Children & Youth

Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers

BCOC’s youngest members are a dynamic and growing group. We have an excellent number of paid and volunteer staff who serve in our nursery, toddler, and preschool suites on Sunday mornings during worship, Sunday school, and on Wednesday evenings.

2s-3s and 4s- Kindergarten enjoy Bible stories, with age-appropriate lessons and supporting activities during the Sunday School hour.

Nursery care is available for Babies – 3s during worship & fellowship time, 8:30am – 10:30am. Babies and Toddlers receive consistent care through the Sunday school hour as well.

4s – Kindergarteners are invited to be in worship through the Children’s Sermon after which they may dismiss to Preschool Worship Care, led by volunteers.

Children

Children are valued at BCOC. Their presence is welcomed in worship. All children are invited to participate in the Children’s Sermon – a weekly ritual appreciated by children of all ages. “Covenant Kits” contain pencils, crayons, scratch paper and a kid-friendly worship bulletin with activities that support the main scripture text of the day. These colorful bags are kept in the foyer outside the sanctuary and on the 2nd floor just outside the balcony entrance. They are available to regular attendees and visiting families.

We have excellent leadership in our 3 children’s Sunday school classes (divided: 1st & 2nd, 3rd & 4th, 5th & 6th), 10:30 – 11:30 AM. The children’s classes are instrumental in the church’s recycling program, annual dramatic presentations to the adult classes, and participation in Children’s Day. We capitalize on our low teacher/student ratio and try to make decisions that concern children’s Christian education in the best interest of individuals. Children are known by name in this loving congregation.

Youth

7th -12th grade students engage in spiritual growth, rich dialogue and relationship building in and outside of regular church hours. They enjoy service-learning projects such as 30-Hour Famine, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, collecting and delivering items or services to local agencies, international mission experiences, volunteering in children’s ministries, leading worship for Youth Sunday. They also enjoy summer camp, fall and spring retreats, Sunday Nite Lite, “Youth Lunch” every 5th Sunday, white-water rafting, Six Flags, just hanging out together and much more.

Missions

All of our children and students are involved in missions. Preschoolers and children learn about people in our community and world who serve others in the name of Christ primarily on Wednesday evenings in Mission-Friends groups. They are also engaged in serving others in our community and beyond on a regular basis. Youth enjoy hands-on involvement in service and missions in the community, in other parts of the country annually, and in a bi-annual international experience for Senior High students.