From birth to college, Olivet's Children & Student Ministries has something for everyone. Our halls are often filled with kids of all ages as they attend one of our many activities throughout the week. We are proud to be a part of their faith journey.
Baptism
If you are interested in having your child baptized at Olivet, please contact the church office at 701.235.6603.
Nursery
Olivet's nursery is open and available during all worship service times for children ages 6 weeks to 3 years of age. The nursery is located in the SW hall and restrooms with changing tables are located in the center hallway.
Blessing of the Backpacks
Students of all ages bring their backpacks to worship on Sunday in September. There is a special time during each service when youth bring their backpacks forward for a blessing and a special gift from Olivet.
Sunday & Wednesday School
This 50-minute, PreK-5th grade educational ministry is held on Sundays and Wednesdays with identical lessons so you can choose which works best for your family. We use Bible stories, scripture, music, performances, arts and crafts, and relationship building as a way to form relationships with Jesus and each other. We follow the lectionary calendar so your child hears about the same lesson each week as we hear in worship.
Sunday School starts at 9:30 a.m. and ends at 10:20 a.m. Wednesday School begins at 6 p.m. and ends at 6:50 p.m. Please sign up for either the Sunday option or the Wednesday option for your student. We can’t wait to see you!
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School meets for four consecutive half days at the beginning of June. This program is for Preschoolers who attend Sunday or Wednesday School through the 5th-grade. There is a yearly theme with scriptures for each day. Youth participate in music, crafts, recreation, storytelling, and have snacks.
Summer Bible Camps
Would you like to swim, canoe, play games, sing songs, worship around a campfire, meet new friends, and grow in your faith? Olivet encourages you to explore camp at Camp Emmaus, a part of Pathways Bible Camps, or Luther Crest Bible Camp in the summer! Camps are offered for kindergartners through high school, as well as family retreats and other events.
Guardian Angel | Second Grade
At Olivet, we have a special program for the second grade youth! It's our Guardian Angel program. Sometime during the year, you may be called to serve as a Guardian Angel. A Guardian Angel is a special friend to a baby who is baptized here at Olivet. You are asked to be a friend to the baby and also to pray for them. This is a wonderful way to connect youth with a baby in our congregation and form a relationship to last for years.
Confirmation | Third Grade
This is the beginning of your child's confirmation process at Olivet. The "Introduction to the Bible" class is held in the fall during Sunday and Wednesday School for all third graders and their parents. Following the class, Bibles will be presented to third graders on Sunday or Wednesday in worship.
Confirmation | Fourth Grade
Fourth graders at Olivet have an opportunity to learn more from their Bibles by reading and studying a devotional called "Know God." Fourth graders and their parents will meet together to find out about personal and family devotions during this level of their confirmation process. Together, the family is expected to complete the daily devotion book at home, which takes about one month. There will be recognition of fourth graders at the completion of their fourth grade confirmation requirement during worship.
Confirmation | Fifth Grade
Fifth grade confirmation is held during the season of Lent. Fifth graders and their parents come together for a series of classes to learn about Holy Communion as we learn about this Holy Sacrament.
First Communion Classes
First Communion classes are for children and their families to help them explore Holy Communion and prepare for First Communion. Olivet welcomes all ages to receive communion for the first time after pastoral instruction with their parents. These classes are open to all children. You may decide whether or not your child is ready. Child and parents work on booklets together before attending 2 classes during Lent and receiving First Communion on Maundy Thursday.
Get Involved
Your child is welcome to join us any time. If you have questions about any of our children's programming, please contact Michelle Elness, Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries at melness@olivet.org or by calling (701) 235-6603.