Living Together in Faith

The church is called to serve and provide for our youngest participants and their families to help them grow in faith and love of God.

At Bay Shore, we have expectations, goals and milestones for our youngest participants.

Before Birth:

• Once we are notified, we sign up the parent(s) to a special ministry online.
• We gather our expecting parents together 2-3 times a year to create new connections.
• Baptism is offered, and Pastor Sarah is happy to meet with the families about it.
• We want you to know you are supported and loved by God.

At Birth:

• We welcome the new baby with a small, welcome bag.
• The Frolic Ministry begins, and sends emails monthly to the new family.
• Families are encouraged to bring their baby to church.
• We want to welcome the new child into our community with blessings and prayers.

Milestone: Baptism

• We baptize at any age, but our church welcomes infant baptisms.
• Parent(s) will meet with the Pastor.
• Parents will receive resources about baptism prior to the baptism.
• We encourage godparents for each child.
• At the time of Baptism, the child receives a candle, towel, certificate, appropriate bible, and small handmade blanket.
• We want to formally welcome the child into the family of God.

Up to 3 years old:

• 2–3-year-olds are welcome to “walk out” of church on the 1^st and 3^rd Sundays of the month, with our short, nursery-led Little Lambs time.
• We have a prayground area in the back for little ones to use and play with during worship.
• We want to encourage, even at the youngest of ages, a relationship with God and God’s people. Church is a warm, fun place where the child feels loved.

Milestone: At 3, the child receives an age-appropriate reading bible on Bible Sunday.

4 years through First Grade:

• Our children gather the first and third Sundays of the month from 9:15-10:15 am. At 10:15, they go to the sanctuary to be with their parents.
• Our children learn the same stories and lessons that our worship service teaches that day.
• Each child will receive a canvas church bag, to keep items in for church. They will decorate it themselves with their families during fellowship time.
• Children will be encouraged to attend our children’s music ministry on Thursdays. The children will sing songs they learn in church services.
• Our children will be invited to participate in our yearly Family Christmas Program in December.
• When they attend on Sundays that we do not have Sunday School, we encourage them to bring their church bag, and to also do the activity sheets on the clipboards.
• On the 2^nd and 4^th Sundays of the month, we WILL have Children’s Time during worship.
• We pray that our children grow in their understanding of God, that they enjoy church and making friends here, and that they know that God deeply loves them.

Second through Fifth Grade:

• Our children gather the first and third Sundays of the month from 9:15-10:15 am. At 10:15, they go to the sanctuary to be with their parents.
• Our children learn the same stories and lessons that our worship service teaches that day.
• Children will be encouraged to attend our children’s music ministry on Thursdays. The children will sing songs they learn in church services.
  • At this age, children will learn how to follow long with the hymnal and bulletin.
  • Children will be exposed to instruments that they may learn to play, even in worship!
• Comfortable readers may sign up to read a bible lesson or prayer during worship.
• Our children will be invited to participate in our yearly Family Christmas Program in December.
• On the 2^nd and 4^th Sundays of the month, we have Children’s Time during worship.
• Fifth graders will be invited to learn how to acolyte during worship.
• Every February, Pastor Sarah will offer a Communion Class. At Bay Shore, parents chose what grade they would like their children to begin taking communion.
• This stage of growing has a lot of possibilities. The more children attend Sunday School, the more they will know the bible stories, and understand God’s deep love. We encourage our families to attend on Sundays when there is Sunday School. They will know by fifth grade the Lord’s Prayer, and many songs and stories from the bible. They will also understand that serving others is how we actively love our neighbor.

Milestone: In 3^rd Grade, our children receive a good reading bible.

Milestone: Celebrate Children’s Communion Sunday in the Spring where children who are receiving their first communion are featured.