Children and Youth – September 2026

UPDATE FROM THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION MINISTRIES – AMY GRELLA

Join us for Kick-off Sunday, September 13

Join us as we kick-off the new program year. Regular Sunday school classes for kids preK through 12th grade resume at 9:30 a.m., followed by an all-church brunch.

Children & Youth Programming Begins on Sunday, September 13

Bower Hill provides opportunities for children and youth to belong and experience the simple fact that they are loved and wonderfully made! It takes time and space for youth to wonder, listen and grow in their understanding of how to live God’s purpose for their lives in our world. It is our prayer that you prioritize the importance of these opportunities for your child as they develop through adolescence and beyond.

Sunday Morning Classes

Sunday morning options are offered during worship and engage kids to think about how learnings from the Bible can be applied to their world.

All youth will begin in worship, which will include a new format for a Time with Children called A Thought To Carry. Youth will remain in their seats to hear a short reflection designed to give young people a meaningful thought, question, or faith connection to carry into their week, followed by Passing the Peace.Youth are invited downstairs afterward to participate in one of the following Sunday school options.

Holy Moly for Pre-K to 5 grade in room 105.

Children preschool through 5 grade will start in worship with their families. After a Time with Children, kids will be escorted downstairs to room 105, where they will explore the Old and New Testaments using Holy Moly. 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 room 105 after worship ends.

*NEW* Bible Study for youth in 6 – 12 grade in room 110

All youth in middle and high school are invited to join in an all-new Bible Study during worship in room 110.Youth will start out in worship, and head downstairs after Passing the Peace. The youth will read and discuss theme-based Bible studies.

Sunday Evening Youth Group Meetups

New this year, Bower Hill will offer weekly youth group meetings for students in grades 6-12. This weekly meetup opportunity is designed to foster small group fellowship, where youth will discuss current topics, and what biblical teachings tell us about how to live in this world. These meetups are ideal places for students to invite friends to join!

2026-2027 YOUTH RETREATS

Why do we offer retreats? Retreats give young people a unique opportunity to grow in faith by focusing time together and away from everyday distractions. Retreats also create space for fun, adventure, friendship, and lasting memories while helping youth feel connected and grounded in the church community. Even Jesus took time to retreat and pray (Luke 5:16). So, while we know youth are busy, please save these dates and encourage your youth to participate!

Youth Winter Retreat December 4-6, 2026 – Registration Now Open

Bower Hill is heading to Crestfield for our annual winter retreat for youth in grades 6-12. Registration details to follow, but plan to leave Friday around 5:30 p.m. and return on Sunday by noon. This is a fun, faith-filled event that you don’t want to miss! Click here to add your name and see who else is going!

Tweener Retreat February 27-28, 2027

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 5-7, 2027

This retreat is open to youth in grades 6-12 at Crestfield.