Nursery
The nursery at Westminster encourages the physical, emotional, and spiritual growth of our youngest congregants. Each Sunday, nursery care for infants and children thru K4 is available during worship and Sunday School. Nurseries are staffed with professional caregivers, assisted by parent volunteers. A typical Sunday in the Nursery might include free play, playground time, stories, snacks, music and lots of time with friends! Parents can check children in at the station in the hallway. All you need to bring is a diaper bag with essentials for your child.
Children's Church
Children’s Church is an age-appropriate worship education offering for children in kindergarten through first grade. Each Sunday at 11:15a, children join their families in the Sanctuary for "big Church." Following the Prayer of Confession and Gloria Patri, children in K5 and 1st Grade are invited to join Children’s Church, where worship is led by a pastor and parent volunteers. During Children’s Church, children will engage in worship through songs, Bible stories, and crafts. Following worship, parents can pick up their children in the Children’s Church Room (near the Library).
It's Elementary
For over 25 years, It’s Elementary has been critical in shaping the faith of our elementary-aged members. Students have delved into the books of the Bible, learned about the Prophets, and traveled through the seasons of the church year. They've encountered God and developed abiding relationships with one another and volunteers!
In 2024-2025, It's Elementary will study the prophets. We’ll learn about the ways God spoke to God’s people throughout history to share important messages through the prophets. Children will grow in faith, deepening their Bible knowledge and theology, Bible skills, worship and arts experiences, and witness and service learning.
Each week, It’s Elementary meets from 2:30 – 4:30p. Children in first through fifth grades gather in grade level groups where congregation volunteers lead a Bible story, offer engaging crafts, and give time for guided recreation.
Registration for It’s Elementary is closed for the 2024-2025 school year. Contact Lauren Slingerland at (864) 232-2424 for more information about joining the waitlist or the program.
Children's Choirs
First Steps in Music
Music is an important way to communicate with young children. First Steps in Music provides important time for parents or grandparents to enjoy music with their child. Led by Diana Dailey, these classes teach simple songs, games, and prayers for 2- and 3-year olds and adults to experience together. Classes are offered on Sunday afternoons during the program year. Watch the Harbinger and e-newsletter for the schedule and registration information.
Grades 4K - 5K
The Cherub Choir, developed for children in K4 and K5, exposes young voices to new sounds and experiences through music. Children sing in special Christmas and end-of-year programs. Cherubs meet on Wednesdays in Room 207 from 3:30-4:00p beginning each October.
Grades 1st - 5th
The Jr. & Sr. Choristers, which aims to teach our children the story of faith through music education, is split into two groups, Junior Choristers (1st and 2nd Grades) and Senior Choristers (3rd, 4th, and 5th Grades). Choirs develop basic music skills through singing, listening, and playing instruments. Both choirs have opportunities to lead the congregation in worship throughout the year. Choristers meet following It's Elementary, from 4:30-5:15p on Wednesdays. You do not have to participate in It's Elementary to be a part of the choir.
Parent volunteers are always needed. Please contact Marlon Hurst for more information.
Vacation Bible School
Rising Kindergarteners - Rising 5th Graders.
June 9 - 13, 2025
Let Waves of wonder wash over you as you get out into God's creation this summer at VBS! Be inspired by the beauty and majesty of what God has made. At Waves of Wonder VBS, children will explore scriptures in which God provides water for plants and animals. They will visit the wilderness and miraculously receive water from a rock. They will take a boat ride with Jesus and weather a wavy storm. They will even imagine a new heaven and a new earth where all are invited to receive life-giving water. Through worship and drama, Bible study, art and science explorations, and active games, children will deepen their understanding of the importance of water and be invited to join God in caring for this precious natural resource.
Mark your calendar for VBS this summer! Registration coming soon.
Basketball
Church basketball is a wonderful way to meet new friends and connect with coaches and other congregations.
Church basketball is open to children and youth ages K5 – 12th grade. The church league is active from the beginning of November until the first of February. Practices vary during the week and games are held on Saturday mornings and Monday evenings. All youth are invited to participate. You must be a member of Westminster to coach a WPC team.
Kid's Library
The Westminster Library offers resources for all stages of life and includes books for early readers and elementary schoolers. To browse our catalog visit here. The Library is open Monday-Friday from 8:30a-5:00p and Sunday mornings during worship.
Child Protection and Safety
We are committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for our children to experience and grow in relationship with God in the life of the church. We have created a Child Protection Policy and will be reviewing and implementing it in the coming months. Our top three safety practices are:
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Two Adult Practice
At least two unrelated adults present in each room or with each group of children or youth.
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Open Door Practice
Volunteers avoid situations where they could be out of sight of others by keeping doors open or using rooms with windows in the doors.
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Required Reporting Practice
Volunteers immediately report any sign of injury or possible abuse to staff supervisor.
**Background Disclosure & Authorization Forms are required for all volunteers.