Christian Education and Youth

Children and youth are a high priority for us at Saugatuck Church! On Sunday morning we offer a caring, supportive environment for young people of all ages to learn about the Christian faith and to grow in the knowledge of what it means to be part of a loving faith community. Our nursery is well equipped with experienced parents to handle newborn infants to children up to the age of 2. The classes for 2 to 4 year-olds are held in the part of our church used by the Saugatuck Nursery School where they can explore in a completely age-appropriate environment. The nursery care through 3 year-olds is offered from 10:30 am through the end of worship at approximately 11:45 am.

The children ages 5 and above also have classes designed for their specific ages in mind. Creative, committed, and caring teachers are encouraged and supported by our Church School Director, Abby Peterson, to provide each student with a positive experience.

All children 4 and over begin the 10:30 am worship service time with their parents in the sanctuary. During worship they are treated to a special "children's time with the pastors" in which the co-pastors focus a brief message just for them. The children then go to their own learning centers for approximately forty-five minutes. We all gather together for a time of fellowship following the worship service. Periodically the church school holds its own worship services designed just for the children. Another all church school endeavor is the "Story Tent Production." This is a creative presentation based on a Scripture story, and it seeks to involve as many children as possible!
 

Ninth graders are offered a full year of confirmation classes to prepare them for their decision to join the church as young adults. These classes are held Wednesday evenings from 6:00-7:30 pm in our Fellowship Room and include dinner and a program each week. Our pastors teach these classes, and it is a unique opportunity for our young people to develop meaningful relationships with their ministers.

Middle School and high school youth fellowships provide opportunities for fun and service. Both youth groups schedule a variety of activities and trips throughout the year. The Kingdom Builders is a unique ecumenical group for those in high school that desire to go on a week long mission trip during their Spring vacation.

  For additional opportunities for children and youth, see Youth Music