We know how precious your child is—to you, to God, and to our church!
And we want them, and you, to know it!

Rev. Tanya’s Time With the Children

Our program year runs from second Sunday in September through late May. During the program year, worship services are held at 9:30 a.m. each Sunday morning and has Sunday School and attended nursery services available.

The children usually worship with their parents in the Meeting House for the first 10-15 minutes. They then come forward for Rev. Tanya’s time with the children. The congregation then blesses them, and they depart for continued worship and learning downstairs.

NURSERY

Nursery

A fully-furnished and staffed nursery welcomes babies and toddlers during the 9:30 a.m. worship service throughout the program year, September – late May. When you bring your infant or toddler to the nursery (located downstairs in the Flagg Room), you will be asked for your name and cell phone number.  This allows parents peace of mind knowing the nursery staff will send a text should their child need them during the service.

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Sunday School

Sunday school classes for children age 4 through grade 6 are held during the 9:30 a.m. worship service; September-late May.   Trained and enthusiastic volunteer leaders provide a caring, accepting atmosphere where children learn about the Bible and the principles of Christian faith as they apply to living faithfully in today’s challenging world.

While learning the important bible stories, emphasis is on fun and caring for others.  There are opportunities throughout the year to participate in children/youth led church services and skits, music and dance, crafts, serving the congregation, and service projects to benefit others.

Making Lenten Pretzels

Rotation Model for Classes

The Rotation Model curriculum is an extremely hands-on, engaging, and ever-changing way to make learning fun for our Sunday School students. Trained volunteer teachers present the Bible story lesson in a variety of ways, from a traditional discussion, to skits, games, and more. Children then break into groups by age and rotate through 2 or 3 stations each morning to reinforce the lesson. Stations can be crafts, baking, music, games, drama, and service projects just to name a few! Church members are always welcome and encouraged to share a talent or interest with the children and lead a station. Anything goes!

CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICE-TO-OTHERS

Ash Street Shelter Dinner Prep

Making Animal Shelter Dog Beds

We encourage and offer many opportunities for our children and youth to participate in outreach, community service, and mission projects throughout the year.  Annual events and/or organizations our children and youth have helped with include:

  • Feather Food Sunday donations (food donations for Thanksgiving food boxes)
  • Making pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving food boxes
  • Packing food Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter food boxes donated to local families in need.
  • 5th/6th Grade Lenten Service Projects
  • Collecting donations for community shelters and food pantries
  • Donating children annual offerings to charities such as Heifer International, the local Animal Rescue League, and the New Hampshire Cancer Action Center.
  • Preparing Ash Street Shelter dinners
  • Roadside cleanup
  • Filling out holiday cards for deployed soldiers and sailors.
  • Making CWS school kits to go to children in impoverished communities and refugee camps the basic tools for learning
  • Summer Mission Trip Work Camp [make this link to Mission Trip Work Camp] page

ACOLYTES

Acolyte

Children in 3rd through 6th grades have the opportunity to serve as acolytes during the 9:30 a.m. service.  This role is strictly voluntary.

An acolyte is “someone who assists a member of the clergy in a [religious] service by performing minor duties.” (Merriam-Webster dictionary).  At the Congregational Church of Hollis, at the beginning of the service one acolyte provides assistance by lighting the alter candles while a second acolyte assists by carrying in the Bible to be placed on the communion table.  The two acolytes assist again at the end of the service by extinguishing the alter candles and removing the bible from the communion table.  Acolytes are provided training as well as robes (smaller versions of our choir robes) to wear over their regular clothing, allowing them to truly feel the specialness of participating in the service.