In addition to our Sunday AM programs, we are always looking for ways to create special experiences and projects for our younger members. With so much going on, parents and caregivers may find it helpful to sign up for our kids & youth newsletter.
Dramas and Pageants
Our young people help bring sacred story to life in playful yet reverent ways.
We love a traditional Christmas and Easter pageant, and throughout the year, our young people assist our clergy and musicians as we bring sacred stories to life: leading a donkey on Palm Sunday, or a camel alongside the Magi as they bring gifts to the Christ Child. On Good Friday, children and teens have a number of roles in the church’s drama. Sound effects, props and sets… we are always dreaming up new ways for children to help us be whimsical and enter with joy and wonder into the stories of our faith.
Special Holiday Programs
On All Saints’ Day and Ash Wednesday, children are encouraged to swap their regular school in favour of attending a full-day faith formation program that explores the story, history, and traditions of the Christian Church. Children enjoy activities, stories, and music as we worship together.
Seasonal Parties
Kids at Redeemer get front-row seats for the Santa Claus parade, sometimes following an Advent- and Christmas-themed party. For Halloween, kids and youth are welcome to wear their costume to church and celebrate with a party. We often begin and close our program year with parties, as an opportunity to get to know one another better and to thank our leaders.
Our annual Mardi Gras celebration is also a family-friendly event. When it’s helpful, we offer child-care at parish events, so that families with small children can take part.
Leading Worship
Through their enthusiasm and their capacity to enter into mystery, children are gifted leaders of worship. In Lent, children often set our altar using a song and their very own communion vessels. Children lead us in song and in prayer throughout the church year. Sometimes, they even help the preacher reflect on sacred scripture! Older children and teens are also invited to become part of our altar server and reader teams, and participate in worship in whatever ways they dream up.
Service-Learning Trips
One of the ways we encourage our youth to explore our common faith is to support, financially and otherwise, acts of service and learning. Over the years, our youth have travelled to different parts of Canada and abroad to forge relationships and take part in social justice initiatives. Reconciliation with Indigenous Canadians has been a focus for the past few years. We have travelled to Curve Lake First Nation in Ontario, and we’ve entered into an exchange program with the Nacho Nyak Dun First Nation in the Yukon. These trips are an opportunity to explore regional differences, build relationships, serve one another, and develop leadership and social skills.
