About Blacknall Children’s Ministry

Blacknall Children’s Ministry exists to disciple children in the way of Jesus, to help adults and children worship together, to integrate children into community life, and to strengthen the home-church partnership. We serve children from birth through 5th grade. (Visit our Youth Ministry page to see what we offer children in 6th through 12th grades.)

New to Blacknall?

We have programming for children during both Sunday worship services at 8:30 & 11 a.m., as well as during our Sunday School hour from 10 - 10:45 a.m.

The programming we offer depends on your child's age; see what is available for each age group below. All of our classes are well-attended and well-supervised, and we’d love to see you there! Of course, children are always welcome to stay with you in the service if that is what works best for your family. If you ever need help, find a Deacon in a red vest who can assist you in finding anything you need.

Join our mailing list and hear about special offerings and events (including summer camps and special services)!

 

  • Worship: Our nursery opens 15 minutes before each service. You may check in at the nursery desk downstairs at any point during either service.

    Sunday School: Sunday School runs from 10 - 10:45 a.m. Check in at the nursery desk downstairs and we will introduce you to the teachers and the class.

  • Worship: Children in Pre-K (4) and early elementary school are invited to join their parents for the first part of the main worship service. We have fidget toys, books, and coloring pages available in the Sanctuary entryway. Around 20 - 30 minutes into the service, your child will be invited to come to the front of the Sanctuary to receive a Children’s Blessing. Then, children will be escorted to Children’s Worship. If your child is new, you’re welcome to walk with your child. You’ll pick up your child from Rooms 105/112 located right below the Sanctuary when the service is over.

    Sunday School: We have three different classes available during the Sunday School hour (10-10:45) for this age group. Our Bugs class (Pre-K (4)) meets on the nursery hallway on the ground floor with Stuart and Mary Banks Knechtle, and Kristy Green teaching. Our Kindergarten class meets in Room 111 with Jess Steinbrenner, Stacey Quaranta, Candy Richardson, and Rachel Stine teaching. Our combined 1st and 2nd grade class meets in room 102 with the Grahams, Turners, and Bradshaws teaching. Newcomers are always welcome and you can check in at the class.

  • Worship: We believe it is valuable for children and adults to worship together, and that children are developmentally ready to sit through an entire service around 3rd grade. We have fidget toys, books, and coloring pages available in the Sanctuary entryway. We are committed to fostering an environment that welcomes our children as they are, wiggles and all!

    Sunday School: We have three classes for this age group for our Sunday School hour (between 10 and 10:45). Our third grade class meets in room 106 with the Manilas and Nolens leading. Our fourth and fifth grade boys class meets in room 110 with Rich Frothingham, Eric Solie, and Mark Barger leading. Our fourth and fifth grade girls class meets in room 109 with Kathy Mitchell, Ramonna Cvelich, Sarah Fine, and Ryan Runestad leading. Newcomers are always welcome and you can check in at the class!

 

Our Ministry Priorities

Belonging

Community & Evangelism

Before spiritual formation can take place, children (and their caregivers) need to feel that they belong. These ministries exist to help families find their place within our community.

  • Nursery – A safe, nurturing space for our youngest children.

  • Small Groups – Intentional spaces for families to build relationships.

  • Game Nights & Events – Opportunities for fun, fellowship, and connection.

  • Art Camp – Encouraging creativity while fostering friendships

  • Foster & Adoption Ministry – Support and connection for families navigating foster care and adoption.

Becoming

Discipleship & Spiritual Formation

We serve a living God who continually shapes us to be more like Jesus. Through Sunday morning gatherings and other formational programming, we help children and their families grow in Christ.

  • Children’s Worship – Engaging, age-appropriate worship experiences.

  • Sunday School (Nursery through 5th Grade) – Biblical teaching designed for different developmental stages.

  • Discovery Week – A deep dive into faith, combining learning with community (could also fit under "Belonging").

Believing

Catechism & Theological Formation

Launching Easter 2025

To know God is to love God. We seek to pass down the wisdom of the Christian faith to equip children for a lifelong belief in Jesus.

  • Catechism Deck – A hands-on, engaging way to learn core faith teachings.

  • Seasonal Catechism Booklet – Guiding families through key theological themes throughout the year.

  • Additional Resources – Helping families access trusted faith-based materials.

Contact

Have questions or thoughts about our ministry? Want to get involved but don’t know how? Reach out and let us know!

 Brandon Miller | Children’s Ministry Director

Leslie Petree | Children’s Ministry Coordinator