At The Church of the Good Samaritan, it is our prayer and hope that each child feels loved and valued as they come through our doors.
Our purpose is to provide children with experiences that allow them to discover and grow in the love of Jesus, knowing that they are important members of our church. We believe that even our youngest children have a place in the church, not just at the church.
In addition to encouraging and supporting the children in our congregation, we also feel strongly about our role in creating community for parents and families. Regardless of whether or not your child attends a class on Sunday mornings, our ministry is here to support you and your family.
Our youngest parishioners are always welcome in our Sunday services, even when making a joyful noise to the Lord! We believe that all of our children have a place in the church, not just at the church—and our programming reflects this truth. At Good Sam, it is our hope and prayer that each child feels loved and valued as they come through our doors.
Infants, Toddlers & Preschool
Infants. We offer nursery care for infants in bright, welcoming, dedicated spaces. Parents are also welcome to use the space to feed their little ones, or simply to take a break from the 9 am or 11:15 am services, which are broadcast in the nursery. Check-in begins 10 minutes before each service starts, and volunteers are available in the atrium before the service to help new families find their way.
Todders and Preschool. Toddlers and preschoolers will hear a lesson each Sunday that aligns with the Lectionary, along with time for free play and connection. During the 11:15 am service, our toddlers and preschoolers participate in Godly Play, engaging the creative process through biblical storytelling and offering a language for children to begin to engage with God. Check-in begins 10 minutes before each service starts, and volunteers are available in the atrium before the service to help new families find their way.
Elementary
Kindergarten – Grade 1. Children in grades K – 1 hear a lesson each Sunday that aligns with the Lectionary. During the 11:15 am service, the message is through Godly Play, engaging the creative process through biblical storytelling and offering a language for children to begin to engage with God. The students return to their families for Holy Communion. During Christian Formation Hour students engage in topical studies with lessons, hands-on activities, games, art, and conversation.
Grades 2 – 5. Children in grades 2 – 5 stay with their families for the beginning of the service, and are dismissed prior to the sermon. After hearing a children’s message, they return to their families for Holy Communion. During Christian Formation Hour students engage in topical studies with lessons, hands-on activities, games, art, and conversation.
Family Gatherings, Services & Events
Our Family Gatherings are an opportunity for parents in our church to get to know each other and build community, and also for kids to build friendships outside of seeing each other on Sunday mornings. These events happen regularly for families with “littles” (birth-preschool), and for families of elementary students.
Interactive, child-centered services are planned for special days such as Christmas Eve and Good Friday. Special family events occur throughout the year such as our Fall Fest, St Nicholas Brunch, and making Advent wreaths. One focus of our children’s ministry is to embrace the rhythms and traditions of the church as a way to learn more about God’s love for us.
Vacation Bible School
VBS is one of the highlights in family ministry. For one week in June the church becomes a place of adventure and discovery. Children ages four through Grade 5 enjoy a Bible-based camp that includes hands-on activities, games, music, and stories. Good Samaritan VBS is a true intergenerational event featuring youth, adult leaders, and our youth leaders-in-training. Friends and neighbors are always invited to journey with us.
