Children

Children at Augustana

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

We baptize infants and children and provide their parents with parenting materials at that time. Our Cradle Roll program sends monthly newsletters to families with children from birth to age 3.

We have a large, well-equipped nursery for children up to 5 years. Every Sunday during the 8:30 am and 11 am services, the nursery is staffed by caring volunteers, and it provides a safe and nurturing environment

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.

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 and reguarily assist 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” (actually, a miniature pony) and the yearly re-enactment of the Christmas story at our annual ageant approximately 2 weeks before Christmas..

Augustana participates in an annual multi-church vacation Bible school along with Westminster Presbyterian, the Madeline Catholic Parish and Central Lutheran. This program was started in 1994. It take place in June.