"There really are places in the heart you don't even know exist until you love a child."
– Anne Lamott, Operating Instructions
Cross of Grace utilizes a comprehensive abuse prevention and recognition program called Safe Sanctuaries. All volunteers (including high school youth) working with children, youth, and vulnerable adults are required to be screened, trained, and sign a covenant.
Click here to download our Safe Sanctuaries policy and covenant.
SAFE SANCTUARIES
THE PRAYGROUND
Everyone knows little kids can be loud and wiggly. Being loud and wiggly in worship during worship is absolutely fine! You may pick up a worship activity bag at the main entrance to the sanctuary if your child needs something to explore during the service. Also, children birth through 4 years old are feel free to utilize our “Prayground” – a multi-sensory activity center in the sanctuary, where you can supervise your child as they enjoy a unique experience of worship.
THE BOX
“The Box” is our way of welcoming children – and the Spirit of God through kids – in worship. Each week a child brings “The Box” with a surprise for us to share. The pastor never knows what he’ll find when he looks inside, but trusts God always has something to teach us through the gifts that children bring!
“CAMP AT CHURCH” SUMMER DAY CAMP
Monday, July 8th - Friday, July 12th
Each summer we invite youth entering grades 1–6 to participate in a week of Summer Day Camp right here in New Palestine. College-age camp counselors visit Cross of Grace for the week and lead daily programming from 9am until 4pm Monday through Thursday (Friday's programming ends at noon). Kids experience all the amazing fun and friendship of camp right here in their own community.
ELCA YOUTH GATHERING
July 16–20, 2024
New Orleans, LA
Every three years, thousands of Lutheran youth and adult leaders gather for a multi-day experience of worship, serving, friendship, games, and fun. in 2018, sixteen Partners in Mission from Cross of Grace participated in the ELCA Youth Gathering in Houston, Texas. Check out the video recap below:
GRACE QUEST
(PreK through 5th grade)
Sundays @ 9:45am
Labor Day - Memorial Day
Our Sunday School for the little people is held in age-appropriate classrooms where kids learn, explore, and have fun. Each class begins with a time for singing, prayer, and an introduction to the day's scripture lesson. The Grace Quest lessons match up with the focus scripture from Sunday worship, which helps reinforce the stories and learning points.
Each classroom has at least two leaders in order to maintain an effective leader-student ratio, achieve accountability, and provide volunteer flexibility.
This year our youngest members took on a Lenten project where they got to interview various members of the congregation. Be sure to check out some of the interviews on our YouTube channel.
FAITH FORMATION
(6th, 7th & 8th grades)
Sundays @ 9:45am
Labor Day - Memorial Day
In this three-year journey young people study the Bible, learn about the Church, and grow as Christian disciples in order to prepare them for the beginnings of a lifelong journey of faith. An informational orientation is held in September with a first class/retreat in October. The youth are encouraged to participate in a week-long summer Confirmation Camp at Lake Luther. Upon completion of the program, the youth are "confirmed" during worship in the Spring. Contact Pastor Mark for more details about the Faith Formation program.
YOUTH GROUPS
Youth in grades 6-8 and 9-12 gather regularly to explore scripture, wrestle with difficult issues, and seek to provide emotional and spiritual support. Our goal is to provide a safe and healthy environment for youth to explore their faith, learn about themselves, and bond with peers. We strive to lay a strong Christian foundation for the youth through gatherings and activities that promote acceptance and encourage collaboration.
FIRST COMMUNION INSTRUCTION
A chance for study and fun to let kids know why Holy Communion is a gift for them too! The class is geared toward (but not limited to) 2nd - 4th graders.
The experience culminates in a special First Communion Celebration, usually on Maundy Thursday, in which the youth commune with their family using a personalized chalice they glazed during the class. Other ages are welcome to participate and the class is not meant to be a prerequisite for receiving the sacrament. If you have any questions, please talk with Pastor Cogan.
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM
Our kids have participated in creative, engaging, and fun Christmas programs. Here are videos from some of the previous programs:
LUTHERAN OUTDOOR MINISTRIES
There are three fantastic Lutheran summer camps in Indiana, all under the direction of Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Indiana-Kentucky (LOMIK): Lutheran Hills in Brown County, Lake Luther in Angola, and Lutherwald in Howe. You can register online (or download registrations to mail in) at www.lomik.org.
If your kids aren’t quite ready for time away at camp, or are craving more camp time, be sure to check out our Camp at Church option noted above.
