NextGen Ministries
NURSERY
SUNDAYS, 9:00-11:00AM (YEAR ROUND)
Our nursery, located just off of the lobby, is available for infants up to age 3 during the Sunday school hour (for parents wanting to attend a Sunday School class) and during the worship service. Contact Anna at 507-720-4999 for more details or if you can volunteer in the Nursery.
KIDS CLUB
SUNDAYS, 10:00AM (DURING SCHOOL YEAR)
Kids Club is our weekly program for kids in 3K-5th grade. Families start together in the Sanctuary for worship, offering, and even communion. Then from the stage, kids will be dismissed to the lobby to meet with our teachers and head back to the classrooms where kids will learn the big story of the Bible and how they all point to God’s plan to rescue His people through Jesus. This year, we will introduce our Junior Kids Club, having 3K-2nd grade break out for their own group! Students will be brought back to the sanctuary to find their parents during the closing song of the service. Contact Katie at 715-977-1444 for more details or if you can volunteer with Kids Club.
TEEN GIRL’S BIBLE STUDY
1ST & 3RD SUNDAYS, 10:00AM (DURING SCHOOL YEAR)
This is a student led bible study for teen girls (grades 4-8) to explore some key themes of scripture and build friendships with one another. Meets on Sunday mornings. Families start together in the Sanctuary for worship, offering, and even communion. Then, when kids are dismissed for Kids Club, on the 1st and 3rd Sundays participants in this bible study can also head to Meeting Room 2. Bring a bible and be ready to connect and share! Group is led by Annika Bechtold.
TEENS FOR CHRIST
TUESDAYS, 7:00-8:30PM (DURING SCHOOL YEAR)
Teens For Christ is a non-denominational ministry based out of Hudson, WI. They are dedicated to reaching teens with the gospel of Jesus Christ, helping them grow in the Lord, and guiding them as disciples for Jesus. They meet weekly at Prairieview for “Bible Club” which is open to teenagers in 6th-12th grade. Each week is filled with fun games, heartfelt worship, and a powerful message! For more details, visit www.teens4christ.com. Group is led by their Bible Club Area Director Jacob Popp.
SUMMER CAMP @ LAKE BEAUTY
Throughout the summer are opportunities for our kids, youth, and families to head out to Lake Beauty Bible Camp! Visit our Camp Page to learn more about joining us at camp this summer!
Engaging Kids in Worship
Kids Belong in Worship
Jesus said in Mark 9:37, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.” We at Prairieview intentionally welcome the next generation into worship with us. We believe that our children are not just the church of tomorrow, but they are also the church of today and their presence matters as the body of Christ gathers. Their precious voices give testimony to the goodness of our God. The Holy Spirit uses and equips them for building the Kingdom of God among us. Thus, our kids belong in worship.
At the same time, we also believe that God has given us adults the responsibility of passing on our faith to the next generation (Deut 6:6-9, Ps 78:5-8, Eph 6:4). At every infant baptism, dedication, and confirmation service we, as a whole congregation, promise to do our part to guide and nurture these children in knowing and following Christ. Therefore, it is our desire at Prairieview to see every child who walks through our doors to become fully-devoted followers of Jesus and witness a faith that sticks with them after the graduate high school. This happens when we (adults) are mindful of including younger generations with us in worship. This happens when we (parents and those sitting in the seats around them) model having faith in both good and hard times. This happens when they witness us sing, study, and discuss the truths of God's Word with one another. Kids learn to worship by worshipping with us, and the whole Church community is truly blessed by their presence.
Options for Kids at Prairieview
We also have several ways in which we help families with younger kids engage in our services. This options include:
Kids Club is our weekly program for ages 3-12 that meets during the school year (Sept-May). Families start together in the service, then are dismissed for their lesson. Kids will return to their parents during the closing song.
The Nursery is available for infants up to age 3 during the service.
A Family Area is located at the couches in the lobby to view the service for those with busy or crying children. There are a few activities, toys, and puzzles for the kids to play with in the family area.
Activity bags for kids are available near the sound booth with other quieter toys, coloring pages, and books.
We encourage having kids participate in volunteer roles during the service with a trusted adult. Feel free to initiate that opportunity yourself or talk to Pastor Mike if you would like help getting your kids plugged into a volunteer role.
We try to incorporate images, illustrations, or songs that our kids can relate to or connect with, especially during the summer months when there is no Kids Club.
Throughout the year we host special milestone moments for kids during worship (i.e. blessing backpacks at the start of the school year, baptisms/dedications, confirmation).
Various times throughout the year our children will lead portions of our service (i.e. kids choir, skits). This is typically coordinated through our Kids Club program.
Kids & Communion
At Prairieview, everyone who trusts in Jesus as Lord and Savior is welcome to participate fully in communion, which includes children. So we let parents discern when their children are old enough and ready to come forward to participate in communion. This section is intended to provide a guide for parents to explore with and prepare their children for this sacred meal.
When you are ready to begin this conversation with your child, start by simply asking them what they think communion is about and what it means to them. Affirm those parts they do understand and gently guide them toward a deeper understanding by reading through the information below with them. If you would like more help, feel free to reach out to Pastor Mike!
What is Communion?
Communion, also known as the Lord's Supper, is a special time in the church where we share a meal together. Just like when we gather for a special meal with our families, communion is a special meal with our church family. We do this because Jesus told us to celebrate this meal in remembrance of him (1 Cor 11:23-26).
During communion, you will have the opportunity to come forward to eat a small piece of bread or cracker, which points to Jesus' body that was broken for you. Then we'll drink from a small cup of juice, which reminds us of Jesus' blood that was shed for you. These two items remind us all of Jesus' love for us; that he sacrificed his life and died on the cross to forgive us of our sins. But remember, Jesus came back to life which is what we celebrate on Easter morning! In other words, communion is like a big, yummy reminder of John 3:16, which says, "God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son. Anyone who believes in him will not die but will have eternal life" (NIrV).
At our church, everyone who has accepted Jesus as their Savior and Lord is invited to participate in communion. When we sin, we can ask Jesus to forgive us, and he will remove our sin and help us to turn away from it. And through communion, it's a reminder of this forgiveness, bringing us closer to Jesus and to those we are taking communion with. That’s why communion is not something we rush through. Instead, we will take time to pray and draw close to Jesus before, during, and after we receive the bread and juice.
Have you asked Jesus to forgive you of your sins yet? If not, would you like to pray with me right now to ask Jesus to be your Savior? If so, repeat after me: Dear Jesus… I know that you made me… and want me to obey you… with all my heart… But I also know… that I have disobeyed… and wanted to do life my way... I have thought and done things… that you don’t want me to… and this is sin... I am sorry Jesus... I know that you died… to forgive me from my sins… and let me start over... Help me now… to follow you… with my life… In Jesus’ name we pray… Amen.
If you have asked Jesus to forgive you and believe that he rose again from the dead, then you're invited to come forward and join us for communion too! Each time you're about to take communion, take a moment to look up at the cross in our Sanctuary and say, “Thank you Jesus for dying for me.” This is a great reminder about why we are participating in communion.
Kids & Baptism
The Evangelical Covenant Church celebrates baptism as a sacred sacrament for people of all ages; whether adults, youth, children, and infants. In addition, we also offer the option of child dedication in place of infant baptism. On our website is a guide is designed to help you, or your child, prepare for this sacred moment in your spiritual journey. For parents, we value our partnership with you and trust you to decide when your child is ready for baptism. We encourage you to teach and prepare them well for this significant step.