Kids at Grace
The mission of Grace Kids is to partner with families to teach the children in our care about God's deep love for them, and the redemption of the world through Christ in a safe, age-appropriate, and fun environment.
Nursery
Our nursery provides care for children 6 weeks to 4 years old.
It is a safe and welcoming space for our youngest members to play, interact with peers, and hear a Bible story.
Sunday School: Elementary
There are two classrooms (Pre-K through 1st and 2nd-5th grade). Both groups use a curriculum that allows for movement, creativity, and engagement with a Bible story. The ages of kids in these classrooms are flexible, and our Children’s Director is happy to discuss any special circumstances that would help your child enjoy the experience more.
Sunday School: Middle School
Middle school students engage with lessons that follow the common lectionary and were written by members and pastors of the Grace community.
The language and images used in the lessons is similar to the teaching that adults are receiving on any given Sunday. Lively discussions and games are mixed in for good measure.
High School and Middle School Together
These two age groups meet together periodically for social events and community service projects. Here are just a few examples of things we have done and plan to keep doing:
-Cooking and serving dinner at the Women’s Center at Breakthrough Urban Ministries
-Helping with the Breakthrough Urban Ministries Christmas Store
-Youth Christmas Party
-Outings like bowling, or supervised indoor climbing at First Ascent (beginners wall).
High School Youth Group
High School students are encouraged to attend church with their parents. The worship service, with its content and themes, offers the opportunity for parents and their High School students to follow up in conversation with each other around the dinner table, or whenever it makes sense.
Also, the High School students enjoy meeting together with adult volunteers and Pastor Bob to talk about Scripture and life. The schedule is improvised as of this fall (2024), given the busy and competing schedules of our students.
On Sundays
Check-in:
Parents, please check your children in at the check-in station located near the front door. Every child participating in nursery or Sunday school must be checked in each week.
A label will print out that includes the child’s name, parent’s or parents’ names, phone numbers, and any allergies. The tags should be worn throughout the duration of Sunday school. A corresponding label will be printed for the parents that they need to have when picking up their kids after the service. Following these procedures ensures the safety of all our children.
We are intentional about our children participating in worship on Sunday mornings and they are invited to stay in the service with their parents until after communion and the Passing of the Peace.
Our hope is that they become familiar with the rhythm of the service through participation—that the words of scripture, the cadence of the familiar liturgy and the melodies of the songs will become embedded in their hearts and minds.
The noise that kids often make doesn’t bother us, but there are carts of coloring supplies and quiet fidgets available to keep little hands busy.
Children are welcome to participate in communion at Grace. When parents have had meaningful conversations about the sacrament with their children and discerned that their child is ready to receive communion, they are invited to the table. (Grace’s pastoral staff and elders are happy to talk about how to discern when a child is ready but we leave the decision ultimately to the parents!).
For children not yet receiving communion, they are invited to come forward for the blessing: “God made you, God knows you, God loves you, and God delights in you.”
Our Sunday school classes use a Gospel-centered curriculum that incorporates Scripture, stories and activities. Volunteers sign up to teach on a rotating basis; your child will have the opportunity to form meaningful connections with multiple adults in our congregation. All volunteers undergo a background check.
If you have any questions about Grace Kids, please email Kelsey Brown, Director of Grace Kids, at kelsey@gracechicago.com.
If you're unsure about attending a service, and would be more comfortable grabbing coffee with a member of Grace first, head over to the contact us page and send a note. Coffee is on us!