Younger generations are incorporated into all aspects of the life of the church from worship, to education, to mission and more. Our young people serve as lay readers in worship. Our mission projects are chosen to ensure that even our small ones can share in the joy and responsibility of serving others. While we offer opportunities for little ones during worship, all children are welcome in all of our worship experiences.
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
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children in worship
Children are always welcome in worship! From music to interactive prayer stations our kids can engage in a variety of ways. Activity bags are available in the back of the sanctuary for those who like to color while they listen. Children's time helps our little ones (and big ones too) connect to our theme in a fun and developmentally appropriate way. After children's time, those ages 3-11 can stay in worship or go to "Godly Play" for the remainder of the service.
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Godly play
After the Children's Time during worship, those ages 3-11 are invited to move into the Godly Play area in the lower level of our the building. During Godly Play our children wonder and wander their way through the stories of God and God's people. Godly Play is a Montessori based technique that incorporates tactile engagement including prayer practices, yoga, tai chi, service, free art, journaling and various learning stations.
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DIG faith formation, 9 a.m. sundays
The treasures are endless when you dig deeper! DIG is a time for age specific, progressive Christian classes for preschoolers through high schoolers that will nurture the theological explorer within each one. We will dig deep into our holy stories to uncover our connections to God, earth and one another. Childcare for those ages 0-3 is also available during this time. DIG will be taking a break for the summer. We will resume Sunday, September 8.
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children and mission
We encourage children (as well as adults) to stretch their compassion muscles through activities like buying Christmas gifts for children at The Gathering Place, bagging beans and rice and urban foraging for Metro Caring, making dog biscuits for the Maxfund puppies, filling backpacks with school supplies for residents at Archway Housing, and much more. The children regularly make bags to hand out to our homeless neighbors. Many of our families carry these bags in their cars regularly.
Children and youth also join with others from the Kirk marching in Pride, against Gun Violence and in the Denver Marade for racial reconciliation.
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youth group
Our youth group for those in 6th-12th grades is a LGBTQ safe and affirming space that gathers regularly for fun, progressive theological engagement, service and community. It is a place to laugh, to ask questions, explore faith and share growing pains.
Our youth, like children, are respected and encouraged to participate in the life of the Kirk by sharing their gifts and passion through leadership, teaching
and service.
Quarterly we participate in Youth Underground with UCC youth groups from across the city, and throughout the year we encourage participation at Rocky Mountain Conference UCC youth gatherings at La Foret Camp and Conference.
