Faith Formation for Children & Families

Faith Formation for children begins at a young age at Gethsemane. Parents of our youngest children (newborns to 3 year-olds) receive “Splash,” a monthly newsletter about faith formation from this very young age. Two-, three-, and four-year-olds are invited to join our preschool class where they will hear Bible stories, make crafts, learn songs, and enjoy friendships together. Parents often stay in the class to enjoy time with their children and with other parents.

For children in Kindergarten through 5th grade, we have a ‘rotation’ Sunday School program. Children and teachers focus on one Bible story for three or four weeks at a time, exploring it through art, drama, puppets, storytelling, and other media. This hands-on and multi-dimensional approach helps the children to understand the stories of scripture more thoroughly and honors the many different styles of learning. Children in this age group have a fellowship group, K.O.O.L. (Kids of our Lord) which meets monthly.

For a fun, informative, and faith-filled resource for families, check out Heartfelt, a monthly newsletter supporting the spiritual development of families.

Vacation Bible School happens each summer for one week in July for children ages 3 – grade 5. Children and teachers gather in the evenings to learn about and grow closer to Jesus through songs, stories, puppets, crafts, and fellowship in the informal atmosphere of summer.

Receiving a Bible is a special moment for a child and at Gethsemane we give our young members age-appropriate Bibles at milestones of their lives. Three year olds receive a Bible story book while Children’s Bibles are given to our 3rd graders. Study Bibles are presented to our 6th graders for use during Confirmation Class, and Award Bibles are presented to our 9th graders upon their Confirmation. These congregational gifts support families in carrying out their baptismal promise of placing the scriptures in the hands of their children.

Gethsemane has a First Communion Home Program for children who want to participate in the sacrament. There is no minimum age requirement for this program, which becomes a learning experience for the whole family. Materials and guidance are provided by Gethsemane staff when the parents believe their child is ready for Communion. If you would like more information on this program, please contact Terri Siebert, Director of Learning and Family Ministries, at 614-885-4319.