05/01/2026

Spring has sprung!

The month of May represents an incredibly busy time in the life of our families here at Avon Lake UCC. As a father of a graduating senior, I have a calendar full of senior related events - concerts, banquets, prom,  form due dates, etc. She is also an involved kid, so we have the Spring musical, the Dazzle Awards and more. Not to mention finishing up graduation party invites, college prep...the list goes on. For those with younger kids, this is when outdoor sports begins to ramp up, and when it seems like softball fields will never dry up.

Here in the church we are just as busy as we look to get the kids and the youth involved with worship. The confirmation class leads worship on May, we have our Senior Recognition at the end of the month as well.

And, of course, there is a holiday weekend in there as well!

There are some changes to our children's fellowship schedule. Primary Pandemonium will NOT meet on May 4th, but will instead combine with Mid-High Mayhem for our annual NERF event on May 18th - be sure to sign your kids up for that one!

On May 24th we will once again return to one single 10am service, and it is our tradition for kids to plant flowers in the Secret Garden. There is no need to sign up for that, but do mark it on your calendar.

Finally, Vacation Bible School registration is OPEN and has been for a few weeks - we are just over 70% full as of right now, so if you are planning to sign up your kiddos, now is the time to do it!

SUMMER is just around the corner

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.

Up through May 17, 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. Beginning May 24, we will have one single 10am service.  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

MAY

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!