Children and Youth Groups at Hillcrest

Our church is a wonderful faith community for people of all ages to come together and grow in relationship with God and each other.  We are a loving and supportive child and family friendly community. If you are searching for a church for you and your kids we would encourage you to join us.  Both our children’s and youth programs offer a wide range of activities and you are invited to be part of it!  Listed below is some information about our programs.  Come join us!

Church School  A K-5 children's (ages 12 and under) class and youth group (ages 13+) class is offered during the 10:30 worship service in Room 14.  Our classes educate young people about the Christian faith in a flexible, tolerant learning environment.  On the first Sundays of each month, we invite you to bring your children directly to church school just before the 10:30 worship service.  On every other Sundays children are invited to come and participate in the 10:30 worship service before leaving for church school.     

Godly Play  An innovative Christian education program used in church school during the 10:30 worship service that incorporates storytelling, expressive art and creative play to help children discover the wonder of God, community, and personal meaning.

Family Potluck  Once a month, the young families of our church come together for a time of good food and fellowship following the 10:30 worship service.

Youth Group  Gathering twice a month, this group engages in service for the chuch and community, as well as in a variety of spiritual and social activities that help young people to explore their faith.

Childcare  Provided during the worship services and for selected special events and meetings.

Children's Church School Schedule

Godly Play
During our Godly Play program children are first greeted warmly at the door by a doorkeeper where they:
* Join other children in a circle
* Spend a few minutes in silent prayer
* Hear one of the master stories of Judeo/Christian tradition with props designed to capture their imagination
* Are encouraged to question and wonder about the story in words, expressive art, and play with the props.
* Participate in a small feast (usually pretzels and juice) where they pray for themselves and others.
* Receive a blessing and are released to have fun on the play structure.

Godly Play Story Schedule
07/12 - The Story of Ruth and Naomi
07/19 - The Story of Samuel 

Children's and Youth Group Activities

Youth Group 

June
June 28 - 11:00-2:00pm. The Youth Group will host a party for the families of the Interfaith Housing Project, a housing community for formerly homeless families.  The party will include a barbeque and fun games for the whole family.

Janice Wood, Director of Religious Education, has a Master of Theological Studies from the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley and a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology, History and Political Science.  Previously she served as Dean of Education at Western Career College and as an Instructor of Religious Education at Bishop O'Dowd High School. Janice has also been an instructor for Art and Meditation workshops, and has recruited and managed volunteer staffing for both a Senior Services Foundation and a Women's Daytime Drop-in Center.  Janice has been instrumental in introducing the Godly Play curriculum and brings to us her enthusiasm, dedication and warm heart for the children and youth of our church. 

UPGRADED CHILDREN'S PLAYGROUND

Our upgraded children's playground is a wooden play structure with a slide that offers lots of creative play possibilities for all kids - young and old, big and small.  This playground was remodeled to help meet the needs of young families at our church.