Safety, Connection, Fun, & Jesus
At Christ Church Vienna, we want to show kids of all ages the love of God and help them learn to trust Jesus Christ. We want our church family to be a safe place of connection to other kids and adults, and for children to grow up with great memories of their time in church. We take the protection of children seriously, and all leaders and volunteers who work with kids are certified and must pass a background check.
In our Kids Classes, we aim to engage kids socially, physically and spiritually—the goal is always safety, fun, and connection, all while pointing to Jesus.
Sunday Service
Kids begin the Sunday service with their parents in the auditorium, participating in opening prayers, songs, and Scripture readings. Before the sermon, kids are dismissed to classes with their teachers (parents or guardians may escort their children if they desire). The kids return after the prayers, around the time of the announcements, so they can participate in the communion liturgy and come forward to receive Communion or to be prayed for (parents decide).
Kids Classes
During the sermon and prayers, we offer a nursery for infants and toddlers, and classes for kids. Kids are divided into three groups: Pre-K (3-5 year olds), Kindergarten-2nd Grade, and 3rd-5th Grade.
NURSERY: Infants & Toddlers
We offer a Nursery room for toddlers that is open during the sermon and prayers. Parents can check their child in when the older children are dismissed. This room is always available so parents can consistently participate in worship. Note that as per our Safeguarding policy, parents are required to change diapers.
KIDS’ GROUPS: Pre-K to 5th Grade
For the K-5th Grade groups, a portion of their class time is spent in the gym with an icebreaker activity and games, and the other is spent in the classroom for a Bible lesson. Our curriculum is an adapted form of Godly Play, which uses a Montessori style to engage children in the stories of the Bible. The teacher may ask if kids want to share prayer requests, and any extra time allows for play and crafts. Our Pre-K kids have a short Bible story and a snack (graham crackers), along with time to play.
Questions, Special Needs, and Accommodations
We want to facilitate your child’s understanding of the gospel and we also believe it is first the responsibility of parents to raise their children in the love of Jesus Christ. If there is a way we can help support your ministry to your kids, please let us know.
If your child has any special needs or requires accommodations, please reach out. We would love to support your kid’s participation at CCV.
For all questions related to Kids Ministry, including curriculum, when a child moves up to a different class, safety policies, special needs and accommodations, etc. please contact Christy Blanchard at [email protected]
Safeguarding: Child Protection at CCV
Christ Church Vienna highly values the safety of its children. Volunteer leaders and staff are required to comply with the Child Protection Policy of the Diocese of the Mid Atlantic.
For a summary of the Top 5 ways we keep Kids Safe at CCV, click here.
Before working with kids or students, all volunteers must be certified and are required to:
- Submit an application with references
- Pass a background check
- Complete an Interview
- Attend a Safeguarding seminar
For more information on Christ Church Vienna’s Safeguarding Children & Adults policy, or steps for reporting any observed or suspected abuse, visit our Safeguarding page.