Children's Program

Children are the future of the church. We take seriously our responsibility to train up children in Christian principles and equip parents to raise their children in a Christian setting.

We baptize infants and children and provide their parents with parenting materials at their baptism. Our cradle role sends monthly newsletters to families with children from birth to age 3. We are currently sending newsletters to 40 families.

We have a large, well-equipped Nursery for children up to 5 years that is staffed by caring volunteers to provide a safe and nurturing experience for the littlest. The Nursery is open Sunday during the 8:30am and 11:00am services.

Sunday School classes begin when the children are 4 years old and continue through High School. Children are led and educated through music offerings each Sunday, enriching their learning time. Age appropriate Bibles are given to third graders in the fall and all incoming confirmation students receive a study Bible. Sunday School classes are encouraged to think beyond the Augustana classrooms. In 2008 the children and their parents gave a total of $719.84 to the NE Emergency Food Program and a student travel experience to Panama with Amigos de las Americas.

We offer First Communion class for children and their parents each year, instructing them about the meaning and importance of communion and providing a place for them to ask their questions and a hands-on experience of making their own chalice.

Children are an integral part of the worship experience at Augustana, serving as acolytes and assisting with worship. There is also a Children’s Time during each service. The pastor explains the sermon topic in easily understood language with graphic illustrations that allow the children to understand the message and apply it in their own lives. Children are welcome at all of the prayer vigils and special processions that occur during the year. Highlights of the year include the Palm Sunday procession with the “donkey” and the Christmas Pageant.

Augustana participates in the annual Northeast Ecumenical Vacation Bible School along with Westminster Presbyterian, Grace Memorial Episcopal, the Madeline Parish and Central Lutheran. This program has been operating for the past seventeen years.