Children

Hiland is dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming environment for children as they learn and grow in faith. We offer many opportunities for kids to learn about God’s ultimate love such as Children and Worship, Sunday school, the Easter Egg Hunt, the Fall Festival, Vacation Bible School, and the annual Children’s Christmas program. For the family, we offer events such as movie night, the Mother/Child Tea, and the Father/Child Breakfast. To learn more about specific future activities, contact Linda Davis, Director of Children’s Ministries.

Looking for ways to serve? Contact Linda Davis (412-364-9000). There are opportunities in Children’s Ministry. Please pray that God would lead you to serve in ways that would use your gifts and talents wisely.

 

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES

SPLASH: JESUS THE LIVING WATER – BEGINNING FEBRUARY 17TH – Have you ever been so thirsty you just could not wait to get a drink of water? Remember how wonderful it feels to drink cold water or to jump into a pool or run through a sprinkler on a hot day? 

During this Lenten series, we will talk about what it means to quench our deepest thirst. It is the best drink of all because it is the water that Jesus gives. The Living Water cleanses and restores us through the gift of eternal life. Jesus said, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” (John 7:37-38)

 The stories highlight the importance of baptism, repentance and renewal. They emphasize the joyful message that God is with us through Jesus Christ. In each story, there will be evidence of Jesus, the one who gives us the Living Water of eternal life.

 THE FIVE STORIES: The Baptism of Jesus; The Woman at the Well; Jesus Calming the Storm; Jesus Washing the Disciples’ Feet; The Death and Resurrection of Jesus

 This is a six-week Lenten series for kids four-years old through fifth grade. Beginning Wednesday, February 17th at 5:30 p.m., we will gather in Fellowship Hall for a family meal to learn about the program. Each Wednesday following that (February 24th – March 24th) children will meet from 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. for the program and then have a light meal so that children attending cherub choir can be ready to go at 6 p.m. The program will consist of Bible study, recreation, crafts, music and worship. There is no cost for the program. 

 

HILAND KIDS PLAY DATE – MARCH 13TH. Enjoy great fellowship time from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. for Hiland families with young children (age 10 and under). Join us for some adult fellowship while the children bounce off some energy in an inflated bounce house!!!  Pack your own lunch, snacks and drinks!!!  RSVP welcomed but not necessary to Val Brown at vjb.brown@gmail.com.

 

CONSIGNMENT SALE SIGN-UP – There are still vendor spots available for the Preschool Spring Consignment Sale. Stop by the church office to sign up. Click here to LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CONSIGNMENT SALE. CHILDREN’S CLOTHING AND TOY SALE – SATURDAY, MARCH 20, 9 A.M. – 3 P.M. Red Tag Sale starts at 1 p.m. 25-50% off. This bi-annual fundraiser for the Preschool has grown to fill three of the biggest spaces our campus has and takes four days to set up.  With over 100 vendors, you are sure to find everything your little one needs for the spring and summer seasons.  Sale items consist of Newborn – size 12 gently-used clothing, baby equipment, and toys, all reasonably priced.

 

SPIRITUAL WALK – APRIL 1ST AND 2ND. The Spiritual Walk will be available during Holy week again this year. This multi-sensory “walk” will allow you to experience the sight, sound, smell & taste of being in close communion with God. It is a peaceful setting that will prepare your heart, mind and spirit for the message of Holy Week. It will be set up in the Library before and after Maundy Thursday Worship from 5-7 p.m. and 8:30-9:30 p.m. and on Good Friday from 12-3 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. The walk takes about 20 minutes. It is a wonderful experience for individuals and families. (Parents will need to help younger children experience this quiet, reflective activity.)

 

REGULAR ACTIVITIES

Sunday School: 

• Ages 3-5:  Gospel Light Preschool Curriculum
• 1st-3rd Grade:  We Believe (PCUSA) Curriculum
• 4th-5th Grade:  Route 52 Grow through the Bible Curriculum

 

Kids’ Worship:

Children and Worship after the Children’s Sermon during Sunday Worship (September – May).  Children (*3 years old – 2nd grade) are excused after the children’s sermon to attend Children and Worship, a multi-sensory approach to telling the stories of the Bible. They share prayer time, sing and respond to the story they hear by drawing and creating pictures. Once a month they have a “feast” as the church family celebrates Communion. (*3 year olds must currently be in a 3-year old preschool program)

Summer Sunday School after the Children’s Sermon during Sunday Worship (June – August). Children (4 years old – 2nd grade) are excused after the children’s sermon to attend Summer Sunday School. This is a less formal format than Children and Worship that incorporates a Bible story, craft, snack and music. Children may be out on the playground (weather permitting) but for the most part will be in the Sanctuary building.

 

Music Ministries for Kids:

Cherub Choir – A music ministry for children 3 years old through sixth grade.  Rehearsals are for a short period of 30 minutes and will be on alternate Wednesday evenings at 6:00 p.m. from September through May. The children will rehearse chimes on non-choir Wednesdays. Contact Jim Grapes at 412-302-0080 for more details.

 

 

ANNUAL ACTIVITES

Easter Egg Hunt – The Saturday before Easter, Hiland kids enjoy a fun morning of kid-centered entertainment followed by a Easter egg hunt that spreads across the entire campus.

 

Vacation Bible School (VBS) – Kids play, learn, create, and sing around a God-centered theme Monday – Thursday of this one week in June and then show their families what they’ve learned during a closing program on Friday night. A new theme is presented each year.

 

Fall Festival - Children can dress up in their favorite costumes for this halloween-alternative event filled with fun, candy, and games for kids of all ages.

 

Children’s Christmas Program – Hiland kids present the Christmas story during worship on the 3rd Sunday of Advent. It’s a wonderful time for all the kids and for the congregation who are blessed by the presentation. A new program is presented each year.