Children and Family

“Helping children build loving relationships with God and others!”

Hope offers a variety of ministries for children, birth to fifth grade, and their families. These ministries offer activities for children to interact with other children of similar ages and/or interests.

During our worship children begin worship with their family. During worship they may remain with their families or can join other children (2 years old through 5th grade) for a short Bible story, learning activity and or craft.

First Communion Classes are offered each Lent (the 40-day period before Easter) for children in kindergarten and above. The age of participation is at the parents’ discretion. Children attend with their parents and together they discover how Holy Communion connects us with God’s saving love, feeds us in many ways, and prepares us to serve others. Children and their families also bake the bread for first communion which is celebrated on Maundy Thursday (four days before Easter).

Children receive their own personalized Bible on Reformation Sunday, the last Sunday in October, as a gift from the congregation. The Sunday following the presentation, children and their parents come together to unwrap this gift in a special, interactive, Getting-to-Know-the-Bible Experience. Fourth & fifth graders who do not yet have a Bible of their own are welcome to join this class.

Hope offers a week of Vacation Bible School each summer for children four years old through those entering fifth grade in the coming fall. Camp themes and dates are announced in the spring each year. While we’re in our temporary location, plans for Vacation Bible School may be offered in a different format. Watch for details and registration information or contact the church office.

Each year Hope hosts a Day Camp for children who are 4 years old by September 1 of that year through those entering 5 grade that fall. Camp is led by Lutheran Retreats, Camps, and Conference staff who stay in the community for the week. Camp staff are college aged youth who have been screened and trained.

Children have the opportunity to be readers or to participate in a live nativity during the 4 pm Family Christmas Eve worship service. There is one rehearsal for children prior to the service – usually on December 23. Children are also invited to sing solos, play instruments or join in small ensembles during Christmas Eve worship. For information on our current plans, contact the church office.

Puppet Ministry is open to fourth graders and up who want to share God’s Word through the creative use of puppets. At scheduled rehearsals, the puppeteers gather around God’s Word, learn puppet skills and have FUN ! Our puppeteers present skits at worship and in the community a few times per year.

Each November children lead the congregation in collecting shoeboxes and small toy, books and health items (combs, toothbrushes, soap, etc.) In December the children have a “Packing Party” where they assemble the donations into shoebox gifts that are given to the children at Central City Lutheran Mission (CCLM) in San Bernardino.

• A love of children and our Lord
• Member of Hope for at least 6 months
• Attend Safeguarding God’s Children Workshop
• Background and references checked
• Fingerprinting of adult leaders

Parents are always welcome to visit any activity that their children are involved with at Hope.

Train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray.

– Proverbs 22:6 NRSV