Families with Children

To enjoy Kid’s Time from the past weekly worship services, click here. The YouTube video will start at the beginning of the message for children.

Children should look forward to church—not dread it!—and to that end we offer a safe, nurturing, thought-provoking environment for kids to learn and engage with the Christian faith.

We craft our programs to help kids explore the stories and beliefs of their forebears, and then claim this faith anew for their own generation. Children participate in the full life of our congregation: they help lead worship, sing in our Kids’ Choir, study the Bible, wield rags and rakes on clean-up days, walk to raise money for the homeless, and prep meals for our food service programs, among countless other things. Through these programs, the teachings and practices of Jesus become a touchstone to which they can return throughout the many seasons and circumstances of life.

We have significant growth in attendance among families with children in the past few years and are investing resources to meet the hopes and needs of our families, including supporting our parents as they pass on their faith to the next generation. Please read on to learn what’s here for your family.

Explore Our Programs for Children & Youth

A boy plays with magnetiles in the nursery of the Stockbridge Congregational Church

Childcare

We offer childcare every Sunday from 30 minutes before worship to 15 minutes past the end of our final event of the day. We also try to offer childcare for major church functions and events on other days. Loving care is provided by volunteers from the church. This team of talented care-givers is passionate about caring for little ones, and always has plenty of age-appropriate stories, games, snacks, and crafts, providing a stable, warm and welcoming presence in the nursery.

A little girl raises her hand in Sunday School

Sunday School

During the academic year, children participate in one of three different Sunday School classes (PreK – K, 1^st – 3^rd grades, and 4^th – 7^th grades). Students generally begin in worship and then head to class where we utilize two different curricula depending on the age group: Sparkhouse for the two younger classes (which uses creative audiovisual media to engage kids) and Seasons of the Spirit for the older class (which is structured around the liturgical seasons of the church). We teach our children not only the stories of our faith, but why they matter and how to apply them to contemporary life.

Three boys and two girls sing in church

Children's Choir

Our young singers focus on sweet, simple songs and sing in worship approximately 6-8 times per year. This is a great opportunity for kids to receive basic vocal instruction while learning faith lessons through music.

If you are interested in learning more, please contact Minister of Music Peter Frost.

A smiling teenage girl in the church youth group

Junior Youth Group

Our Junior Youth Group seeks to help our older kids grow into their faith as young adults. Through activities like movies, game nights, volunteering, pool parties, and community outings, our youth build friendships with each other while figuring out just what they think about Jesus, the church, and the Christian faith. This is a fun, safe space for kids to ask questions and be who they are, regardless of their church background.

Rev. Brent Damrow baptizes a baby girl

Baptism

Through the sacrament of Christian baptism, our young ones are affirmed as children of God and welcomed into the circle of Christ’s church. When an infant is baptized, promises are shared between the one being baptized (or their parents, in the case of a child) and the congregation, to support and walk with them on their faith journey. Infant dedication is also available for families who prefer this blessing for their babies. Baptism is offered throughout the year. To discuss baptism, please call Pastor Brent at (413) 298-3137 x11.

Image of a gilded cross

Confirmation

Confirmation is available for youth (generally 12-14) to explore their faith and consider joining the congregation. Our Confirmation Curriculum is from the United Church of Christ and based on the UCC’s Statement of Faith. At the conclusion of confirmation, youth have the opportunity to join the church by affirming the baptismal vows either that were made for them as an infant or that they made as a child. To learn more about confirmation, please contact Pastor Brent at (413) 298-3137 x11.

Meet Our Pastor

Meet Our Pastor

A woman clasps her hands and smiles with green trees in the background

Meet Our Members

Meet Our Members

A man smiles while listening to a sermon

Listen to a Sermon

Listen to a Sermon