Children, Youth & Families
Investing in the next generation of Grace.
These ministries exist because we believe the faith we pass on matters as much as the faith we practice. From nursery to youth group to family formation, this is where we plant seeds we may never see fully grow — and where we show up anyway.
Do you feel called to invest in the young people of our community?
Ministries in this category
Sunday Morning & Faith Formation
NurseryGrowing our littlest disciples alongside the Spirit.
Every Sunday, the Nursery offers spiritual education, care and a safe place for kiddos age 0–3. Also available at certain community events.
“I know that this church loves (my son) and I know that because of the care he receives in Nursery. And I know that this church loves me too, just as we are, and doesn’t ask us to change to fit in.”
Ways you can serve
- Nursery attendant on Sunday mornings, 1–4 hours
- Nursery attendant for community events, as needed
Children’s ChurchSame message. Told so kids actually get it.
Every Sunday during the sermon, kids in preschool through 5th grade can head downstairs for their own service—stories, activities, and a lesson that sends them home excited to tell you about it.
“When kids came running down the aisle smiling and laughing to follow my lead downstairs. (From one of our younger disciples, shared via Grandma) “Grandma, we learned all about Jesus today and let me tell you the whole story…””
Ways you can serve
- Adult leader, teaching and leading 15–20 minute lessons
- Youth leader, assisting the adult leader in 15–20 minute lessons
Youth MinistryA place to belong before you’ve figured anything else out.
Grace Youth Ministry creates a welcoming space where young people can grow in their relationship with Jesus, build meaningful friendships, ask honest questions, and discover how faith connects to everyday life.
Through fellowship events, bible study, service opportunities, retreats, and time spent together, we help young people explore their identity, belonging, and purpose: discovering who they are as beloved children of God, finding a community where they are known and valued, and discovering how God is calling them to use their gifts and live with purpose.
Our hope is to nurture lifelong followers of Jesus, young people who have a faith of their own and continue growing, serving, and following Jesus throughout every season of life.
“Seeing the youth having fun and connecting with each other is so cool, especially at camps and during youth group where everyone can be themselves.” — GLC Youth
Ways to Get Engaged with Youth
- Sunday Faith Formation — Help lead or assist with lessons, discussions, and activities that help youth grow in their faith.
- Wednesday Bible Studies — Join our weekly gathering as a small group leader, mentor, or supportive presence for students digging into God’s Word together.
- Fellowship Events & Activities — Help plan and host game nights, service projects, and other gatherings that build community and friendship among our youth.
- Retreats — Serve as a chaperone or leader on overnight or day retreats, offering guidance and presence during these formative experiences.
- Espresso Cart — Serve coffee before and after service, a small thing that does a lot of work, giving people a reason to linger and actually talk to each other.
Ways to Support the Youth Ministry
- Making Meals for Wednesday Nights — Provide a meal (or help serve one) so our youth and leaders are fed and ready to dive into Bible study.
- Supporting Our Coffee Cart & Fundraising Events — Volunteer your time or talents to help fund youth programs, retreats, and mission trips.
- Praying for Our Youth — Commit to praying regularly for our students, leaders, and the ministry as a whole, one of the most powerful ways to serve, even from a distance.
- Donating Supplies or Snacks — Help stock what’s needed for Bible studies, events, and retreats throughout the year.
- Sharing Your Gifts & Talents — Whether it’s music, photography, organizing, or a specific skill, there’s likely a place for it in youth ministry.
Confirmation & AcolytesWhere faith stops being borrowed and starts being your own.
Confirmation walks middle schoolers through what it means to claim their own faith, while Acolytes give those same middle schoolers a tangible, visible role in leading worship.
“Any time our confirmands share their faith stories and struggles, it’s clear to everyone why this ministry matters. Confirmation offers a place for middle schoolers to wrestle with their faith and claim it as their own.”
Ways you can serve
- Adult leader accompanying Wednesday night gatherings (background check required)
- 6th–8th graders participate as confirmands
Family & Community Life
Family Events & Special ProgramsBuilding the moments of faith and fun that families actually remember.
This ministry plans the gatherings, events, and programs that bring Grace’s families together outside a regular Sunday, the kind of days kids talk about for weeks after.
“The GLC Family Events ministry matters because every family deserves a place to celebrate. We design children-centered, hands-on, inclusive spaces where kids and their loved ones can join in. We create vibrant, immersive experiences that bring the community together to create a meeting place for faith and fun.”
Ways you can serve
- Decoration creation, community connections, set up, and take down for multiple events
- Event day of support
Events This Ministry Supports
- Egg Hunt — Saturday before Easter
- VBS — 3rd full week of July
- Fall Fest — Saturday closest to Halloween
- Church Christmas Party — 4th Sunday in Advent
Grace Preschool43 years of helping kids grow in every way that matters.
High-quality, affordable Christian education for preschoolers and kindergartners. Kids grow here, spiritually, physically, socially, emotionally, and intellectually, in a warm environment built for the whole child.
This is a staffed program, not a volunteer ministry. You don’t need to attend Grace or be a member to enroll. More info coming soon at the Grace Preschool page.
Grace Children’s CenterWhere your child is known by name, not by number.
GCC cares for kids six weeks through 5th grade, and takes that seriously in a specific way: every kid here is known, not just watched. That’s the whole job, really. Open Monday through Friday, 6:00am–6:00pm.
This is a staffed program, not a volunteer ministry. You don’t need to attend Grace or be a member to enroll. More info coming soon at the Grace Children’s Center page.
KidREACHOne hour a week. One kid who learns someone believes in them.
KidREACH pairs K-6 students with a volunteer tutor from our church and community, once a week, all school year. The reading matters. What matters more is a kid finding out that an adult said they’d show up, and did.
“The moment I knew this ministry mattered was when a student who had been struggling significantly with reading learned a new reading board game with her tutor and started coming to tutoring excited to read! Every connection between a student and their tutor makes a huge impact!”
Ways you can serve
Site Coordinator
~4 HRS/WEEK · THURSDAY EVENINGS, SCHOOL YEAR
- Manage the whole program: recruiting tutors and students, prepping materials, running Thursday nights
- Train new tutors and coordinate with schools, World Vision, and families
- Handle the logistics: supplies, curriculum, and meals before tutoring
For someone with strong organization and people skills who wants to connect tutors, schools, and families, and loves watching that ripple outward.
Volunteer Tutor
~2 HRS/WEEK · THURSDAY EVENINGS, SCHOOL YEAR
- Get matched with one student and tutor them weekly, all school year
- Arrive early to prep materials, and attend training before you start (background check required)
- Work with the Site Coordinator to keep sessions on track for your student
For someone patient and encouraging who wants to watch one kid’s confidence grow, week over week, no teaching background required.
Meal Provider
~1 HR/WEEK · THURSDAY EVENINGS, SCHOOL YEAR
- Make meals for students, families, and tutors, cook ahead, cook at church, or bring something store-bought
- Set up and clean up: paper products, silverware, the basics
For someone who loves to cook or serve, and wants to support tutoring without being the one at the table with a workbook.