
10/1/25
Fall is in the air...
This past week has been a series of cool summer days, hinting that fall weather is just around the corner. Fall at Avon Lake UCC signals the beginning of the program year (Labor Day through Memorial Day), when regularly scheduled church activities begin to find their place in our weekly schedules. The Children and Family Ministries are no exception, and you'll want to bookmark this page to keep abreast of all the various events we have planned throughout the program year. This page is updated regularly, so you can always come back here to find out what is happening in Children and Family ministries!
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
OCTOBER
Events and Signups
List of Services
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PRIMARY PANDEMONIUM
November 3rd, 6:30 - 8PM
Primary Pandemonium is our monthly fellowship/youth group for kids in grades 2 and 3! We get together, play games and have fun with friends. This event is open to all 2nd and 3rd graders and their friends, whether they are members or not. There are no fees to participate and everyone is welcome!
We meet on the 1st Monday of the month in room 103B in the education wing from 6:30-8PM- our recently renovated space designed with kids in mind. Also known as "The Dinghy" it is set up for kids to have fun while learning and doing other activities. Contact Pastor Beau beau@avonlakeucc.org for more information!
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MID-HIGH MAYHEM!List Item 1
October 20th 6:30-8PM -
Mid-High Mayhem is our monthly fellowship/youth group for kids in grades 4 and 5! We get together, play games and have fun with friends. This event is open to all 4th and 5th graders and their friends, whether they are members or not. There are no fees to participate and everyone is welcome!
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ANNUAL COSTUME CONTEST!List Item 2
October 26th 3-5PM
Time for the annual Halloween Party and Costume Contest for Primary Pandemonium (Grades 2 and 3) and Mid-High Mayhem (Grades 4 and 5)!
This year we will be having all the usual games and prizes, including trophies and medals for ALL the kids who participate, along with the chance to TRUNK-OR-TREAT in the church parking lot!
The TRUNK-OR-TREAT event is free and open to all, but please understand that the COSTUME CONTEST and GAMES/PRIZES are for kids!
As always, friends are always welcome and encouraged to attend!
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CHRISTMAS PAGEANT 2025
December 14, 10 AM
The annual Christmas Pageant is an over-the-top rendition of the Christmas story that we all know and love. The play is headlined by our ALUCC KIDS Drama Club but open to kids of all ages and talents. EVERYONE gets a part and everyone has fun doing it!
Participation in the pageant is open to kids of all ages. Adults are encouraged to help. This registration is for actors as well as those who would like to help! As in previous years, any child who shows up on the day of the play will be able to join in.
Right now, I anticipate that practice will occur on Sunday Evenings as it seems to be the most open for everyone. Not everyone will need to be present for every practice.
Your availability will determine your role, along with your desire and dedication. Everyone gets a part - how big of a part depends on you, but you must register to receive any lines.
This year’s annual Christmas Pageant will happen on December 14th during the 11 am worship service!
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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!







