Children and Youth – September 2025

UPDATE FROM THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION MINISTRIES – AMY GRELLA

Join us for Launch-Off Sunday, September 7

Join us as we kick-off the new program year. Regular Sunday school classes for kids Pre-K through 8th grade resume at 9:30 a.m., followed by an all-church meal (bring nothing but your appetite) and an intergenerational program celebrating the first worship service at Bower Hill. Childcare will be available, and festivities will conclude by noon.

Children & Youth Programming Begins on Sunday, September 7

Bower Hill provides opportunities for children and youth to belong, learn about the Bible, explore their beliefs, and build friendships with others. It takes time and space for youth to wonder, listen and grow in their understanding of how to live out God’s mission in our world. It is our prayer that you continue to prioritize the importance of these opportunities for your child as they develop.

Sunday morning options run concurrently to worship and focus on learning Bible stories and engaging kids to think about how these learnings can be applied in their world. Sunday evening youth group opportunities lean more heavily into fellowship, and small group discussions around current topics that interest youth and what biblical teachings tell us.

Sunday Morning Classes

Three classes will be offered for kids from Pre-k through eighth grade during worship. The nursery will still be open for babies and toddlers during worship. Please look below for details on the plan by each age group.

Wonder for Pre-K to 2nd grade

Children preschool through 2nd grade will start in worship with their families. After a Time with Children, kids will be escorted downstairs to room 103, the Children’s Worship Room, to hear a Godly Play story. Kids will see, hear, and wonder as they learn from and with each other. Parents may pick-up their children in room 103 after worship ends.

Holy Moly for 3rd-5th grade in Room 110

Kids in third through fifth grade will start in worship with their families. After a Time with Children, kids will be escorted to room 110, where they will explore the Old and New Testaments using Holy Moly Sunday school. They will hear and see a video and participate in activities to deepen their thinking around the story. Parents may pick-up their children in the classroom after worship ends. Do you speak Holy Moly? Click here to find out!!!

Connect for 6th – 8th graders in room 105

Kids in sixth through eighth grader will meet during the entirety of worship, so youth should go directly to room 105 on Sunday morning to Connect. With Connect, kids see how individual Bible stories connect into larger themes that span the whole Bible. Parents may pick-up their children in the classroom after worship ends.

Sunday School Leader Trainings – October 19 & 26

We are forming this year's pool of adults to lead one of three Sunday school classrooms that run during worship, and we hope you’ll consider joining us! We have a great need for both older youth (mature Middle schoolers and high schoolers) and adults to share their gifts and talents with the children. Do you have a heart for young people, and want to share your time with our children and youth? While the time commitment is small (usually adult volunteers are only needed about 4-5 Sundays over the course of the school year), the reward of connecting with our children and youth is great.

Following worship, grab a coffee and then join us to learn more about this volunteer opportunity, meet with current teachers, and see samples of the lesson plans. Two sessions are planned, each a bit different; plan to attend the one that makes the most sense for you.

Sunday, October 19, in room 101 – we will briefly talk about all 3 classes and review the older classroom curriculums in more detail (Holy Moly and Connect).

Children and Youth – Volunteering at Bower Hill

As our children and youth grow in their faith, it is a joy to provide opportunities for them to discover and use their gifts at Bower Hill. There are a number of ways to involve your kids in the worship services each week! Please prayerfully encourage your

youth to serve in one of these capacities.

Acolytes - Training September 21 and 28

Bringing the Light of God’s presence into the sanctuary is one important way kids in grades 3-7 are involved in the worship service. Acolytes are scheduled starting in September. Pastor Brian will lead a short (10-15 minute) training IMMEDIATELY following worship on two Sundays, September 22 and 29. This training is open to both new and experienced acolytes. We will walk together from Sunday school class to meet Pastor Brian in the sanctuary in front of the communion table immediately following worship.

Leading Wonder for Preschool -2nd graders

Does your older youth (8th grade and up) love to work with younger kids? Consider having them try to lead a Sunday school class just for younger children. The kids begin in worship; you meet them after Time with Children and go to room 103, where you will share a short Godly Play story (it's scripted so you know exactly what to say) and response activities. This qualifies for service hour credits needed for high school. If you are interested, plan to attend the leader training on Sunday, October 26 after worship.

Youth Group Meetups

This year Bower Hill will offer a combined youth group for students in grades 6-12. Youth group will typically on the 2nd Sunday night of each month from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. In addition, there will be a monthly service opportunity. Youth Group meets on the following Sundays from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.: September 14, October 12, and December 14. There is no meeting in November so kids can attend the fall youth group retreat November 14-16.

Sunday, Oct. 26th in room 103 – this will be a more detailed training just focused on leading Children’s Worship for Pre-K – 2nd graders. If you are interested in helping but unable to attend these trainings, please reach out to Amy.

2025-2026 YOUTH RETREATS

As a parent with two active kids, I sometimes am asked why we schedule retreats for our youth. Youth group retreats are vital to a young person’s faith development. They offer a unique opportunity for spiritual growth, helping young people deepen their

relationship with God through worship, prayer, and Bible study in a focused and supportive environment. Even Jesus took time to retreat and pray, often withdrawing to quiet places to connect with the Father (Luke 5:16), setting an example for us to follow.

Retreats create space for fun, adventure, and shared experiences that make lasting memories. Most importantly, they foster strong group bonding, encourage friendships rooted in faith and provide a sense of belonging within the church community. So,

while all youth are busy, please save these dates, and begin encouraging your youth to go!

Youth Fall Retreat this November – More information to come. Stay tuned!

Tweener Retreat February 28 - March 1, 2026 – This is a special one-night retreat designed to introduce youth in grades 3-6 to the retreat experience at Crestfield.

Youth Spring Retreat March 20-22, 2026 – This retreat is open to youth in grades 6-12 at Crestfield.