Children
And a little child shall lead them.
Isaiah 11:6
SUNDAY SCHEDULE
9:45 a.m. | Faith Formation
11:00 a.m. | Worship
Jesus welcomed the little children to come. At West Raleigh, children are welcomed into the family of faith, learning to follow Jesus through intentional, caring relationships formed across the generations and in a variety of settings. We do offer various resources for children and parents so that children may worship in all the ways they do best.
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Faith Formation
ELEMENTARY
Sunday morning Faith Formation classes take place from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. led by dedicated, caring teachers and facilitators. During the school year, children gather in broadly-aged small groups to explore Bible stories, create and play together. Elementary-age children meet in room 212.
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INFANTS & TODDLERS
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West Raleigh welcomes children of all ages in worship!
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For infants and toddlers, loving and safe childcare during Main Service is available in room 115 from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Of course, you may always keep your child with you in the sanctuary as well.
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WORSHIP
West Raleigh welcomes children of all ages in worship! God put the wiggle in children—don’t feel you have to suppress it in God’s house.
Worship Kits
As you enter the sanctuary, be sure to grab a Worship Kit from the back pew and enjoy the age-appropriate activities! If you don’t know where to look, please ask a Deacon or a church member wearing a nametag.
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Lesson for Young Christians
Early in the service, children are invited to join the pastor on the front steps of the chancel for a Lesson for Young Christians—an opportunity for the pastors to relate some aspect of the scripture or worship in a way that children and all present can understand.
Children's Worship
After the Lesson for Young Christians, children aged 3 ½ to 3rd grade may follow an usher to Children's Worship to hear the stories of God through a Montessori-based approach to storytelling. Parents pick up their children following worship in room 110.
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES TO WORSHIP
COMMUNION
Children are welcome to participate in Communion. The Presbyterian Book of Order encourages “baptized children who are being nurtured and instructed in the significance of the invitation to the Table and the meaning of their response” to receive the Lord’s Supper. Very young children are welcome to come forward with their parents to receive a blessing from the pastor.
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BAPTISM​
“Presbyterians practice both adult and infant baptism. Infant baptism expresses that it is God who chooses us for faith, discipleship, and salvation; without God, we have no power to claim these things for ourselves.” - What Presbyterians believe: the sacrament of baptism by David Gambrell
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RETREATS
Children and families connect with God, God’s creation, and the family of faith as they do church away from the building!
BYG Retreats
3rd – 5th graders head to Camp Agape for a weekend designed just for them.
All-Church Retreat
Families join with other members of the congregation to learn and grow during this weekend away. This retreat typically takes place after Easter with locations including Montreat, Camp Albemarle, and Umstead Park.
SERVICE
Families that serve together grow in their faith together. Children and their families learn about what it means to be a follower of Jesus by serving in the church and the community. There are many opportunities to serve such as with the Family Promise program, gleaning, or working in the Beeloved Community Garden.
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