Foothills’ Children’s & Youth Program has been a central focus of our church life for over 60 years. In spring of 2020 we put a hold on our in-person activities due to the COVID pandemic. Our in-person Children’s & Youth Program returned in July 2022 with a hands-on service project focus.
All information in italics below is about the previous version of our program.
Our Sunday Morning Children’s Program runs concurrently with the 10 AM worship service. It has four age groups: Infants and Toddlers, Preschool – 1st grade, 2nd – 5th, and Youth. We focus on learning bible stories and the practices of progressive Christian faith in an environment that celebrates the unique gifts of each child.
Singing is an important part of our school-year program. Children’s Music Director Kristin Burns leads preschool though high-school kids in songs that complement the Children’s Program curricula. The children sing for the congregation on Palm Sunday and in our Christmas Pageant.
Infants and toddlers are cared for before, during, and after Sunday worship in our nursery by trained high school youth and young adults. We have many toys that invite creative play, an assortment of engaging books, and music to inspire singing and dancing. We offer childcare upon request for all church members for all church events.
Children in preschool-5th grade learn through Godly Play, a Montessori-based curriculum that invites children to be a part of the Judeo-Christian story with engaging storytelling, wondering questions, and work of the child’s choosing. We employ teachers trained in Godly Play and in progressive Christian values.
Youth in 6th-12th grade discuss topics of faith, service, and real life using a variety of resources including SpiceRack youth curriculum, carefully chosen music and video clips, and discussion moderated by our dedicated volunteer teachers.
Foothills’ Elementary Choir is for youth in grades K and up who enjoy singing. Rehearsals are on Sundays from 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. in the Choir Room, from the last week of August through mid-May. Director Kristin Burns teaches music reading and singing skills through a variety of songs, games, and exercises. No reading ability or prior musical experience is necessary to join. Each year Elementary Choir sings for the congregation three times.
Youth Activities
Youth are invited to stay for fellowship after the service to enjoy a Youth Fellowship program that runs until 1:00. Youth Fellowship focuses on helping our youth express their own values and equipping them to enact their values in the world. An important component in this program is service. We provide service both to the Foothills Congregational Church community and to the wider community by hosting events throughout the year and going on an annual Service Trip. Healthy snacks are provided.
Youth in 8th grade or higher are invited to participate in our mentor-based confirmation program. Youth partner with a church member to look at questions like, “Why would anyone participate in religion?” “Why Jesus?” At the end of the process each confirmand writes a brief statement of faith. Confirmation is required for anyone wanting to join the church as a youth, although joining the church is not the goal of confirmation. The goal is to be able to answer, “What do I believe and what difference does it make in my life?”
Children and Youth are invited to participate with their families in our Family Potlucks.
Annual Family Events
Here are some of Foothills’ youth and family-oriented activities:
- Mid-Winter Camp
- College Care Packages
- PNO/KPN (Parent’s Night Out)
- Feb Camp
- Service Trip Dinner and Auction
- Summer Service Trip
- Palm Sunday Processional
- Easter Egg Hunt
- Halloween Party
- Advent Event and Los Altos Parade of Lights
- Operation Care and Comfort Candy Collection
- Christmas Pageant
- Family Potluck