At Ann Street, we care about living into our mission of creating disciples by the sea and beyond. Actively, we seek to expand our space to be a place where children are welcomed just as they are and are encouraged to grow into who God is creating them to be. Through worship, friendships, creative projects, service and play, we help children discover that they are deeply loved, valued, and important as a church.
Throughout the year, our children's ministries take many forms, from programs like Little Lambs Nursery and seasonal classes, to camps, service projects, and fellowship events. While activities change with the season, our purpose remains the same: to create meaningful opportunities for children to belong and build, by listening to them and their families and getting to know them as our family in Christ.
Whether your family arrives before worship begins or halfway through the first hymn, our Little Lambs Nursery is ready to welcome you. The nursery opens at 9:45 a.m. each Sunday and remains available throughout the morning, so you're welcome to bring your little one whenever the need arises.
Children of all ages are welcome in worship, and our nursery offers a child-centered worship experience where little ones can explore God's love through play, wonder, stories, and caring relationships while remaining part of our shared Sunday morning community.
Our Little Lambs Nursery is staffed by two trained caregivers each Sunday and follows our Safer Sanctuaries policies, including background checks, two-adult supervision, and ongoing safety training. Through play, stories, and loving care, we provide a safe, joyful space for children to experience God's love.
To use the nursery, simply check your child in with one of our caregivers before worship, after the Children's Moment, or anytime during the service. When worship ends, return to the nursery to check your child out.
It's a question we hear from time to time, and the answer is actually pretty simple: We like having children in church.
Children aren't just the future of the Church, they live - and help create - today’s church! The laughter, curiosity, whispered questions, and even the occasional wiggles remind all of us what it means to belong to the family of God, and create worship together.
During service, children are invited to the front of the Sanctuary for our Children's Moment before returning to sit with their families, or moving to the Nursery. We believe these shared experiences help children gradually become familiar with worship, prayer, music, Scripture, and the rhythms of Christian community. They learn not only by being taught, but by participating alongside people of every generation.
Of course, we also know that little ones have different attention spans - and that's part of what keeps things interesting! Families are welcome to use the nursery before, during, or after the Children's Moment. There is no "right" way to worship with young children, and there is never any pressure to stay in one place.
Whether your child spends the whole service in the sanctuary, the whole morning in Little Lambs, or somewhere in between, we're glad you're here!
You'll occasionally find older children and Youth Helpers in Little Lambs, not because they need to be there, but because they choose to be! Some look forward to the joyful energy of the room, while others appreciate the opportunity to encourage younger children through friendship, gentle mentorship, and positive examples. We believe every child has something to receive - and something to offer - as they grow together in the life of the church.