Kids Ministry
EARLY CHILDHOOD MINISTRY
Our Early Childhood Ministry provides a safe, loving, and engaging environment for children from infancy through age 4. With age-appropriate activities, Bible stories, and hands-on learning, we help lay a strong foundation for faith in our youngest ones. This ministry operates year-round to support families during worship and learning times. For more information or to get involved, contact Anna at 507-720-4137. Early childhood ministry options include:
NURSERY
Care for infants through age 3 during the entire worship service...
PRESCHOOL
Ages 3–4 with Bible stories, activities, and structured play...
SUNDAY SCHOOL CARE
Care for infants–age 4 during adult Sunday School...
KIDS MINISTRY
Our Kids Ministry is designed to help children grow in their faith, engage with God’s Word, and build meaningful relationships in a fun and interactive environment. Through age-appropriate lessons, activities, and worship, we guide kids to see how the Bible points to God’s plan to save us through Jesus. For more information or to get involved, contact Katie at 715-977-1444. Kids ministry options include:
KIDS CLUB
Weekly program for K–5th graders with worship and hands-on Bible lessons...
VBS
A high-energy week of stories, crafts, music, and fun with friends...
SUMMER CAMP
Faith-building adventure with worship, teaching, and exciting activities...
Engaging Kids in Worship
Jesus said in Mark 9:37, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.” At Prairieview Covenant Church, we intentionally welcome the next generation into worship with us. We believe that children are not just the church of tomorrow; they are also the church of today. Their presence matters as the body of Christ gathers. Their precious voices give testimony to the goodness of our God, and the Holy Spirit equips them for building the Kingdom of God among us. Thus, our kids belong in worship.
At the same time, we believe that God has given us, as adults, the responsibility of passing on our faith to the next generation (Deut 6:6-9, Ps 78:5-8, Eph 6:4). During infant baptisms, dedications, and confirmation services, our entire congregation promises to guide and nurture children in knowing and following Christ. It is our desire at Prairieview to see every child who walks through our doors become a fully devoted follower of Jesus with a faith that sticks beyond high school.
This happens when we (adults) are intentional about including younger generations in worship. It happens when we model faith through both good and difficult times. It happens when children witness us singing, studying, and discussing the truths of God's Word together. Kids learn to worship by worshiping with us, and our whole church community is truly blessed by their presence.
As we welcome children into worship, we also want to create a safe and respectful space for everyone. This means encouraging children to engage meaningfully in the service while being mindful of others. Let’s work together to guide our kids in learning how to worship alongside us. To help create a peaceful and engaging environment for everyone, especially elderly members and those carrying infants, we encourage the following options:
(1) Family Area in the Lobby — This designated area with couches provides space for families to view the service while tending to busy or crying children. There are extra activities, toys, and puzzles available in this space.
(2) “Quiet Play Time” — We invite families to use the phrase, "It's quiet play time," when the service starts and through the closing song. This shared language helps kids understand that worship is a special time. Let’s also celebrate and encourage children when they engage well in quiet play, reinforcing this positive behavior.
(3) Activity Bags — Available near the sound booth are activity bags for kids that contain quiet toys, coloring pages, and books to help kids stay engaged in quiet play during the service.
(4) Sitting With Others for Support — Parenting isn’t always easy, and we can support one another in raising our kids. Consider sitting with another family or church member who can help foster quiet play and model engagement in worship. If you need help making this connection, please reach out to Pastor Mike.
(5) Kids in Volunteer Roles — We encourage children to participate in serving alongside a trusted adult. If your child is interested in helping, please reach out to Pastor Mike.
(6) Children Leading Worship — At various times, children lead portions of our service, whether through kids’ choir, skits, or scripture reading. This is typically coordinated through our Kids Club program.
If you have any ideas, questions, or would like additional support, we’d love to hear from you. Thank you for partnering with us to create a space where all generations can worship, connect, and grow together. We are grateful for you and the joy your children bring to our church family!
Kids & Communion
At Prairieview, everyone who trusts in Jesus as Lord and Savior is welcome to participate fully in communion, which includes children. So we let parents discern when their children are old enough and ready to come forward to participate in communion. This section is intended to provide a guide for parents to explore with and prepare their children for this sacred meal.
When you are ready to begin this conversation with your child, start by simply asking them what they think communion is about and what it means to them. Affirm those parts they do understand and gently guide them toward a deeper understanding by reading through the information below with them. If you would like more help, feel free to reach out to Pastor Mike!
What is Communion?
Communion, also known as the Lord's Supper, is a special time in the church where we share a meal together. Just like when we gather for a special meal with our families, communion is a special meal with our church family. We do this because Jesus told us to celebrate this meal in remembrance of him (1 Cor 11:23-26).
During communion, you will have the opportunity to come forward to eat a small piece of bread or cracker, which points to Jesus' body that was broken for you. Then we'll drink from a small cup of juice, which reminds us of Jesus' blood that was shed for you. These two items remind us all of Jesus' love for us; that he sacrificed his life and died on the cross to forgive us of our sins. But remember, Jesus came back to life which is what we celebrate on Easter morning! In other words, communion is like a big, yummy reminder of John 3:16, which says, "God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son. Anyone who believes in him will not die but will have eternal life" (NIrV).
At our church, everyone who has accepted Jesus as their Savior and Lord is invited to participate in communion. When we sin, we can ask Jesus to forgive us, and he will remove our sin and help us to turn away from it. And through communion, it's a reminder of this forgiveness, bringing us closer to Jesus and to those we are taking communion with. That’s why communion is not something we rush through. Instead, we will take time to pray and draw close to Jesus before, during, and after we receive the bread and juice.
Have you asked Jesus to forgive you of your sins yet? If not, would you like to pray with me right now to ask Jesus to be your Savior? If so, repeat after me: Dear Jesus… I know that you made me… and want me to obey you… with all my heart… But I also know… that I have disobeyed… and wanted to do life my way... I have thought and done things… that you don’t want me to… and this is sin... I am sorry Jesus... I know that you died… to forgive me from my sins… and let me start over... Help me now… to follow you… with my life… In Jesus’ name we pray… Amen.
If you have asked Jesus to forgive you and believe that he rose again from the dead, then you're invited to come forward and join us for communion too! Each time you're about to take communion, take a moment to look up at the cross in our Sanctuary and say, “Thank you Jesus for dying for me.” This is a great reminder about why we are participating in communion.
Kids & Baptism
The Evangelical Covenant Church celebrates baptism as a sacred sacrament for people of all ages; whether they be adults, youth, children, and infants. In addition, we also offer the option for parents to pursue child dedication in place of infant baptism. We give parents the freedom to prayerfully discern which path is best for their family. If you are interested in learning more about baptizing or dedicating your child, fill out the form linked below.