Our Children's Ministry exists in partnership with parents to develop disciples of Jesus Christ by proclaiming God's glory to the next generation.
But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.”
Ministries
Sunday School provides instruction in the basics of the faith from caring and involved teachers. Using Great Commission Publications curriculum, children ages 2 through grade 6 are taught God’s story of redemption from Genesis through Revelation. Meets 9:30–10:30 am, Sunday mornings.
Children’s Clubs provide an active environment for nurturing Christian relationships, instructing in biblical teachings, welcoming friends, and serving others. (Children must be pre-registered to participate.) Meets 6:30 pm Wednesday evenings, September through May.
Westminster’s Missions & Me project began in 1999 with the purpose to teach children to understand how God works through the church in the world, to connect them to the missionaries we support, and to encourage them to be missionaries right where they live.
The Missions & Me companion book is designed for family participation and includes weekly prayer requests for WPC missionaries, activities, and recipes.
Missions & Me runs yearly from mid-January to early March.
Vacation Bible School extends the love of Christ to children in our local community and within our church community by proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ in a fun-filled, exciting four-day program each summer.
VBS is held July 24–27, 2023, 9 am–Noon, For children age 5 to completed Grade 6.
NURSERY
Welcome to Westminster’s Nursery Ministry! Our mission is to provide loving care for our visitors and our covenant children in an environment that promotes spiritual development, as well as, emotional and physical well-being. It is our privilege to serve your family by caring for your children.
Leaders
Mary Jo Rizzo - Children's Ministry Director
Mary Jo came to Westminster Church as the Director of Children’s Ministry in 2011 from Wheatland PCA Church where she served as the youth director. Her work coordinates all ministries for children from birth to grade six. The Children’s Ministry Assistant, Event Assistant, and Nursery Coordinator serve under her oversight. Her major duties include children’s Sunday School, Wednesday night children’s clubs, Vacation Bible School, and the Missions & Me Project. Mary Jo holds a Bachelor of Science in human resources management from Juniata College and a Master’s in Religious Education from Liberty University School of Divinity.
Send Mary Jo an email at rizzo@westpca.com
Sue Moses - Children's Ministry Assistant
Sue and her husband, Mark, have been Westminster members since 2018. They have four children. Sue previously worked at Veritas Academy as an assistant in Kindergarten and First Grade.
As Children’s Ministry Assistant to Mary Jo, Sue performs many clerical duties which include keeping attendance, promoting, ordering Sunday School curriculum, making sure the teachers & club leaders have what they need, and substituting when needed. She also helps with VBS and Missions & Me.
Send Sue an email at moses@westpca.com
Mallory Brennan - Event assistant
Mallory was born and raised in Lancaster County. She and her husband, Gabriel, have been married for five years. In August, they welcomed their first child, a daughter, Audrey. They also have two cats: Bella and Catherine. Mallory and Gabriel have been attending Westminster for two-and-a-half years. She is looking forward to being able to serve the church body and help children know the gospel more.
Send Mallory an email at brennan@westpca.com
Forms & Applications
Click below to download a form
SUMMER VBS INTERNSHIP
Hey WPC college students! If you love kids, love Jesus, and want a rewarding ministry experience, then the VBS internship may be for you! This position is part-time and averages 10–12 hours a week from mid-May through July. Applications are available in the children’s ministry office or on the church website and are due Sunday, March 26. Contact Mary Jo Rizzo (rizzo@westpca.com) with questions.
The Explorers class teaches the truths of Scripture on an individualized basis to children with exceptionalities with the goal of the exposing the children to the concepts of reformed doctrine using adapted resources. Explorers also provides a modified VBS and quarterly respite events to walk alongside the families to nurture their child’s spiritual health. Please contact our church office or children’s ministry office if you are interested in your child attending our Explorer’s class.
