Binkley Church is a warm community that joyfully nurtures children. Children make the church complete! Binkley teenagers and adults of all ages take responsibility in leading programs and assisting our children. Read more and come join in the fun!

Binkley wants to maximize family participation in Sunday morning activities. We strive to provide a nursery where parents feel confident about their children’s care. Part of Binkley’s dedication to new infants and their families includes a congregational commitment to nursery care. Every member of the congregation (except those who have asked not to participate) rotate as volunteers during the worship hour. The church also employs two caregivers to ensure continuity and smooth operation of the nursery. Several members of the congregation serve as nursery greeters between Sunday School and Worship. The nursery is open from 9:30 am to the close of Worship.

 

 

From 9:30 to 10:30 on Sunday mornings (September-May), classes are available for all ages, helping us develop our relationships with God and each other. Some wonderful Binkley adults teach classes for those 18 months to 18 years old! These Sunday School teachers work with the children and youth to learn Bible stories, prayer, stewardship and friendship.

 

Children in Kindergarten through Fifth Grade rotate this worship leadership opportunity. At the beginning of worship, teams of two children work with an adult to bear symbols of God’s presence among us in Light and in Word.  In addition, older children and youth occasionally serve as banner bearers during processional hymns.

 

Worship With Children

Meeting in two groups (ages 3-K and 1st-3rd), Binkley offers age appropriate worship experiences for children about three times per month. Children begin worship in either the nursery or the sanctuary and then recess for part of the worship hour. Dedicated teams of adults and teenagers work to nurture the children’s spirituality. As an experiential program, Worship with Children emphasizes rituals, stories and response.

 

 

See music page!

 

 

Binkley generally offers a morning Vacation Bible School during the second week of July. The children work on Bible stories, crafts, games, music and having fun! The success of our VBS lies in the capable hands and enthusiastic hearts of our adult teachers and youth assistants. We accept children who are age 4 by August 31 through completed 5^th grade.

 

 

When children reach Second Grade, they receive a Good News Bible from the church. This presentation takes place on Launch Sunday (early September) in Worship. This gift from the church affirms the growing faith of the child, the child’s ability to ask questions and engage scripture, and the importance of the community to educate and to nurture.

Since 1965, early childhood education has taken place in the Binkley Church facilities as a community mission. Binkley Church provides free use of the church classrooms and other church facilities to Binkley Preschool. In exchange for this arrangement, the Preschool agrees to offer a limited number of scholarships for children who could not otherwise have a preschool experience. Please visit the Preschool website for more information: www.binkleypreschool.org

 

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Some of the intergenerational traditions Binkley enjoys….

 

 

Launch Sunday
This annual event takes place the Sunday after Labor Day. On Launch Sunday, we return to the regular programs of the church, following a summer break. There is an opening assembly at 9:30 in the Sanctuary, and Worship returns to its 11:00 meeting time. A potluck lunch follows Worship.  It is a wonderful occasion of reconnecting with one another and rekindling the Spirit of learning and growth!

 
 

On a Sunday afternoon each December, Binkley starts off the Christmas season right! People of all ages spend time making crafts to keep and to share, followed by caroling to homebound members and nursing home residents. 

 
 

In December, the children lead in worship by reenacting the nativity of Christ. Prior to Christmas, the last Church School meeting of the year is an intergenerational gathering to welcome the Christ Child. On Christmas Eve, a family-focused worship service is offered in addition to the service of lessons and carols.
 

 

This season of the year provides more opportunities for the church community to gather. We joyfully gather for Shrove Tuesday Pancakes and Talent Show. The next day, a family-focused worship service is offered in addition to the Ash Wednesday evening service. During Holy Week, Binkley sponsors with area congregations a Labyrinth in our sanctuary. People of all ages come to walk, watch and pray. In place of church school, we joyfully resurrect the Alleluias during a scrumptious Easter Breakfast. 

 
 

In May, at the conclusion of the Christian Education year at Binkley, we celebrate our teaching and learning with a picnic at a local park. Also, about every two years, a church-wide retreat is held over a weekend at a conference or retreat setting.