Welcoming children into the presence of God is a priority at Redeemer Hoboken's morning service. We’re committed to a variety of Gospel-centered programs for children through grades five, led by devoted, trained volunteers with a wide range of teaching experience. The children’s ministry team encourages the church’s youngest members to meet God and worship in an age-appropriate way—through stories, art, music, play and reflection.

Little Lambs (ages 0–24 months)

Adjacent to the worship space, the nursery is a place where babies and toddlers can play under close adult supervision. We understand that it can be a big transition for children to be left in a new environment and we warmly welcome parents to stay in the nursery.

Noah’s Ark (ages 2–3)

Here, children will begin to experience the presence of God in their own world through an engaging program that’s just right for independent two- and three-year olds. They’ll enjoy short Bible lessons from the PCA’s Great Commission Publishing program, as well as songs, crafts, snacks and lots of free play.

Elementary (ages 4*–grade 5)

*Children must be 4 by September of that year.

Redeemer Hoboken has a specialized program for elementary students, which encourages them to meet God and worship in an age-appropriate way. Using the internationally-known Children and Worship curriculum, developed by Christian educators Sonja Stewart and Jerome Berryman, our trained teachers tell Bible stories using wooden figures and felt pieces. Students are then encouraged to respond to the stories by interacting with the teaching materials, reading supplementary books or reflecting through drawing or sculpture.

Elementary Summer Arts Program

During the summer months, talented members of our congregation have led the elementary students in worshipping God through drama, art and music. We’ve been fortunate enough to have had Broadway singers and musicians, professionally-trained painters, and published children’s book author-illustrators—among many others—work with the class in a way that has been enriching and enlightening to both students and teachers alike.

Service

Service is an important focus at Redeemer Hoboken—for children as well as adults. Here are some ways that our youngest members can begin to experience the joy of helping others:

• Little Readers, Feeders, and Prayer Leaders: We welcome young helpers to read stories, distribute the snack and/or lead a prayer in the Noah’s Ark class. This can be the perfect role for older members of the class, as well as for elementary students after their class is finished.
• Junior Greeters: Pairs of elementary students team up together (under the supervision of the adult greeting team) to welcome members and visitors to our morning service. Junior Greeters may also volunteer to help out during special evening events, such as benefit concerts and our annual Christmas potluck dinner.
• Communion Helpers: A wonderful opportunity for communing children to serve the Lord’s Supper to our musicians.

Communion

Redeemer Hoboken does not have an established age at which children start taking communion. Instead, once a child understands the significance behind the Lord’s Supper and what it means to participate, he or she may interview with the church’s elders. Parents should feel free to speak to an elder with any questions they may have, or to discuss the process when they think their child might be ready for communion.