Table Kids
Our children’s ministry follows Jesus together, creating a safe and joyful place where every child belongs and is loved.
Sunday Mornings
Participating in worship matters for a child’s faith formation—you are always welcome to keep your kids with you during the worship service. If you’d like your kids to participate in our programming, here is what to expect:
When you arrive:
Check in on the upper level for nursery (follow the pink floor tape) and kids up through 2nd grade (follow the green floor tape). On your first visit, you will fill out a form for future online check-in.
Print a name tag for each child and receive a matching tag to present at pick up. This extra step helps us keep kids safe and cared for, especially as our ministry continues to grow!
Read more about our different age groups below.
Kids in Worship
We want our kids to feel at home in the worship service and prepare to participate fully as they grow. On the last Sunday of the month, 3rd-5th graders remain in the service with their families; we welcome their noises, whispers, and questions! To help them participate, kids are given leadership roles like singing, reading scripture, helping with communion, giving the benediction, etc. Fidgets, activity bags, and note-taking sheets are also available in the back of the Sanctuary. On these weeks, Pre-K-2nd grade groups still meet upstairs, and they rejoin their families for communion.
Table Kids Groups
Nursery:
Our nursery is available for babies and toddlers still in diapers. The nursery is located upstairs (follow the pink floor tape) and is open before the service.
Every child is checked in by a parent or guardian and wears a name tag. Parent or guardian shows a matching tag at pickup.
Zayn and Hannah staff our nursery and they are joined by volunteers to rock babies, play with older ones, and read a Bible story each week.
Nursery is not offered on Christmas Eve or Good Friday so our Kids Team can participate in worship.
Pre-K through 2nd Grades:
Pre-K-Kindergarten and 1st-2nd grade groups meet upstairs (follow the green floor tape).
Group time is led by our Director of Kids, Caitlin Schmidt, and 1st-2nd grade teacher Sonya, and assisted by volunteers. This time includes fine- and large-motor play, community-building activities, music, Bible stories, crafts, and other hands-on activities. We use the Orange curriculum to engage with Scripture and application activities.
Kids in this age group are picked up after the service by their parent/guardian, who show a matching name tag at pickup.
Once a month, on Kids in Worship weeks, all kids in Pre-K through 2nd grade return to the service in time for communion with their families.
Note: Kids programming is not offered on Christmas Eve, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, or the last two weekends in August. This rhythm allows our Kids Team to participate in worship and prepare for the programming year.
3rd through 5th Grades:
This community of older elementary kids starts in the Sanctuary for singing with the congregation, leaves for their group during announcements, and returns for communion at the end of the service.
Check in for this age group is in the coffee area gathering space off the Sanctuary.
This group is led by Marta Smith, our Pastor of Youth Ministry, and volunteers and uses Orange curriculum to engage with Scripture and connect it to what is going on in our lives. They often do team-building activities, hands-on art projects, and age-appropriate reflection after the story.
Middle School (6th-8th grades):
Middle schoolers are invited to remain in worship with their families. In the back of the Sanctuary, you’ll find sheets to help kids process what they hear, plus pens and clipboards.
There are middle school gatherings twice each month, typically involving games, Scripture study, and an activity. We’ll also go out into the community and do service projects, learn from community members, and develop better relationships with one another. Check out our Events page for our next middle school hangout.
We’re always looking for adults in our community who like to hang out with middle schoolers. If you’d like more info, email Marta.
High School (9th-12th grades):
New this fall! We’re partnering with Awaken Church in St. Paul so the students from both communities can connect together. If you have a 9th–12th grader, reach out to Marta to learn how to get plugged in.
Volunteer with Table Kids
Intergenerational relationships are crucial for everyone’s faith formation—kids and adults alike. We invite adults and older students to show up for our kids, sharing their time and faith and introducing our kids to Christ’s beloved community.
All adult volunteers submit to a background check. Volunteer by emailing Caitlin below: