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Capture a child’s heart and their mind will follow. 

As children enter our doors, our primary focus is LOVE.  Experiencing the love that God provides, while feeling connected, helps each child grow spiritually. Once that spirit is captured it becomes easy to see their place in God’s world while beginning to spread their own special kind of love to others.

Southwood family and friends will have the whole pool to ourselves! Here is a chance to spend time with your family and see your church friends before the summer ends. We will be serving pizza and snacks, we can't wait to see you on Wednesday, July 30 from 6:30-8:30PM.

Family Swim Night

Sunday School at Southwood

photo: Sunday School student

What does Sunday School look like?

We offer Sunday School at the 8:30, 9:45 and 11:00 AM worship hours for children ages 3 years old through 5th Grade. Children first gather in age-appropriate classrooms at the beginning of each hour then join other classes for our Large Group experience. In Large Group we sing songs and tell the Bible story in an engaging style. Back in the classroom we focus on connecting the Bible point of the day with interactive crafts, games and lively discussion.

Sunday School Details

We are always looking for volunteers with a heart for children! If you are interested in being a part of the Sunday School team, contact Deb Raatz.

Upcoming Events for Children & Families

Special Events

photo: students in boat

Vacation Bible School

The best part of the year is the first two full weeks in June - VBS!

VBS Details

photo: advent festival 2022

Advent Festival

Kick off the season of Advent with a festival for kids! 

Advent Festival Details

photo: Summer Children's Message

Summer Children's Message

Although we take a break from Sunday School in the summer, we delight in calling the children up at a special time during Worship. So many things to discuss and delightful children’s thoughts to witness—we all end up learning so much more about our wonderful God!

Faith Milestones

Birth

To celebrate these precious gifts from the Lord a pewter crib cross is provided to new parents with a special blessing. We also announce new babies and adopted children in our Sunday bulletin.

1st Birthdays are so special!

Parents will receive a birthday card in the mail around their child's first birthday, congratulating them on this milestone. Parents can bring this card to Education Station to pick up a faith-filled board book to celebrate being a part of God’s family!

2nd Birthday

Parents can mark this milestone by giving their 2-year-old their first Bible. This is a beautiful Storybook Bible that is used in our Sunday School so that children will already be familiar with the stories when they start at age 3.

3-Year-Olds

As ELCA Lutherans we welcome all to Holy Communion, even our youngest children. Children of all ages can grow in their relationship with Jesus by
communing. Share this book with your child to introduce the Holy Meal.

First Communion Workshop

Children of all ages can grow in their relationship with Jesus by communing. At Southwood, parents decide when they would like to attend our First Communion Workshop for ages Kindergarten through 5th Grade as a family. This workshop is offered biannually. The Pastors are also eager to support you as you raise your children in the faith, so feel free to contact them with any questions. Jesus invites you to his special meal. It is your family’s faith journey to take together!

3rd Grade Bible Workshop

As children enter the 3rd Grade, a workshop for children and their parents will help them begin to navigate the Bible and all of the beautiful wisdom it inspires. At the completion of the workshop, they are gifted the Colaborate Lutheran Student Bible that we ask they bring with them to Sunday School.

5th Grade Blessing Celebration

On the last day of Sunday School, we will celebrate our graduating Elementary children as they take the next step into Confirmation. Parents are welcome to join us as we will have a special blessing for these children of God!

Faith Milestones

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Children & Family Ministry Staff

Deb Raatz

Director of Children & Family Ministry

office: 402-423-5511

Caleigh Clark

Children & Family Ministry Coordinator

office: 402-423-5511