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!

 

Children’s Worship

Children’s Worship aims to lead children into an encounter with God that results in a sense of awe and wonder. This worship engages the imagination as a way of helping children think deeply about God. It is slow-paced in a quiet environment, with self-directed responses and limited guidance. We use a curriculum based on Godly Play that has been adapted and enriched by our Children’s Ministry team.

Sunday School

In Children’s Sunday School, we place children with peers in the same age group and lead them deeper into God’s story in a developmentally appropriate way. During the summer months, this includes a time of worship, story, song, and activities based on the parables of Jesus. For current Sunday School locations and offerings, see our Sunday School page. If you would like to know about our teachers for your child’s age group, contact Brandon or Leslie. 

Safety

All of our Children’s Ministry volunteers have been pre-screened, have received a background check, and have completed an abuse prevention orientation. The Nursery has a strict nametag pick-up policy for all children. All of our classroom doors have windows, and we will always have at least two adults present in each room. No adult will ever be alone with a child in a bathroom. See Blacknall’s full abuse prevention policy.

Contact

We would love to get to know your family better as we invite you into our community.

 Brandon Miller | Children’s Ministry Director

Leslie Petree | Children’s Ministry Coordinator