Grace Kids

Grace Kids Vision:

Grace Kids exists to cultivate the love of God in the lives and hearts of all children that encounter Grace Church Seattle. It commits itself in cooperation with families and the whole congregation to the faithful spiritual nurture of children and seeks to fulfill this by providing a safe place to wonder, express, and grow in faith. Through developmentally appropriate classes, activities, service opportunities, and full participation in worship, Grace Kids endeavors to holistically equip children to live lives formed by the Gospel.

In addition to encouraging our children to worship with the congregation, our Grace Kids ministry offers age-appropriate classes and learning opportunities for children (Note: classes begin October 7th and will be held during the Christian Formation Hour which begins at 9:30am).

We have listed the classes below. If you have any questions about our Grace Kids, please contact Heidi Hansen.

Nursery (6 months-2 years old). During the Christian Formation Hour, children will connect with other kids and adults through play, and a short circle time with music, movement, and prayer. During the worship service, volunteers will be attending to the children's individual needs and engage in faith nurture opportunities.

Toddlers (2-3 years old). During the Christian Formation Hour, toddlers will use the Walk With Me curriculum. They will explore New Testament stories (one story repeated two weeks in a row) and come home with materials at the end of the second week for home connections. After Christian Formation the 4 year olds will combine with this class in the fellowship hall, and they will all be led in cooperative play and one-on-one faith nurture experiences by volunteers with 15-20 minute intervals of activities like floor play, snack, and goodbye circle time.

Pre-K (4 years old). During the Christian Formation Hour, the 4-year old class will use the Walk With Me curriculum. They will explore Old Testament stories (one story for two weeks) and come home with materials at the end of each story. After class, 4-year olds are welcome to go to worship, or combine with toddlers during the service, or a combination thereof.

Kindergarten (5-6 years old). During the Christian Formation Hour, the Kindergarten class will use the Imagine curriculum. They will begin the exploration of God's Big Story through significant bible stories and related life contexts. They will have take-home material each class for home connections. After class, this group is invited to worship, and will have an alternative place and activity at sermon time if helpful.

1st-2nd grade. During the Christian Formation Hour, this group will use the Wonder curriculum and continue the exploration of God's Big Story and will have take home material each Sunday. After class, school aged kids are invited to worship, but if they need an alternative place during sermon time, they can join the Kindergarteners, then return to the worship service for communion.

3rd-4th grade. During the Christian Formation Hour, this group will use the Marvel curriculum and go deeper into their exploration of God's Big Story and their place in it. Depending on the activities the leader chooses, they may or may not have take home material each week. After class, these children are invited into the whole worship service.

5th-6th grade. During the Christian Formation Hour, this age group will use the Dive curriculum which is a scripture based dialogue style study of the Heidelberg Catechism. Depending on the leader's choices, they may use home devotions or other other materials outside of class time. After class, they are invited to the whole of the worship service or serve in nursery or toddlers class with adult partnership.

Preparing for Communion Class. Every fall, we offer a 5-week session to help children prepare for their first communion. Parents are encouraged to particpate in this class with their children. For more information, contact Michael Subracko.

Grace Kids' Curriculum. We use the "Dwell" curriculum, which is created by the Christian Reformed Church. Dwell approaches the whole Bible in a way that ignites the imagination and engages kids on a deeper level, breaking through their busy minds and producing moments of awe. Kids can learn that God’s story is still going on today and that they can be a part of that story in meaningful ways. They’ll learn to find their place in God’s ongoing mission of renewal and redemption.

For the promise is for you and for your children.

—Acts 2