Children, Youth, and Families

Children & Families

Welcome

Langley United Church welcomes children and youth as vital and beloved parts of our faith community. They are not only "the future," they are the here and now; with unique gifts to offer, and an energy which refreshes our spirits.

We provide programmes that recognize and appreciate the needs and challenges of different age groups, so that their enthusiasm and hunger for faith can be met. Together with adults as loving elders, children and teens are encouraged to learn, lead, serve and celebrate as we witness to the gospel message. Everyone is invited to join in the fun!

Sunday Celebration

Time: 10 am Sunday morning

Children of all ages will gather with their families in the sanctuary for the first part of the service. After a brief story, they will go to the Children's Church area for worship and programme.

Infants and toddlers

Infants and children three and under may be cared for in the nursery room adjacent to the entry (you can see and hear the church service from there). Parents are welcome to use this space during the service. The room is equipped with a crib, rocking chair, toys and books, as well as soft blankets for a quiet time.

A toddler group (ages 2-3) is being set up in Room 7 downstairs, using the Whole People of God curriculum materials. It uses puppets, songs, games and other material to present the Biblical story for young children.

Ages 4-7 (preschool – grade 2)

Children in this age group will meet in Room 9 downstairs, using the Godly Play format. They will hear a biblical story, reflect on the images and ideas they have experienced, and then choose how they want to engage, or “work with” the story that morning. This could include the use of art materials, working with the figures in the story, drama, seasonal activities, or games. In each season, there is also time to learn more about sacraments, and the flow of the church year. Towards the end of the session, children will gather for the Feast, a time of sharing food and prayer. The conclusion of the morning is a time to say goodbye and to receive a blessing. (For more information on Godly Play, see our links page.)

Ages 8-10 (Grade 3-5) and Ages 11-13 (Grades 6 & 7)

These children will be using the Whole People of God curriculum. Ages 8-10 will meet in room 12 with Rosa Flinton-Brown. Ages 11-13 will meet in the upper lounge/chapel area with Lisa Garland. Whole People of God uses lectionary based themes that correspond to the main worship service. Each class has Biblical readings, reflection, and activities. It begins with a welcome circle and prayer, and continues with a theme presentation and options for age and interest appropriate activities.

Intergenerational Worship Days

During special celebrations, children will remain in worship for the whole session, with parts of the service designed for their active participation.

Youth

The JAM Session

Grades 8-12

JAM stands for Just About Ministry. We are an enthusiastic group of teens, learning about our roles of Ministry in our everyday lives. We do this through group interaction, participating in church services, and discovering new and exciting goals for Outreach.

We combine drama, music and comedy in our learning as well as group reflection. The JAM group meets every other Sunday during the Church service throughout the year

Senior Youth Group

The Senior Youth Group is a place for youth from grades 8 to 12. We usually meet every other Friday evening for activities ranging from movie nights, games nights, scavenger hunts, and trips to the corn maze to a progressive dinner. There are also opportunities for young people to be involved in groups and events with youth from other Fraser Valley United Churches, such as the Youth Council for Fraser Presbytery, retreats in the fall and spring, and many other activities throughout the Fraser Valley. Our group is a place where the youth can grow both socially and spiritually and we encourage any new teens that are interested to come and join us on any of the Friday nights that we meet.

Junior Youth Group

The Junior Youth Group is for kids in grades 5 to 7. The kids enjoy a variety of activities from games nights, laser tag, walks in the park, to visiting the pumpkin patch just before Halloween. The group meets regularly with leader David Nelson once a month on Sunday afternoons. We encourage any other kids that want a place to meet with other kids that share their faith and want to have a good time to come and join us.

Friends of Fire

For youth in grades 5 to 12 who love to perform, the Friends of Fire is for you! We get together once a month on a Sunday afternoon to practice skits and plays that we perform at special events throughout the year. Anyone interested in acting is encouraged to contact David Nelson, the youth worker at Langley United, for more information.