Over 80 children and youth bless us with their presence at HUCC! We love each one and cherish the exuberance, questions, and insights they bring. We believe that each person carries the light of God’s Spirit, and we are committed to nurturing that light, so that it grows bright and strong and brings hope into our world. Our goal is to assist families in laying a spiritual foundation that will help us all grow closer to God and to one another. Whether your children have never been to church or have been going for years, they and you are welcomed with open arms.
Children in Worship
Children of all ages are welcome in all aspects of our worship. No need to worry about a little noise or movement! We see it as a sign of God’s Spirit at work in our kids as they grow in faith. Children & youth often lead us in lighting candles, reading scripture, offering prayers, collecting offerings, creating a procession for Palm Sunday, sharing their music, and presenting pageants, plays and skits.
Our Youth participate in Sunday Services
Each Sunday, kids come forward for Children’s Time, a special discussion where they share their insights and questions about Christian faith and practice. Those who wish to participate in Church School leave the service following the Passing of the Peace and gather with their own age groups in our fun and engaging classes. Others are welcome to remain with their parents for the duration of the service.
Infants & Toddlers
Nursery care is provided during the worship hour for children age 3 and under in the bright, clean and well equipped nursery behind the sanctuary. Rocking chairs for rocking restless babies are also available in the back of the sanctuary.
Church School
HUCC is blessed with outstanding volunteer teachers and assistants who guide young people in faith formation and Christian practices. Through stories, music, crafts, drama and discussion, kids apply biblical truths to their daily lives. Children and youth are grouped by age, from Pre-K through 12th grade. Classes take place during the second half of the worship hour on Sunday mornings. Our kids love their Church School buddies!
Sunday morning classes
Safe Church
We follow “Safe Church” policies and procedures to keep our community a place where kids’ bodies, minds, hearts and souls are cherished and safe. All teachers, assistants, caregivers and chaperones are background checked and trained in Safe Church practices.
Chimes Choir
Comprised of kids ages 6 and up, the Chimes Choir delights us almost monthly with their wonderful music. They enjoy playing as much as the congregation enjoys listening. Rehearsals are twice a month at 9:30 on Sunday mornings, led by our volunteer director.
The Chimes Choir plays for Sunday worship services
Vacation Bible School
Every July we host a week-long Vacation Bible School that uses a child-friendly theme to make Bible stories and Christian living exciting to learn. It’s hard to tell who has more fun – the kids or the teachers!
Vacation Bible School
Church Camp
For generations, kids and adults from HUCC have attended camp at the Dunkirk Camp and Conference Center on the shores of Lake Erie. Dunkirk offers a variety of youth camps, family camps and adult retreats throughout the year, in a caring and creative environment. For more information, check out www.dunkirkcc.com/ .
HUCC campers at Dunkirk
Youth Program
Our youth group (for middle schoolers and senior highs) combines outings, service projects and spiritual growth experiences, both within our congregation and with other youth groups.
Youth Mission Trip to Washington DC
One of their favorite events is Shantytown, where youth gather on a November weekend and sleep in boxes on our church lawn, both to get a taste of being homeless and to raise money for Habitat for Humanity.
Shanty Town 2015
Youth also attend state-wide, regional and national youth events of the United Church of Christ, where workshops, worship, service projects and social events connect them with the wider church. More info is at www.ucc.org .
NY Conference State Youth Event at Watson Homestead
Confirmation
Our Confirmation Class helps youth ages 13 and up make the transition from childhood to adulthood, as they learn to articulate, claim and live out a faith that is truly theirs. In a year-long program of discussions, retreats, service projects and visits to other faith communities, they examine the teachings of our faith in the context of the wider world. On Confirmation Sunday, those who wish to affirm their baptism share their statement of faith and are received into full membership of the church.To see some of the affirmations they have written click here – HUCC Affirmations of Faith
Confirmation Class Baking Communion Bread
Fun Activities for the Whole Family
Our Church Family Fellowship team plans fun events throughout the year to help build bonds of friendship in a relaxed environment. Past events have included camping, Halloween parties, karaoke night, game night, sledding, baseball & hockey games, picnics and progressive dinners. We also host occasional Family Nights, when we share a meal and hang out together for playtime and discussion at church. Join us – and bring a friend!
Intergenerational Camping at Sampson State Park
Halloween Party 2015
