"One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts." -Psalm 145:4
Old Orchard Church is committed to serving our young people and their families from the time they are born to the time they graduate high school or college, helping them find their place in the world. Our goal is to come alongside parents in the nurture of their children, serving as both support and guide, and to help children of all ages build and maintain good spiritual foundations for their lives. We also hope to create a safe space where their honest questions will be taken seriously.
Email Joseph McDaniels, Director of Ministries to Families and Youth
Sunday School
Sunday School classes for all ages take place from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. before the weekly service and cover a variety of topics. Visit the Sunday School page for a list of classes, topics, teachers, and locations. Limited nursery provided.
Click here for more information. (Under construction.)
Nursery
A loving and structured infant nursery is offered for children from birth through 35 months during the worship service, and also during Sunday School (on a limited basis). A pre-school nursery with Bible teaching and fun activities is offered for children aged three through Kindergarten. Our nurseries are located downstairs in the church building.
Click here for more information. (Under construction.)
Children's Worship
It's hard for children of young ages to pay attention, especially when they don't know what's going on. Children's Worship aims to instruct our children in the basic structure, flow, and meaning of Sunday morning worship. At the start of the sermon, grades 1-5 are led by volunteers across the street at Milligan House for a 30-minute lesson tailored to their age-range. Children's Worship takes place most Sundays during the school year. (Children are always welcome to stay in the church's regular worship service.)
Click here to learn more. (Under construction.)
Summer Narnia (VBS)
Each summer we offer a five-day Summer Children's Program (think Vacation Bible School) based on C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia. "Summer Narnia," as we call it, is for children aged four through grade six and includes Bible stories, games, crafts, and snacks. All are welcome.
Click here to learn more. (Under construction.)
Recommended Resource
Each month, our Director of Ministries to Families and Youth recommends one resource which in the course of his reading he found might be helpful to parents and families.
Click here to learn more.
Youth Ministry
Middle and High School years come with unique challenges. That's why we've set aside Sunday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. for young people (7th grade through 12th grade) to gather together for worship, small groups, Bible teaching, games and snacks. This group is led by Joseph McDaniels and a team of adult volunteers, including Rachel McDaniels, Matt Philip, and Peter Barrs.
Click here to learn more.
Parenting Podcasts
These are short (5-6 min) messages designed to keep parents in the loop about what we're discussing in Youth Group on Sunday nights, but the messages are for everyone. Each week, we ask, What does the gospel have to do with _______? Whether its family or stress or school or whatever, there's always more to talk about than what can be said on a Sunday night. Parents are encouraged to listen to the short podcasts each week and pick up the conversation where we left off.
Click here to learn more.