service projects.
During our annual Arts Month, the children learn stories of faith through creative projects led by local artists.

Download 2008-2009 Church School Registration Form

Middle School
In addition to the Sunday education hour, middle school youth  participate in monthly social activities, service projects, retreats, and a yearly summer mission trip. Contact  Meghan K. Gage for more information.

Confirmation
Confirmation Class is for ninth graders and meets on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:00pm, with additional retreats, field trips, and activities.  Classes begin in early October and run through the following September. Contact Meghan K. Gage, Associate Pastor for Children, Youth, and Families.

Senior High
High school students (9th through 12th grades) meet weekly during Education Hour in the Youth Lounge to discuss relevant topics and challenge each other in deepening their faith lives.  Activities are planned on a weekly and monthly basis, including "Chipotle and a Movie" and Service Opportunities in conjunction with Youth Link and Urban Ventures. Fall and Winter Retreats, the Coffee House Cabaret, Youth Sunday, and a Summer Mission Trip are events the young people look forward to each year. Contact Erin Swenson for more information and visit the High School/College Activities link.

Family Fellowship Events
The Children, Youth and Families Council  shapes policy, supports programs that nurture faith and spiritual growth and assists parents and leaders in planning activities for children, youth and families.  The Committee holds events for fun and fellowship, providing an opportunity for all participants to meet each other in a relaxed setting. 

Midweek Activities
Each Wednesday night during the school year, members are invited for an informal supper and fellowship in the refectory from 5:15–6:45pm. Activities and choirs for youth and children follow dinner until 8:30pm. During this time, for adults, there are discussion groups, Bible study, choir, and educational classes. Nursery service is available from 6:30–8:00pm for children up to age six.

Wednesday Evening Schedule
5:15pm Supper (Adult $5, Children $3)
6:00pm Cherub Choir
6:15pm Youth Handbell Choir
6:30pm Confirmation Class
6:25pm Seraphim & Choristers Choirs
6:30-8:00pm Childcare Available
7:00-7:45pm Activities
7:00pm Youth Choir
7:45pm High School Choir

The Children, Youth and Families Council  shapes policy, supports programs that nurture faith and spiritual growth, and assists parents and leaders in planning activities for children, youth and families. The Committee holds events for fun and fellowship, providing an opportunity for all participants to meet each other in a relaxed setting. Look in the Westminster News, throughout the year or check the CYF Calendar on this website for activities.)

Boy Scouts
Westminster sponsors two Boy Scout troops: Troop 33 – one of the first in Minneapolis, with a long history in this church – and Troop 100, our outreach to the Hmong community. The troops meet weekly at the church and participate in monthly camping trips and outings. New members are always welcome, and adult leaders and drivers are needed. Contact Scoutmaster Dave Moore for more information.

Camp Ajawah
Camp Ajawah is located on Linwood Lake, about 30 miles north of downtown Minneapolis. The camp offers two week summer sessions for boys and girls. Visit the Camp Ajawah website to read more about their programs or to obtain registration forms.

Meghan K. Gage, Associate Pastor for Children, Youth & Families
Mary Alette Davis, Director of Children's Ministries
Marie Kruskop, Interim Coordinator of Childcare
Erin Swenson, Director of High School & College-Age Ministries
Barbara Prince, Administrative Assistant

To be added to the Children, Youth & Families Email Update list, contact Barbara Prince.