01/01/2026

The Calm of Winter...

January is the quietest month when it comes to just about everything here at ALUCC. The chaos of the holiday season is over, and the march toward Easter not yet begun, it is often a time in many churches for the staff to rest and collect themselves before the Lenten season begins.  We have no Sunday school on January 4th and no Primary Pandemonium at the regular first Sunday of the month (January 5th), but we are back up and running by the second week.

Before we know it, the Lenten season will be upon us and we will be talking about spring and Easter - but let's not jump in too soon! I pray that you had a wonderful holiday season, and that the celebration of the birth of Christ was one that really spoke to you in your heart. If you are looking to get connected here at ALUCC, please reach out to me (or any of the staff).

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

JANUARY

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!