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