Children are a gift to the church and their participation brightens the experiences of all who gather. From music classes and Bible learning on Sunday to exciting activities throughout the year, children are integral to the life of our congregation!
Children are always welcome in worship!
Westminster welcomes children of all ages in worship, believing that being part of a worshiping community is important to their spiritual formation.
We delight in having children of all ages in worship at Westminster!
The Reformed tradition understands Baptism, along with the Lord’s Supper, to be Sacraments, instituted by God and commended by Christ. Sacraments are signs of the real presence and power of Christ in the church, symbols of God’s action. Through the Sacraments, God seals believers in redemption, renews their identity as the people of God, and marks them for service.
Baptism is the sign and seal of incorporation into Christ and enacts and seals what the Word proclaims:
“God’s redeeming grace offered to all people. Baptism is God’s gift of grace and also God’s summons to respond to that grace. Baptism calls us to repentance, to faithfulness and to discipleship. Baptism gives the church its identity and commissions the church for ministry to the world.”
– From the Book of Order, Part II of the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA)
The Sacrament of Baptism is open to those who profess their belief in Jesus Christ and who would like to unite with the church as well as to the children of those believers.
Vacation Bible School
We love our summer Vacation Bible School camp! Each year, Westminster hosts a weeklong Vacation Bible School for children in the community and an after-care partnership with Austin Youth Fitness makes this a full week of childcare for families.
An Almost Lock-in gives children time to hang out on a Friday evening, between 5-9 pm, bonding over time outside playing, a meal, seasonal activities, and a movie. (With the added bonus that it gives busy parents time for a date night or a quiet evening at home!) All potty-trained children, typically 3-year-olds through 5th grade, are invited to join. It's a drop-in schedule, too, so families are encouraged to come late or pick up early, according to their family needs. We look forward to hosting your children at what has been lovingly called a "church party night!"
Sometimes you just need a little help from friends who have been there! Parenting the youngest ones – 0-3’s - is a hard stage because you’re so busy doing…there’s little time left over for connecting with other families! Parents and their littles: join us on select Sundays right after worship or post-afternoon nap to make friends and share ideas.
Sunday School meets weekly during the school year and includes age-appropriate activities to build children's connections between Bible stories and their own lives. A typical Sunday School starts in Room 14 at 9:45 am on Sundays and progresses to smaller groups by age which are engaging with a high-interest curriculum. We place a high value on fun!
Music for Children | 9:15 am | Room 14 (August through May)
Sheryl Stack, our organist, leads children in learning to love music during Sing&Play! We introduce music skills like matching pitch, keeping rhythm and learning text to songs. Children practice songs to enrich our worship services, and some traditional children's Sunday School favorites.
Westminster's Passages Program
Westminster marks the development of a child’s faith using our Passages Program. As children grow from babies to confirmation, children age into different tools that can assist in their growth.
For Our First Graders: We present first graders with books written by our own members about worship in this community. These explain the parts of our worship service and unique features of our worship space.
For Our Third Graders: We present third graders with their own Bible!
For Our Fifth Graders: We present fifth graders with a copy of their very own Presbyterian hymnal.
Special Children's Events throughout the Year
WPC hosts seasonal events throughout the year, too!
Last Sunday of October: An evening Trunk or Treat
Members decorate trunks for children to trick-or-treat among, middle and high school youth lead games, and an easy meal is shared. Come dressed in costume or bring a decorated trunk to join the fun!
At our early evening Christmas Eve service: Interactive Telling of the Christmas Story
Children of all ages are invited to join the Christmas story as an angel or shepherd. This is a favorite way for families to live out the joy of the season.
On Easter morning, between worship services: Easter Egg Hunts
Children in multiple age groups have egg hunts while our larger church family enjoys Easter brunch together.
