Children's Faith Formation
Sunday Faith Formation for Children
during our 10 AM Worship Service
Indian Hill Church is here to support you as you guide your children to know the God that created them and loves them as they grow into disciples of Jesus. We offer many opportunities for you and your children to enjoy participating in the life of IHC.
We would love to hear from you if you have any questions or suggestions, need emotional and prayer support, or just want to make a personal connection before your first visit!
NURSERY CARE
Infants through 3 1/2 years old
Childcare is provided during the 10:00 AM service each week.
The nursery, located in room 10, provides the youngest church attendees with a positive, play-focused church experience.
The dedicated staff provides a warm, nurturing environment for our youngest worshipers.
Children in this age group can be brought down before the worship service.
EARLY CHILDHOOD SUNDAY SCHOOL
Ages 3 1/2 through kindergarten
Preschool children attend church with their families through the children’s moment. Clipboards and pencil pouches with quiet activities for children are available at the sanctuary’s front entrance. After the children’s moment, preschool children will go to Sunday School in room 8 on the lower level. Please have a parent of a new child exit the sanctuary with their child so the teacher can get the child’s name and contact information.
The early childhood Sunday school engages children in a Bible story each week with time for a craft and free play. Parents can pick up their children in room 8 after the service, before going to coffee hour.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
1st through 5th grade children
Children attend church with their families through the children’s moment. Clipboards and pencil pouches are available at the front entry to occupy children with quiet activities during their time in the service.
After the children’s moment, children in first through fifth grade will be dismissed for a learning experience in room 7 on the lower level. After the lesson, children participate in age-based activities related to that day’s lesson. Parents can pick up their children in room 9 after the service before going to coffee hour.
Students in sixth, seventh, and eighth grade attend church with their families.
Throughout the program year, we offer a Young Family Worship experience on select fourth Sundays in Guild Hall that runs concurrently with the 10 AM worship service. Families are invited to experience the Eucharist (communion) together in the sanctuary near the end of each Young Family Worship.
Once a month on Sundays, families are invited to participate in our Growing in Faith Together (G.I.F.T.) intergenerational outreach activities in Guild Hall after the worship hour, such as sandwich making for Our Daily Bread or assembling Power Packs for IPM.
SUNDAY SCHOOL CURRICULUM
The Indian Hill Church Sunday School program uses the Godly Play approach to learning about the Bible. The Godly Play method, which is similar to the Montessori approach to education, provides children with the opportunity to make meaning through story, wonder, and play. We strive to nurture spiritual lives by honoring the centrality, competency, and capacity of children
CONFIRMATION
Students in seventh grade and above are invited to learn about the Christian faith and the Bible as confirmation students. The confirmation program begins in October and ends with confirmation in May. We begin the year with a retreat led by Camp Joy on the grounds of Indian Hill Church. After the first retreat, students meet weekly for class on Wednesdays from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM.
We have a second retreat in the spring. At this retreat the students have time to work on their faith statements. Each student presents a faith statement before confirmation. Confirmation Sunday is held in May.
Our next confirmation program will begin in October 2027 after fall break. We will have a parent meeting before the classes start to discuss the confirmation class and answer any questions you might have.
Easter Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday
On Easter Sunday, we hold an Easter Egg hunt on the front lawn for children. Join us for the service at 10:15 and the hunt at 10:45.
Promotion Sunday in May
On Promotion Sunday, all children are recognized for moving up to a new grade level. Children finishing kindergarten receive a story Bible; children finishing third grade receive a Bible; and children finishing fifth grade receive a devotional book and are welcomed to the youth group.
Vacation Bible School
Save the date for VBS: July 26 -July 30, 2027. Children ages 4 – 5th grade are welcome to participate in VBS. Older students serve as volunteers.
Registration opens in mid-January.
Blessing of the Backpacks
Blessings are offered to all learners and teachers during the family worship service. Children bring their backpacks for a blessing, and each child receives a backpack tag to remind them that God is always with them.
Children’s Christmas Pageant
Annually, the children prepare a Christmas musical to share with the congregation during worship in the season of Advent.