For Families
Children and youth learn about God and themselves through connection and play.
With more than a century of history, some of our members have parents and even grandparents who spent Sunday mornings in the hallways of Grace Presbyterian Church. We value families and create many opportunities for children, youth, and families to connect, gather and grow in their faith.
Grace Church School runs from September to June. The Rev. Jake Van Pernis, Associate Minister, is currently working with Children and Youth (Grace Kids and Grace Youth) under the Spiritual Growth Committee.
Sunday Morning for Families and Church School Registration
Sunday’s at 10:30 am
Grace children meet on Sundays at Worship. Children go to the Sanctuary, take part in the Time with Young Christians, and are then invited to attend the Children’s programming that takes place downstairs in the kid’s area. Please register your family for Church School by clicking the button below and completing the required information.
At Grace, children and youth stay with their families during our morning worship service until the minister invites them to the Conversation with Young Christians.
At the invitation, and if they’re comfortable, children can move to the front of the Sanctuary, where they can sit on a mat. Parents can join them at the front if they like. Afterward, children head downstairs to age-specific programming. We also welcome parents to come downstairs to accompany their child(ren) and join in the fun.
Following the service, please go down to the Sunday School room to pick up your child and say hello to the teachers. If you have any questions about our children’s programming, please do not hesitate to ask an usher or a minister on Sunday, or you can contact the office during the week.
About our Programming
Grace Kids (Ages 4 to 12)
Children between the ages of 4 and 12 are more than welcome to participate in our Sunday School. They stay with their families in worship until the Conversation with Young Christians, after which they go downstairs with our fantastic Sunday School teachers and volunteers. Our Grace Kids program teaches bible stories through a variety of creative and engaging activities.
Following the service, please go down to the Sunday School room to pick up your child and say hello to the teachers.
Grace Youth (Ages 13 to 18)
Youth in Grades 7-9 participate in their own unique program every Sunday. Junior Highs meet in our Gymnasium downstairs following the Conversation with Young Christians in worship.
Youth in Grades 10-12 alternate between attending worship and a special class that focuses on discussing and sharing various topics related to faith.
Once a month, after worship on Sunday, Junior and Senior Highs have lunch together at a nearby restaurant. We are back at the church by 1:15 for pickup. Please register for Grace Youth by clicking the button below and completing the required information.
Nursery Care (Ages 18 months to 3 years)
Our nursery has a planned program and activities for toddlers during Sunday morning worship. Parents, grandparents, and caregivers can drop off toddlers before worship (as early as 10:20 a.m.) and pick them up after worship before 11:50 a.m. Please register your toddlers for Nursery Care by clicking the button below and completing the required information.
Our nursery is in a safe, enclosed room with toys, a crib, and a changing table. Dedicated volunteers, who love children, care for our youngest attendees. Parents and grandparents can have peace of mind knowing that their children are in good hands while they worship.
To ensure excellent, safe care and supervision of toddlers, please be advised that on Sunday mornings during worship, only the following people will be welcome in the nursery:
- Toddlers (18 months – 3 years)
- Parents/grandparents/caregivers of children who are in the nursery
- Leading with Care committee members
- Nursery Supervisor
- Nursery Volunteers
Please speak with the nursery supervisor or the nursery volunteer when entering the nursery.
All parents are responsible for supervising their children outside of the hours mentioned above.
Protecting Children’s Safety
Grace Church supports Leading with Care: A Policy for Ensuring a Climate of Safety for children, youth and vulnerable adults in The Presbyterian Church in Canada. The policy is that all persons, particularly children, youth and vulnerable adults, who participate in the denomination’s programs/ministries and use the denomination’s facilities, will be cared for with Christian compassion and will be safe.
