Just like the roots of a plant ensure its growth and future, the roots of Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church are its children.
All ages, races, and lifestyles are welcome, and we will invest deeply in each individual child to prepare them for the life God has in store.
NURSERY
(Birth-2)
PRESCHOOL
(Ages 3-5)
YOUNG ELEMENTARY
(1ST-2ND Grades)
ELEMENTARY
(3RD-5TH Grades)
SPECIAL EVENTS
NURSERY (Birth-2)
Nursery is designed to nurture children physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Here, children learn about God’s love for them through interactions with caregivers, Bible stories, songs, and age-appropriate fun activities just for little ones. Children are assigned to and move through rooms based on developmental milestones, such as infants, crawlers, walkers, and toddlers. Nursery is provided on Sunday mornings during Sunday School hour and Sunday morning worship, Sunday and Wednesday evening Bible Study hour, and as needed for other worship opportunities and special events.
PRESCHOOL (Ages 3-5)
What better time to start teaching how much Jesus loves them than when children are young? Paul reminds Timothy that he had the privilege of knowing the holy Scriptures “from infancy” (2 Timothy 3:14-15). Our children learn about God and develop a relationship with Him at their level, learning that God is great, that He made the world around them, and that He loves them.
During the school year, Preschool Bible study meets on Wednesday evenings. Children are invited to join us for a journey through the Bible. Each week, children participate in hands on activities and crafts, sing songs, learn Scripture verses, and benefit from prayer time together. During this time, nursery is also provided for all children under the age of three. On Sunday mornings, children are welcome to attend Children’s Church at the conclusion of the Children’s Moment in the sanctuary. In Children’s Church, children are given the opportunity to experience the Bible through storytelling, using a hands-on approach to not only teach God’s story, but to engage children in the act of worship.
YOUNG ELEMENTARY (1ST-2ND Grades)
Each week, all 1st and 2nd grade students are welcome to participate in Holy Moly Bible study on Sunday afternoons. During the Sunday school hour, the children are invited to participate in hands-on activities that relate to the mid-week lesson.
On Sunday mornings, children are welcome to participate in Young Musicians following Children’s Moment in the sanctuary. Mrs. Jenny Davison leads this vivacious group of heavenly singers.
ELEMENTARY (3RD-5TH Grades)
Each week, all 3rd through 5th grade students are welcome to participate in Elementary Bible Study on Wednesday evenings. Because it is important for children to understand that the Bible is not just a book of history, the Elementary Bible Study introduces God’s Word as relevant and applicable to our lives today in a format that children both understand and remember.
Comprised of students in grades 3 through 5, the Kirkin’ Choir also meets on Sunday afternoons. Led by Organist and Choirmaster, Dr. Wayne Lord, this is a supportive group setting for children to learn music, find their voice, and ultimately serve in worship to help the congregation see and hear God through music.
This age group is also referred to as Reid’s ROCKstars. Each month they explore how to be the “hands and feet of Jesus” in their families, community, and world. There is lots of fun to be had as these students build friendships and serve in the CSRA. During these monthly mission opportunities, they learn about the people that make up our community and how to extend the love of Jesus through service to others. Be a ROCKstar: Reaching Out in Christian Kindness!
Special EventS
Blessing of the Backpacks
Each year prior to the start of the new school year, we set aside a special time during worship to encourage students as they commit themselves to learning in the year ahead. We ask children and youth in the congregation to come forward and bring their backpacks to be blessed.
Third Grade Bible Presentations
2 Timothy 3:16-17 says that “all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, and training in righteousness.” A Bible presentation may be a milestone event in the spiritual life of a child and their family, and a moving experience for the congregation as well. For this reason, each year we designate a time during Sunday worship to present Bibles to all rising third graders and expound on the value and purpose of God’s Word.
Children Leading Worship
There is something inspiring and anointed about seeing children worship God. It is an experience that moves people. It is important that our children recognize that their faith and the faith of their parents is not something practiced alone, but in community. Giving them responsibility for leading various aspects of a service can both facilitate worship and help children assume responsibility for their own faith.
Vacation Bible School (VBS)
VBS is a fun-filled outreach focused on giving children a creative place to learn about Jesus. It usually takes place during summer vacation when kids are out of school. Here at Reid Memorial, we realize that summer is not the only time kids are on vacation with time and energy on their hands. Children from birth through 5th grade are invited to join us Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of Thanksgiving week for the Reid Memorial new spin on VBS, complete with Bible stories, games, arts, crafts, music, and so much more, sharing biblical truths that connect to young hearts and minds. Our methods will create memories, and the message will change lives!
Reid on the Run
It is hard to believe that an idea from the Children’s Ministry Committee to encourage children to reach out in kindness to others through something they love to do – RUN – continues to this day! Over a decade later, the children and members of Reid Memorial continue to touch the lives of so many through Reid on the Run. From the very first race for Childhood Cancer to the 2020 race for Cystic Fibrosis, this family friendly event has raised over $200,000 for nine different organizations and/or causes. While we are proud of the financial success, the most important aspect is the unity formed between our congregation and the community – true inter-generational fellowship. The Children’s Ministry Committee invites you to plan to join us for our next Reid on the Run!
Christmas Pageant
Every year we give the children an opportunity to retell the story of Jesus’ birth. They dress up as characters and enact the story through scriptures, singing, and acting. This service is often the highlight of the Advent season. Children from age three to fifth grade are welcome to participate in this special service.
Kids Retreat
Join us for Fun, Fellowship, and Faith Formation! All 3rd, 4th, & 5th graders are invited to the annual Kids Retreat at Bishop Gravatt Camp and Conference Center just up the road in the woods of Aiken, South Carolina. It is the perfect setting for a spectacular weekend! There is time to play, laugh, share stories, pray, relax, and hang out. Relationships with each other and with God are transformed during this special time away. It is amazing to watch God bring encouragement, understanding, hope, and new attitudes during our short time together.
Easter EGGstrava
Easter is an exciting opportunity for children to learn about God’s gift of everlasting life through his son, Jesus. Our Easter Eggstravaganza is an invitation for all children from birth through 5th grade to join us for an egg hunt, games, activities, inflatables, and snacks in celebration of the Easter season.