02/01/2026

Will they ever return?

.....to school, that is! Another round of extremely cold temperatures and snowfall have tested Northeast Ohio school's - and parents - as kids stay home for what seems like a record streak! Will they ever return to school? My guess is that they will, so never fear!

And if they are looking for a few other things to do, we've got some great opportunities! Mid-high Mayhem and Primary Pandemonium both meet in the month of February.  February 18th is Ash Wednesday, and our service happens that evening at 6:30pm. The season of Lent follows and leads us right into Easter.

Right now, of course, Easter seems like it is far beyond the distant horizon, but I promise you that in no time we will be talking about Spring blooms and Easter break!

OK...maybe it is a bit too soon to talk about Easter break....

Please let me know if there is any way that we can help you get plugged in to the church!

THE PROGRAM YEAR HAS BEGUN

If you are here for the first time, perhaps through a link or QR code, let me express our warmest welcome! I think you will find that Avon Lake UCC has the right balance for your child - a warm and loving environment, where children learn a positive message about who they are and how God loves them. A place where they are safe, where our volunteers are trained and background checked, and the facility is set up with safety in mind. Our Sunday School volunteers are church members with expertise in the areas of education and theology, with advanced graduate degrees  in their field.

Our curriculum is one that takes the bible seriously - but not literally. You won't find a "turn or burn" message here, because we don't believe that this was Jesus' message to the world. Instead, you will find a curriculum that promotes love for one's self, love of neighbor, love of creation and, of course, love of God.

Our education wing is decorated with positive messages, reassuring the children that they are beloved, and that every human has worth. We aren't a huge church - just about 1200 members, but we have a thriving children's ministry where kids can make new friends without just becoming a number in a computer.

There are many ways for your child to get involved, from our fellowship events (youth groups for kids) which begin in October for grades 2 through 5, to weekly Sunday School activities. While preregistration is not necessary, it does help expedite the check in process. You can find the registration link below.

If you are not sure where to start, reach out to me (beau@avonlakeucc.org) or Eileen Zakel, our Christian Education Coordinator ( ChristianEd@avonlakeucc.org ) and we can get you settled in.

Sunday School happens every week at both the 9am and 11am services, but a vast majority of our families with children attend the 11am service.  As a result, there is a children's message during the 11am service, though Sunday School is offered at both. We have child care available for your little ones as well, and a family lounge just off the sanctuary if that is a more comfortable space when your kiddos get a case of the "wiggles". All children are welcome in the sanctuary during worship at any time, so don't feel the need to leave the area if they become loud - kids will be kids, after all!

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Beau

FEBRUARY

Events and Signups

ALL are welcome!

Register Today!

Questions?

If you have questions about the Children and Family Ministry program here at Avon Lake UCC - or any of the other programs - feel free to contact the church office with the contact information below. If you would like to contact Pastor Beau directly, please use the email button below!