Children & Teen Ministries
Holy Innocents is a vibrant, welcoming community in the heart of Noe Valley, and provides a space for families of every configuration to grow together in their spirituality.
We believe that children’s spirituality can be just as profound and enriching as grown-up worship, and lays the ground work for a life of kindness, confidence and joy.
Godly Play
God is huge, bigger than we can possibly grasp – this is the foundational premise of Godly Play. Instead of teaching our children easy answers and telling them not to question, we encourage them to explore their faith through stories, wonder, and play. Godly Play teaches Christianity in a way that enhances a child’s authentic experience of God.
Godly Play I is for children aged 3-6 years old, and Godly Play II is for children aged 6-10 years old. It takes place every Sunday between our services, from 10-11am, except for the last Sunday of the month, when there is a single service and no Godly Play.
Youth Group
The Youth Group is a spiritual formation group for youth aged 11-15 years old. It is a combination of social events, learning opportunities, community service, and spiritual growth. We meet most Sundays for spiritual reflection between services, from 10-11am, except for the last Sunday of the month, when there is a combined service. Each year they have a theme and we use creative approaches to explore the theme and to deepen our spirituality together.
Parent’s Night Off
Periodically, we offer babysitting at the church on Friday night to allow a well-deserved break to parents in our community. Dinner and entertainment is provided. Watch the newsletter for the next date.
Youth Choir
Twice a year, our musical director and a soloist from our choir lead the Children’s Sermons for an entire month, preparing the children to sing an anthem in the 9 am service. These lessons prepare the Youth Choir through a combination of music, art, and storytelling. The children’s anthems are always an exciting and meaningful experience for the whole community.
Children’s Sermons
At our 9am Service, during the sermon, the children are invited to come downstairs for a special sermon of their own. Members of the Holy Innocents community lead the sermons and they are often interactive and hands-on. This gives kids a chance to stretch their legs and hear a message specially crafted for them. This is particularly helpful for the children who are not yet old enough for Godly Play.
Birthdays
The week of their birthday, each child (and most adults!) are celebrated with our own special birthday song, and a special birthday prayer said by the entire congregation. We hope that each child, on their birthday and every week, feels loved and celebrated by their church family.
For more information about the children and family ministry at Holy Innocents, contact our office.