Family Ministries
Every Monday and Tuesday, 9:15-11:15 a.m., parents of little ones ages toddler-PreK have the chance to drop off their young children for a minimal charge and have two hours to themselves. We are now taking sign-ups for January through May. Email Katie Brusselback to register, kbrusselback@yahoo.com. Space is limited.
What Family Ministries Does
The Family Ministries Committee has several responsibilities:
*To minister to and be the advocates for children from birth to kindergarten age, as well as to their parents. Beginning with a visit by West Side's Associate Pastor for Family Ministries with a cradle cross for the newborn's crib, this Committee is active in developing fun and educational programs for young children. Activities during the year include the Pumpkin Party, Christmas Craft Time, Maundy Thursday Family Dinner, and Easter Egg Hunt.
*To arrange child care for church functions, including weekday and evening meetings and during Sunday worship, and to ensure that the rooms used by these children are adequately equipped and safe.
*To oversee the operation of the Church School on Sunday mornings. This ministry includes recruitment of teachers for both Church School hours, selection of curriculum, ordering classroom supplies, and maintaining attendance records.
*To coordinate special mission programs, such as the Thanksgiving Basket collection and the Wish Tree during Advent.
Cradle Cross Program: Each newborn child in the congregation is visited by the minister of Christian education and youth, who brings a packet of materials including an oak cradle cross, baby calendar, book on communion and baptism, and information about West Side's programs. Celebrating the birth of our children is a joyous occasion for all of us.
Childcare:
Childcare for infants and toddlers is available from 8:30 a.m. until 12:15 p.m.
each Sunday morning.
The "Crib 'n Crawler" room is on the second floor of the Christian Education building. Childcare is provided free for most church events, including Sunday and all daytime classes and events. An item marked with a single asterisk on the calendar indicates free child care.
Babysitting Service
The church maintains a list of middle school and high school young people who are interested in doing babysitting for hire. The list includes their town, grade, and qualifications. This is for West Side and West Side Nursery School families only. Contact the church office for more information.
The ABC's of West Side
West Side member Susan Gardner has produced an ABC book about the church, entitled "W Is for West Side." Although it's targeted towards younger members of the congregation, it's entertaining and informative for adults as well. For each letter of the alphabet, there are photos of locations and items around West Side, plus a Bible verse. The book costs $45 and makes a wonderful gift for family members, and friends (remember that Easter, confirmation, and graduation are all coming up!). There are at least 26 good reasons to own a copy of "W Is for West Side." The 27th? All proceeds benefit the church.