Christian Education

Northminster is committed to providing faithful Christian education to children and youth beginning at age 2 1/2.  The Christian Education Committee plans a year-round program that offers a variety of educational experiences.  Curriculum for preschool and elementary age children is “We Believe,” published by PC (USA), but we also use a modified Rotation Model and various specialized lessons throughout the year.  In 2006-2007, middle schoolers will be learning about the history of the church.  Dedicated and talented volunteers from the congregation teach our classes with the support of the CE committee.

Children are welcomed at Northminster as important members of our family and worship community.  We value their presence and contribution to the life of our church, and offer many opportunities for children and youth to actively participate in the worship service.  Our Thursday night program, All God’s Children (below), gives children as young as 2 1/2 years old a chance to share in Northminster’s corporate worship.  Older children and youth can play in the handbell choir, accompany hymns or anthems with instruments, or sing.  Many of our services, including the “Hanging of the Greens” and Youth Sunday, are led with the help of youngsters as scripture readers or worship leaders. 

Children’s Time

Children and youth attend Sunday school during worship time, but begin the morning in the service.  Before they leave for class, Rev. Sommers has a brief children’s message and invites the children to join her near the pulpit.  Sometimes the story relates to her sermon, sometimes it’s about the church school lesson, sometimes it’s an important current event or social issue she is helping the children understand.  Whatever the message, everyone, adults included, looks forward to hearing what Charlotte has to say.     

Infants and Toddlers

Our wonderful nursery caregivers, Barbara Hertz and her daughter Lauren, watch over our little ones during the worship service.  The nursery is just across the hall from the Sanctuary and fully equipped to provide a safe, warm environment for infants up to age 2.  Parents of newborns will be glad to know there is a rocking chair in the Sanctuary if they wish to keep the baby with them during worship.

All God's Children

All God's Children is a music-making program that provides worship and fellowship opportunities for children age 2 through grade 6.  The group meets on Sunday mornings from 9:15 to 9:45 a.m.  Older children (grade 1 through 6), the Praise Pals, meet in the Sanctuary for music.  They will begin learning handbells in February 2007.  Preschool children age 2 through 5, the Play Pals, meet in the Sunday school area for story time and singing.   

All God’s Children is a joint venture of Northminster’s music and Christian education programs.  Director of Music Ministries, Beth Jones, coordinates her component, but volunteers give her lots of help.  Christian education resources are available for crafts and story time.  The children learn to appreciate the joy of music and the contribution it makes to worship, and are given many opportunities throughout the year to offer their musical gifts to God. 

Please contact us at

office@troynorthminster.com