God put the wiggle in children! The presence of children is a gift to the church.
These words are printed in our bulletin each week, and we believe them!
UPC is a family-friendly church that offers a safe and inclusive environment for children to grow in their faith. We do this through developmentally appropriate age group activities (Sunday School, Godly Play, Vacation Bible School) as well as intergenerational opportunities (worship, retreats, service projects).
All leaders and volunteers who help with our children’s ministry are background checked and have agreed to follow our safe sanctuary policy.
Sunday School
Sundays, 9:45 am during the program year (Sept-May)
Our Children’s Sunday School offers age-appropriate, engaging lessons designed to nurture faith and curiosity in a safe, welcoming environment. Classes are thoughtfully divided by age so every child can connect with Bible stories at a level that fits their development. Through creative activities, stories, and interactive learning, we help children grow spiritually while building friendships and having fun.
Note: Children in the 3- and 4-year-old class must be potty-trained.
Nursery Care
Sundays, 8:30 am-12:00 pm
During the 8:30 and 11:00 services, childcare is available for infants through four-year-olds on the first floor (from the Sanctuary: through the door nearest the baptismal font and then downstairs).
During the program year (September through May) childcare is also available during the 9:45-10:45 education hour.
UPC employs paid nursery caregivers, in addition to two nursery coordinators, to provide the consistency and dependability our infants and young children need.
Godly Play
For 4-year-olds (must turn 4 by Sept. 1) through Kindergarten
Sundays, 11:15-12:00 pm during the program year (Sept-May)
Godly Play invites children to engage Bible stories with curiosity and wonder.
During the Program Year (Sept-May), we offer Godly Play for 4-year-olds through Kindergarteners in our 11:00 am service. Following the Time with Children, the Godly Play Doorkeeper will lead participating children through the door nearest the pulpit to the Godly Play room.
Godly Play provides worship education and faith formation through storytelling, wondering, and creative play. The storyteller uses simple, beautiful materials to illustrate the story and to engage imagination. The structure of Godly Play and the classroom itself offers children a safe space to explore, wonder, and worship.
Children’s Choirs
Our children’s choirs help our children learn to sing their faith and develop worship leadership skills.
UPC CHORISTERS
Open to 2nd-5th grade
Rehearses Sundays, 4:30-5:10 pm during the program year (Sept-May)
ALLELUIA CHOIR
Open to preK-1st grade
Rehearses Sundays, 4:00-4:25 pm during the program year (Sept-May)
Kirk Club
For 4th & 5th graders
1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 3:45-4:45 pm during the program year (Sept-May)
Kirk Club at UPC is a group for 4th and 5th-graders that meets during the program year on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 3:45-4:45 p.m. These young people learn how to approach their faith in new ways as they engage in thought-provoking discussions, wrestle with deeper questions, and grow in community with one another.
Vacation Bible School
For ages 4-rising 5th grade; all children must be potty-trained
Vacation Bible School is four days of interactive fun and learning! Through stories, crafts, games, science, music, and more, children engage with Bible stories in creative ways.
Upcoming Events
Questions about children’s ministry? Contact:
