Discovering the wonder of God
At Oceanside Sanctuary Church, our children, youth, and family ministries are vibrant expressions of our inclusive Christian spirituality. Rooted in our vision and mission to foster love, peace, and justice, our programs provide inspiring and impactful opportunities for growth and connection for all ages. We aim to nurture and empower our young ones to embody these values in their relationships, communities, and the world at large.
Our hope is to come alongside children in cultivating spiritual lives for themselves, rooted in the love and teachings of Jesus Christ. We aim to fill their lives with formational stories that inspire them to think critically, empathize with others, and marvel at the wonders of God's creation.
sundays: what to expect
Each and every Sunday, we offer care and spiritual formation for children ages 0-12.
Families may check in their kids upon arrival to the sanctuary or pre-check in to have their tags ready for them when they arrive.
The nursery (ages 0-2) is available throughout the service, and kids 3 and up enjoy prayers, music, and communion in the sanctuary before they are dismissed to kids classrooms. During this time, kids will participate in a special story time, followed by a variety of age-appropriate activities which include games, crafts, movement, and snacks.
We also have a small group of middle schoolers who meet in the upstairs youth room every other Sunday for games, discussion, art projects, and snacks.
children & youth program information
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Sunday Mornings with babies & toddlers
Our babies and toddlers are welcome in our OSC nursery each and every Sunday with our trained and background-checked volunteers and teachers. Some of our tots prefer to stay in the nursery for the entirety of the service, and others opt to head to the nursery after the rest of our kids are dismissed. We encourage families to do what is best for them!
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During our Sunday Gathering, we provide play-based learning opportunities for kids that honor their spiritual lives and natural senses of awe. Leaders guide children through engaging experiences, spiritual practices, and opportunities for reflection, giving them a safe space to ask big questions that help them understand God's great love for them.
We are currently utilizing Meredith Miller’s year-long “Great Big Bible Story Walkthrough” curriculum to guide our Sunday gathering time with children. Each week, explore a bible story together in a way that encourages kids to anchor themselves to the essence of God while exploring the depths of faith through rich experiences and heartfelt inquiry. Our goal is to partner with kids and families to cultivate spiritualities that endure life's complexities and is rooted in genuine love.
Upcoming Sunday Kids Themes:
February 23rd: Holding tight to Jesus isn’t Foolish ❤️
March 2nd: John the Baptist 🪳 🍯
March 9th: Jesus is Baptized 💦
March 16th: Jesus in the Wilderness 🏜️
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Sunday Mornings with Middle Schoolers
Our middle schoolers meet twice a month during our Sunday gathering for games, snacks, and discussion. This year, students are working through the “Deeper Questions” Curriculum. Each week features engaging discussions, interactive activities, and tools to help teens deepen their understanding of Scripture and their faith. You can learn more here.
Upcoming Sundays:
February 23rd: Special Service Project
March 2nd: No upstairs gathering
March 9th: Can we take the Bible literally?
March 16: No upstairs gathering
March 23: No upstairs gathering
March 30th: Is God a man?
On Sundays that we aren’t upstairs, middle schoolers are invited to worship alongside the adults during our Sunday Gathering.
Other Programs & Events
Outside of Sundays, we also meet once-a-month for a special event, activity, or service project. Check our church calendar to stay the most up-to-date!
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Sunday Mornings with High Schoolers
During our Sunday Gathering, some high schoolers opt to worship with the adults in the sanctuary, and some regularly volunteer with our kids programs. Contact our Family Minister, Claire, if you are a high schooler interested in volunteering on Sundays.
Other Programs & Events
High schoolers have regular opportunities for engagement with our youth program, wider congregation, and community. Check our church calendar for upcoming events!
Keeping Our Kids Safe Together
We love having your children as part of our kids' programs! Before drop-off and after pick-up, we kindly ask that parents and guardians keep an eye on their children, ensuring they stay within reach and aren’t running around unattended. This helps us create a safe and welcoming space for everyone. Thanks for partnering with us in caring for our community!
upcoming children, youth, & family events
the family co-op: volunteering with kids
Our OSC family ministries would not be possible without this group of teachers and volunteers! The Family Co-Op is a collective of parents, volunteers, early childhood professionals, and local university service-learning students who contribute their time and resources to the spiritual formation and flourishing of our kids ages 0-12, especially during our Sunday Gathering time.
We ask that all parents of children at OSC bring a snack or lend a hand in the classrooms on a monthly basis. Other congregation members are invited to volunteer as well. All teachers and volunteers must pass a background check and undergo training before volunteering with children.
Contact our Family Minister, Claire, to get connected with the Family Co-Op!