Kids & Families

Children of all ages and families of all kinds are celebrated here at Church of the Apostles! We believe play and wonder are vitally important ways to experience and know God and seek to center this experience in our worship and offerings. Inspired by the conviction that our children are active participants in the spiritual journey from birth and have as much to teach us about God as we have to teach them, our Kids' and Family Ministry focuses on encouraging children and families to lean in to the innate spirituality of children, focusing beyond the standard "Sunday School" offerings. 

These four areas of focus include:

Engagement: Discovering sacred stories and Christian Tradition 
Encounter: Honoring our unique relationships with God
Embodiment: Living out our faith in everyday Life 
Exploration: Providing tools for spiritual practice and reflection
 

WORSHIP OFFERINGS

Currently, all of our children's formation programming takes place during our weekly worship service with occasional events happening before the service. When you arrive, grab a children’s bulletin and a box of supplies for some entertainment tied to today’s scripture readings. Families are invited to sit wherever they'd like, though we do have a special spot reserved in the back corner for families with kids who like to move and play throughout the service—just look for the colorful rug and friendly faces! We also have a separate parent-supervised area for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers who might like to make a bit more noise during the service that features speakers and windows so parents can still participate in the liturgy! Just look for the "Littles Loft" sign to the right near the stairs when you arrive. 

During the service, kids of all ages are invited to visit the Kids' Space station following the sermon for an opportunity to respond to the liturgy in their own way. The Kids Space station features a kid-friendly prayer altar and rotating activities connected to liturgical themes. 

REGULAR PROGRAMMING

In addition to these offerings, our regular monthly programming includes:

First Sunday of the Month: In-service Children's Moment
Second Sunday of the Month: COTA Littles Breakout Session (toddlers and preschoolers accompanied by a caregiver)
Third Sunday of the Month: COTA Crew Breakout Session (children in kindergarten through fifth grade)
Fourth Sunday of the Month: Cookies and Conversations (one-on-one sessions exploring your child's experience of God; 1-2 sessions available monthly)

Questions? Contact Lacy Clark Ellman, our Kids' and Family Ministry Coordinator, at kids@apostleschurch.org.