Rock Spring recognizes each person as a beloved child of God, made in God’s image. We believe that children and youth are an integral part of the church, with as much to teach as they have to learn. We nurture their innate faith and spirit, encouraging and supporting them as they grow more fully into the person God has already created them to be.
We welcome families of all configurations and meet them wherever they are on their faith journey. We provide resources for faith formation at home, opportunities for families to serve together, intergenerational worship and activities, support for caregivers, and targeted programs for children and youth. Our programming is flexible and creative to ensure that all can participate fully.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we provided additional opportunities for at-home faith formation, through emailed family-friendly curriculum, seasonal “faith in a bag” kits, and occasional in-person (outdoors, masked, and distanced) activities. We continue to resource families for at-home faith formation and have resumed in-person Sunday school.
For questions about our programming and to learn about our most current offerings, contact our Minister of Faith Formation, Hannah Sachs.
Children in Worship
Children are always welcome in our worship services and often participate through singing, playing instruments, or reading Scripture. Families are welcome to sit in our welcoming “Prayground” space in the Sanctuary, where quiet activities are provided to engage children while they participate in worship. Children preschool-5th grade begin each Sunday in the Sanctuary, seated with their family. Following the Time for All Ages, they leave for their Sunday School classes.
On Sundays when communion is celebrated, the children return to the service to share in the celebration. Even the youngest child can understand the central message of communion: “Take, eat, this is for you . . .” as an act of love.
Our nursery, for infants-Age 3, is staffed by professional caregivers.
Sunday Faith Formation
Rock Spring’s Faith Formation program focuses on the key message of our faith: God is love. Teachers create caring classroom communities, where children play, learn, and serve together. Our Youth of Rock Spring (YoRS) youth groups for middle and high schoolers engage in Bible study and hands-on service, having fun while exploring ways in which our faith informs our lives. Children Preschool-5th grade are invited to sing with the Choristers and youth in grades 6-12 are periodically invited to help plan and lead worship on YESS! (Youth Event Saturday/Sunday) weekends.
We use inclusive language and emphasize social justice, helping all to see themselves as part of God’s story. Classes are grouped by age/grade, with a great deal of flexibility and discretion to ensure the best experience for each child.
Safe Church
Our Safe Church policy requires that adults who regularly volunteer with children complete a background check, and that there be two adults present at all times. You can read the current policy.