Orchard Park Presbyterian Church > Ministries > Children’s Ministries

Children’s Ministries

The Children’s Ministry committee coordinates Christian education and faith formation for children birth through 5th grade.

Nursery

Available for children from birth to preschool in room 127. This room is staffed by the members of our childcare team.

Children’s Church

Elementary age students will gather in the back of the Sanctuary during the Passing of the Peace with a volunteer to go to room 205. The curriculum used during this time is called Whirl. Handouts of the curriculum are available. This program is lectionary based so children will be learning about the same bible passages adults are hearing in service.

Sprout

Available to children preschool-fifth grade during the adult education hour after service in room 205. Preschoolers will be brought upstairs from the nursery by childcare staff. The nursery will continue for those younger. Sprout has a monthly theme that children will respond to through music, art and drama. Currently all children meet together in room 205, but we are looking forward to expand/break up this group by younger and older children to dive into each theme at a deeper developmental level. Music will always conducted be in one group. During December Sprout will be focused on the Christmas Pageant.

Threads

Previously known as 3rd – 5th Grade Fellowship, this group works to knit together what children learn in Children’s Ministry with what is to come in Youth Ministry; allowing students to see the pattern of their faith in all aspects of their life. Led by a group of volunteers and Trish Lisa, Threads meets once a month from 12:15-1:45, either on site or off. Reach out to Trish Lisa to be added to their Band group to know where this group will meet each month.

Young Families

Designed for families with children aged birth through elementary school. This group works to form connections between children, parents, and children & parents from different households. We believe in the power of trusted adults in our children’s lives and work to create those connections through our church family. We strive to have one meeting per month for families to share together and one meeting where children and parents meet separately. Young Families meets from 4:00-6:00; typically on the first and third Sunday of the month. Young Families gather in the waiting area by door 2 before moving to their designated activity space. The location changes depending on the activity.

Special Events

Children’s Ministries has several big events throughout the year, these include: Trunk or Treat, The Christmas Pageant, Easter Egg Hunt, Vacation Bible School, and Camp Pyoca (for rising 3rd Graders and up). Please check the Children’s Ministry Calendar for dates and times for these events.

With God’s help, we work to:

Create a welcoming environment where children feel safe, comfortable, and loved.
Open the pages of scripture with the children so they can meet God there, learn who they are as children of God and disciples of Jesus Christ, and find their place in God’s ongoing story of grace.
Engage children in a variety of ways, mindful of different learning styles and behavioral challenges.
Teach children that laughter and joy are part of the Christian faith by ensuring that classes and activities, Bible studies and service projects are also opportunities for fellowship and fun.
Teach children the importance of being part of a faith community as they mature in their understanding of their relationship with God and find new ways to express what they believe and why.

To learn more or discuss our Children’s Ministry at OPPC, contact Trish Lisa.