Children’s Ministry
Willow Avenue Mennonite Church also seeks to cultivate Belonging, Inquiring, and Transforming among our infants, toddlers, and children through various programming designed to foster a safe, welcoming, and learning community. In treasuring each child, we hope they will find space to belong, inquire, and be transformed in their own unique faith journey.
Worship Hour - Godly Play
Children ages 4 through elementary grades join us in the sanctuary for the start of the service, including a special lesson at which point they are invited to leave to participate in Godly Play. In Godly Play, our children explore and nurture their own faith through story, wonder, and play in ways that honor their capacities and insights. Godly Play sessions are led by a rotation of teachers and coordinated by Marlis Becker. They meet in room 101 in the education wing on the south side of the church. The video below offers a sense of the Godly Play experience.
Second hour:
During the second hour (~11am-12pm), volunteers lead our children in a regular rotation of activities.
Bible Discovery Sundays: On the first Sunday of the month, Pastor Jerri explores a scripture with the children allowing them to wonder, and consider what the scripture is saying to us today. Activities and games are always a part of our time together.
Library Sundays: On the second Sunday of the month, Linda Klassen reads the children a story from a marginalized group and the Bible to learn about different cultures and imagine new ways to love God and neighbor.
Arts Sundays: The third Sundays of the month, led by Janice Leppke, are filled with creativity and art as the children are invited to create beauty using simple materials, imagination, and their own hands.
Exploration Sundays: On the fourth Sunday of the month, Pastor Jerri guides the children to explore ways we can serve God and others through projects, stories, guests, and activities.
Recreation Sundays: On the occasional fifth Sunday of the month, Dean Wenger leads the children and youth in creative and cooperative games and music.
PRAYER PAL PROGRAM (birth-6th grade)
The purpose of the Children’s Prayer Partner Ministry is to encourage and facilitate the spiritual formation and development of the children by connecting them with adults in the congregation.