Children’s Learning
Christian Formation for children aged 0-18
Toddler Service
On the first Sunday of every month*, Church of Our Saviour offers a worship service designed for babies, toddlers, and their families. We gather in a circle to sing, dance, pray, hear a Bible story, and receive Communion and/or a blessing. We invite children to bring a can of food to share with the Arlington Food Pantry. Elementary school students are invited to attend Toddler Services as mentors of our youngest children.
The service begins at 8:30 a.m. and lasts 30 minutes. There is time for snacks and socializing afterward.
For more information, contact Rev. Malia Crawford.
*There are no toddler services for either July or August.
Godly Play, ages 3 – elementary school
Godly Play is a Montessori-inspired approach to Christian formation that is about “making meaning through story, wonder, and play, and nurturing spiritual lives by honoring the centrality, competency, and capacity of children.” It encourages children to nurture their relationship with God by inviting them into stories of faith and providing opportunity for wondering, open-ended conversation, and community building. Classes meet once a month on Sunday mornings during church service (10 a.m., Sept.–June).
Elementary School Students are invited to attend Godly Play or Toddler Service (first Sunday of each month) as mentors of our youngest children.
Youth Group, for tweens and teens
Our new Youth Program for those 10 and up offers a mix of different ways of learning how to follow Jesus:
Classroom learning about the bible and the liturgy
Cooking for others
Outreach – connection with local concerns like the Food Pantry.
Social Justice projects
Worship participation planning
Fun and fellowship!
Worship
Once a month we have intergenerational worship, where the language and content are specially geared to children and youth. They are invited to participate in leadership roles such as reading, bringing up the elements, and ushering.
Also, there are family-oriented services on special occasions in the church calendar, including Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and Easter. All are welcome to these services.
Learning Series: Fall 2025
In the coming year, we will be offering a variety of ways to learn and grow, for people of all ages.
Making Time for the Spirit
In September, we will have a 4-class learning series called “Making Time for The Spirit.” These will be brief, 30-minute classes each Sunday after worship. They will be in-person (only).
Teen and Adult Classes to Grow Deeper as a Christian (or prepare for Confirmation)
At some point, we ask ourselves, “In a culture where being religious is a choice, do I want to follow the way of Jesus?” Do I want to make meaning of my life by wrestling with the Biblical stories? Does being part of a Christian community help me live out my values?
There will be one class for adults and another class for teens.
More information
If you have any questions about any of our Children’s Learning programs, please contact the Lay Minister for Christian Formation.