Children
Our children’s ministry programs focus on children from about preschool age through fifth grade. Throughout the year, we offer a range of opportunities to come together, share, learn, and grow as Christians. For questions on any of the Youth Ministry programs, contact
or by phone, (412) 441-3800 x21. View the April 2012 Youth Calendar (PDF). Note that many programs, including Sunday school and Club 116, require an enrollment form. Please click to download the PDF; fill it in and return.
Sundays with children (Kindergarten through 5th grade) and young children (infant through pre-K)
- Young Children’s Ministry: Children from birth through age 3 (who have not started pre-school) gather in the nursery for a simple faith lesson and a time of free play. Our Young Children’s Ministry team, including parents and staff, serve the youngest children at ELPC by creating a loving environment that nurtures each child’s faith through developmentally appropriate activities. Jane Anabe and Candice Zawoiski are our ELPC Childcare Workers. The nursery is open from 8:30-12:30 each Sunday. During Extended Session, 11:30 to 12:00, teachers will include faith-based programming. We are pleased to offer a new curriculum this year, “Wee Believe.”
- Preschool: Preschool age children (age 3-5) join teachers Jan Pressman, Mary Ruth Johnson and Vanessa Johnson in Room 240 for an interactive exploration of Biblical stories with the help of the Gospel Light curriculum. A light snack is served.
- Kindergarten and first graders: Join teachers Valire Carr Copeland, Roberta London, and Judy Menk in Room 336 to explore Biblical stories through the use of the Godly Play curriculum. A light snack is served.
- Second and third graders: Join teachers Carol Hoehn and Joyce Martinelli in room 338 to explore Biblical stories through the use of the Godly Play curriculum. A light snack is served.
- Fourth and fifth graders: Join teachers Linda Benedict and Kay Shissler in room 335 to explore the Biblical stories based on the Revised Common Lectionary through the use of the Seasons of the Spirit curriculum.
Children’s activities during the 11:00 am service:
- All children are invited to the Chancel steps for their special time with a member of our Pastoral staff during the 11 am service each week. Children hear a special lesson and have prayer time together.
- After the children’s time on the steps, those in preschool through first grade are welcome to participate in our Extended Session program, where they are excused from the Sanctuary. The scripture for each week is explored through story and craft activity and a light snack is shared. Classes are led by a group of ELPC parent volunteers and are coordinated by ELPC Educational Ministries Assistant Katie Mohr. Children are asked to bring a green “ticket” (available at the 11:00 service) with them each week to Extended Session so that our volunteers are aware of their names, parent/caregiver, and any special needs. New families are asked to accompany their children to Extended Session for the first time and complete a registration form.
- Children who are younger than preschool age are invited to go to the Nursery following the Children’s message. The nursery is available from 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM. A parent or caregiver is asked to drop their child off in person at the nursery before returning to worship.
- Kids’ Corner: Children in second grade or older (or younger children who choose to stay in worship for the entire service) are invited to visit our “Kid’s Corner” near the East Transept doors. There are activity sheets that will engage older children in the service, as well as Youth Bulletins and Bibles for readers of all ages.
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