Sunday worship for kids at Cedar Park United Church:

Come join in the fun and learning!

At Cedar Park, families are given a very warm welcome. We have a staffed, fully refurbished nursery for babies (where parents can stay with their little one if they choose), and a Christian education program called KidZone for older children. Before beginning worship in the pew with their parents, children can choose colouring sheets and Bible-themed picture books from a table at the back of the sanctuary. The minister invites all of the children to the front for a special message partway through the service.

Kids time

The children then head to the adjoining church hall for KidZone. If communion (Eucharist) is being served, the children return to the sanctuary to share in this holy rite. At times, they even help serve.

A large group session is always the start of KidZone–we sing together and end with a prayer. Then the kids go off to their own classes, where our team of wonderful volunteer teachers use the Seasons of the Spirit curriculum to introduce children to God and to help them begin a lifelong relationship with God:

• Tiny Tots (18 months-3 years): Our busiest class! Through music, crafts, play dough and a snack, we have the privilege of introducing these little ones to God’s love and care.
• Primary (Pre-K-grade 1): An inquisitive group of learners! Hands-on activities, songs and role-playing are central to this class.
• Junior (Grades 2-4): Real questions arise concerning the Bible, Jesus and “the whole church thing”. This is a safe and supportive environment in which we can help the children tackle these topics—while having fun!
•  Middle Zone (5th grade +): So often, this is the age where kids lose interest in church, so we’ve put together a special program just for these not-yet-teens. Meeting in the lounge on couches, with guest speakers and multi-media presentations (not to mention snacks!) this class is fun and engaging, actively exploring and debating what it means to be a Christian today.

All classes follow the lectionary (a calendar of selected Bible passages for each Sunday), so children learn about the same Bible passage that the adults hear about during the sermon. This way, families have the same Bible story to talk about on the way home (instead of just wondering what to eat for lunch…!) Be sure to check KidZone This Week before you come so you’ll know exactly what to expect.

Aside from our regular KidZone classes, we have a whole number of additional activities planned throughout the year: a beginning-of-the-school year kickoff party, a Christmas play, special outreach events (singing at a long-term care facility), an Easter egg hunt, an end-of-school year make-your-own Sundae Sunday, cookie baking for the congregation and more!

And remember, church is good for the heart: Being involved in a church family can build lifelong friendships for children and parents alike, providing families with a warm, welcoming community that looks forward to welcoming them back each week (and misses them when they are away!). It’s a place to feel at home, to be supported, and to offer support to others. It’s what young families are all about!

If you would like to find out more, or if you have a specific question, please contact Christie Smith-Favit, our KidZone Coordinator .

Photos by Charlie Scott and Martha Randy.