Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me..."
Matthew 19:14
Children's Music Opportunity
Children and Youth ages 5 and over are encourage to be part of our music program and sing monthly as part of our Pop-up Choir and to do small ensembles at worship. The Choir is under the direction of Graham Jackson, our music leader at worship and a professional teacher of music and theater here in Southern California. We meet after worship at 11:15am to practice and learn.
Sunday School
Vacation Bible School
VBS - Summer 2025
Children are invited on a 2.5 hour journey each day for a week to explore stories and themes of the Bible and them share what they learned in song and presentations on Sunday at the 10am Worship. The next VBS is June 23-27 and June 29th. Our theme is True North. We will have 4 stations - Bible Story, Games, Crafts and Imagination (science experiments) plus Snack time. We begin with an exciting opening of music, dance, video and introducing the day's theme led by Pastor Jim and our Music leaders. Sign up for this summer's VBS using the QR below or this link:
https://stmarkslutheranchur.subspla.sh/5sdzc43
Sunday School - 10:15 to 11:00 am
Children ages 3 - 11 start in the Worship at 10am and then leave after the Children's sermon to learn, grow, bond and have fun in the Christian faith. They meet on the patio outside the classrooms and church office. On colder or hotter days they will meet indoors.
Faith Stepping Stones...SML
Faith Stepping Stones is a family ministry program that recognizes critical faith development stages in a child's life. It provides faith-based education from baptism to graduation through a series of faith stepping stones. At these critical stages, we, as the body of Christ, come alongside parents to offer teaching, support and encouragement for them and their children
What is Worship All About?
This stepping stone is a two-week course that focuses on what worship is, how we do worship, explore a worship service and participate in it, learn the seasons and colors of the Church year and more. Classes will be next be held in the Winter of 2026 and the participants will help assist in worship on one of the Sundays
How to Pray
This Stepping stone is a two-week course that actually helps any age learn different ways you can pray, some fun ideas to help suggest things to pray about, and to share about how prayer is a powerful way to talk with God. The next classes with be in July.
My Bible (Grade 3+)
This stepping stone is a three-week course that helps children and adults learn how Bible basic such understanding books, chapters and verses and how to look them up and will also help them feel comfortable actually using a Bible for reading, devotion and study. Those who complete this course will receive a new Bible that will have highlighted scriptures from every book of the Bible. Classes will be in September and a Blessing and Receiving of Bibles will take place at worship.
First Communion (Grades 3+)
THIS TWO-WEEK COURSE HELPS CHILDREN UNDERSTAND WHAT HOLY COMMUNION IS ALL ABOUT AND WHY IT IS SIGNIFICANT WHEN YOU RECEIVE IT . IT WILL ALSO REVIEW THE HOLY COMMUNION WORSHIP AND HELP THE STUDENTS UNDERSTAND IT’S DIFFERENT PARTS AND HOW IT ALL WORKS, INCLUDING TASTE OF THE BREAD AND WINE/JUICE. THERE IS EVEN AN OPTION TO MAKE COMMUNION BREAD. THOSE WHO COMPLETE THIS COURSE CAN PARTICIPATE IN OUR SPECIAL FIRST COMMUNION WORSHIP EVENT. THE CLASSES WOULD BE MARCH30 AND APRIL 6 AT 11:15AM. ON APRIL 26 AT 10:00AM WE WILL MAKE THE COMMUNION BREAD (Optional). FIRST COMMUNION is on April 27, 2025 AT WORSHIP