At Sanctuary, we develop our kids ministry around 3 core values:

EMPATHY, INCLUSION, & WONDER

Through stories, prayer, art, wondering, play, meditations, movement, service, and more, we invite kids to explore who Jesus is and what God is like, within the context of a safe and caring community. And we have a lot of kids! About 25-30% of our regular attenders are tweens or younger.

We aim to make the time they spend with us meaningful, happy, and spiritually interesting.

The following guiding principles inform our decision making as we plan developmentally appropriate lessons and activities for each classroom. We hope our kids experience these principles as well.

Here’s what you can expect for your kids on Sundays:

Classrooms are located in the Kids' Wing which is connected to the main foyer and opens 10 minutes before the service.  Families check in at our greeter’s station computers.  We use KidCheck as a secure children's check-in system.  

  • You can make an account for your family ahead of time at go.kidcheck.com at home, or make an account using one of the computers at our check-in stations on Sunday morning.

  • Parents or guardians are given stickers with an ID number that matches each child's ID for that Sunday. All adults must have a sticker to enter the Kids' Wing.

  • We'll then show you to your child’s classroom.

  • If your child needs you during the service, you’ll receive a text message to notify you.

  • After communion, come check your child out of their classroom. Teachers will ensure your ID number matches your child's number.

Classrooms

Babies & Toddlers: Crawling to 2.5 years old (The Garden Room)

We provide a cozy, safe room for babies to explore and play, and stock it with fun, safe toys for toddlers. In this room your little one might listen to stories, sing songs, play with bubbles, and socialize with new and old friends.

Early Childhood: 2.5 to 4 years old (The Forest Room)

Our Early Childhood classroom begins class with free play. Then we gather for circle time to read a short story together, and follow up with art and game activities. The sensory bin is a favorite activity, and we always have lots of time for play!

Preschool: 4 - 6 years old (The Ocean Room)

When they arrive, kids can play independently or together with the toys and games. Then we gather for circle time and a story. The kids then enjoy activities like acting out the stories, playing a game, and making art. We always have lots of time for play and exploring the sensory bin!

Elementary Room: 1st, 2nd & 3rd Grade (The Prairie Room)

Kids can play games, build with Legos, and read books during arrival. Then we gather for circle time to introduce ourselves and share a high or a low from our lives. Then we read a story and wonder together about it.  After the story, kids can choose to explore more through art, games, movement, prayer, or other activities of their choosing. 

Tweens: 4th and 5th Grade (The Canopy Room)

We give our Tweens a safe space to get to know each other, talk about real issues in their lives, and pray together.  We usually read a Bible story together, using different translations of the Bible, the Action Bible, story books, or our interactive stories.  After the story, we'll reflect with a prayer station, art materials, or a game.  We'll also take on some fun service projects throughout the year.