One of our priorities at The Falls Church is to provide education and Christian formation opportunities for all ages. Families come to us from all kinds of faith backgrounds (or no faith background at all) and we love working with people to see what opportunities are the right fit for each family. Some arrive at The Falls Church looking for a place to baptize a new baby or a young child. Others are drawn in through our warm and loving Day School. In our worship and in our formation offerings, we strive to meet our youngest where they are and rejoice in the “joyful noise” they often make unto the Lord.
Nursery
On Sunday mornings we provide nursery care for infants up to 3-years-old. Our trained nursery professionals have been with us for years, and are there to ensure that you and your children have a great morning at church. The Nursery is open from 8:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. every Sunday in Room 126. Please complete a registration form, or pick one up from one of our nursery professionals before dropping off.
Children's Chapel
During worship, children aged 5 years and above are invited to chapel where they participate in age-appropriate worship that mirrors the worship experience of our services. They hear the same scripture story, participate in a response to that story (often a craft), and say their own prayers. They rejoin their families at the exchange of the Peace, in time to receive Holy Communion with their parents.
Formation Classes
For 3-year-olds through 3rd Graders we use an innovative and interactive Montessori-based curriculum called Godly Play. Through Godly Play, children are invited to imagine themselves into the stories of scripture and to claim those stories as their own. With Godly Play, we hope to nurture each child’s innate experience of God’s presence and invite them to wonder about God and themselves.
​
The spiritual needs of 4th and 5th graders are unique. They are growing into themselves and we wanted to create a program that grows with them. So building on the lessons of Godly Play, the 4th and 5th grade program is designed to help them transition into Youth Group and learn more about life in the church.
Sunday School runs from 10:20 -11:00 a.m. in Rooms 129, 132, 139, 140, and 145 in the hallway off the lightwell.
Children’s Worship Services
Periodically throughout the year we have special services designed for children. On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday we tell the children some of the most challenging stories of scripture in age-appropriate and hope-filled ways. Children also participate in a pageant on Christmas Eve. There are other services througout the year.
Vacation Bible School
We offer a week long VBS during in July for children ages 4 to rising 5th graders. VBS is filled with fun activities - sports, art, science and so much more. Keep an eye out for sign up in the Spring.
Baptism
If you are interested in having your infant or child baptized, our clergy would love to talk with you. For more information, please contact Father Matthew: mmachowski@thefallschurch.org
If you have any questions about our Children’s Ministry or programs, please contact Lauren Breeden, Director of Children's & Family Ministries.
View our Child Safety Policy Manual here.