Children's Ministries
Committee Members Sought
The Children's Ministries Committee seeks adults from all walks of life to join our campaign to re-design our Church School. We are again re-defining our program to instill a greater sense of community among the teachers and continuity in the curriculum. Liz and Dawn are working hard to learn about your needs and desires for your children in order to decide what best suits our church's current congregation. You need not teach to be a part of this group. Come learn about new curriculum and be part of this important decision. Please see Liz or Dawn for more information.
Teachers Needed!
We still need teachers for fall. Elementary classes are still available. Please prayerfully consider if you can offer your talent to this worthwhile program. Contact Dawn Heerema for details at ext. 20, or dawn@westside.org.
New! West Side's Teacher Resource Room
Using money donated in memory of Jack Roth, we have opened a new Resource Room for Church School teachers, located next to the kitchen through the double doors. We are purposely creating a meeting room where teachers can gather as a small group. We hope to foster a supportive network of teachers to open communication about our goals in church school. Spiritual growth is essential to maintain a healthy mindset as teachers. And it's fun!
We are also creating a bigger, more involved program for our teens in this room. Check out the Teen Mentoring Program at 10 a.m. each Sunday in the fall.
Needed for the Resource Room: printer/scanner, copy machine (or money to purchase one), coffee table, old wooden door (to be converted into coffee bar), bench seat, and financial support. Donations welcomed!
Church School Options for your Children
Families are urged to attend church together at either 8:45 or 11:15 a.m. and to participate in the 10 a.m. Education Hour. Children learn best from what they see their parents do. Following are the options to choose from on Sunday mornings:
8:45 a.m., Rotational Model Church School, for children from age 3 to grade 5. For families unable to stay for the 10 a.m. Education Hour.
10 a.m., Education Hour, with classes for everyone from age 2 through adult, with educational childcare for the youngest children in the nursery. Church school classes during this time will follow a traditional format.
11:15 a.m., Gateways to Worship, for children in kindergarten, grades 1 & 2. This class unveils the adult world of worship by explaining the sacraments and parts of the service and exploring the seasons of the church year.
Second-Grade Bibles
Each September our second graders are presented with personal copies of the Bible as they begin a lifetime relationship of study and prayer. If your child comes to our church after this annual event, please contact the church office for a Bible. Children are asked to bring their Bibles to church school.
Mission and Stewardship
Our stewardship teaches the children the importance of giving with their weekly offering. Our mission project include Thanksgiving Food Baskets, Christmas Wish List, One Great Hour of Sharing, and other programs appropriate for children.
God and Country
For Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts interested in earning their God and Country award, contact Kent Smith at ext. 12; Kent@westside.org. Membership at West Side is not required.
The historic Boy Scout Troop 4 of West Side (85 continuous years) has been reformed with new leadership. The "Troop of Eagles," so named because all their leaders are Eagle Scouts, welcomes young men ages 10-18 to join them. Prior Scouting experience is not required. They meet at the West Side Youth Barn at 7 p.m. every 2nd and 4th Wednesday. Check their website troop4ridgewood.no-ip.org for information about the troop and upcoming activities.
Babysitting Service
The church maintains a list of middle and high school youth who are available for babysitting at reasonable rates. The list provides the town, grade, and qualifications of each teenager who have signed up for this service. This is for West Side members and nursery school families only.
Children's Library
Children's books, parenting books, videos, and much more
are available in our children's library on the second floor near the elevator.