Children

Birth to 5th grade

We believe everyone matters and that includes our youngest members, especially in worship. The experiences of family remind us that we are all God’s children, every single one of us. Highland Park strives to be a place for families to connect with one another and for children and parents to learn about God together. We hope your family will find support and friendship here at Highland Park. If you have specific questions about the Children’s Ministry, please contact Abby Byrd, Children’s Ministry Coordinator.

During the time of the pandemic

Our Children’s Ministry Coordinator, Abby Byrd is reading and sharing “Story Time with Abby” each week on Facebook as a way to stay connected with our children and families while we are apart. At our socially distant and safe indoor services, the children engage in outdoor activities together. Abby has also planned HP Mini Camp, from June 7-9, 2021. It is an outdoor, VBS-like day for the children to come to the church, still remain socially-distanced from one another but have a fun time and get some physical activity together.

On Sundays during regular operation:

Sunday School begins at 9:00 a.m. for all ages. Our pre-elementary children gather in the Nursery wing and school-age children gather in the first floor Multi-Purpose room, Rm. 134. The school-age children begin with Opening Assembly and then continue with a lesson through age-appropriate activities.

The school-age children are invited to the 10:55 a.m. church service, where our older kids assist with carrying elements like the Christ Candle or Gospel Book, and we ask 3rd graders and older to stay in worship with the adults. Following the Children’s Time, children younger than 3rd grade are dismissed to the first floor Nursery wing.

Activities throughout the year:

In addition to the worship, education, and play opportunities offered each Sunday morning, there are many fun events during the school year that keep our kids busy and happy. We have multiple inter-generational activities that follow the church and seasonal calendar, including Christmastime Plum Pudding Festival, Palm Sunday Picnic and Easter Egg Hunt, Harvest and Halloween Festival, and others! On the first Sunday of each month, we have a special children’s afternoon event including lunch. We call this time SWEETT: Sundays We Eat and Enjoy Time Together. We hope your family can join in on the fun!

Summertime Children’s Camp & Vacation Bible School

This year, in lieu of Children’s Camp, we will be doing HP Mini Camp on the mornings of June 7-9.

Otherwise, about Children’s Camp: this is a rustic camp experience for 3rd – 6th graders, where God’s creation abounds and worship becomes natural and joyous. Children’s Camp takes place at Disciples Crossing in Athens, TX. Any Highland Park kiddos and friends who have finished 3rd grade through 6th grade are eligible to attend. We’ll spend our days hanging out with friends, swimming, going to bible study, learning about and doing missions, recreation, worship and so much more. It’s a fun way to learn more about God’s love and a great way to make new friends.

Required Forms:

2021 Medical Information Form– one form required for the entire year, unless info changes

2021 Permission and Consent to Treat Form – fresh form required for each unique event

Maddy Bewley teaching Children's Sunday School

Alex Byrd lights the candle of Hope during Advent

Bell Morton puts Chrismon on Sanctuary Christmas tree

Caleb Gamble picks out children's Christmas tree

Children create Christmas crafts at December SWEETT

Katie McCann and Easter Bunny in Sapp Hall

Children show Easter Eggs from Palm Sunday Picnic

Alex Byrd with full basket at Palm Sunday Picnic & Easter Egg Hunt

Hannah, Katalina, and Thyra Neas with faces painted at Harvest Festival

Children's Ministry Coordinator

Abby Byrd has been working with children all of her life and is excited she gets to continue her passion for children and teaching through The Church at Highland Park. She took on the position of Children and Family Life in 2019 and has loved every bit of it. She graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Tarleton University in 2015, and has worked with students Pre-K through 6th grade over the years. Abby is married to Joe, and they have 3 children together who keep them busy and constantly remind her why working with children is both challenging and greatly rewarding. As Children’s Ministry Coordinator, Abby facilitates the children’s Sunday Schools, teaching Children’s sermons in Worship, and organizing events for Highland Park children and their families. Her goal for Children and Family Life at The Church at Highland Park is to make sure every family has a place and a community they can turn to for whatever they might need.

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