GCC Youth Programs
The Nursery
(Infants – 4 year olds)
Each Sunday morning from 9:45 – 11:15 a.m., there is childcare available for GCC’s youngest in the Nursery. The room is equipped with a monitor that allows parents to view the worship service if they choose to remain with their children.
Contact: Chris Calandra, Director of Children’s Ministry
Godly play
(Children in kindergarten – 5th grade)
During Sunday morning worship children explore our Christian faith through the Godly Play curriculum. Godly Play utilizes a Montessori-like method of teaching to explain the stories and lessons of the Bible.
Each church school class begins with noting the importance of that Sunday on the church calendar. This is followed by a Bible story/lesson, directed response time, sharing and snack time, and finally a closing prayer and/or song. Although the lessons relate to each other, children can easily integrate into the group whether they attend every week or occasionally.
Contact: Chris Calandra, Director of Children’s Ministry
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Voices of GCC Children’s Choir
Voices of GCC Children’s Choir(3rd – 8th grade)
This choir is for grade-school singers with weekly rehearsals 11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Sundays (right after Worship Service). We rehearse September through May in Room 201. Voices of GCC sings for Sunday worship about once a month as well as for the Christmas Pageant Music Sunday and the 4:30 service on Christmas Eve. Each year we prepare a musical worship service in the spring.
Contact: Gary Wendt, Director of Music
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pathways: A journey in faith~GCC Middle school & Confirmation Program
pathways: A journey in faith~GCC Middle school & Confirmation Program(6th – 8th grade)
Pathways is our Sunday morning program for middle schoolers, combining faith exploration, friendship, and spiritual growth. Students begin in worship and are dismissed after the children’s message for a class designed just for them. 6th and 7th graders build a strong foundation in faith and community, while 8th graders prepare for confirmation. Register here for our 2025-2026 Pathways program!
Contact: Rev. Abigail Lutz, Associate Minister
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middle and high school youth group
middle and high school youth group(6th – 12th grade)
Sunday evenings from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. during the program year, middle school and high school teens have a unique opportunity to fellowship, deepen their faith, and engage in service together. These youth also are able to enjoy retreats, lock-ins, and more! All are welcomed to join us!
Contact: Meredith Estes, Director of Youth Ministry
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Puppet ministry
Puppet ministry(6th – 12th grade… and adults too!)
Our Puppet Ministry meets on Sundays at 10:00 a.m. during the program year. Interested young people work on presenting a puppet show that is later performed to younger kids! While the youth are the featured puppeteers, we also welcome adults to assist with sound, signs, and general puppet fun!
Contact: Rev. Abigail Lutz, Associate Minister
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Youth Mission Trip
Youth Mission Trip(6th – 12th grade)
Each summer, we provide Summer Service-Learning opportunities for youth at GCC, including leading them on a hands-on service experience in the US. The trip locations and durations vary from year to year, but typically are in the Midwest or upper Southeast regions and last from an extended weekend to a full week. In recent years, we have gone to Benton Harbor, MI, and Louisville, KY. These summer service trips are great opportunities for youth to get involved in the service-focused mission of the church and to give back to our neighbors across the US.
This year’s mission trip will be a 3-day trip in our very own Chicago! Highlights will include fellowship and spiritual exploration, service opportunities, and worship at Trinity UCC. There is a $200 registration fee, and registration must be completed by June 1st. For more information, or to reserve a spot, contact Rev. Abigail!
