Children & Youth
Children and youth are a priority for us at Cedar Ridge. On Sundays, different age groups for school children and young adults generally cover similar topics as adults, so families can have conversations together. We believe we all grow best through relationships, so we encourage lots of interactions between adults, young people, and children. We discuss stories from the Bible, current events, and various life challenges, and look for creative ways to help children experience and share God’s love.
Cedar Ridge Kids
What we’re learning right now
Elementary: Everywhere Jesus went, crowds gathered to hear him. Sometimes he would teach them about what was right and wrong. But mostly he would tell parables—wonderful stories that made people think and ask questions. Elementary kids will explore a few of these parables this month, through discussions, role play, videos, crafts, and games. Together we’ll try and figure out what they might mean for us today.
Preschool: Preschoolers will also be hearing some of Jesus’ stories. We’ll look at the tiny seed that grew SOOOO big, and the precious pearl that mattered more than anything in the whole world. And we’ll meet the kind helper (sometimes called the Good Samaritan) and the farmer who longed to see big and healthy plants growing EVERYWHERE.
The logistics
All kids start off in the auditorium with their caregivers to sing some songs together. Musical instruments are available for those who would like them. You might also light to light a candle or write out a prayer and put it in one of the frames under the “Journey” or “Grow” banners. On the first Sunday of the month, we will also all celebrate communion together. At Cedar Ridge, everyone is welcome to participate in communion. Caregivers: you are free to decide when your child is ready to participate in this way. Kids are dismissed to their classrooms before the start of the message. There are resources available for any kids who would prefer to remain with their caregivers in the auditorium.
Cedar Ridge Kids has in-person activities on Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. for kids aged 2 through 5th grade. There is also a non-staffed nursery with a live feed of the main service. Toddlers, preschool and elementary children meet in our classrooms, which are furnished with air purifiers, upgraded HVAC filters, and hand sanitizer. If your child is sick, we ask that they don’t come into the classrooms. If you are new, please stop by the Cedar Ridge Kids Welcome Desk when you arrive to check in. We look forward to getting to know you and your child!
You can contact Ruth Campbell, who oversees children’s ministry, if you’d like to find out more about Cedar Ridge Kids.
Welcome to Cedar Ridge Kids! I’m really looking forward to spending time with you! Send me an email (or ask an adult to do that for you) if you have any questions, or just want to chat.
Youth
Hey there, Middle and High Schoolers–we’d love to have you join us over in the Barn. We meet there together each Sunday at 10 a.m. We generally discuss the same topics as in the adult services in a fun and interactive way that relates to the real-life issues we face each day. For the next few weeks, we’ll be thinking about how life is often unfair. We find ourselves in conflict with others. We get anxious and depressed. And we’ll be asking: Does believing in God help with any of this? Is our faith relevant to our life? We’ll also play games, and engage in community building activities. And eat donuts and bagels.
On the first Sunday of each month, we join the adults in the auditorium. We also periodically meet up for game nights, laser tag, sleepovers, service projects, and other fun stuff.
ALL Middle and High Schoolers are welcome. Our group is diverse, open and affirming, and has all types of personalities! We’d love to meet you, so come on over to the Barn and check us out.
For more information, please contact Trish Audi.