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.

Children Youth

Cedar Ridge Kids

What we’re learning right now

Elementary: Back to school often means new teachers and classmates and having to learn LOTS of new names. God has special names for us that we read in the Bible: “Loved,” “Delightful,” and “People who belong.” Sometimes we forget these names and feel lonely, worthless, and left out. During the month of September, we will focus on how Jesus came to remind us of who we really are. We belong to God and to one another, we are loved beyond our wildest dreams, and God takes great joy in us—just as we are!.

Preschool: Do you like listening to stories? Jesus told some wonderful stories! Some of them were exiting, some of them were funny, and all of them had special messages to help us know more about how to live. We will explore some of these stories together, as well as playing games, doing crafts, and singing and playing music.

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 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 Matthew Dyer, who oversees children’s ministry, if you’d like to find out more about Cedar Ridge Kids.

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. We 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.

I’m passionate about working with young people and helping them figure out who they are and who Jesus is to them because I struggled in middle and high school with those issues and heard Psalm 139 about how I’m a wonderful work of God.

Trish

Youth Leader