Faith, learning, and worship for our youngest disciples.
Children’s Church
At Hallsville Presbyterian Church, children are an important part of the life of our congregation. During the Sunday worship service, children are invited to participate in Children’s Church — a time designed especially for them to explore scripture, ask questions, and grow in faith through stories, discussion, activities, and prayer.
How Children’s Church Works
Children begin the worship service with their families in the sanctuary. During the service, the pastor invites the children forward for a Children’s Sermon, a short message designed especially for them. After the Children’s Sermon, children are invited to follow their volunteer leaders to the Children’s Church room, where the lesson continues while the congregation continues with the remainder of the worship service. This allows children to participate in the larger worshiping community while also learning about scripture in a way designed just for them.
Start in Worship
Children begin the worship service sitting with their families in the sanctuary and participate in the opening portions of the service.
Children’s Sermon
During the service, children are invited forward for a short Children’s Sermon that introduces the theme of the day’s scripture.
Children’s Church
After the Children’s Sermon, children are invited to Children’s Church where they explore the scripture through discussion, activities, crafts, and prayer.
Lessons Rooted in the Church Calendar
Children’s Church lessons follow the Revised Common Lectionary used by the Presbyterian Church (USA) and many churches throughout the world.
This means the scripture children explore aligns with the same passages and themes used in worship each Sunday.
Following the lectionary helps children become familiar with the rhythm of the Christian year, including Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost.
Lessons Developed by Our Volunteers
The lessons used in Children’s Church at Hallsville Presbyterian Church are thoughtfully developed by volunteers from our congregation. Each lesson focuses on a single scripture passage and is designed to help children understand the story, ask questions, and explore how faith connects with everyday life. Because these lessons are developed within our church community, they reflect our congregation’s desire to nurture faith through curiosity, conversation, and care.
What Children Experience
Children’s Church is interactive and engaging. Each lesson may include:
• Bible story and discussion
• Hands-on activities
• Crafts or creative reflection
• Simple games connected to the lesson
• Prayer and reflection
Who Children’s Church Is For
Children’s Church is designed primarily for children ages 6–12, though children of many ages often participate together in a way that allows them to learn from and encourage one another. Children begin the worship service with their families in the sanctuary and are invited to participate in the Children’s Sermon before transitioning to Children’s Church. This allows children to experience the broader worshiping community while also engaging with scripture and discussion at a level that is more accessible for them. Younger children are always welcome to remain in the sanctuary with their families if they prefer. Many families choose what works best for their child, especially if it is their first visit or if a child simply feels more comfortable staying with their parents during the service.
Our goal is to provide a space where children feel:
- Welcomed as an important part of the church community
- Comfortable asking questions and sharing their thoughts
- Safe and supported by caring volunteers
- Encouraged to explore their faith and grow in their understanding of God’s love
Children are never required to attend Children’s Church, and families are always welcome to decide what works best for their child each Sunday.
Opportunities to Serve
Children’s Church is made possible through the dedication of members of our congregation who generously volunteer their time to help nurture the faith of our children. These volunteers care deeply about the life of the church and about helping young people grow in their understanding of God’s love. Volunteers help guide the weekly Children’s Church experience in a variety of ways. Some may lead the day’s lesson, while others assist with activities, crafts, or discussions. Many volunteers simply offer encouragement and support, helping children feel comfortable participating, asking questions, and sharing their thoughts about the scripture.
Each lesson is thoughtfully prepared in advance, and volunteers are provided with lesson materials and guidance to help them lead the discussion and activities. Because our Children’s Church lessons follow the Revised Common Lectionary used by the Presbyterian Church (USA), volunteers are able to help children explore the same biblical themes that are being read and preached during the worship service.
Children’s Church is truly a shared ministry within the congregation. Volunteers often rotate throughout the year so that the responsibility is shared and many members of the church can participate in supporting the faith formation of our children. Through the care and dedication of these volunteers, Children’s Church becomes a welcoming and encouraging space where children can learn, grow, and experience the love of Christ within the church community.
Growing in Faith Together
Children are an important part of the life of our church. Through Children’s Church, we hope to help them grow in their understanding of scripture, their relationship with God, and their place within the church community. We are grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside them as they grow in faith.
