MINISTRY WITH YOUNG PEOPLE

Sunday Service

We start with music to signal the service is about to start. We sometimes stand (in body or in spirit) for certain songs such as the Welcome song or the Giving song. There are hymnal books at the chairs and the words are on the screen. Words can be found on the TV screens, audio equipment for hearing is available in the back. Wiggles and noises are more than welcome at our generational church!

"The Fresh Word" - is a recorded children's time moment usually about 15 minutes into the service. As of March 2023, kids and youth are then escorted to Plumer Hall for Sunday School. All are welcome to stay throughout the service. We then usually do another song, prayers of the people, collection, and then a core activity (sermon, discussion, performance!). To wrap up, there's typically a benediction and ending song!

Communion - happens very 1st Sunday - ALL are invited to get a piece of bread and grape juice. When possible, we bring children and youth back who want to return so they can take communion with their family.

Sunday School - available during both 9:30AM & 11:15am Services

Progressive Christian values & social justice stress God's love, asking questions, and compassion. Interactive lessons include roleplay, art, music, discussion, cooking, & more. Our Curriculum is adapted from Illustrated Ministries.

How does it go?

Kids and youth are escorted to Sunday School (in Plumer Hall) after the "Fresh Word" segment during service. We usually start with a group welcome. We then may split the age groupings depending on the lesson of the day.

Class Groups K-6 - one class is typically kindergartener and younger, the other class is 3rd grade and older. Lessons often include an introduction time (name, age, usually a question for the day), a circle time (story, questions, discussion) and then an activity (story, crafts, games, roleplay, etc.)

Middle to High School youth are welcome to join and engage or support younger kids as they desire!

Caregivers can pick up their youth after the service either at the Playground or at Plumer Hall.

Child Care - available during both services

Our child care attendant (typically Ms. Priya) can be found in Plumer Hall (the other dome).

You can drop your toddler off early before service, bring after the Fresh Word, etc but please make sure to check them and get you both a name tag!

All Gender Restroom - available to all in the big glass room on the left side of the narthex. It's "single user" but nice and large for better accessibility and needs.

Quiet / "Cry" Room - a room where you can hear the service and see inside, but you can control the lights and sounds. Open to all and especially for babies and toddlers. Found on the left side of the narthex (the lobby area) there is. A great place if you need a bit more space or sound space than the regular Pews. Books and small toys can be found in there as well to entertain small youth.

Diaper Changing - we have diaper changing stations in both mens' and womens' restrooms (in the hallway off the right side of the Narthex).

Our inclusive community, is where compassion and respect form the foundation of our mission. We honor the diverse identities of each youth or child, respecting their names and pronouns. In this safe and loving environment, we prioritize consent, listen to boundaries, and embrace an open and affirming stance towards all gender expressions, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

Our mission is to provide a nurturing space for MYP-ers to explore their faith, learn and enjoy Bible stories, make lasting bonds, and be empowered to express themselves in various ways, whether through words, deeds, art, sports, or beyond. We encourage questions, recognizing that not all answers are known and perspectives may differ.

To all youth and families, we proudly declare our commitment to being open and affirming, believers in diversity and inclusion. The richness of beliefs, gender expressions, cultural backgrounds, abilities, and more is celebrated as a vital part of Creation. You are not just accepted but truly welcomed here!

IUCC has a Safe Church Policy we follow - (PDF)

Come Visit - Open Door

Caregivers are always welcome to visit

Two People - Buddy System

We aim to have two adults at all times during Sunday School when possible. When not possible, there is a supervising adult that comes in and supervises over multiple sites. We further aim for the upper standard of two non-related adults to be extra secure.

Safe Church Policy - explains school & carpooling

Medical Conditions / Allergies

Please let us know if possible if there are medical conditions or allergies we should be aware of.

We avoid using nuts (peanuts and tree nuts) as part of our activities.

First Aid / Ouch report -

Our First Aid Kit can be found in the Youth Room in a plastic tub right by the door. Incident reports are filled out if there is a significant stop to class activity that warranted medical attention/ first aid. Ouch report link

Emergency/Evacuation Meeting Zone - parking lot behind Plumer Hall

If we need to evacuate, we will bring children to the parking lot area behind Plumer Hall (closer to the Woodbridge Village Association building)

Training & Live Scan

Volunteers that do 16 hours per month or 32 hours per year, per AB 506 (Law Text) complete Mandatory Reporter training and undergo a livescan background check. Recommended for all volunteers https://mandatedreporterca.com/

Some of our Favorite Traditions

Epiphany - Three Kings Day

Palm Sunday Processional

Easter Sunday

Summer Spirit Day / Vacation Bible School (VBS)

Summer Camp 

Trunk or Treat 

Advent Workshop with Chili Cookoff 

Christmas Pageant

Youth Sunday - where youth lead the service

Plays

Children's Choir

[MYP Seasonal Calendar PDF]